Hello everyone! ☺️

Welcome to a new update. As you may notice, I have a little more time on my hands right now since I'm posting again already. Not much has actually happened, but I can already share the joyful news that I have successfully completed my bachelor's degree. 🥳 I received the notification right on July 1. I'm totally fine with the result of my bachelor’s thesis, even though I feel it could have been a bit better. 😉😄 Thus, I’m concluding my studies with a solid 2.2.

Another piece of good news is that I have been offered a place in the master’s program (M.A. in Multimedia Production). 😃 I also applied for a TV internship, for which I had an interview at the end of June. I should know by July 22 whether they will accept me or not. However, that would involve moving again since the internship would be in Mannheim and start on September 1.

I’m feeling a bit up in the air right now and asking myself some questions. What is the right path? What would I do if both options were available to me? How would it even work out with moving and terminating my current job and apartment in such a short time? And then I reflect on what it says in 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you.” It’s reassuring that I can surrender all of this and trust God will show me the right path, and that doors will open and close as they should. And if not, He leaves us the freedom to choose and walks with us down whichever path we take (of course, I'm hoping I won't have to make a decision 🙈). Because for me, there are pros on one side and cons on the other for both locations. I will definitely keep you updated! In the next blog post, you will know whether I will stay in Ansbach for another 1 1/2 to 2 years or take a chance on a fresh start in Mannheim. 🤓

So, I'm not just dealing with this situation, but also with two other things that are on my mind right now. For one, there have been some disagreements between me and my church. I find myself wondering why, and why now, when I might not be in Ansbach much longer anyway? 😅 Then I thought I would be better off letting go of the final getting-to-know-you phase. Spoiler: It’s not easy to let go of something that has meant a lot to you. But sometimes you need to look after yourself and see if you can handle what’s being thrown at you or not. In this case, it wasn't sufficient, but that doesn't mean that something wasn't beautiful or significant.

Do you know that

The day before yesterday, I arranged to meet Louis and Selin in the evening via Nomadtable (a backpacker app). We had a few beers together and decided that the next day we would rent a car and visit some secluded beaches south of Thessaloniki.

Selin has been in Thessaloniki for half a year on Erasmus and knew a few local spots.

The day was really nice, and again I met completely different people. Louis was a paramedic with many stories, and Selin shared quite a bit about her 'commune' in Frankfurt and living together in a group.

We were out all day, from 9 in the morning until midnight, and it was great.

Today, I joined an organized tour from the hostel to the Upper Town and paid with a lot of sweat for a fantastic view of Thessaloniki.

Next, we're heading to the harbor for the sunset, and later Germany will play its third group game. And tomorrow morning, we're off to Mount Olympus for canyoning!

It really isn't boring at the moment.

Day #56

Thursday, June 25th.

From Edessa to

Country: Greece

Everything has stayed dry, so I can continue packing a lightweight tent.

After breakfast, we head out, first I have to push again, the incline forces me to.

It's a great feeling to retrace the same path.

At least now, after leaving Edessa behind, I have a clear view of the surrounding mountains.

After the mentioned village, I pass through fruit orchards.

Especially the cherries look tempting and eventually I must give in to my craving and commit petty theft; a few fruits will be fine.

At the next opportunity, I ask a fruit farmer if I may pick some cherries, which he agrees to.

While I'm still plucking individual fruits, he comes over and becomes quite energetic about it, so I soon have both hands full and a problem with storing everything.

Fortunately, I have a bread bag that is now well filled.

As I pass through a village, I can fill my bottles at the well.

A group of boys and men is very interested in my bike and me.

Once again, it is helpful that I can show them a printed map of my approximate route.

One is very happy that I will soon be riding through Albania, as he comes from there.

Then it’s steeply uphill again, and along the way, I stop now and then to pick a few cherries from one of the many trees.

I've developed a taste for them.

First, Felix the rabbit runs past me so fast that I can only shout a greeting after him.

Shortly afterwards, I see a turtle crossing the road much more slowly.

In nature, it may have proven wise to hide one's head in the shell at signs of danger, but where cars drive, that’s a bad idea. So, she is briefly displaced and I set her down on the other side in the grass.

It continues through fruit orchards, and at a cherry tree by the roadside, I go in for a big harvest and fill a whole bag.

All day long, I've been marking my way with cherry pits.

The scenery alternates, bringing forests and mountains.

