The appocalyptic storm
Trip Start
Jun 01, 2010
1
49
158
Trip End
Jun 01, 2011
Where I stayed
At Diana's (a Peace corps volunteer)
Lom, Montana, Bulgaria
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
We spent a while lounging and then I packed all my stuff up. It took some real effort to make everything fit due to the gargantuan amounts of food Rafael and Mariana had given me. But I managed and after boding farewell to the both of them I hit the road.
The weather at first was ideal, really really sunny! This did not last long. As if having to do an extra 20 miles due to a flooded road wasn't enough I also had to contend with an appocalyptic storm. I watched gradually as the ink black clouds spread like a swarm of locusts across the horizon until "bang" it hit me. I felt like a giant sponge and for the next two hours felt as if I was cycling in a power shower. The only thing which was different to showering was that I had to attempt to see where I was going and not be hot by crazy truck drivers. I survived though, in the brief interlude between the two storms I even managed to eat a pot of yoghurt and corn flakes while cycling, lets just say it was full facial experience.
The storm after much persistence eventually decided to subside and with the tropical heat I actually dried out a little. Next I tried to eat mince and potatoes on the bike, but I quickly realised this wasn't going to happen. I stopped for a while once I was clear of the chasing dogs I found a well positioned roadside barrier and attempted to eat the food with my hands. Once again I was immersed in my food!
I got to Lom and recruited some locals to help me find Diana's place. After a 20 minute search up and down tower blocks with a guy who spoke no English but was insistent on helping me we found her place. Another half an hour was spent trying to fit my bike in the minute lift and periodically becoming stuck as I went from floor to floor on my search for Diana . It turned out that I had come to the right place but she simply wasn't in. If only I had known I could have saved myself an awful of bike lifting and lift cramming.
I am now inside, showered, watered and once again with good company. Diana like Rafael is also a Peace Corps volunteer and she is from Florida. Let the conversation begin..............
