Though passing through two countries only, the word how cyclists greet each other changed three times. In the Czechia it was “ahoj” – pronounced as ahoy. “Ahoj” became a popular informal greeting among young Czechs after the First World War, probably to compensate the fact of living in a landlocked country. Anyway, once the Elbe passed the German border, “Ahoj” disappeared and “Hallo” was the greeting norm of passing cyclist. Today, in the very moment I entered Lower Saxony, “Hallo” vanished and “Moin” became the only standard. Moin originates surely from „morning“ but is used anytime and anywhere where the English „hi“ or „hello“ would fit. After 5 minutes cycling in Lower Saxony I adopted “Moin” fully. A good practice since “Moin” works in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg exactly the same way. It simply dominates the North of Germany, which I therefore allow myself to call the “Moin-Land”.

Hamburg was definitely the highlight of today trip. A pulsing metropolis contrasting so much the tranquil countryside of the past three days. With all pros and cons. When paying for a coffee and cake at an art coffee shop, I realised the price outnumbered the previous rural experience as well. Taken by surprise I almost shouted “Moin!?!” but then I restrained myself, gave a tip, smiled and said just “Thank you”