Wandering Europa

Back in the early 80’s, Europe was still a wild and untamed continent. Intrepid backpackers trailblazed the land armed with rail passes and thumbs powerful enough to stop a speeding vehicle for a lift. This particular journey began in the north of Norway above the Arctic Circle to the outback of Kiruna, Sweden. South to Stockholm, with a ferry excursion over to Suomi, the land of the Flying Finns. In Turku, there was Beatles memorabilia with a bust of Lennon and a flag saluting the song Back in the USSR. Helsinki built a church from an abandoned UFO. Heading west again to Copenhagen, just in time for the Folk og Land Fest, a rain storm and some artsy night shots. The trail went south to the Netherlands. Amsterdam and then the Cool Peoples Congress in Woerden. A meet-up with wild and crazy backpackers at a hostel in Paris. Then on to Switzerland for Basel & Allschwil, Romanshorn and Bulle before crossing the Great St Bernard Pass into Italy. Alas, all roads lead to Rome. The musical accompaniment is Wanderlust King by Golgol Bordello.

Originally published elsewhere on 19 August 2010.

Australia to Holland With a Bike

I sailed into Sydney harbor from the 18th century aboard the HMS Bounty. After hanging around Sydney-side, I mounted my steed, pedaling the long haul north on endless roads under a big sky. I rolled through scrub and savannah, swerving around dead roos sleeping on the roadside. After neglecting to heed the warning sign, I was forced to run for my life, pursued by a bloodthirsty pack of koalas. Onwards, I crossed the Tropic of Capricorn, zipped past Townsville, explored the bush around Cardwell and finally reached Cairns. But stayed beyond up at Trinity Beach. Just in time for Show Day. Then I hopped aboard the big silver bird, rounding the planet to Europe. I was dropped from 100 meters into Rheinland, Germany. South to cut the corner of Switzerland, then lugging up the arduous climb to Col de Bussang. Then through rainy pre-Sarko France and post-Manneken Pis Belgium. Finally The Netherlands – land of stroopwafel, drop and vla. Plus, there’s a celebrity-related surprise just bound to elicit a yawn. The musical accompaniment is Power and the Passion by Midnight Oil, and Triggers by April March.