a castle

i sat on tim’s couch, red and comfy. the fire was burning in the stove. climbing that day had left us tired and calm. we talked all evening and when i told him about my plans he said that i should let him know when i was gonna start, so he could join. we didn’t know each other well at that point but i agreed. we both ment it and it feels crazy now that this spontangouis promise led us to were we are now.

the trip was never planed as something i needed a partner for. i was expecting myself to start alone, get in touch with other cyclists and eventually find travelling partners on the way. but we built this castle in the air, the romantizised idea of the two of us riding east, passing mountains and swimming in every lake we would pass.

as the weeks full of new found love passed, the castle turned into something solid.

a few months later we did our first tour together, starting close to offenburg, following the river rhine. we were blessed with sunny weather and good moods, cycling felt like flying as we were overwhelmed by our own enthusiasm.

after this holiday i came home and the desicion to quit my job that i made before the trip hit me. everytime i drove to tim who lived in an other city i took some of my belongings with me: books, plants and clothing. tim cleared up some space so we would both fit in. his place became ours but my room in my old flat felt more and more empty and not like home anymore. these few months were between the decision to move and the actual move were filled with anticipation and impatience. whilst i was trying to enjoy and appreciate the time i just wanted it to fly by, not feeling home anymore and not yet being at home .

tim’s little brother flo with whom we stayed a few days before we started our trip

we found a bone, feathers and flowers and decorated our helmets. as soon as we got back home we felt pretty silly but during the trip wearing those helmets felt great