Canterbury to Budapest.

(via Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Bratislava) .

Our journey so far has taken us across the continent of Europe in an easterly direction, through eight countries as well as passing through each capital city. We simply could not have asked for a better introduction to this adventure. Having had a delicious taste of each and every culture on the way through Europe, we can only be excited for the rest of the journey ahead.

We would be lying if we said that at no point in the run up to this journey were we apprehensive, because travelling to new and unknown places (especially by bike) can be intimidating, no matter who you are. However from day one, these apprehensions and worries were shattered, and we haven't looked back.

We may only be 1 month into this 10 month saga, but I for one have already had the experience of a lifetime. There have been highs and lows, and without a doubt this will continue. However what will also continue, I'm sure, is the way in which the highs have outweighed the lows in an enormous fashion.

The most rewarding and surprising aspect of the trip so far for me has been the outward generosity of strangers along the way. We have been met with nothing but kindness throughout the trip so far, whether it's a warm smile from the side of the road or the offer of a shower or a meal and a bed for the night. The human race really is pretty amazing.

Our European leg is nearly over, next we head through the Middle East and into Asia. The adventure continues!

Thanks for reading!

John

Ps. We'd love to hear from you on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Keep up to date on where we are and what we're up to and maybe come and join us for a ride? Inspired by what we're up to, or want to find out a bit more? Stick the kettle on, make a brew and pen an email, you can catch us at thetandemmen@gmail.com. U

The joy of Warmshowers

Now sitting in Germany, just crossing the 4th border yesterday morning, we can't express our gratitude for our newly found community of Warmshowers.

I'm almost certain that you haven't heard of this quirky and comforting corner of the Internet, we sure hadn't before we left. But doing its own thing and staying happy go lucky, Warmshowers offers cycle tourers like us a bed for the night and a shower, maybe even food. And the best bit, but also the slightly daunting part when we first started, is that this is all provided by other cyclists, wanting nothing more than your stories and enjoyment of your company for the evening. 

On a journey where we expect to sleep in our tent for two thirds of its duration, we've been able to find a bed for 7 nights out of 12. A real bonus after a long day in the saddle, often with rain on our backs (Europe really isn't much better than the UK!). 

Host #1 Geert rides with us across the Belguim-Netherlands border. 

Our gratitude goes to Lisa, Albert, Michel, Sandrine, Baloo, Geert, Maarten, Boris and Kai-Anne, all whom have welcomed us into their homes and given us an insight into hospitality across France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Now onwards with Hannover on the horizon tonight and Berlin by Wednesday. 

Here's to Warmshowers.org! 

George

Ps. We'd love to hear from you on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Keep up to date on where we are and what we're up to and maybe come and join us for a ride? Inspired by what we're up to, or want to find out a bit more? Stick the kettle on, make a brew and pen an email, you can catch us at thetandemmen@gmail.com.