I had never been to Denmark before, so when I set out to catch the ferry in early May, I little

suspected that by the end of the trip I'd have made such lasting friendships. Esjberg is a (23) ________ port for a cyclist's arrival, where tourist information can be obtained and money changed. A cycle track leads (24) ________ town and down to Ribe, where I spent my first night. The only appointment I had to keep was a meeting with a friend who was flying out in June. I wanted to use my time well, so I had planned a route which would include several small islands and various parts of the countryside.

In my (25) ________, a person travelling alone sometimes meets with unexpected hospitality, and this trip was no (26) ________. On only my second day, I got into conversation with a cheerful man who turned out to be the local baker. He insisted that I should join his family for lunch, and, while we were eating, he contacted his daughter in Odense. Within minutes, he had (27) ________ for me to visit her and her family. Then I was sent on my way with a fresh loaf of bread to keep me going and the feeling that this would turn out to be a wonderful holiday.

Esjberg is a (23) ________ port for a cyclist's arrival, where tourist information can be obtained and money changed.