Bravo! Bravo! I feel like I have experienced every version by now: accompanied by clapping or by deep bows, by cheek kissing, by hand kissing, or even falling to the knees on the hot asphalt or, like yesterday, an actual photo session! I receive a huge 'Bravo!' at least once a day by a man in this part of the world. These guys are not hiding their opinion: a woman biking across Europe by herself, that is courageous and super cool. I take the "Well, well, it is not that big of a deal" approach but they won't have any of that.
Talking to all these male cheerleaders, it becomes clear that it is not just that they like independent women but several have also mentioned they admire independence of material things, traveling with just a bike and tent (I honestly never thought of that). And then there is the bad rep former-Yugoslavia has. Many people say they are so happy I am not afraid to travel in their lands.
And for every 1 of those Bravo guys, there are 50 cars a day honking and giving me the thumbs up, and people from the roadside yelling their encouragements while waving full force. I might miss the celebrity status once I get to busy cyclo-tourism land.
I say Bravo! to you too Heidi. I think what you're doing is very cool. Few people I know would embark on such an adventure. You claim to be not brave (dogs and dark one lane tunnels), but actually you are very courageous. I admire you Heidi Smets!
ReplyDeleteI love your trip and your bravery! Bravo from me too!
ReplyDeleteSorry, this is your cousin Loes
DeleteHi Loes:) Traveling in Europe is actually fun too!!!
Delete