I Stopped Biking

THE CAT CHANGED IT ALL

In over a week I have done exactly 0 km on the bike. I completely switched my priorities and decided that it is best to make sure the cat is in a good condition before I make my way further north. I have been shocked to see how big of a change Fryderyk underwent. From being a super timid, scared, and skinny animal, to the one who is not afraid of others and actually asks for her food. Although getting more independent, she still comes back whenever she needs some Mom love (this is where the armpit sucking moments come in - see the videos on my Instagram page). 

SHE’S NOT THE ONLY REASON WHY I AM STAYING

I would have lied if I said that I stay on the farm just because of her. I found myself struggling to make a decision to leave. This farm in Calabria truly embodies the ideals of community and wellness that I have been dreaming of for years now. In the most beautiful sense possible - everything here revolves around food. Each day, I prepare my ‘Rainbow Salad’, Paulo (the master chef) does main dishes, Francesco bakes Foccacia and prepares bread, then we sit down at a table with about 10-20 people and enjoy the amazing meal. Knowing that each thing had been prepared with the highest quality ingredients freshly picked on the farm, often cooked according to the traditional recipes,  with 95% of the things being plant-based - makes my heart grow 2 sizes bigger. 

When I come to sit in the olive garden for meditation, I try to soak in the peace and serenity of the moment, and really appreciate the hottest summer of my life. 

HOW’S THE CAT?

Fryderyk has been getting healthier and fatter ever since I found him. The tail is still a little bit of an issue as the scab keeps irritating him and he constantly takes it off either during the fights with his evil twin or just by scratching it off. I wanted to add that he’s not as scared anymore and became more civilized, but whereas the first part may be true, the second becomes a joke the moment I check on him and see his crazy ass running around like a madman. He is just about as wild as it gets and that ain’t changing anytime soon. 

WHAT’S MY PLAN?

The plan has been the same since day 1 of the trip - return to Poland. This week, I will be taking a ferry to Greece and then head over to Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, maybe Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and back home to the north of Poland. 

Currently, my biggest concern is the hellishly high temperatures in both Italy and Greece. Ironically, by the time I get back to Poland, I will be worrying about the cold nights. 

Keep your fingers crossed for me to avoid any issues on the borders. I hope the next blog will be written from the other side of the Adriatic Sea.