the last full day on the costa cruise of the northern capitals
today not so much a capital but a large island called bornholm
part of denmark and a popular holiday destination for scandanavians
there are no mooring facilities for a large cruise ship at nexo
so we're piling into the lifeboats (tenders) and transported ashore
these craft are fully enclosed and can comfortably hold 80 people
a large logistical exercise to get all interested passengers over
once ashore it becomes apparent the town of nexo is apathetic
nobody to be seen offering anything least of all any transport
most shops closed and only one tiny cafe open - no pub in sight
the perplexed boat people jay-walking to the ire of the locals
some initiative required so some advice sought from the chemist
he points us in the direction of the anonymous information centre
they in turn direct us to the local marine goods supply store
and yes - thankfully - they do have some bicycles for hire
10 euro each and off we go - firstly south-west along the coast
it's been a while but it's true what they say about riding a bike
these ones are built for comfort including a forward mounted basket
even better - being part of denmark - cycle paths everywhere
we soon spot a cafe/smokehouse so pull in for a beer/coffee
first impressions - nice place - very clean, tidy and gentle
feeling confident enough on the bikes now to head inland
uphill but nothing too strenuous as we now go rural
past farms and large paddocks of crops and flowers
not a person or vehicle to be seen - feels deserted
suggesting even the houses out of town are for holidays
our map leads us safely around the road surrounding nexo
we cruise back downhill and see the queue for the return journey
a full 2 hours before required so it seems most have got bored
not much action in this town for those used to having it on demand
we now head north skirting the coast on a purpose built bike track
stopping at anything that catches our eye - a church, a beach, houses
there's more evidence of domestic bliss here too - but no recognition
not even a nod, wave or smile from any locals - we are obviously tourists
oh well nevermind - moving on - we're enjoying being pushbike tourists
a cruise to the next coastal town and back and then into the port
the queue is still too long so after abandoning bikes find a cafe
knock back a beer and then wait for the queue to shrink
last on board the last tender and back to the ship
bornholm - be happy to come back one day
a month or 2 of solitary confinement
i'd also be avoiding tourists
wonder why the visit today
all good - over and out...
