Oct 22 - Letter Home

Dear Family

Sorry I have been so long in writing but was unable to find Aerograms in Yugoslavia or Italy and had trouble getting stationery. In addition I have been constantly moving night and day.

Well let me first describe Yugoslavia. It was a dream and a nightmare. I stayed in Maribor, just 40 miles from Austria, with the family of a sister of the girl I met in Germany. They live in a modern apartment building. Set among the poverty of the city it looked strange. However, they were quite well off. Next day I went on to Celje, the home of the girl (Petrin Tea). She was away at school so I stayed the night with her mother and aunt. Enjoying for another night the food and hospitality which characterizes Yugoslavia. The next day I set off gain through the beautiful mountains to Ljubljana, a large university town where Tea is at school (studying economics). I stayed in the dorm and saw the town and ate with her friends. A full hot meal in the student restaurant cost nine cents. Afterward we had a drink. My first vodka: 12 cents. Scotch, whiskey, brandy and hundreds of other drinks. The prices nine to 15 cents eaach. No wonder the Swedes, highest paid in Europe, vacation in Yugoslavia.

I regretted leqaving this incredibly low cost country, but loaded my bike in the Volkswagon bus of a friend, packed with six others and set off for a nighttime ride from Ljubljana to Trieste, Italy. Spent the night in Yugoslavia 20 km from Trieste with a student friend. Next day to Venice, Chapter 2.

WHen you're tired of the conventional, come to Venice. It's definately wild. The long trip from Trieste, 110 miles, forced me to get into Venice at 6 pm, long after the Sun had gone down. So I first saw colorfol Venice reflected in the warm Meditteranean Sea at night. I put my bike in a garage and took a boat to the youth hostel, with a new friend from Dublin. I had my first Italian pizza and wine. My first impression was that Joe Bianco [the owner of an Italian Restaurant in Lawton, Oklahoma] should come over here and show them how to make good pizza.

The next day - exploring beautiful Venice. It hasn't changed a bit in hundreds of years. We visited the old Duke Palace with some Indians from Kenya. That night, we listed to the bands play in San Marcos Platz. I say "we" because I'm seldom alone touring the popular cities.

The next morning off to Bassano. At the foot of the Italian Alps, in just above freezing weather, I spread my sleeping bag with my bare nose sticking into the chilly, starry night. From there I have come to Trento, further up in the mountains. Tomorrow Merano, the next day Switzerland.

Motivated by the fact that I am now on a near starvation budget, I have obtained addresses in Switzerland through the Scout Association (Right now, before going further, please call Butch Smith [my travel agent in Lawton] and tell him to send an Air Bahama return ticket to the address below. If he has already sent them somewhere, they will be returned, but send them here before November 20: American Express, 11 Rue Scribe, Paris France. Again I would like to return from Luxembourg to Nassau about five days before Christmas. Tell him this)

While I was in Venice I realized the gross folly of my attempting to see 14 countries in 120 days. I previously failed to see the majesty and culture contained in the large cities, a masterpiece of the country, and containing everything every other city in that country has. I hope to spend much time in Paris, London, Amerstam and Brussells soaking up the majesty those cities hold.

Incidently, In Ljubljana I had quite a long discussion with a Yugoslavian youth who is a communist and atheist. The effect of this talk in my undertanding of the world is expressed in an article I have penned "When East meets West."

The cycling is improving my physical condition each day. My old limits of 40-80 km (25-50 miles) were replaced when I did 177 km (110 miles) from Trieste to Venice. I had to raise my saddle, so my legs are growing noticeably. I can climb any grade less than 10 percent without a rest or stop. I could race up Mt Scott [this is located near my hometown]. Perhaps I will take up cycling as a hobby on returning. Certainly I'm much more interested in it as a family and social issue.

Coming from Yugoslavia to Italy was quite a shock. The prices are fantastic! And that's all that's fantastic about Italy. The children are rude, the auto drivers are like children on bicycles, and the stores are poorly stocked. Food prices are about 2/3 higher than in America, with taxes everywhere. I'll be glad to get out of this place.

The first thing I want when I get home is a good Italian meal at Bianco's with pizza, ravioli, spaghetti, garlic bread and wine.

I'm unsure of my dates, so please send all mail to American Express, 7 Rude du Mont Blanc, Case Postale 243, Geneva, Switzerland. I'll be there November 15. I'll send a complete and final list before I get there.

Love,

Mike