davewasthere

I didn’t really enjoy myself. Think it was bad timing. I’d just been riding through Switzerland. The roads and scenery were gorgeous, the food amazing. But got to Italy on a Saturday and it was so incredibly crowded. I’m guessing it was the start of the holidays there.

The whole mood of the trip changed there, and not in a good way. I ended up having a small off on the bike (fun). Still found some great roads, but after saying goodbye to my two companions in Austria, I pretty much rode back to France and stayed in the Alps.

I definitely have to return though. I’d like to give Italy another chance.

I’ve decided I DON’T want to visit Easter Island. Particularly after reading this weblog.

I guess if something has been completely tracked out by tourists, it makes it very unappealing to me. Hence why I didn’t bother with the great wall in China. (Instead I just hired a bike and went cycling around Beijing. I enjoyed myself!)

..what more could you ask for?

Anyone reasonably fit can do it. It’s not massively challenging. Something like 1000m.

I was a little worried taking brand new boots (not worn in at all) on the climb, but fortunately they were brilliant. (Peter Storm – Skiddaws)

The weather was a little rough, but I really enjoyed the walk.

To be honest, it’s just so I can phone Temuera Morrison and say:

“You’re not in Guatemala now, Dr Ropata. I am!”

...but it doesn’t really count. Once I flew to Muscat for a visa run (while I was living in Dubai) and another time I accidentally drove across the border from the UAE to Oman. I didn’t realise that little hut was actually the border control. (And since I didn’t have my passport on me, I turned around, apologised and re-entered the UAE)