May 3^rd  Settling in to London

“I can’t walk across a street in London.  How am I going to ride down one?”  Having driven across Costa Rica, and ridden through the lawless streets of Moscow, I don’t mind crazy driving…in fact, I welcome it.  But it is that simple change in direction that gets me about the United Kingdom.  They drive on the left side of the road here! 

All of the skills that we have acquired in riding are based somewhat on logic, but mostly on experience.  You rely on your natural reaction.  I am afraid that this little change in direction could make these natural reactions ineffective.  Throw this in the mix with European driving styles, and you have the recipe for disaster.  It is in the back of all our minds, and I’m sure our first few hundred miles will be slow ones.

As we wait for our bikes to arrive, we spend our time walking around the town.  We sleep late, complain about the exchange rate, and experiment with fake British accents.  London is great, but we are becoming restless.  In the evenings the family we are staying with wines and dines us...

                                  George

...I feel guilty about everything they have given us so far...

Me Attempting to Look English at a London Pub

We exchange stories and talk politics.  They have showed us around town and helped us refine our route so that it includes some of the most scenic places in South Western Europe.         

-J.

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