part 14 The aftermath

time is now
This part is not describing our journey but serves as an overview of some maybe important things on our journey.
Before the trip, we had some fear of all this, but we carefully planned everything and in every situation have a plan B in case of problems.
We joined European Motto Union (Croatia auto club) in case we have problems, for example, towing service and more. They are providing help all over European union. Also we took the extra insurance and a European health card. The head is only one with no substitute, and on journeys you never know when you will need them.
On the way we didn't use GPS, nor we have it, nor we want it, and we took a Italy road map, which we used only once, but not because we lost.
The whole preparation for the trip we did using the Internet, where we planned the routes and watch the places and the important crossings.The whole time we were driving following the signs and we didn't get lost once.
Sicily is definitely worth to visit, and maybe best way is with bike because you have parking places all over Sicily for them, If you go with car there could be problem for parking, because local people don't have enough for them.
We drove about 2200 km in 10 days of travel. All in all for beginners in bike trips (bottom of the food chain) in my opinion is quite decent. Some things we could have done better and some we did better than planned. We were not rushing and speeding, and we really enjoyed every moment.
We filmed and recorded most of our journey and brought home more than 70 GB of videos, drive lapses and photos.
On my you tube channel Drifter206 we uploaded the whole trip (from cut pieces) with 25 parts. Hope you like it.
I personally love travels of all types, and I have role models such as world wide known Stipe Božić (Croatian climber who climbed all highest mountains on every continent including Mt Everest on western ridge plus 6 second highest mountains on every continent), or legend like late. Željko Malnar who wrote and filmed masterpieces like ride to India during seventies, and so on. Upon return we wanted to write something similar that will serve others in many ways.
The main reason of this travel is that without any exaggeration we present our images and story of our trip. If it takes to be long as is took, so be it. It is much better to write more than to write "We went to Sicily, It was fun and got back home".
Another reason is that through this or similar travels we encourage other people who for some reasons have a barrier that hinders them in such matters, for example, fear of traffic, language, young children, the lack of money or other things. Of course everything is subjective and do not take this the wrong way. Some people don't like to travel. I say ok, that's fine with me.
The third reason is to promote this type of travel and life in general. Our old local story say "One who travels have less, but know more". That is true.
During our trip we met lot of people, and in some things we changed our perspective from the previous thoughts. Now I think and I can say without any fear that Italians and Italy is a great nation and great country with some of the finest places and things in world (we already have been to Italy before), even they are now in difficult economy situation (like all the world), people are truly nice.
I must note that this was written from our perspective, the current situations, events, and is simply subjective transfer from our thoughts, and all that we have mentioned in this trip consider them as guidelines. If you are planning a trip, organize yourself in your own way.
We have to thank all the people we met along the way, and we did not have any unpleasant situation during the trip, perhaps because we are not burdened with stupid things.
Now we fully understand and accept the vision of life for bikers worldwide.
Sand from Etna after our return we put in small plastic containers, took them to school and gave them to each child in the class of our Ivan. We gave a teacher a stone. The children were thrilled, at least they briefly forgot about the video games and the TV.
In the end we have to mention and say to all "our people" who managed to keep their fears inside when we took this trip, and also those who were relieved when we got back. Big Thank you.
In the end I have to mention and remember with gratitude for me one of the greatest "idols" in motorcycle world, late. Davor Stahor "Dado" and also Dora Stahor "Teka" who sparked my passion for riding.
We are aware that this kind of trip in nothing comparing to the RTW trips but for the beginners it's pretty solid entry to the beautiful world of people and their passion for riding. "Up the Irons"
This trip is dedicated to our son Ivan, to see one day how his "old parents" used to be cool.

to be continued... on some other occasion, or trip.
Safe travel and live well.
Antun and Lucija Burdelez

p.s. happy holidays to all