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Another rest day. This time without climbing a hill too.

My only extra-hostellar activities consisted of going to the laundry, which were closed, so I found myself eating at McDonald’s, the only thing open on this Easter week-end, wearing my thermal underwear under my pants, as I needed to wash both pairs. And in the evening, I went for a quick stroll while eating a take-away kebab.

I met with Pavi the Singaporean and Emma the Luxemburgish in the social area, and we planned to go watch the sunset at the castle, but it became apparent there wouldn’t be a sunset today, so I stayed in my bunk.

The hostel is really great, so I won’t be wasting my hate today ranting on things I hate in hostels (they’re still much better than any other types of accomodations though).

Instead, it’s the end of the month, so it’s time to reflect on the trip so far. Second month down, and what a great, awesome, amazing month it was. Spent a week each with Alex and Duha, where we shared some life-long memories, met with no less than three TM comrades for the first time, got to visit seven new countries for the first time, including long-time bucket lists. And of course, the eyes took their fare share of amazement: Northern lights, frozen sea, Tallinn, Rīga [Riga], Trakai Historical NP, Hel peninsula, Český Krumlov, Hallstatt… to name a few. Very excited for Slovakia and the High Tatras to open up April!

Visiting three new countries on the second half of March, and eight in total this month, I’m at a tally of 18, so still ahead of schedule. Which is great, as I’ll have time to relax in April and take it slower. I shouldn’t be meeting anyone until early May sadly.

Two done, three more to go! Body is tired, but mind is eager for the next months.

And to finish, here’s the cool timelapse from yesterday’s ride on the Semmering Bahn: