Epiphany

September 21, 2024

I’m eagerly anticipating the spectacular descent from the Stelvio Pass. In my opinion, there’s no road more breathtaking. That might change on this journey, though - who knows? Once you’ve seen it, the road leaves a lasting impression. The hairpin bends are tightly packed near the top, then the road gradually stretches out, offering a stunning view of the distant mountain panorama. I can’t stop marveling.

Each hairpin turn is numbered, so there’s no need to count to know there are 48 in total.

Only the true 180-degree curves are counted. Capturing the beauty of this road in photos is a challenge. The weather is unpredictable - a shifting play of light and shadow. As I descend with my drone flying above, I have to be cautious that it doesn’t return to its starting point, which it will do when the battery runs low. That would mean cycling back uphill. Thankfully, I manage to avoid that.

At the base, I spot a house surrounded by bones and stones. I stop to take a few photos and videos. "This is an open-air museum. It’s one euro to take pictures," says a voice behind me. It’s the owner and artist of the place. I realize I don’t have any euros, but he lets me pay the "entrance fee" with a Swiss franc, and we strike up a conversation. He collects bones from animals, stones, driftwood, and other natural materials in the forest. He even painted some of them. His name is Lorenz Kuntner, also known as "The One Who Speaks with the Breeze”. He has a saying or bit of wisdom for everything. Nature is his teacher, source of strength, and inspiration. It’s easy to believe he actually talks to the wind. His intuition guides him in everything he does, always and everywhere. Listening to and following one’s feelings is something many people have forgotten in today’s fast-paced, digitally distracted world. It’s something I consider essential for this journey.

Apparently, various TV crews have visited him. The unusual always draws interest. And he’s entertaining, with his constant quips and thought-provoking ideas. He once shared on TV that the rock behind his house, which he also painted, is a source of energy for him. The day after the show, he saw a young woman pressing herself against the rock, arms outstretched. When he asked what on earth she was doing, she said she was “recharging her energy.” We laugh. He has a great sense of humor.

“If you want to find yourself, you need to be alone,” he says, giving me something to think about.

Am I, through this journey, unconsciously trying to find myself? Honestly, I don’t know.

I’m simply following my heart, and my heart wants to take me to Africa by bike.

Will I find myself along the way?

His car is covered in sayings as well. One in particular stands out to me: "The beginning of all wisdom is wonder." Today has certainly been filled with wonder—from the mountains and the Stelvio Pass to meeting this man. But now I need to keep moving if I’m going to make it to Merano.

Paradise

Borders