The Amazing Race

London was glamorous, just as I remembered it. The Victoria bus station did bring back bad memories of how I had missed a bus to Glasgow when I was there in October, but being positive I was able to push the negativity astray. Since I was almost refused to take my bike on the bus to London I knew I had to pack my bicycle, so I would not have to worry about leaving it aside when I left for Amsterdam.

I got off the bus and went to find cardboard boxes and some tape. It didn't take too long, luckily. So then I was the odd girl at the bus station somehow wrapping up my love, my bicycle. I gave it to luggage storage to pick it up later, and headed to the city to meet up with Gunta and Kristiana (as random as that was..). We went for a dinner in a really neat Greek place. But time flew by, and the time we estimated to get me back to the bus station turned out to be short. Kristiana guided us through the city and London's subway, and we literally run to the Victoria bus station. It really was an amazing race! I got my bike, but was unable to take my bag. I grabbed it and run to gate 15, where my bus was calling last passengers. I imagine the view, a crazy gal running through with a bike that's somehow covered with cardboard boxes. My friends were both at different locations in the bus station. I run to the bus and the first thing they said was that I am too late!!! Deja vu much? I felt like fainting. I asked everyone there if I could do a late check in. I went to the desk and said, they said to come here for a late check in. I gave them my passport and run off to the luggage storage to get my bag. I run back. Gunta helped me to get the bag to the bus! I was mentally tired.

I got to the bus, gave my friends each a kiss and off on the bus I went; took the last empty seat. Gunta and Kristiana were at their happy dance, it was amazing. I am lucky to know some wonderful people like them!

So I was on a long ride to Amsterdam. Hours later morning came, and so did Amsterdam. After leaving the bus I unpacked my bike and off to the city centre I went. Soon I found my hostel. I have spent the day here, and in the city. Mostly I've been planning my next few days.

But tomorrow I will have all day in Amsterdam. Today I realized what an amazing place this is to start a long cycling journey. Amsterdam truly is the ultimate bicycle city. :D