In case you’ve been wondering… I’ve been back on the road/trail/ border for about ten days now and I am going to need a MAJOR writing retreat to tell you about all I have seen and heard, and (especially) about the incredible people I have met – including two mayors of small towns along the former border, a bike mechanic with a great attitude, a woman who took a leap of faith and bought an old mill, a former police officer who started a Stammtisch (regular meeting over beer) with former border officers from East and West, and the founder of the Green Belt, with whom I spent an amazing day walking around some of the woods, fields, and swamps that are now preserved thanks to his foresight and skillful action.
The days have been packed with biking, meeting with the above-mentioned incredible people, and lots of logistics (finding provisions and accommodations, researching and adjusting routes, occasional bike repairs). I promise I will write more soon, but for now I want to offer you this excellent and timely video about the Berlin Wall, construction on which was begun 56 years ago tomorrow (August 13, 1961).
Hi Kerstin – would be interesting to see if you hear any editorials by those you meet about our new order here at home in the USA. Do others ask you about your view of our current government? Love your updates! Ted, Shelburne
Hi Ted,
I’m glad you are reading along and enjoying my updates!
I’ve had only a few comments about the situation in the U.S. – maybe because I don’t always mention my U.S. life, and probably also because I am usually asking a lot of questions. One of the comments I’ve had when the other person did know about my U.S. life was more of a question or wonderment, along the lines of “What is going on there?”. The other was from a guide at a border museum who made satirical comments about many things, and said (glancing in my direction) “I am not naming particular countries” after making a comment about how developments in the world sometimes turn backwards.
Hi Kerstin,
Thank you for sharing the Berlin Wall video, which was very informative. In the meantime, it sounds as though you have been engaged in many very meaningful encounters with people, and I very much look forward to your future postings about them.
Hugs,
Gerard
Strikingly beautiful project! from death strip to green belt… From man made frightening division into nourishing natural life protecting numerous species. And containing stories that you uncover! I love reading them and I am with you in spirit and hope to see you soon i r l.
:)/Katarina
Stockholm
Tack så mycket Katarina! So glad you are traveling along!