A risk assessment

Over the last couple of days we’ve been exploring Valencia from our little base here in the city. We always find entering a bustling town or city a bit overwhelming after being in solitude, with only nature as our companion. To many, the latter may feel more unknown and perhaps for that reason, a little more unnerving or uncomfortable.

No doubt there are a good few people (hi, mums!) back home who worry for us and want to know that we’re safe and well. Some may think that our adventure is daring perhaps and are concerned for us stepping out of a comfort zone.

We are very aware that there are some risks from our chosen lifestyle, be that from traffic, other people, wildlife, or just getting out of bed, but as Sam regularly harps on about, everything carries a risk and/or benefit. He’s a Spiegelhalter nut and likes to frame the pros and cons of what we get up to in terms of micromorts and microlives. Woe is me!

Unexpectedly, our time in Valencia has put some of this into perspective. On Monday, we witnessed a lady fall over in a shop and injure her face and we saw a terrifying fire in an apartment complex. Yesterday, just around the corner from us, large parts of a building fell from the roof and injured a boy playing beneath. These have been really bad situations and we hope that all those involved make a full recovery.

Stuff happens, whatever your chosen lifestyle. Undoubtedly, there are some risks (and benefits) unique to our cycle touring and we will do our best to remain vigilant, but, stuff happens.

Meanwhile, today we got locked out of our accommodation for 5 hours. This seems unlikely to happen when we are in our tent (though Sam probably knows the micromorts associated with tent zip use)…