In no particular order:

The EU!

From my perspective, the Single Market delivers. Enough said.

What a huge river – for now

The Rhine (which, by the way, derives it’s name from Celtic origins – Renos) could, in the next 50 years, suffer reduction in volume of 30-80% due to climate change – or dry up completely ( according to the International Commission for the Hydrology of the Rhine Basin (CHR) and EUWID). We need to act faster on climate change.

Switzerland: by far, the most expensive country

A Club Sandwich- €38 !! (OK, it came with a few chips . . . I didn’t buy, needless to say, but a man beside me seemed quite happy)

A small bottle of (indifferent beer) – €8.70

A cup of black coffee (not even a cappuccino with a nice crema top) – €5.20 (the coffee was like dishwater)

In contrast, I found a lovely bakery (Netherlands) which supplied me with a wonderful coffee and an ApfelFlap (apple in puff pastry) for €4

And, in France, a tasting menu (4 courses) with matching wines – for €88 – was simply outstanding.

People – and “Things Working! . . . Jah!”

Things definitely worked. Reliably. Did what it said on the tin.

People? I won’t say sullen (although I had my fair share of BMWs?)

But was there a surfeit of smiles? Definitely not.

Or engaging conversation? No.

Was there craic of any sort? Damned if I could find it.

It does make me appreciate the natural friendliness at home.

I’ll add a postscript: in my final days, the Dutch have been really friendly and chatty (so different from their German neighbours – how does that happen?)

Bicycle paths EVERYWHERE – and not just tolerance but respect for cyclists

It has been a real pleasure enjoying good quality bike paths – away from cars and trucks. Especially the ones meandering through forests or along disused railways.

Minor beef: some paths descended to difficult gravel and, in one extreme case, not much more than a grassy path flanked by nettles on each side. (Ouch! Yes, I did get stung)

In the 1,517km, I can recall getting beeped at once (probably my fault too). Of course it helps when cyclists are separated from other road users but it made a nice change from the treatment meted out so often at home (Sorry, fellow Irish motorists)

Gratitude

To You, my readers: for following my adventures – and for all your lovely comments

Mr Weather – up to the second last day, 10 minutes of rain on the whole trip

Road workers: Not one puncture. Can barely spell the word pothole. Respect!

John Piggott of the Bike Rack (Cabinteely): who, 10 years ago, built me a special touring bike tailored to my needs. It is still going strong having served me on numerous trips:

– Vancouver to San Francisco,

– Dublin to Bordeaux,

– Wild Atlantic Way and around the N/E/SE equivalent,

– Gdańsk through Kaliningrad, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia to Helsinki,

– Bordeaux to Gibraltar (well, not quite – COVID took me out)

– and more besides.

And, not a single puncture on this trip (God Bless double Kevlar armoured tyres!)

And last, but not least, to Siobhan – for unquestioningly supporting my cycling adventures

Until the next adventure !!