L later sent me a postcard, confessing that he wrote me cards every time he was on the toilet. I was a bit taken aback, but then he explained how his trip started off great, but quickly turned into a nightmare with all sorts of mishaps and obstacles. From falling ill in Budapest to staying in less-than-comfortable backpacker hostels, L even briefly considered throwing in the towel and heading back home. But then he remembered my encouragement and found the strength to push on and finish the journey.