I'm already feeling exhausted from the inclines, which intensifies significantly when I see a bear.

I hear crashing in the underbrush, and when I look to the right, I catch a glimpse of him as he seeks to escape.

Fortunately, because usually accidents happen when animals are startled by humans.

As frightening as the situation was, it also has something good since it ended well.

On one hand, I know I’m back in bear territory, so I start ringing my bike bell every few meters.

Or I talk nonsense to myself, trying to generate some attention.

I keep hearing gunshots echoing from the mountain slopes.

I can only speculate that there is a connection.

As I continue to work my way up, the sky gets darker and there’s a downpour.

After some consideration, since the climb is exhausting, I decide to put on my rain gear.

It has definitely gotten cooler, and I will definitely stay drier this way.

After the climb comes the descent, which is delightfully winding.

As I pass a church, the rain has almost stopped, and I seize the opportunity to finally take a break.

It turns into a longer pause, during which I take care of my provisions and the reports from the last two days.

It also takes a bit longer because some places are too small and unknown to be accurately displayed on the map.

From then on, it’s a slight up and down, allowing me to cover a few more kilometers and to quickly approach the Bulgarian border.

While I'm happily pedaling down the road, a snake crosses my path.

It hisses at me once and then disappears into the underbrush.

Slowly, I feel like I'm in the zoo, and my need for wild animals is sufficiently satisfied.

The transition goes quite quickly and smoothly.

Then it occurs to me that I absolutely need a new eSim.

Since I'm near the border post, I can still use the Greek network when a bikepacking couple comes by and we chat.

It’s already early evening, and it’s time to look for a camping spot, so we decide to tackle it together.

Internet can wait; companionship is worth more.

Soon we find a nice spot in a meadow, and once everything is set up, it’s time to cook.

For me, it's the first time on the tour.

Pasta with broccoli sauce.

Lotti and Valle have been on the road since November, first through West Africa, then in Turkey, and now heading northeast. So we exchange experiences and stories.

It’s a very cozy gathering until it’s time for bed.

Fortunately, I quickly got a hotspot and can text Jenni that I'm doing well.

This is still important to me, and I can crawl into my sleeping bag with peace of mind.

Good night.

Song of the day:

Jason Bartsch - Son of Anarchy

Day #55

Wednesday, June 24th.

From Thessaloniki to Edessa

Country: Greece

What annoying mosquitoes ... It was so bothersome that I had a restless sleep until three o'clock and itched like crazy.

Although I didn't hear any and wondered if there were other critters around.

It got better after I used the mosquito spray. Maybe I was just so tired that I slept like a log.

Then, after a short night, pack all my things, have a quick breakfast, and there will be a late start.

The traffic is lively, and we head out of the city on expressways.

When I take a short break, a Greek stops shortly after; I think he thinks I'm crazy for my trip.

There is a bit of rain, which had already hinted at itself by the smell, but it is manageable.

I must be skirting the weather boundary.

However, the humidity is very high and somewhat uncomfortable.

There is a historical site on my route, of which there are several around here that I am heading for.

At the indicated point, there may have been an entrance once; the parking sign still exists, but everything here has grown over.

Since I don't feel like looking for another entrance, I just take a break and then continue on.

On the way, I pass a large supermarket earlier than expected and properly load my bike again. This prepares me for the further journey and makes me independent.

The mountains are approaching again, or rather I am getting closer, along with the border to North Macedonia.

A steep incline awaits to be conquered; the thought of Baldwin Street comes to mind after the comparison has been made. The display is slightly above that.

It passes by a huge waterfall that rushes down between the trees over the rocks.

Surprisingly, I manage to reach Edessa, which is situated just above.

It seems to be a popular holiday resort and a pretty little town.

Understandably, it's beautifully located in the mountains, and the rushing water adds to its charm.

From above, there is a magnificent view into the plain and onto the mountain slopes.

And onto dark rain clouds that are approaching.

The wind picks up and it quickly becomes darker.

People become frantic, as one knows when a thunderstorm is coming.

Following the principle of hope, I continue along the route, hoping to find an abandoned building or another well-sheltered place where I can set up camp.

However, it only goes uphill, and it remains mountainous until the next town.

Everything is unsuitable.

An old man in the village indicates to me that it makes no sense to stay on my route.

There is nothing ahead.

To understand that, his body language, the look towards the sky, and his emphatic words are sufficient, and so I first return to the center of the village to think through my options.

