We bought a map of Prague and another of Europe last night at the grocery store. Then we rushed home, like teenagers home alone on a weekend and spread it out on the bed.
Prague is Praha, the last "ha" is silent in French.
We looked at routes, cities, traced different paths on the map with our fingers, from Marseille to Prague.
Our excitement grew, as we studied the map, and watched our adventurous spirits fly ahead of us. Prague!
The names of the towns along the way to Prague… are hard names to pronounce. Looking at the map I could see us riding along: French Husband shouting in the wind, "Which way?" Me yelling back and pointing, "Right at Ceske Budejovice, then right again at.. um… oh no..!" Then shaking my hand in front of us face, "No, no, no, I made a mistake! I mean left at Jindrichuv Hradec." Then French Husband will pull over and ask, "What is "Ji#n'!fliv Hré(çzi497rhec" or however you say it?" And I will point saying, "J.H. is that way." (I am terrible with left and right, but French Husband knows that about me.) Then we will get back on the bike and do it all over again, "What way?"
Oh yes it is going to be an adventure.
We will have a small top case on the bike, imagine a carry on, that's all for two weeks.
A carry on, the size of a picnic basket and not as cute. French Husband thinks trailers, side saddles, suitcases, a follow up car, a container, a back up plan are for "_____" I won't say what he said… Instead, I'll say this: We have a different idea of comfort level.
I started a packing list:
Pack: A flashlight, a knife, a bottle opener, water bottle, a small cutting board that can be used as a plate, two spoons, wippies, zip lock bags, small emergency kit, migraine medication… I think the top case is full.
First we will ride from Marseille to Nice, it is about an hour and a half away. I'll be sore by then. The view will encourage me, and at the same time taunt me with the sea chanting "Stay, s-t-a-y, s—-t—-a—y."
Pack: A swimsuit, a throw with a duel use as a towel and as something to sit on. AND for the heck of it, a bottle of Rose, a picnic, a small boat, a gentle breeze…
We will ride alongside the French Riviera to Genova, and then upward leaving the coast to Milano. French Husband has not been to Milano, nor seen the Duomo and it is a must see.
Pack: Another pair of shoes, other than riding boots I'll be wearing. Plus a lightweight, easy to wash and dry, black dress. Lipstick, and camera. Oh and for French Husband, pair of pants, a lightweight dress shirt and another pair of shoes.
Photo source Gianni D.
We hope to spend the night in Milano, eat pasta under the Last Supper, walk the streets, and hopefully feel ready to ride the next morning towards Switzerland.
Milano is about five hours away from Marseille, (with a few pit stops included.)
From Milano if we are not tempted by Venice (but… that is not the goal on this ride… at least not as of today,) we will ride towards Innsbruck or Salzburg.
Cold? Rain? Scary thought. Rain gear is one thing… French Husband has been on a motorcycle under a downpour, but I haven't. I cannot imagine it.
Pack: Rain gear, Poncho, umbrella, clothes line, oh God what am I thinking? Flying to Prague would be easier, pack prayers for sun….
As we looked at the map I started to pray for sun, along with a safe ride, and as we traced our fingers along different routes from Milano I saw large, grey spots, sprawled across the map, and then it dawned on me that if we go to Milano and ride to Salzburg we need to cross a few little mountains.
The ALPS!!!
Snow covered, cold, beautiful, cold, snowy, cold, Heidi Cold Alps!!
The idea of going naked was stripped with a flash from my mind.
Pack: Wool sweater, wool tights, small portable heater and electric blanket.
After that reality slapped me in the face… crossing the alps, I got under the map, and pulled French Husband underneath, I whispered, "Let' dream about it okay."
He threw the map off, and with that one quick gesture I knew I had waken the beast.
"We are going to Prague!" He laughed "I'll keep you warm."
Why oh why did I say I would go naked?!
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