Tuesday 22nd August 2023
Waking up in London, going to sleep in Scotland. And so much in between.
I woke at 3am and couldn't sleep again until 5ish. I even picked up my phone to try look for meditation or hypnosis tracks. I never use my phone if I'm struggling with insomnia, but this morning I thought best to not resist.
I could stay in my hotel until 11am and my train was only at 3.30pm so I wasn't in any particular rush.
I planned my 5 mile cycle from hotel to the station and checked on weather (dry and cloudy) so I gave myself 3 hours to do it with a rest in Hyde Park so I set off. Fortunately the route given missed most of the busier roads apart from near the station but then I got on the pavement.
When London is over 21°C it's humid. Add me on a bike, backpack on my back, and throw in some tourists... let's just say I needed to stop at the Serpentine bridge kiosk for a drink. The Park is huge and has an excellent bike path weaving across it. The side pathways are a no-go route for us wheelie people so I had to contend with the faster, confident cyclists.
One thing I've learned on my travels is, when in doubt, watch others and follow them. And an older cyclist trundled by, giving me the chance to follow her when the roads got a bit intimidating and busy. There was a few moments of me enjoying the freewheeling and watching pedestrians have to keep moving, while I floated, haha. I was rather envious of the motorised bicycles going up a small incline.
The station was a welcome sign and I sat immobile for an hour and a half reflecting on my two weeks in London. It was an absolute treat to feel like a local. There's something for everyone in the city and I'm really impressed with how efficient everything is. The people were very friendly helpful when approached and I had a great time.
Scotland looks greener and moodier than down south and I enjoyed watching the setting sun play with the clouds from my train. I parked my bike in the special compartment and was given a 'cyclist seat' right next to the bikes. It was dark when we pulled into Central Station and fortunately my brother met me at the smaller station in Paisley, to give me a lift up the road. The city feels familiar and comfortable and it's great to be able to come back whenever I want.
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