Breakfast Surprises in Denmark
On March 19, I decided to stay another night in Denmark. Heavy rain made cycling difficult, so I accepted the day as a chance to rest.
In the morning, my host asked, “What would you like for breakfast?” Half-joking, I replied, “Do you have any Japanese food?” To my surprise, they actually prepared some: rice with furikake, a fried egg, and coffee. When I added that I wanted to try something “Australian,” they brought out Vegemite.
For those who have tasted it, you know the flavor is strong and unique. I had expected something sweet, so the salty punch completely shocked me. It’s probably not an easy flavor for a Japanese tongue to embrace.
Writing Gratitude into Words
That day, I stayed indoors. Even without going out, I felt I should leave something behind other than just memories. So I sat down and wrote a letter.
Saying thank you in words is important, but writing it on paper feels more lasting, like a gift that stays behind. I wrote slowly, carefully, hoping my gratitude would reach my host. When I handed it over, they were deeply touched. That alone made my day.
A Quiet Day with Another Host
The next day, I moved to another host nearby, still within the Denmark area. The distance was short, but my body felt weak, so I lay down soon after arriving.
We shared dinner together, though I didn’t take any photos. Still, I realized not every moment of the journey has to be extraordinary. Quiet, simple days are just as valuable. Before leaving, I wrote another letter of thanks.
Each host I meet adds something to my journey, and leaving behind gratitude in writing feels like a way to honor that connection.
Toward Albany
On March 21, I left Denmark and set out for Albany. The scenery changed noticeably compared to earlier roads. Instead of passing through areas scarred by bushfires, I now cycled through lush greenery, with glimpses of the sea shining in between. Nature’s face changes completely depending on where you are, and it never fails to surprise me.
Arriving in Albany, I spotted a large supermarket for the first time in a while. Knowing I wouldn’t see one again soon, I stocked up: oatmeal, milk, and tuna cans—about 60 AUD in total. These would sustain me for the coming days.
After riding another 10 kilometers, I set up camp. The final stretch had been full of hills, exhausting me completely. Dinner was nothing more than a simple tuna can, but it was enough. I crawled into my tent before 6 p.m. and quickly fell asleep.
From tomorrow, the real challenge begins: the long road to Esperance. It will be one of the hardest parts of my Australian journey. Still, this too is part of travel. With determination, I’ll move forward.