In the meantime, heavy rain has started, a storm has arisen, and thunder echoes through the mountains.

Ultimately, I reluctantly decide, due to the uncertainty ahead, to return the way I came.

Just below the waterfall, I saw a kind of dilapidated hut that I am now heading for.

Since it is downhill, the six kilometers go quickly, and I arrive completely soaked.

The branches lying on the road confirm that my decision makes sense.

The space in the shelter, which resembles a garage the most, is a little smaller than I saw while passing by, and rain comes through the wall, causing part of the floor to be wet.

However, it will provide me with sufficient protection, and the tent fits in as well.

Just to be safe, I set it up completely with the outer shell.

When a branch crashes down nearby, I'm glad about my decision.

So, I have a relatively dry and safe place for the night and can go to sleep relaxed after dinner.

Song of the day:

Amigo the Devil - Hungover in Jamestown

Day #54

Tuesday, June 23rd.

From Evangelistria to Thessaloniki

Country: Greece

The night was good, no one complained about my presence.

Well, maybe they did, but I didn't notice it.

People seem to be really relaxed here.

Unlike when greeting, where people are usually very reserved.

It looks somewhat exhausting how fixed their gaze is straight ahead.

Maybe I’m just too spoiled from Turkey.

Hornets and other flying insects make me quickly pack up my camp and move a few meters away to pack and have breakfast.

I much prefer the butterflies that settle on my belongings.

Finally, I know which fruits I picked up in Istanbul; they were mulberries. I now have them in dried form in my fruit mix for breakfast.

I already tackled the steepest climbs last night, so today’s tour through the mountains remains strenuous but manageable.

Unfortunately, the descents mostly go straight down, so they are boring and, above all, far too quick.

At least I am covering a few fast kilometers, as the heat is quite intense.

After one last mountain stage, Thessaloniki unfolds beneath me in the early afternoon.

The entrance somewhat reminds me of Istanbul, with multi-lane streets packed with traffic, scooters are back in the mix, and I am somewhere in between.

My first stop is the White Tower, the city's landmark.

After booking accommodations, I ride a bit further along the promenade.

This brings me closer to the part of the city where I saw on the map that there is a bike shop.

So I make a quick detour there and I'm lucky; they have side mirrors.

Check-in works wonderfully smoothly, and the first thing I do is load the washing machine.

For the shower, I have to press the head and wait for warm water anyway.

This is already a known routine.

Since the programs are obviously listed in Greek, I select 30 degrees and 600 spins; it should be fine.

The apartment has a covered rooftop terrace with a clothes dryer.

It's reassuring to let the clothes dry there, as dark clouds are rolling in and it has already been humid throughout the day.

After the necessities are taken care of, I set off on foot to explore the city.

At first, I found it hard to connect with the city; the traffic was too annoying.

That eases with time, and I see some beautiful corners.

During my tour, I spend a long time on the phone with Juri and later with Jenni, and it's nice to have social contacts.

Of course, it was already after midnight when I finally got into bed, and now I need to go to sleep quickly.

Interim Report:

It’s nice to see how far I’ve come so far and it feels great to see it on the map.

I've now covered just over 5000 km, and the bike is starting to creak.

We need to hold out a bit longer; my body is doing well aside from the occasional injury.

Losses:

Shoe covers

X bananas

Two donuts and a cucumber

Rear derailleur broken, but luckily that happened in Istanbul and could be repaired.

Brake replacement in Bucharest was a predictable necessity.

Always found suitable camping spots; something always comes up.

So far, there have been many nice encounters, and I look forward to the rest of the journey and am curious about what awaits me.

Song of the day:

Sebastian Sturm - Time

I've arrived well in Thessaloniki and the hostel is very nice. I'm excited to see what I'll experience here in the next few days.

Tomorrow, I will continue early to Skopje, and then there will be regular updates again.

Day #53

Monday, June 22nd

From Krinides to Evangelistria

Country: Greece

The night was good, even though the intersection was surprisingly busy.

But I felt safe, even though I assume I was seen.

It's really just a matter of probability.

The day begins for me shortly after sunrise, and the first thing I do is set up my tent and pack everything away.

Then I calmly focus on my breakfast, the table is set.

Including a candle that I found among all the collected trash.

The attempt to leave as few traces as possible, despite the Locard principle.

Or at least to leave the place cleaner than I found it.

Moreover, I'm very happy about the oatmeal that Nathan gave me yesterday.

