I wake up at 4 a.m. I didn’t sleep well because of all the mosquito bites and period pains. At least I have plenty of time to find the ferry.
It’s worth it. The signs on the ferry only show where bicycles are not allowed, but none show where they are actually supposed to go. So I follow the car signs and have breakfast in front of the barrier. We’re not allowed in yet.
I ride into the bow of the ferry in pole position. It’s funny to be directed to the front of the truck with the bike. I spend the crossing spread across three seats in a deep sleep.
Markus picks me up in Gothenburg. We know each other from a Swedish scout camp where we were guests five years ago. We have hardly been in touch since 2020, so it’s nice to catch up again. He is incredibly helpful, asking me everything I could still use for my adventure. Together we get something to eat, for me Köttbullar (I’m in Sweden now). For dessert, we have kanelbullar (cinnamon buns, but also with cardamom!) from the bakery where Markus’ girlfriend works.
At lunch, I decide to stay in Gothenburg for another night. I’m exhausted and still have a lot to do in the city. I don’t feel like squeezing it into one day.
In the afternoon, I manage to convert my tyre back to tubeless and put on a new tyre. I spend most of the evening in the hostel, get a pizza, do my laundry, go to bed early and watch a stupid series.
I can charge my power banks, but my metaphorical batteries are still weak.