10-16 Day 98 (A few thoughts about friendship)

Sorry for getting a bit sappy

What I’ve read from all of you

Over the past 6 days, I’ve had some very difficult nights, and the days have not been any easier. I’ve faced tough decisions, and spent time in a Chinese hospital, trying to communicate to doctors who think differently, use a different language, and operate on a completely different patient care model than I am used to. Throughout this time, I’ve received support from near and far, and it is, to a large extent, this support that made all of this easier.

As I laid in my hotel room, my fellow riders were delivering tea, bananas, medications, drugs and other things, all in an effort to make me more comfortable. From afar, my family sent TXT messages, called me on the phone, and sent emails, all of which show how much they care about me, and that I had their full support, regardless of what I needed.

And finally, the support from all of you. Some of whom I’ve known my whole life and others, whom I’ve met over the last 10-20 years with the Audi Club, or in the SF Bay area. I’ve received support from my new friends and family in the South Carolina area, and of course, there is the support that I’ve received from all of you. You are not simply readers of a blog, you are all passengers on the train of my life, and this adventure.

Many of you have said how you believe I am strong, and even so, it seemed to be a difficult set of events to get through. But, the truth is that, it is with the support of all of you that I’m able to not only get through this, but do it with a bit of dignity, and a sense of humor. I never take myself too seriously, but I always take myself seriously. So, to all of you who know me so well, please accept my personal and heartfelt thanks for all that you’ve done to keep my spirits high, and to always give me something to think about.

I especially want to thank my son Christopher, granddaughter Isabella, and friend Toni for all of the support they’ve given me over the phone, and through emails.

Thank you one and all.

Today, I ride with my spirits high, the wind at my back, and The Allman Brothers in my ear. It will be a great day

Updated: November 24, 2019 at 7:15 am

About the Author

Cliff Musante

Cliff Musante is a technologist, business leader, motorcycle enthusiast, father, grandfather, and more. In June, 2013 his passion for motorcycles was revitalized, and he set out to ride across Patagonia. Since then, he's logged thousands of miles, ridden across the US, and on July 10, 2019, he began a 120 day trip through Europe, and then on to Russia, China, and parts East. This 'Blog is the story of all of his adventures.

Comments

  1. Glad you are back on track! I somehow missed your last blog .. yikes Chinese hospital!? Since you survived it will make another one of your great stories! Stay well and always have a laugh TOP ! ❤️

  2. Hi Cliff, Sorry to hear about your health issues. Must be scary to get stuck like that. This may help you investigating the need for medical care and if translated how to communicate with chianese staff. https://hanshendrickx.github.io/UMS/ It is a demo to democratize medicine by presenting search strings + input by lay people. It may help travelers. All the best to you! Hans, the guy at the ferry UK>NL. Kind regards, and have a safe trip.

    1. Hi Hans,
      Of course I remember you. I really enjoyed our conversation, and wish that I had been able to put in more time to look into what you’re doing. I especially appreciate that you took the time to apply your expertise to help me, as I was in a faraway place, in distress. The world could use more men like you. Thank you, my good friend.

  4. Cliff,
    I’m very glad to hear you’re feeling better. It’s hard to be that ill, especially when you’re away from home.
    Enjoy the remainder of your trip!
    Janice

    1. Hi Steve,
      thanks for the well wishes. I’m back, and I’m once again enjoying riding the bike, through the fantastic roads of Laos.

  7. So happy you are back on that Bike and continuing your adventure. You are one tough cookie. Enjoy the balance of your trip.

    1. Thanks Kathy,
      It is great to be back on the bike, and now, I’ve left China and entered Laos. Yipeee

  8. You’re a real trouper Cliff! It is so hard to be sick when traveling–especially for an endurance one like this. I am glad you are back on the mend and wish you easy riding for the remainder of the trip. Ride On!

    1. Agreed,
      I would never want to be sick in a 3rd world country again. It is very hard to plan for this type of thing, but I’ll be the first one to admit that I could have been better prepared. Next time, I’ll be ready.

  9. I was waiting for this report!!!! So glad you are back. You worked so hard to prepare for every aspect of this trip, both personally, motorcycle wise and planning I can only imagine how this hit you. It just shows us that some things are out of our control. It is difficult enough to be sick, but to be in a foreign country is just unimaginable. I am so happy you are back to being you. Take care and continue on.

    1. Hi Caroline,
      Between the poor communications in China, my illness, and the fact that I’m now unable to get pictures and videos off of the iPhone, life on the road seems to test me every day. But, I’m doing my best to deal with things as they come, and to accept what you can’t change, and change what you can. That said, I am still regularly surprised when some silly problems occurr. For example, yesterday morning, in the hotel, there was no toaster for bread. We have seen a toaster in every other Chinese hotel, but today, no toaster. The staff looked at me like I had invented some new form of energy when I asked for a toaster, and instead, they brought me silverware to replace my chopsticks. How could these folks, who work in a big hotel, not even know what a toaster is? The rest of China understands it, but not this one, isolated hotel. Very strange indeed.
      And, considering that I can only eat Toast and Porridge, I really needed the toaster.

  10. Thank you for letting us share this journey even through the worst of times. I am so sorry you had to go through that. I can only imagine how horrible it must have been from myself fretting about the very small problems I have had when traveling in Europe or Asia. It is very admirable the way you coped. I hope the rest of your trip is filled with nothing but joy.

    1. Hi Roger,
      It’s great to hear from you. thanks for your support. I hope you’re well, and hope to see you again sometime soon. In fact, I forgot where it was that we happened to see each other. Remind me?

  12. We ran in to each other when I saw you were sharing your Garmin GPS presentation at Doc Wongs’ seminars (after you returned from Patagonia).

    I replaced my medium GS for an RT and now I’m running back and forth to Grass Valley on a used K1600.

    I was cleaning up some notes and ran across a link to your blog and BAM! your in CHINA.

    See you when you’re back on this side of the pond.

    -R

    1. Roger,
      I’m impressed. Your memory is much better than mine it seems. Great to hear from you, and glad you’ve had a chance to read some of the posts, and to say hello. If I’m back in the bay area, I’ll check in with Doc Wong, and with you and a few others.
      All the best

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