Finally again.

It's often the small gestures that make the difference and put a smile on your face at the start of the day.

In the meantime, I'm trying to catch up on the travel reports, but I'm still behind.

Due to yesterday's route change, I spare myself the drama and head directly towards Thessaloniki.

On a dirt road, I should have known better and stayed on the main road; I would have traveled a longer distance and still been faster, but a small repair on the front pocket is necessary. The holder needs a new zip tie.

I turned a screw too tight some time ago. And as they say, what’s tight comes loose.

Partly on secondary roads, partly on expressways, it's a rise and fall.

Water spots are welcome opportunities to take a break and refill the bottles.

A long break comes after a longer ascent under olive trees.

Even though I have to carry the weight of food up the hill, my head is in the game and wants the reward only after the effort.

The landscape is rather unremarkable and passes through the plain, past numerous sunflower fields.

These create colorful accents, along with pink flowering shrubs at the roadside.

So it continues until Serres.

There, I first sit in a café, my body desperately needs caffeine.

Or a break, due to the heat.

In the city, I also take the opportunity for a big shopping trip.

Stocking up on oatmeal and other staples.

And from then on, it gets really nice.

Following a quiet country road, I continue towards the mountains, which become more pronounced against the blue sky.

One of the sprinklers in the fields reaches to the road and provides a welcome refreshment for a short time.

There's little traffic and the ride can be enjoyed.

Until a kilometer-long steep ascent to conclude the day.

As usual, I had just been shopping.

Looking up, I eventually spot a church and wonder if my luck lies there.

But upon arrival, I realize that it is located in a village.

And since I can’t ask anyone if I can stay there, I continue on.

A short while later, I come to a kind of chapel.

The view is magnificent, and after I pick up some litter, I enjoy dinner with a view of the surrounding mountains.

Then I set up my camp beside the road, trusting that while wild camping is technically illegal, it is tolerated as long as practiced considerately.

I'm certainly quieter than a passing motorcycle.

Apart from a swarm of mosquitoes, no one takes notice of my presence, and I can go to sleep relaxed.

Song of the Day:

Trepalium - Moonshine Limbo

Tag #52

Sunday, June 21st.

From near Glykoneri to Krinides

Country: Greece

These were chaotic dreams of aggressive Minotaurs.

Very quirky and vivid.

After all, it’s fitting for Greece, even if Crete is far away.

Otherwise, the night was quiet, and I slept quite well, with no back pain to report.

Coincidentally, after I changed the route yesterday for some reasons, I find myself almost exactly on the actual path and I continue my journey westward.

Continuing on country roads gives me the opportunity to admire the landscape.

The upcoming nature reserve is very beautiful.

Wide bodies of water where birds circle above, on an island stands a solitary church.

Accessible via a wooden walkway that looks quite wobbly from a distance.

Seems to work considering the number of tourists.

In the distance, the mountains rise.

Otherwise, the day remains rather uneventful; occasionally I pass by a village.

And it still holds true, following the route is sometimes a wrong decision.

Since it should go along a river valley, I turn back once more, hoping for shade and perhaps some cooling down. At first, I wanted to just follow the main road.

The beginning of the path is also very beautiful, then I find myself in front of a green wall.

So I turn back again and return to the main road.

Just a few kilometers before Kavala, I meet two bikepackers coming towards me and we greet each other.

For a moment I think it would have been nice to chat with them, but the moment passes quickly, and I continue on.

In the city, it’s time to take a break and get out of the sun, so I head for a tree on the waterfront promenade.

There sits Nathan, munching on his muesli, a bikepacker from Germany, on his way to Eastern Turkey and much further.

We chat for a long time and share our experiences.

His astonishment that I am married highlights how special the support I receive from Jenni is while I explore Europe.

In hindsight, I think it would have been nice to go into the water, but it’s also good as it is.

The exchange also relaxes me regarding my further journey, as Nathan is coming from the north.

The last few days I’ve felt somewhat rushed since I’m still missing an overview of the remaining kilometers along the Trans Dinarica to Tolmin.

I will deal with that in the coming days when I’m in Thessaloniki.

I briefly consider adjusting my route, but I stick with the northern path as it was recommended, since there is less traffic there.

However, there are more elevation gains that I will tackle after continuing on.

At a gas station, where I refill my water supplies, a local speaks to me; a friend of his is currently traveling in Kyrgyzstan.

Of course, by bicycle.

