Wandering CrankWandering Crank

Biking the World one crank at a time

Prague – the city of architecture

by Nathan Molyneaux on category

Using the trains again, I managed to catch a direct train from Krakow to Prague.  The gruelling 6 hour train journey passes through some amazing countryside and quite a few post-Soviet towns.  I was joined on the first part by two Danish people who oddly enough spent most of the time talking in English.  They met in English class and have continued speaking English to each other ever since!  The second half was spent writing a blog and attempting to catch-up with how far I am behind!  For example I am writing this blog in Blonay, Switzerland!

I was staying in Sir Toby’s hostel just beyond the edge of the main city across the river.  It is a non-commercial hostel with the décor based on an old English stately home.  These are the best hostels to meet people and are usually run by people who like to travel.  I met a large group of Australians and British inter-railing through Europe.  There was a party atmosphere in this hostel, but luckily the bar was in the basement!

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Krakow and the horrors of the Nazis

by Nathan Molyneaux on category

Krakow is a different kind of beast to Wrocław.  Namely in size and less of the city was destroyed by The second world war.  The city was deemed too difficult to defend, meaning the buildings are in their original state. This is clearly shown in the main square which is stunning along with the cathedral and its trumpeter. Yes there are a team of people employed to play the trumpet every hour.

Much of the medieval parts of the city were destroyed, not through war but because the locals thought they were ugly.  However, part of the outer wall and some gates were saved by Professor Feliks Radwański. The Professor convinced the city leaders that the demolition would cause drafts, exposing the inhabitants to diseases!

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Poland – I’m glad I altered the journey

by Nathan Molyneaux on category

The ferry journey over form Karlskrona was a bit more eventful than expected.  The last time I was on a ferry I got the time difference mixed up. This combined with a few beers resulted in only 4 hours sleep and a day of cycling when I arrived!

This time I came prepared.  Get in, quick meal, beer, write journal and off to bed.  However, I was woken to loads banging coming from the adjacent room.  Not what you’re thinking! Someone was locked out.  A rather drunk Pole who had been at the nightclub on the boat and consumed the entire alcohol collection.  He could not wake his roommate, but evidently, he could the boat!  The ear plugs did not work.

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Crossing international borders – not expecting to write about Sweden’s

by Nathan Molyneaux on category , ,

This journey started as a quick conversation between Carwyn and I about my trip and visiting him in Malmö on my way.  My first visit since 2018.  I was initially going to take the train, the only way to get to Malmö from København.  You are not allowed to cycle over the bridge.  But since Carwyn and his partner Vernita had a boat, the conversation turned to a more adventurous way to cross.

As you’re being ridiculous and biking round the World, I feel I should be ridiculous and sail you across an international border.

Carwyn Jones, June 2022.

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There’s nothing like meeting friends.

by Nathan Molyneaux on category

Despite being away for 2 years, not much has changed.  The main changes are in the people I knew, most of the expats had moved home or to other parts of Denmark.  But the Danish friends had remained and especially the Mikkeller Running Club.  Making Danish friends whilst living in Denmark is difficult and really only possible through sports clubs. That is why the Mikkeller Running Club was a bit of a lifeline whilst I lived in Århus.

The club really helped when transitioning to a new country.  But first I headed over to my friend’s apartment in Ø, great name for tourists to learn.  I first met Rob watching rugby in Tir na Nog and we became friends immediately.  I guess there is something about the wit between Brits and New Zealanders which makes it easy to get along.

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