Slovakia

Slovakia aparently does not have a lot of highways or bike paths. This means that we have been riding along the one little road that runs from town to town, alongside every truck, car, and bus that ever left home. The alternative is going through the mud or the grass, which is really slow.

It has been raining over the past few days and we are cold and all of our clothes are getting drenched. During the day, we try to stop and warm up with a tea, in one of the few dingy bars that we come across in the tiny little towns. On going into the bar, wim is always a bit concerned about the sketchy people, and I am just happy to be out of the rain. The next thing that happens is some hairy slovakien man will usually buy us both a shot of rubbing alcohol (here they call it schnaps), surely a gesture of hospitality. I am usually able to pour mine out in some unsuspecting place, but for wim there is often no escape. Before I know it, Wim is commenting on the fantastic bar and all of the great friends that he is making. With lots of gestures and grunts, we try to show our appreciation, and then slip out the door as quick as possible, before the next round of schnapps comes along.

Amy drying her laundry along the way after 5 days in the rain.

Although things are getting more difficult as far as roads, weather, camping, finding food, not understanding the language, we are still excited about our trip and looking forward to the unknown that's yet to come.