Wednesday July 11, 2007

 

DATE: Wednesday July 11, 2007
ROUTE: Szolnok, Hungary to Csongrad, Hungary
DISTANCE: 46 miles
TIME: 3h 25m
CEG: 297’
WEATHER: sunny 70s

Well, we deserved it: sunshine and a short, flat route. Throw in a ferry ride as a bonus and you have a mighty fine day! We rode past fields of corn and sunflowers. Nancy insisted that I post a picture of me on my Lightning P-38 thinking some of you out there don’t know what I look like cycling down the road. Dan the Van Man emerged from the SAG wagon and tested his ankle. He had a good ride and is hoping to get stronger every day. Our hotel is rather strange but totally intriguing. The host and hostess greeted us personally and plan an outdoor feast for dinner tonight. The goulash looks pretty darn good!

I will just admit that the story I am about to tell pales in comparison to what actually took place. But I will attempt to give an accurate, though condensed version of the events that will surely become ExperiencePlus lore for years to come.

Desperately Seeking Underwear

Starring Michele Boglioni and Monica Malpezzi Price

The story so far: As you may recall, Michele had his suitcase stolen in Warsaw. He was left with the clothes on his back … which happened to be only suited for cycling. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Michele and Monica are sweethearts. They not only look after us, but also imbue the group with the sweetness of young love. Conveniently, they are also nearly the same size. As only could be expected, Monica loaned Michele the clothes he needed until they could go shopping. She only balked at loaning him her underwear. A lover’s quarrel? Of course not! How could Monica refuse Michele’s impassioned request and desperate need. Michele would wear feminine underwear just until they could remedy the situation. Easier said than done. You have seen in previous posts the pictures of Michele struttin’ his stuff in his new duds. What you cannot possibly know is that he could not find underwear to his liking. “Too expensive” Michele would say day after day. I, for one, wondered what discussions were taking place behind closed doors. I stopped asking after about a week thinking that there may be things about Michele better left unknown.

Now … the final episode: As you can see from the pictures of our dinner last night, everyone was having a wonderful time. Wine and schnapps were part of the great goulash feast. In an unbridled moment, I asked the question that had been plaguing me for weeks: “Michele, whose underwear are you wearing tonight?” With a devilish smile, he told the story of finally finding and buying underwear. It involved roadblocks at every turn. Monica supported him every step of the way. I will not dilute their story by trying to retell it here. Just let me conclude that Michele is a persistent and intrepid shopper, and Monica will be nominated for sainthood soon. The evidence of his success is clear in the accompanying photo. Monica has her intimate apparel back --- maybe just a little worse for the wear.

Thanks to Rick and David for sharing their pictures

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