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Nicely written reflection, and good work putting all the tracks onto single maps. I am planning to go back and create such a map for each of our past trips, because we can no longer remember the answers to questions like "When were we in Lyons?" despite all the struggle we may have done to reach there on several occasions.
It's also admirable that you sort through the photos and organize them after the fact. I have accepted that if a photo, however good, does not make it to the blog, it is basically lost to the world, jumbled into a USB drive with all the out of focus and uncaptioned riff raff.
The blogs themselves are interesting entities. We often find ourselves re-reading one, amazed at the clever writing and at the adventures described. But is the blog equivalent to a book, something that someone may find and enjoy years from now? And even if so, do we care?
Well these are the type of thoughts we may have when stuck back here in the rain and gloom, instead of out on the glorious road. But I will be clinging still to Cycleblaze, watching for your next entry!
Welcome home. As always, a fantastic journal, inspiring images, and excellent writing. Thanks for sharing your adventure. I'm feeling a sense of loss now that your trip and journal are complete.
2 years agoIt was a marvellous tour! Thanks for the journal!
2 years agoWell done, kids. Thanks for the hours of vicarious thrills.
2 years agoI don’t think I’d bother for this first trip. There’s a cost and some time involved, and if you think this is a one time thing for you I doubt it’s worth it. If you get hooked and see yourself doing this more often though, you might want to think about it.
2 years agoThanks for the details, Keith. We didn’t know about the self-service kiosks and just walked past them because they were unattended. It was still very fast at the customs line because we had priority, but she asked why we hadn’t gone to the kiosk first. We’ve been meaning to read up on how this works.
2 years agoEnrolling in the Global Entry program was the best $100 (each) we've spent in a long time. On reentering the U.S. after travel elsewhere you get to skip the Immigration / passport check line and proceed to an automated terminal. Insert your passport, put four fingers on the screen to confirm it's you, smile for the camera, collect your receipt and go.
Once you've retrieved your luggage (Global Entry unfortunately doesn't do anything to expedite that process) and proceeded to Customs, there's a special (non-)line for Global Entry holders. You get first priority from the agents. Hand them the receipt that was printed at the passport scanning kiosk and you're on your way.
You do have to go through an in-person interview to get your initial Global Entry pre-clearance. Basically they walk you through the paper form that you fill out on the plane and you agree never ever to answer anything but "No" to the agricultural products, goods over the personal limit, etc. questions.
Being a Global Entry member also automatically enrolls you in TSA-Pre Check as well so in theory the pre-boarding security check is also easier/faster/more streamlined, but in practice I've not seen as much reduction in process as on the reentry side.
Have very much enjoyed your Provence pedalling - especially the inland routes and your wonderful photos. We just kept to the coast but would like to try EV8. The good weather seems to have lasted well though. Well done and bonne route! Michael Hutching.
2 years agoGood to see there are a few swimmers still. We loved our days of swims back in October.
2 years agoFrankfurt airport sucks you say?
DITTO!
Can't stand the place.
Chunky or creamy? If you know someone with a membership, Costco still carries the big jars (tubs?) of Adams chunk peanut butter. My favorite.
Welcome home! Now I’m off to research Global Entry card and see if we need them.
2 years agoI definitely will send glowing feedback for Sandip! What a wonderful person.
2 years agoFrankfurt airport has been a nightmare every time I’ve been there. Forget trying to get anywhere with a boxed bicycle. I try to avoid flying in there. Luckily my favorite areas to cycle are all closer to München, which is a very pleasant airport to use. Did I mention yet that I hate the Frankfurt airport? I’ll mention it here just in case.
I hate Frankfurt airport.
Frankfurt Airport is a surprise disaster, since it is after all in usually efficient, bike friendly, Germany. When we were there in the Spring, we were shocked to find no way to even walk, let alone cycle, to our "airport" hotel. The whole thing was hemmed in by controlled access highways.
2 years ago
That was a fantastic nine months indeed! I'm looking forward to the recaps. My poor memory will be glad to be reminded of all the places you visited.
2 years ago" ...we want to do and see more, but we have the capacity and drive to do less."
When planning or reflecting on every trip, I am always very aware of the fact that we are getting older. I ask myself what are we still up to, will we be able to do that same or a similar trip next year? So we adapt and make allowances for our aging bodies (and minds).