July 05, 2024
Click pics for large scale!
How a – not necessarily unexpected – delayed train journey can turn into a surprisingly positive experience.
On the train to Berlin, I meet Jan (38) from Bonn, who – on his way to his parents with his racing bike – is looking for an alternative connection to the unavailable train to Pasewalk, just like me. There, together with his father and brother-in-law, he will take part in a cycling tour organised by racing cycling legend Olaf Ludwig. We quickly find plenty to talk about by assessing possible train connections and, as cycling enthusiasts, develop a liking for each other. Watching the first half of the European Championship quarter-final match between our national football team and Spain together on my iPad during the subsequent train journey, which we were successful to find, is of course a great help.
Jan’s offer, after a phone call with his parents, to have dinner and to watch the rest of the match at his parents’ home yet still surprises me pleasantly. Thus I spend the evening with Jan’s hospitable and friendly family, enjoying a delicious meal and, unfortunately, cheering on our boys in vain, before checking into the elegant Villa Knobelsdorff for the night.
What a splendid start into my bicycle tour to Helsinki!