Today we felt a bit like seasoned travelers.  Our day was simple and smooth.  We arose to a beautiful sunrise in Normandy, rode our bicycle right onto the ferry, had breakfast and watched a movie. 

 

We then sat by the windows and were joined by an English woman who grew up in Kuwait and was in the English navy during the D-day invasion.  Her task on the departure day was to assist the landing craft in raising gas balloons which forced dive bombers to stay further away.  Her companion was a retired Doctor who worked in immunology both during the war and since.  It was a fascinating visit.

 

We arrived in Portsmouth right on schedule.  We then took the plunge and rode our bicycle through the streets of Portsmouth (on the “wrong” side of the road, of course).  We made the train station just in time to catch one to London.  Once on board we met John, who wanted to see our tandem.  He and his wife have ridden tandems in Asia several times – and we spent the entire journey swapping tales of tandem travels.

 

Upon our arrival in London, we discovered that bicycles are not allowed on the underground rail we needed to take to our friend Jan’s house.  We considered attempting to ride, but it was near 5:00 pm, and rush hour.  So we folded the bike and took the underground, unfolded it to take to her house, and then folded it again to take up to her flat.  Our switching to a folding Bike Friday tandem was an excellent choice!

 

So, now we are unpacking our gear and getting ready to repack the bicycle in its suitcases for the return to California.  The cycling part of our trip is over, and we will now be joining Jon’s cousins (who arrived in London earlier today) for more visiting and touring.