For real! Today, I turned 24 
While France celebrated Mother’s day on this 3rd of June, I celebrated my birthday by cycling through 3 international borders
Sometimes us big-picture people can forget about the details, kind of how I forgot that we would be cycling not only through France and into Italy today, but that we would be crossing the tiny country of Monaco too!
It was a blazing 30 degree day, one of those scorchers that requires continuous sunscreen applications and liters of water just to stay conscious. And even when you take all the necessary precautions, here we are, Kasia K. and I (Kasia S.) nursing a few minor burns and sunstroke as we cook our dinner at tonight’s campground.
The riding was good, even if we had the impression of being continuously in the city. The part of the coast that we cycled today is one huge metropolis spilling out unto the Med. Cannes melts into Nice morphs into Monaco and Monte Carlo, with villages inbetween and never a moment of silence or respite from the traffic and hustle and bustle.
A beautiful coast line nonetheless which we took advantage of to snap a few shots!
Kasia K. is adjusting well to bicycle travel (she is a newbie to bike travel too, even if a passionate recreational cyclist), as I knew she would, athlete and outdoorsy type that she is . We are enjoying spending time together and the beautiful places we are going through. At times difficult moments can catch up with you wherever you are, as Kasia K. learned just a few hours ago that her Aunt passed away last night. She had been struggling with cancer for years and her health had been steadily worsening, nevertheless her passing comes as a shock to all.
Tonight, what we need most of all from you is a prayer and/or thought for Kasia K.’s aunt, and a good vibe sent my way as I step into “24″ with as much, if not more, gusto as before!
Best wishes from la bella Italia,
Kasia – your Gemini-cyclist
Join me in this amazing cycling adventure to support literacy around the world!
