Don't Be Scared, You Will Like

Megan Melcher
2,161 kilometers after leaving Istanbul, we finally pulled into Venice and it was unfortunately time for me to head back stateside.  While I was looking forward to warm showers, full sized towels, and non-Clif Bar breakfasts, I was very sad to leave Europe and the boys.  I know the adventures that took me through four weeks and eight different countries will last a lifetime.  Since I've been home, I've been asked the same question repeatedly: "What was your favorite part about the trip?" Being outside all day without the work-world worries of home, the sense of accomplishment following a mountain pass, and being in places and situations I never before considered are all fond memories of the trip.

Benvenuto a Venice!

Waterworld paradise

Beauty around every corner

Conquering mountains lifts your spirits

However, my absolute favorite part of the trip was the people we met along the way.  For those of you keeping up with the blog, you know that we have met some absolute characters.  While some people have been more entertaining than others, one thing that really struck me is how inviting and benevolent every person has been.  Whether it was an Albanian lesson at lunch, free fruit in the rain, or a woman that spoke no English who went completely out of her way to help me find a way back to Venice with a gigantic bike box so that I could avoid a meltdown, I was truly touched by the friendliness and helpfulness shown by all.  I know I'll keep all of this in mind next time I see a struggling bike tourist riding down I-95!

Free fruit in the rain

Home-cooked Albanian lesson

While wandering around Istanbul one day before our biking began, Bill and I came across a rather ominous looking hole in the wall on the side of a small street.  It was covered in graffiti and we decided to investigate a bit.  Inside, we found a sign that read, "Art Gallery. Don't be scared. You will like."  We investigated further and after squeezing by two girls taking glamour shots in the hallway we came to a room filled with artwork.  It was the first time (but certainly not the last) on the trip when I wish I had not been biking so I could take home a souvenir.  What started as a threatening looking hole turned into a gorgeous art gallery.  The phrase, "Don't be scared. You will like" stuck with me and became my mantra for the rest of the trip.  When faced with several upcoming days of climbing, the thought of camping right next to a graveyard in a thunderstorm, or spending the evening in the middle of the road with a complete lunatic (please reference Bill's previous post), I would just repeat to myself in an unidentifiable accent, "Don't be scared.  You will like."  It's true, no matter how uneasy I may have felt to start, I always liked the outcome.  I am hoping that I can use this same mantra for the new challenges I face off of my bike.

Don't be scared, you will like

Kellen and Bill, good luck with the rest of your trip!  I am already longing for a full day of top five lists, would you rathers, and banter about such pressing issues as the best singer in We Are the World.  I had an absolutely incredible time with you two and am so sad it's over.  Thank you for keeping me constantly laughing and entertained and for teaching me that the best way to remedy an imperfect situation is to find the closest restaurant open and drink wine until the storm passes.

Works every time

Signing off