pics #128 - #146

Tuesday November 17th - Blue Lunar Night

Today is off in Saxony, not a news I welcome as I need to buy a couple of special items: a waterproofing spray and a stand for the front lowrider. Though, shops closed are a good excuse to do nothing at all and switch to the cool ‘hosted’ routine. Which means washing clothes: I selected a program who will last for hours! In the evening Robert and I go out to the center under a soft rain, enough to make me happy not to cycle under it all day. The night-out street looks special with its ‘old-made-new’ style. We have German specialties, such as kebap and local half litter beers. While coming back, fingers are extremely cold without gloves.

Wednesday November 18th - Yellow Electric Seed

It is the day to shop for special stuff. Starting the day by primary series. I am off to the city much earlier than when in Bielefeld, my previous stop. I see that as an advantage of staying more than one day. One day to rest, another to e busy... I am considering longer breaks, a sort of 2 days week-end. Bicycle shop keepers redirect me to a big one where I find a front side stand. Then in an outdoor shop for a new gas cartridge and waterproofing products. Shop crew are impressive, going straight to what you want, direct and helpful. For example the guy of the outdoor shop wrote a translation of the notice on the waterproof spray bottle. Payment ...and next customer... I am impressed by their efficiency, if it is general in the country, no wonder why Germany is the economic drive of EU.

          Bundesverwaltungsgericht

          2 views of the Neues Rathaus

Meanwhile, I am in tourist mode, photo camera in hand. Dresden offers many different architectural styles. Contemporary, communist style and older stuff that definitely gives me the feel to leave away Western Europe. It’s actually nearby Poland and Czech Republic. Back at Robert’s, to waterproof my coat, check the drying clothes and remark that the new bicycle stand doesn’t fit on the front rack. RETURN!

          2 views in Karl-Liebknecht-Straße

Thursday November 19th - Red Self-Exisiting Serpent

I leave Robert’s house after he has gone to work. The weather is dry! Great! It’s been 4 days with continuous rain, how fantastic! I won’t see sun though, which might be too much for my sensitive person. Returning the bicycle stand is as fast as buying it.

          Michaelilskirche

          A sculpture with shoes hanging

          The Friedhof, reminding heavy metal style of 70s science-fiction

By chance I find a D.I.Y shop where there are the exact bolt and screws to fix my other stand, which was off the bicycle since 4 days. I wisely take spares! Lunch is cooking while I mount the stand on the shop parking. It's fun to see people's expression at the sight of this equipment. When I am ready to start again, it is passed 14h and there have been practically no distance covered yet. After Göttingen this makes a new lesson: getting out of a city takes time: expect a small distance.

          Naunhof, or one of the villages on the way

I am cycling in a flat area, crossing small villages, following the bicycle itinerary directions. At 16.00 I must hurry to find a camping spot, which I choose behind a noisy stone carrier. It is not the ideal place but I am very late, mounting in the dark. Later after diner, I am frightened by an animal screams, aggressive, sounding close. I hold myself, get back to center with slow deep breaths, thinking that animals would be afraid of human. Soon it’s gone, or at least noiseless, and I forget it when I get to sleep.