Three months around Europe

WARNING: The blog following contains criticism, cynical comments and hypocrisy. But as they will be against Australians and South Africans I know I will be excused.

After getting off the ferry at Gythio , at the bottom of the Peloponnese peninsula, I rode in the cool of the afternoon the 275 km to Patras. It was one of the most enjoyable rides of my time in the Balkans- and I had a few good rides- the well tarmacked road winding through low mountains, the sun at my back, some cloud cover and no traffic.

The ferry left at midnight, stopped at Corfu early in the morning and 33 hours after we left Patras we were steaming at six knots through the Venice Lagoon. What an entrance, the Venetian houses and architecture enhanced by the early morning light, the glassy sea contrasting against the busy bustle of the work boats, their wash hitting the walls and bouncing back into the lagoon. The little waves sparkling like a smile from a pretty girl.

I made a new best friend on the ferry. Norbert was a teacher of the deaf , who for twenty years had visited, for three weeks, the same village in Crete. For the last five years he had ridden there on his BMW from his home just south of Hanover. His ambition was to tour New Zealand on a bike with his wife when he retired in two years. I showed him some pictures of my last bike tour of the South Island and the East Coast. He was estatic.

“ You must come to my home and show these pictures to my wife. Please come to my birthday party.”
He also, after a couple of beers, told me about his father who joined the SS at 17 and was held prisoner in Siberia for something like five years after the war's end. “ He died a Christian Socialist and renounced the Nazis . That made me very happy, “ said Norbert.

I decided to spend a couple of days in Venice and found a campsite , about 15km from the city centre. It was also a stopover for Contiki tours whose branding is holidays for the 18-35 year olds.
Criticism, cynicism and hypocrisy follows:
I have to say the Contiki customers were less than inspiring. Loud, boorish and well, unkempt with pale complexions and even paler dress sense. From their conversation you felt they were ticking of the cities of Europe on a three week shopping list. I know this sounds harsh but travel is about broadening your ideas, see new cultures and not export yours to another culture. I guess three weeks hard partying and drinking establish a certain group more and practice but they were not a great advertisement. A tour group from Turda and Crapa would behave better!

I couldn't help contrasting the girls with the Italian and European girls waiting the tables. The Europeans' outfits were enhanced with little accessories, their hair had a sparkle , their makeup skilful and limited. They appeared individuals. Maybe after a few weeks on the road, the contiki girls had given up.

I watched the antics of the tour group with two Dutch couples in their early 30s. The tour group lurched about the campsite and one of the Dutch asked why do all South Africans and Australians behave like this when they leave home and come to Europe. Are they restricted so much at home?

“ Sorry I couldn't answer that. I am from New Zealand .” But I did cringe when a party goer in a Four Square t shirt vomited into the bushes near us.


Actually I had an idea to start a similar business for the over 65s and call it Incontinencetiki tours.

Well , Norbert’s birthday party sounds a good idea - just hope he has big garden with bushes in case I toast his health too much.

Till next time

Safe Riding