May 20, 2015

Strasbourg and lucky encounters

The last day in London I got lucky multiple times.

I took half a day to explore the Imperial War Museum.  I would highly recommend this museum if you are into war stuff and history.  The Holocaust and WWI exhibits were especially interesting.  I actually took too much time and almost missed my airport shuttle bus. 

My bus was due for 3pm so I left the museum around 2pm thinking there was enough time.  But I miss judged the distance since London is huge.  What looks like a couple of minutes by bike actually took me around 45minutes. Fighting through the London traffic and various construction projects was a nightmare.  I literally had to run 2km to the bus stop as I didn't want to risk having to find bike docking stations when I am near.  When I arrived it was already 3:10 but luckily for me because of the traffic the bus hasn't arrived yet. When it did arrive within a couple of minutes I was the first person on.  So first lucky event of the day was catching my bus. 

When we finally arrived at the airport after 2 hours,  I had about 2 hours to get through security and be at my gate.  It sounds like a lot of time but Stansted airport is huge and had a huge line for the security check.  In any case I did get through with about 1 hour to spare.  I bought a sandwich and sat down to munch down.  As I was eating a 5p year old man sat next to me and we struck up a conversation. 

The stranger is called Michel and he is also flying to Strasbourg.  I had not planned anywhere to stay for the night and Michel offered his house for the night after he checked it with his wife Véronique.  So second lucky event of the day was getting this free accommodation.

When we finally arrived in Strasbourg they took me to their home right next to where I stored my luggage and bike!  In fact it was less than 5 minutes walk away.  They cooked an amazing dinner and their home is just lovely.  After messaging my friend Steven I moved all my stuff to Michel and Véronique's place.  And I think I will probably be able to stay there for a couple of days again when I come back after my bike trip. 

What a fortunate chain of events! 

Michel and I, his wife and him are so nice! I am going to stay with them again when I go back!
Peace from Strasbourg

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