HOSPITALITY

FUN SCULPTURES & FRIENDLY PEOPLE

Had a great start to the day with a lovely and nourishing breakfast at the bike pension. Everything here is about presentation - no wonder as the owner worked 34 years in hospitality in Hamburg. There are 4 other bicyclists staying here. We say hello, share our destinations, and I’m off by 9am. I have a great morning ride through woods and down a country road into a small town where there are many rustic and whimsical sculptures tucked into yards and animating entryways.

COUNTRY COFFEE

Later I come to a farm, lean my bike against the barn and set out my lunch on a grate. I’m getting ready to mix instant coffee into soy milk when a woman comes out of the nearby house. I think - Uh oh, I’m in trouble for trespassing. The woman says “ Would you like coffee with your sandwich”? When she says “How would you like your coffee?” I’m in heaven. She brings me a perfect cup of coffee sweetened with her hospitality. When I return the cup, the woman lets me know I’m not on the Elbe bike path and gives me directions to get back on the correct route.

GENTLE WARMTH

It turns into a perfectly warm sun shining day. Mid-afternoon, I come to a café right on the path with many bicycles around. Looks like an invite to me! My coffee is paired this time with traditional German chocolate cherry layered cake, and while I enjoy my cake I watch the sheep across the way.

I lose myself in the natural beauty of the day and when I finally consult the map I see that I missed the turn I wanted to take. No matter, the town of Werben is ahead and it has a campground. I continue bicycling into the setting sun.

WELCOMING SHELTER

I find a campground where the owner shows me the camping area with a bathroom and hot shower. I’m the only person here. I set up my tent under one of the shelters so I don't have to mess with wet gear in the morning.

The owner’s husband comes by later, sees my set up and asks if I would prefer to sleep in a hut. Sure! I am very grateful and tired as I biked 77 kilometers today! We have a great chat and I discover he doesn’t travel as operating this place brings the world to him. He enjoys being a swim instructor during the summer and expresses great contentment with his life. I smile when I find out he doesn’t have internet - it fits… his sense of place and time are so in the moment.

Next up - Creativity all around…