I stopped at a big ceremony along the village road. I think the whole village was around and celebrating a wedding. Before I could really recognize what it actually was, I was surrounded by kids, men & women. Old and young wanted to take a photo with me. I guess, meanwhile I am one of the most ‘recorded’ foreigner in this country. However, I always get a chance to take my photos, too. It is still no problem, to just hand out my big Nikon DLR to a local, quickly explain how to operate, and there you are. No fear that my camera or anything will disappear. Imagine this in some parts of Africa or Europe … no chance to ‘dive’ into a crowd like this, without being pick-pocket.
After the photo shootings I was asked into the tent and on stage to greet the young couple. They really looked young, probably much younger as they are. Andreas, today’s sweep, has already arrived and happily joined the party. We were treated with cake and drinks and many warm welcomes. We couldn’t leave without being brought back on stage and dance to the excitement of the other guests.
A short stage, today. Just 60 km, almost flat, to lunch with only 15 more kilometers to the next camp in Bintuhan. Some even decided to extend the breakfast in Manna for longer, as time was no concern today. After lunch obviously the lonesome beach, monotone sound of the breaking waves, the heat and the food took its toll and almost everyone fell asleep right on spot, at arbitrary and partially uncomfortable places. The next days will be much harder and longer, thus a random nap in the afternoon is not a bad idea.
Perfect for an enjoyable short ride. Small rollers and very scenic. Lunch at 60 km in paradise – at a lonely beach with fishermen around.
An easy day, just cruise along and enjoy the privilege to be cycling here. Lots of photo stops and interaction with kids waiting at their school yards for ‘strangers’ on bicycles. I can’t simply rush past them. I need to stop for some handshakes and miles. At 42 km I slowed down at a big wedding ceremony. I was immediately surrounded by the party guests and everyone wanted a photo with me. Soon Andreas, todays sweep arrived and we both were invited into the tent, treated with cakes and juice and asked to get on stage to greet the young couple,speak to the crowed and dance. So the time went past and luckily it was a short riding day, so we had all time of the world to stay longer. The lunch site at 60 km was a dream location. Right at the beach under palm trees with lots of shade. Fishermen around and women roasting the catch. No one was in a hurry and almost everyone had a nap at any given spot. Only 15 more km to go after lunch and the beach at Bintuhan was waiting for a swim … (more in additional posts to come)
recognize what it actually was, I was surrounded by kids, men & women. Old and young wanted to take a photo with me. I guess, meanwhile I am one of the most ‘recorded’ foreigner in this country. However, I always get a chance to take my photos, too. It is still no 
problem, to just hand out my big Nikon DLR to a local, quickly explain how to operate, and there you are. No fear that my camera or anything will disappear. Imagine this in some parts of Africa or Europe … no chance to ‘dive’ into a crowd like this, without being pick-pocket. 
has already arrived and happily joined the party. We were treated with cake and drinks and many warm welcomes. We couldn’t leave without being brought back on stage and dance to the excitement of the other guests.
