Wednesdqy Aug. 23rd 11.00 arrival in this European capital. After exactly 700 kms. In the company of a 48-yer-old guy from Purmerend in the Netherlands, who arrived at the campsite where I had pitched my tent at 23.00 at night. So I only noticed him this morning. He now will return home? since he has to start work again. Guess what: he is a teacher of retail trade at the ROC of Amsterdam. Such coincidence. We just said goodbye to each other after a nice but expnsive coffe under the cathedral. Torino is still very far, will probably take me another week. One important thing: it is sunny weather! I am coming back to life again. The last couple of days were boring and gloomy. A clouded sky and south of Mainz the landscape changed enormously; Between Cologne and Mainz the valley is mostly narrow, with every now and then old castles and fortresses from where the local medieval knights (warlords) would charge the passing travellers and boatpeople and ruled over their regions. Many very pittoresque old walled towns too. Romantic and thus touristic. After Mainz the valley is wide, boring, latge agricultural areas, big industrial sites and few villages where nobody seems to be about.Tomorrow I hope to arrive at the Swiss border. Hilly country aheqd, wonder how I will cope. See you again. Frans