The generosity of strangers

Austrian's are some of the nicest, most generous people, small town mentality type of people. We were heading south after Linz (thanks again Christine and Matt for having us!) toward Slovenia. Riding for a solid 80k we stopped in this tiny village of 500 people for food and to ask about camping within biking range before dark. The woman behind the meat counter couldn't speak English well but she could understand. She said, "There is camping about 20k from here, but I think you could stay at the airport right down the street if you stay for just one night. I'll call." (well that's what sign language and few English words amounted to) Wow! Thank you meat lady! We rode two blocks to the glider airport to find 4 or 5 men sitting on the back deck drinking beers and watching the sunset through the amazing mountains. The older man was obviously the one in charge and told us where we could set up our tent and to come back for a beer. Of course we were in for that. Cold beer on tap, yep. Well, one beer turned into about 8, and before we knew it it was midnight. We had such a great time! And these men changed our route toward Slovenia. They told us to head more southeast toward Graz for an easier and more beautiful route, following the Mur river into wineland. It rained like cats and dogs that night, but they cooked us breakfast in the morning before we were on our way. All of this for 14 euro's. Great company. Great beer from the next town over. And a delicious breakfast. I love Austria!
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