pikolint

It’s easy to lose oneself in the labyrinth of streets surrounding Stephansdom plaza. Alán and I found welcoming nooks, narrow alleys lit with lanterns, and even an incredible toy store stocked with such an assortment of model kits, intricate train sets, board games, and toys for experimentation or construction of every kind–a selection unlike anything on offer in stores in the US.

While getting a sense of Vienna’s unique vibe, we also happened upon a car bearing a familiar sign:

a bike shop logo

This stylish design fuses the body with the bicycle. Out of curiosity, I dropped a line to Bikeschuppen, the bike shop that incorporates the “shaka” in its logo design, and I just received a very cordial response from Robert, who also surfs, about why he created this particular design:

i started with a bikeshop here in vienna, where i mainly concentrate on freeriding – which means biking everywhere, down the hills, jumping, having fun and – very important – afterwards hanging loose and chilling out (the feeling after having done this sport is almost the same like after having rocked the waves for hours, or, me, drinking sea water.. ;o), i integrated the `shaka` sign in my bikeshop logo…..

Shaka recognition is that flash of the familiar in an unexpected place: a shared spirited appreciation for a life of freedom, exhilaration and good will. May Bikeschuppen continue to thrive!