One year anniversary in Panama
I and the bike have been a couple for a year now. In the beginning of our journey in North America, our relationship felt very fresh as we were paving new ground together. Our path through Central America has strengthened us into a symbiotic team. We are now an inseparabel duo of flesh and blood, metal and rubber. After almost loosing the bike, when I got robbed, I have been thinking about what this phase of my life would be without it. Right now the bike is what brings me forward and lets me gather strength to reach even further.
I have been a demanding partner and in Panama I am criss-crossing from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. I steer the bike with its rusty handlebar over the mountains, I am rolling down to sea level on tires that cover patched up tubes and I slow down in the traffic of Panama City with worn-out break cables. The bicycle is still sturdy however and so is our relationship. Our one year anniversary is celebrated with a vacation on a sailboat between Central America and South America. The bike rests under a piece of plastic while tied on deck, while I relax on tiny islands and in the big ocean. After four fabulous days we reach Colombia and I am looking forward to continue this happy life with a bike in South America.
This is a declaration of love to my bicycle. I know that it is only a bike, but for me it is also the means to steer in the direction of my dreams, to hit the breaks for new experiences and feel the winds of freedom in my hair. The bike is also a companion that has remained for an entire year. There has been many amazing people along the way, but our time together always run out. And the time that passes without the ones that I miss always feel too long. So, this is also a declaration of love to the ones that I met and the ones that I left behind, during a year on the road from Canada to Panama.
Peace
Wow, i’m amazed at everything you’ve done, also at everything i haven’t. Perhaps i should’ve taken a bicycle and joined you.
Where are you now?
As you’ve probably guessed, i’m still in San Pedro, working at the health food store. Our dear friend Luke has taken his adventures to a new and different world. I’m sure we’ll see him again in another form, but will we recognise him? Perhaps we’ll see eachother sooner. Whatever happens, take care of yourself and that lovely machine. Congradulations, and happy anniversary! i Love you and miss you…….Huck
ps. you are one hell of a photographer!
Huck, I am so glad to hear from you and so sad to hear about Luke. He was special. I have been hoping to see the two of you coming up behind me on that big motorbike machine of yours, Luke with dog-goggles covering his kind eyes and you with a tea-tree-toothpick in your smiling mouth. I am still hoping that we will share the road at some point. I ll miss you until then.
Happy anniversary Anna!
Luis González-Mena.
Reducing, Reusing,
Recycling and CYCLING.
Thank you Luis,
Hoping to see you in Ecuador.