Our differing styles require mutual adjustment, but I would describe both of us as easygoing. He embodies spontaneity, while I tend to favor planning and goal orientation. We reach a compromise: I plan the route while considering weather and wind forecasts, and we make spontaneous adjustments when Martin spots beautiful gravel roads he prefers or when the perfect campsite appears before our planned destination.
Martin aims to camp every night or, if that’s not possible, to stay in the cheapest hostel available. I enjoy camping as well, but after a few days, I appreciate the comforts of having accommodations. Therefore, when I suggested visiting a massage therapist in Mostar, he jokingly labeled me a “bikepacking glamper,” referring to luxurious camping.
Our compromise for overnight stays involved camping most nights, treating ourselves to an apartment with a private bathroom and kitchen in Split, and staying in hostels in Zadar and Mostar - though not the absolute cheapest ones, as I value good reviews. However, a good review doesn’t always guarantee a pleasant experience. For instance, in Zadar on a Friday evening, we found ourselves in a tiny four-bed room, falling asleep to the thumping bass from a nearby club. Fortunately, we were tired enough to drift off despite the noise. In Mostar, we encountered a grumpy owner who spoke to us in Bosnian whenever something displeased her - even if it was just one of our bikes brushing against the wall. She always wore a scowl, didn’t speak English, and handed us her daughter on the phone for translation. Among ourselves, we referred to her as the "house dragon." At one point, she even mimicked Martin, and they nearly got into a confrontation.
