Back in Time

[Fawlty]

Took a 50 mile ride this morning through the mountains, with a few twisties and narrow roads. Very enjoyable it was too, We had the first real rains yesterday since about June time, not really heavy, but steady and continual.

This morning was great, fresh and clear. It was a joy to be riding. I stopped after about 20 miles to take a few photos:










Twenty minutes later I stopped in a mountain village. There was only one bar and I called in for a coffee. As I pulled up outside the bar there was on old man sitting at one of the tables. I went to get my drink and then came back outside and sat with the old man. He told me that he was the bar owner and that he had owned the bar for 50 years. I said that he must have seen some changes during that time. He said that electricity and running water only arrived at the village in 1971. Prior to that they villagers had to rely on a well and use candles and oil lamps for lighting. There was no street lighting. Nobody in the village owned a car and there was no bus. He used to go the market for supplies, using a donkey and cart, which took 4 hours each way. Life was very hard.

We talked for about 20 minutes and he shook my hand as I was leaving and wished me a safe journey.

These days most of us have a lot to be thankful for in terms of creature comforts, and maybe it's because I'm now on the wrong side of 60, but 1971 doesn't seem that long ago to me.

A great ride and thought provoking one too!