I cried when I crossed the Danish border. I blame the welcoming committee ready with flags and hugs for Maiken and me. After freezing cold, rain, snow, steep hills, scary dogs, rarely knowing where I was going to sleep tonight, close calls with traffic, extreme heat, snakes, spiders, injuries, and many other challenges, the sense of relief was rather overwhelming.
But what a journey it has been!! It has been worth all the trouble, dangers and unpleasant experiences. I have loved the adventure! I have so many stories about life on our little planet, and I have a heart full of memories, love and joy.
Maiken and her family live by the border to Germany. It was time for her to go back to her lovely colleagues and for me to get to my family, so we said our farewell. In the last 20 years it has been limited the time we have spent together, so getting to know each other again in our 40s has been really special. I'm super proud of Maiken cycling all that way. She did all our navigation from Greece to Denmark, and it has been a privilege to journey with her. We have created memories together we will never forget.
It took me three days to cycle across Denmark to my family. On my way I stayed with my cousin in Odense. Upon my arrival he was ready with a goal line and flag. I also stayed with another friend, I hadn't seen for many years. I made a few small detours to my grandparents grave and other places of importance to the family.
My last day of cycling was full of sunshine, company and celebration. A cousin met me along the way on her bike, and joined me for the last few hours of the journey. We stopped at a road sign to take a photo and my mother surprised me by pulling in behind us in her car.
Despite the preparations for the big family event the following day, there was a small gathering to welcome me. I was deeply touched by this and excited to see family and friends.
And I made it just in time! The following day was the big family celebration when my niece was confirmed (a rite in the Danish Lutheran Church). It was a very special family occasion, and we are all very proud of her.
A few days ago a New Zealand guy ended up in hospital after climbing Mt Everest. It sounded like he didn't have much experience in the mountains despite living in a great country for mountaineering. Did he only want to tick Everest off the bucket list?
My goal was never to tick off a bike ride from New Zealand to Denmark on my life's to-do list. Yes, it was awesome to cross the border with Maiken and celebrate with my family upon arrival. However, my goal was the journey itself, the amazing strangers that became friends, the different cultures I made part of me, the experiences that changed me for good, and the memories I created with family and friends. I will never be the same again and this doesn't end but continues...