May 10, 2024

My knee’s not doing great. It’s swollen and sore. It feels like I’ve lost control over the muscles, like my leg might just give out underneath me. Very wobbly. Hmm… not good. It doesn’t seem serious, but pushing on right now wouldn’t be smart.

I weigh my options. What should I do? It’s a cold day, and sitting still outside just isn’t pleasant. I check my phone to see if there’s any place to sleep nearby—and yes, as if it were meant to be! Less than two kilometers away there’s a hotel with a good deal. A room for €54, breakfast included. I can’t pass that up. A full day of rest it is.

Strangely, I’m not disappointed or worried about this little setback. It just is, and I adjust to the new reality as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I hobble into the hotel around 1 p.m., and I’m allowed into my room right away—an extra bit of luck. After a long (and very welcome) shower, I wash some clothes and reorganize my gear. Even my Wheelie’s wheels get a shower. I clean them and apply some WD40—good maintenance is key to longevity, they had told me back in the workshop in Gasselternijveen, Drenthe, where I visited with my dad.

Then it’s a reading and writing day. Although I originally planned to travel anonymously, I now decide to start sharing my journey on Instagram. I still don’t really understand how it all works, so it’s a good time to figure it out.
And wow, I’m really enjoying this day. Outside it’s unpleasant, but I’m cozy in my own bubble. I don’t leave the room and eat at the desk.

My knee still hurts, but it’s getting better by the hour. I’m hopeful that this rest day will be enough to get me back on track soon. Life is good. It really is!