Day 28. German women. Strong, beautiful and kind.

Good morning.

Alo is taking me to town with the back wheel to see if it can be repaired. If it's not the thing rattling around then it's the controller. If it's affordable then I'll fix it, if not then I'll have to figure out what to do with the bike and get the train home.

The rattle was a spoke that had dropped inside of the wheel frame.

Waiting for bike shop to pick up the bike.

A sorry sight.

Thank you ladies for everything. :)

When I left with my bike in the van the driver told me the women were very nice to me, and I agreed. He said that one had a quiet word with him before we left. He told me that the they whispered to him privately that if I could not afford to pay for the bike repairs, that he should contact them and they would pay the bill. I was taken aback by this. Such kindness and generosity. But I don't think it was only that, I think if was much more. During the time I spent with them we spoke about the tails I'd encountered so far and the reasons for me doing this. They understood it was a dream and I believe their kindness was to ensure it didn't end in this lovely village in the north of Germany. I believe they want me to complete this journey as much as I do. 

We arrived at the bike repair shop and after a quick check the news wasn't good. It's almost certain both the back wheel and controller need replacing. An expencive thing, but not only that, the parts could only be bought in China and getting things from China isn't a net day, week or sometimes even months delivery. The Owners son was the one with the best English and the one helping me. Staying until after the normal closing time to try give me hope he eventually exhausted all possibilities. His only solution to replace the wheel with a non standard one not viable he helped search for a place for me to get my head down. 

We found a pension, a hostel type accommodation which I found using Google maps. I knocked on the door to be greeted by a jolly looking lady. She called someone over to help translate and was told it was no longer taking customers as it had been sold. I asked and was granted permission to hang my hammock in the garden. The translator was called Chris, the son in law of the owner on holiday paying a visit with his family. We quickly became friends, sharing a beer and exchanging stories of our travels, him spending 10 years in America and Italy. He helped me set up camp then spent the rest of the night talking around a campfire with a few beers and roasting the pork belly I had bought the day before. Time seemed to fly and it was late before we both turned in for the night, with him promising to help in the morning should I need it.

Goodnight.