Half Way Round 08/10/2010
 Well, we are half way round the world and I feel I should write something. At this point we are held up in Helsinki (still) until we get the bikes out of the shop. Hopefully by Thursday we will be able to roll toward the Russian boarder. If not, please oh please Friday. We have been pinned up in this hotel room for a week, and even though Helsinki is a beautiful city with great public transportation, restaurants and sights to see, we are ready to get the next part of the trip started. Cabin fever is tiring. As I reflect on the first half of the trip a few things come to mind. Riding Canada is wonderful, although riding through central Canada is like riding on a tread mill. Nothing changes for 100’s of miles. The people in Canada are wonderful. I think because of where they live, they have to be of an adventurous spirit. The “staying” indoors all winter makes them appreciate being outdoors whenever possible. Most we met showed a true curiosity for our ride, and had nothing but well wishes. Plus in Canada I had an option to ride home. Not that I wanted to ride home, but in the back of my I knew I could. It wasn’t until we rolled the bikes out of customs in London that the trip became a trip around the world. London was fine although packed with cars, scooter and folks. I learned large cities, (London, Toronto, Madrid) are not made for motorcycling tourists. Would I like to fly into Paris and see the sights? Yes. Will I? Might. The large cities the people are too busy, too slow down. I don’t take offence, they are just living their lives and come across people of all sort all the time. The smaller town folk don’t see many travelers and are excited to talk about your journeys. And you know me I love to talk to a stranger (only once did I eat candy from one, it was really good). France was wonderful, the people treated us like family. Other than an Irish pub one time, it was the first time I was unable to understand any of the language being spoke. This is not to say I was not able to enjoy my conversations, I just didn’t understand the words. The smiles, laugher, pointing and charades were great fun. What did I learn in France? Don’t walk into a situation with you mind made up, you may be wrong. In Austria and Germany I met wonderful people. People I would bring to visit with all of you. It made me sad to leave, and homesick. I learned the best part about traveling is the people you meet. The worst part is leaving the people you meet. We have traveled 12 countries so far and have 3 more before we board a plane to come home. The next 2 are the ones that make me nervous, Russia and Mongolia. Russia because of the horror stories I have heard. Now before you get too worried I must add I have also heard wonder stories about how generous and beautiful the people are. As an added bonus it seems Western Russia is on fire. Wild fires surrounding Moscow have been burning for the last couple of weeks causing an increase (unsafe) level of air pollution. We have watched the fires closely and planned a route according. Mongolia on the other hand is not because of people but because of the possible road conditions. Many a tale of the broken motorcycles on the roads to Ulan Bator. We have researched the routes and picked the best possible motorcycle for the conditions. Here in a couple of weeks will find out if we made a good choice. But don’t worry about a broken motorcycles. Like I said, it happens frequently. We will wait for a truck (like everyone else) and hitch a ride to the next town where we will have it repaired. I have people who can send us parts (Lori, Chet, Josh) if needed. We might have to wait a day or two before a truck comes by but we are prepared to camp out. I sit in a hotel room trying to answer a question I am frequently asked, “Have you found what your looking for“. All I can come up with, I don’t think I am looking “For” anything. I think I am just ”Looking”. I shaved. We were starting to worry, I didn't look much like my passport and i got tired of people asking if I was Jim's FATHER!  CommentsAlana Barrows 08/12/2010 6:56am
Joe, nice move on the shaving. It was well needed I'd say. :) lol ...you ARE crazy but, what a journey. Good luck on the rest of your journey and God bless. -Alana Mom 08/12/2010 7:30am
Joe, glad you shaved. That first photo was not a good look for you. Love you. Stay Safe. joe 08/12/2010 7:51am
Aaa mom. Debbie Nobles 08/15/2010 2:50pm
Glad you are still ok...and now heading home :) Gail Frisby 08/21/2010 2:45pm
Joe, We miss you but I am truly enjoying OUR trip around the world. You are a great writer! Lots of voice. Needs some editing...I'm your girl. Going to push you to write a book about this! Stay away from the fires, already know you can't stay out of the rain. It's always a releif to hear from you. destinyc. old lady tiger of 09 08/21/2010 6:54pm
glad you shaved coach . it caught me off guard. i kno ms. frisby will flip, if she sees all my grammar mistakes . glad youre having fun . u reached what u always talked about. you are truely crazy about traveling. hope all is goin well . school starts in 2 days . im ready . but miss being a tiger . bye coach . you shood write a book about your journey . i agree with miss . frisby . :) Genesis S. AKA Jennypoo!! 09/21/2010 1:05pm
OMG im glad you shaved cuz u looked really hideous(no offence)!!! im glad you are doing good and youre not dead. i really miss you and would like to see you again. love ya coach!!! :) Leave a Reply | Joe ParkerThe original, one and only, Joey Joe Joe Joeker Mo'Joe!  ArchivesFebruary 2011 Categories |
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