A Rainy Morning and a Difficult Choice
The plan was to cycle from Ulladulla to Bomaderry, about 57 kilometers away. But when I woke, heavy rain poured down, turning the roads into dangerous traps. Friends warned me that the route was too slippery. Normally, my journey is always by bicycle. Yet I reminded myself—the true essence of this journey isn’t just about cycling, but about connecting with people. Rather than struggling alone in the rain, I chose to share the road with someone else.
Conversations in the Car
My host, Wombat, offered to drive me. The rain tapped on the windows in steady rhythm, while inside the car the air was filled with stories of his family. He spoke about his daughter, his son, and the moments that shaped his life. Listening to him, the half-hour ride became more than transportation—it became a journey of the heart.
What struck me most was his love for his family, deep and genuine. Sitting beside him, I thought, This man truly treasures happiness.
Arrival in Bomaderry and an Unexpected Interview
We arrived in Bomaderry, a small town where my journey for the day would pause. Saying goodbye, I carried with me the warmth of our time together. Encounters like these guide me forward as much as the roads themselves.
Soon after, I was approached by a local magazine for an interview. Even on a rainy day, my story found its way into print. Knowing that my journey might inspire someone else gave me a quiet sense of purpose.
Rainy Nights and a New Invitation
The rain showed no sign of stopping and was expected to last for several days. I wondered where to stay, when suddenly a follower reached out: “I live nearby—would you like to come over?” It was the first time I had moved directly from one host to another, carried along by kindness.
In their home, I took a hot bath and dried my hair with a dryer for the first time in weeks. These ordinary comforts—so easy to overlook in daily life—felt extraordinary on the road.
Dinner that night was Chinese food, full of flavor and generosity. The mountain of shrimp on the table surprised me, and for the first time in a while, I ate until I was full. Rainy days, too, can become a feast when shared with others.
