Hindsight is 20/20

Thankfulness finds its full measure in generosity of presence, both through participation and witness. We sit at the table as part of every other person’s world while making our own world without will or effort, this is what is extraordinary and gifted, this is the essence of gratefulness, seeing to the heart of privilege. Thanksgiving happens when our sense of presence meets all other presences. Being unappreciative might mean we are simply not paying attention.  

David Whyte, excerpt from “Gratitude”

Four days into our journey we made a decision to keep going.  On March 12, 2020 European borders started closing and we stayed where we were in the Netherlands, having no idea what would unfold as Corona virus began its pandemic journey around the world.  Looking back, we made the right decision for our circumstances. Loaded with a huge dosage of optimistic flexibility, we decided to roll with the times and observe how Europe fared during this historic tragedy.  

Looking back on our travels during 2020, we have experienced:

• Four overnight ferries – crossing the North Sea, Celtic Sea, Balearic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Adriatic Sea;
• One narrow boat canal journey; followed countless canals and river valleys;
• Chased spring, summer and fall through moors, peaks, cotswolds, lake lands, vineyards and olive groves;
• Passed hundreds of castles, forts and churches of conquered foes and saved souls;
• Slept in a restored dairy barn, Vicarage stables, farm cottages, a Baronial castle, Victorian and Art Deco mansions, and ferry boat bunks;

Some of the routes were peaceful celebrations of nature and the joy of life but many miles were tense confrontations of poor road conditions and traffic. 2020 has been an interesting ride! 

Looking back on 2020 through the eyes of sixty year old travelers is quite different than our first tour 30 years ago! 
1. We have met mortality. That day changed my relationship between vehicles and bicycles. It could be one of us with just inches between a happy ride and our last day. Twenty year olds feel immortal.  At 60, I’m just glad our affairs are in order. 
The world is reeling from daily death due to Covid-19. We go to sleep every night wondering if tomorrow will be the day we face this amongst ourselves and our loved ones.

2. We have found irony! “Slow and immersive” bicycle touring PRE-internet meant you actually studied maps and guide books and you spoke to people for local information and advice. We wandered down the roads and happened upon events, mingled in markets for seasonal foods, met friendly hosts and discovered new “hot spots” for local meals. Flash forward to 2020 when internet search results and mapping provide instant gratification and a world of information in your hand held device, no conversations or questions required, instant translations provided. No wandering needed.

Today’s “slow and immersive” travel is the down time between wi-fi hot spots and the next grocery chain store link. There is so much information via the internet that the biggest challenge is sorting through reviews and comments in order to make plans and reservations! The irony of connectivity!

We can’t look back on 2020 without seeing the obvious global impact of the pandemic. This health crisis has impacted everyday life, no matter where you are, no matter what you believe in. The impact and end results are yet to be revealed. Every place we go, people are sorting out how to keep moving forward, one day and one mile at a time.