Day: June 20, 2006

This urban stage was done in record time.  Serge tends to accelerate the pace when he is in cities, as if he wants to get out as quickly as possible.  At the 20th kilometer, he crossed Xianyang, before entering the immense and very beautiful city of Xian, which he went around to the South.  The Shaanxi television team, which has accompanied him since yesterday, was with him all day and we thank them for guiding us in this immense urban district, 40 km long, with a population of 6 million souls.

It’s the last day for our 3 boys: Daniel, Thomas and Ludo, who will catch the plane tomorrow to Shanghai and then Paris.  All three leave on the Trans-Eurasia the mark of their kindness, devotion and attention to Serge’s needs.  They watched over him for 51 days.  Changes in the team always have a bittersweet flavor.

Apart from fleeing cities with their pollution, noise and traffic, Serge knows that tonight at the hotel he will find his son, Thomas, who will be a member of the new team.  His motivation to finish as soon as possible is multiplied tenfold.

Thomas C and Stéphanie, Thomas G (alias Tom to distinguish him from the other), Maxime and François, arrived in the center of Xian, where we are staying tonight, at 17H30 looking tired but smiling broadly. Serge arrived on their heels, radiant.

Father and son hadn’t seen each other for six months and fell into each others arms.  A minute of emotion floated over our heads like a whisper.  The whole group, new and old, gathered around the table at 19H30.  The meal was joyous and lively, Serge was in heaven.