A Chance Encounter
Monday, October 22nd, was one of those spectacular fall days on Ocracoke when residents and visitors enjoy cool temperatures, crisp, clean air, gorgeous skies, and leisurely walks on the beach. As an added pleasure our family had a most enjoyable "chance encounter".
My wife, Linda, was tending our daughter's shop when two cyclists asked if she could suggest a spot where they might pitch their tent for the night before catching the ferry to Cedar Island the next day. My wife called me and we quickly agreed that they were welcome to set up their tent in our yard. That's how we met Andre and Sophie. Little did we suspect who we were hosting.
We've always enjoyed traveling and often benefited from the kindness and assistance of people we've met along the way, so we try to "give back" when the opportunity arises. Over the past years we've enjoyed many visitors and travelers but none so interesting as this couple. After exchanging names and small talk, Andre and Sophie pulled their bikes with small trailers attached into the yard and quickly set up their tent. Linda had bread baking in the oven and a large pot of jambalaya, so we invited the intrepid travelers to join us for a meal. While the bread finished baking I took them to the beach for a short walk and a very brief tour of the village before sitting down for dinner.
The conversation quickly turned to traveling stories. Andre and Sophie are experienced world travelers who recently sold their home, a bed and breakfast, where they raised chickens, gardened organically, and offered massage therapy. They have embarked on a world biking tour which they anticipate may take up to seven years. I've always been impressed with how many people choose to take the road less traveled and set off by boat, motor home, bikes or with just backpacks to seek adventure and new experiences. Some undoubtedly bite off more than they can chew and abort before completing their journeys. I have little doubt that Andre and Sophie will be among those who see their way to the end. Their energy and attitude is such that they will sustain through rain, wind, and the inevitable bad times.
When I inquired as to their previous jobs Sophie volunteered that she had been an acrobat in a circus and Andre seemed to suggest that he sort of tagged along. Since I have never previously met a circus performer I just had to pry a little further in to their lives. When Sophie briefly left the room Andre whispered that Sophie was one of the top five performers in the world at her trade and only later did I get a more complete understanding of his own accomplishment. They are both graduates of prestigious circus training schools. Sophie has performed all over the world, including with Cirque du Soleil and the Big Apple circus in New York. Andre also performed in the circus. When I asked what he did he humorously said that he carried the shovel behind the elephants. That was found to be untrue. She said it was difficult to explain exactly what she did and suggested that we could view her performance on their web site.
You too can check out her stunningly spectacular work by going to their web site at www.nomadicadventure.weebly.com and clicking on "we" at the top to view a 5 minute video. Andre's videos show him performing as a comedian, mime and actor.
All in all, October 22nd turned out to be a beautiful day that epitomizes why so many of us enjoy living on this lovely island. The next time you see a touring bike and have an opportunity to strike up a conversation, don't hesitate! You might meet another Andre and Sophie.
