Something to come home to

Sunday June 9-Thursday June 29

The day after returning to Freiburg from Rome I went to the train station to pick up Timshel, Shelley and Reuben (Brother, Sister-in-law and nephew) who were coming to Freiburg to visit and to collect equipment for their planned tandem-bike tour of Europe. They planned to stay about a week, but it turned into three - fantastic for me but a little frustrating for them I believe.

I spent much time with them during their visit, both in Freiburg city-centre and at their campsite. It was great spending time with them. Highlights were talking - sharing ideas and experiences, eating, playing with Reuben, watching World Cup games at the beer garden attached to the campsite, picnicing and even helping to set up - and test :) - the tandem! The low-point (although it's a good story) was arguing with German customs-office staff with incredibly strong regional accents over import taxes (Timshel and Shelley ended up paying €57 - 14% tax and 12% customs fees - for raingear that was sent to them GRATIS as part of a sponsorship deal!).
The EU has some fantastic ideas that could be examples for the world, but their relations with foreigners - especially regarding the third world and economic matters is selfish, even mean.

It was great to have family around and also to be able to share Australia's World Cup success with them!

For more details on their visit here and Timshel and Shelley's adventurous endevours in Europe please visit Timshel and Shelley's website:
Cycling Europe with a baby