Medierranean Joys

12/1/11

Location: 2 km West of Castel Volturno (50 km West of Napoli)

Ah, nothing like summer coming 5 months early, as I always say, occasionally scream, and seldom mutter while holding my head in my hands. Will the temperatures ever drop to single digits again, or am I to bask forever in the sun's sweet rays, which are becoming more abundant, more radiant, daily? You know, questions like this are irrelevant as long as I continue to smile uncontrollably each time I mount my bike and begin the day's ride. But I must say, this is the first winter I have ever spent away from a harsh and frigid environment, and I can completely understand now why people (and birds, STDs, etc.) head south for the season.

Though I was originally quite wary about spending time alone in a place where I do not speak the language, I am overjoyed by how quickly I can pick up enough to get by. Words like “Si” and “Gratzie” are always on the tip of my tongue, ready to spill out in whatever combination suits the situation. I love throwing in a “perfecto” and watch the eyes widen in wonder (disgust?). During my ride today, I overtook an older cyclist who seemed to be checking something on his bike. Though he was clearly capable of going faster than me for his training ride, he elected to hang out with me for a bit and chat it up. Needless to say, he spoke 0 (zero) English but was glad to ask questions slowly or repeatedly if I didn't understand what he was saying. Following a full 30 minutes together, I was able to get across where I am from, how old I am, where I came from today (oggi), where I am going (and then, and then, and then...), what I like the most about Italian culture (here I just named all the foods I love, throwing in a “bene” and rubbing my stomach now and then), and how much I ride per day. I then somehow asked him if the weather was typically this wonderful, which he said yes. OK, he added a few more things that sounded like, “Mario, Luigi, spicy meataballa,” which wouldn't be an appropriate answer. But then he broke off to go home or something silly like that (who has a home these days?), leaving me on my lonesome. If only Dr. Steve Brule were around to help me get through living alone.

Great, now that you all know that the Mediterranean coast of Italy is sexcellent, I can move on to more important things, like shout outs. First, a very special shout out to my very special friend Tim Ward, who has recently completed a fitness book entitled The Theory of Fat Loss. As he's kept me posted on the goings on of his life, I know that he is a prime example of untiring persistence (needlessly redundant?) and dedication pay off. He has given me great ideas as it is with how to shape this trip and the importance of having far off goals, which is certainly something we can all benefit from (except you, reader Bill Gates). Secondly, I would love to thank Poseidon for not killing me (yet) though I have now slept within 100m of your dear coast four times, three of which were in trees and bushes. And last but not lastly, I must extend a hand, the left one, to you, my dedicated and lawfully wedded readers (betcha didn't see the fine print in that one). It has been a bumpy last four months, with bumps galore, but you have helped make this web blog #55897333333333 on Time's list of greatest cycling adventure internet journals and/or web blogs of the 21^st century. No, but you are the best, really. And thanks for sticking with it in spite of all the confusion and mayhem that may have arisen that one night out of the Black Lagoon. Aunt Dee, keep the comments coming: You're like Old Faithful, but with less gas? That is not appropriate, but I'm keeping it because the backspace key has gone on strike (I'm in Europe now), leaving the delete key with twice the work and you and I both know it's the smaller, more fragile of the two (anyone get that???). And highlighting's for bitches (Liz? Christine? That's your cue to smile).

OK, I've offended enough people and singled out a few more than I had to. Keep up the smiles and the good work ethic! (I have some spectacular pictures that will have to wait, por desgracia. Till next time...)