Once again we had the pleasure of hosting a WarmShowers.org cross-country cyclist, this time a young man from Romania. We especially enjoy cyclists from outside the US because it gives us a chance to look into that country’s details on Google Earth and also on Wikipedia. It’s always nice to prep ourselves with geographical and demographic data before a visitors arrival.

For example we learned that Romania is just smaller than Colorado but has a population just in between Texas and New York at 20 million. I looked up cycling in Romania, specifically in Transylvania where he’s from, and read that “it’s so wonderful you need to come visit before it changes”. He was amused that I found that quote.

Simon came over on a J-2 visa (another interesting thing I learned, was how all the National Parks and resorts get their foreign staff for the high seasons), and that visa allows him to work 90 days and then travel for another 30 days. What was most interesting was that he’d been working in a bike shop in Delaware and that’s how he decided to cycle across the states. His original plan was to rent a car with friends, but between cost and quality of companions available, he chose to ride. If you look carefully at his baggage you’ll be able to notice that he’s carrying “more than I weigh”. His bike shop loaned him the bike and he’s carrying full camping and cold weather gear.

His route is from Los Angles to Delaware via Kentucky where he hopes to visit the famous Mammoth Cave. He’s a caver. Super 24-year-old young man just graduated with a masters in Hydrology, “but there aren’t any jobs because only the Government hires hydrologists and the government is broke”.