This week in the UK was a little rushed but a load of fun seeing everyone. It was a sociable week and Banksy was still doing his animal related street art.
It started on arrival at the BnB where I left my bike and gear and headed out with Minou to catch up with Tom and Sophie whom I met in Albania. Great people. I’ve previously mentioned how impressive their trip is. It is a little strange to catch up with friends who are my kids’ age, but I don’t think that bike touring / bikepacking people care about age too much. We care more about whether you ride and ebike or not.
On Sunday, Minou and I went for a long walk through different parts of London that I’d never been to. There was Jazz in a park in Highgate, many KMs along a canal, more parks and then an early dinner at the Afghan Grill in Bethnal Green. In the end, I was knackered. This walking caper is hard work, there’s no freewheeling for recovery.
On Monday morning, I rode to Timo’s office where he stored my bike for the week. I saw the hordes of central London bike commuters first hand. They descend on the city in their thousands and it’s great to see – both their attitude and that of the pedestrians.
On my way back to the BnB, I grabbed breakfast and continued to watch the morning commute. I collected my things and made my way to Paddington for the train ride to Wokingham where my old mate Steve Garry lives (we worked together at Seer Technologies, Level 8 etc). He showed me around the area – on a walk. Bear in mind, I walked a long way yesterday. Today was no different. I want my bike back, this is too hard.
That evening we went into town and caught up with Paul Lewis whom I hadn’t seen in at least twenty years. We had a traditional English evening – beer followed by a curry. Great fun, and sooo good to catch up with these two.
On Tuesday, we walked back into town and I caught the train back to London. I then wandered slowly from Waterloo up to Kings Cross for my next social visit – to Digswell to see Jen and Lewis.
I’ve stayed a few times at their place and as a result they’ve upped their guest accommodation game, with a luxurious new guest bed. 😂😂 Wonderful people and we have a great laugh. We went to the pub in Old Welwyn for dinner.
The next day, it was sad to say goodbye but I’m doing that every day this week 🙁
I had the day to myself before going to see Clare and Miles up the road in Letchworth Garden City. So, I got a train to Cambridge and had a look around. It was nice if a little kitsch with some tourists bringing apples for their photos beside Newton’s apple tree. mmmm
Then it was back to Letchworth and a walk to C&Ms place – more walking !
These two (and Theo was there too) are another great couple. I’ll stay in touch and see them again some time in the future (probably on bikes). It was another fun evening spent planning bike routes and laughing. Thanks guys.
On Friday, I made my way back to London to yet another BnB. I bought a bike box from a bike shop thinking it would be perfect. The dimensions certainly were, but it’s flimsy (and was lucky to survive the first flight to Bangkok).
Friday night was dinner with Timo and Kath by the canal. Saturday was lunch with Minou, Jen and Lewis at Dishoom at Coal Drop Yard and Sunday was a roast at a great pub with Timo, Kath and Minou. And that was the end of my whirlwind week.
I was very sad to say goodbye to everyone as I’ll miss them all dearly. As usual, I had another little adventure to look forward to – two weeks in Thailand and catching up with Paul and Panadda.
I sealed the box, then got an early Uber to Heathrow and had a hassle free check in and flight.
