Encounters – 22.10.2021

By now, I have reached Italy. On my journey here, I met Antje at a small campsite. She is a truly inspiring woman. For 30 years, she has been travelling through Europe by bike, she owns a small micro house, has a self-sufficient garden, two horses, studied physics, and is an independent, adventurous person who is deeply connected to nature. I spent one day hiking with her through the beautiful autumn mountains. The next day, we cycled together with our bikes towards Lugano until our paths separated shortly before the lake. She turned back north, while I continued my journey south. She was able to show me many important things about travelling by bike. I was so happy to have met her.

Switzerland is a truly beautiful and diverse country. The constant ups and downs also have their own charm. On the one hand, you warm up quickly, and on the other hand, the mountain villages are deeply romantic, and you are always rewarded with breathtaking views.

One thing I definitely still have to learn is that, with a bicycle, you cannot get everywhere like you can as a hiker, and you do not have to be quite as extreme about keeping your weight low. You experience the landscape by bike in a completely different way than by campervan or on foot. If you want to get really close to nature, I personally think hiking offers the most intense experience.