He also gives me a recommendation for my dinner, and I head to the next place, Krinides.

From there, I then decide to go directly towards Serres, as the route on the map looks better in terms of potential camping spots.

After a few kilometers, I find a good spot: under a large tree, there’s a bench, and behind it, there’s an area that looks very suitable.

First, I have dinner again since I am basically always hungry, before I set up my tent at dusk and say goodbye to the day.

Song of the Day:

Mirar - Oslo

Tag #51

Saturday, the 20th of June.

From Feres to near Glykoneri

Country: Greece

The day starts with breakfast on the balcony, the sun is already blazing.

No wonder, it's already quite late, but I needed my sleep after yesterday's exertions.

After leaving the village, I go over bumpy dirt paths. Of course.

And eventually end up on a trail.

Nice that there's a road sign here indicating that the path is narrowing.

It's something to behold.

I'm briefly annoyed since there are many opportunities here where I could have set up my tent.

And I find myself again thinking that the shower was worth its weight in gold to wash off the tar.

Once I've overcome that, I pass by a beekeeper who can probably only shake her head at this crazy bike traveler.

From then on, it continues along the roads, and I have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

In Alexandroupolis, a charming port town, I see a supermarket.

And I know one should take advantage of opportunities, but it's only noon, I still have some supplies, so I continue on.

A mistake, as it will turn out.

The route then takes me through a kind of holiday village. Another trap, so time to turn back.

This happens again shortly after, when I end up in front of a staircase.

The paths through the olive groves are beautiful.

When I arrive back at the coast, I take the opportunity and go for a swim.

Wonderful to cool off in the water.

Along the coastal road, I continue, passing the beach vacationers.

Until I reach a sign that says 'Road Closed'.

Well, I must take a closer look and form my own opinion.

Due to the mountains, I'm also apprehensive about looking for a detour.

Good decision, since I drive over solid ground through the mountains.

It's a bit like a fairytale, and the landscape is beautiful.

To my left is the sea, to my right the mountain slopes with huge polished rock blocks, and the road winds right through the middle.

Maybe I’m lucky it’s the weekend.

In any case, I'm completely alone here, and the only person I encounter for kilometers is a shepherd with his herd of goats.

While I’m standing by a waterhole and still contemplating whether to trust this entire situation, the herd comes clanging down the slope.

Since I'm now running low on food and the water is dwindling, I fill up a bottle.

Even though I doubt the quality a lot.

Let’s see what I do with it.

Then I reach the coast again and wonder where the locals go shopping.

In the villages, there are certainly no supermarkets.

At another waterhole, I refill my bottles.

Just to be safe, since the water comes cold from the hose, but the pipe seems very suspicious, I prefer to use my SteriPen.

That’s why I have it with me, to neutralize bacteria and viruses.

Let’s wait and see how I feel tomorrow.

My grumbling stomach, and as I approach nature reserves, and it’s already evening, I adjust my route to aim for a campsite in Farnas.

Moreover, I’m indicated a supermarket there.

On the way, there’s a sign that says something like 'Warning, water on the road'. It’s so warm, what water could possibly be here.

As I turn the curve, I see that a river flows over the road. So what is it supposed to mean 'if'.

The motto is to take a run-up and go through, and so I end up with wet shoes. In this case, it’s somewhat refreshing.

Along the way, I then realize that it’s Saturday. So everything will be closed tomorrow.

Additionally, my last banana falls onto the road, and I quickly stuff the pieces into me.

The campsite is closed.

And apparently for a while now.

Fortunately, I’m lucky and the supermarket, as you know it from holiday villages, is still open despite the late hour, so I can stock up generously.

The app indicates a spot for wild camping, which I’m heading to now.

On the way, I see a small grove in the distance, so I head over the fields there.

It’s already quite dark.

Upon arrival, I decide that I want to stay here.

Luckily, I've practiced setting up my tent enough by now, so I manage it even without light.

It gets exciting when I hear a wild boar nearby.

And then see it in the moonlight.

Calmly, I talk some nonsense and walk slowly backward.

It seems to consider what to do next and decides to retreat.

Unpleasant, but it ended well, and I can now focus on my dinner.

Due to many thorns, I decide to leave out the air mattress.

Better to consciously lie on the ground for one night than to have many unpleasant nights in the future.

Besides, there’s straw here ... Or something like that.

Song of the Day:

Circus Contraption Band - We're all mad