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GandΓa, Spain – Barcelona, Spain – Celulla, Spain |
Tag: ferry
Day 10 – London, United Kingdom – Dover, United Kingdom – Belgium – Guoda, Netherlands
It was Saturday morning, the next day to continue my trip around Europe. I had a shower, walked for my motorbike to my office’s parking area, and rode back to the hotel.
I received an SMS from DFDS that I should have expected high traffic around the checking so they proposed 90 mins to arrive earlier. So to prevent any problem, I was in a hurry a bit. I packed everything into my bag and box, put it back on my motorbike, and say goodbye for my beatiful hotel.
I leaved the area of London, and immediately felt that I am happy, because I am on the road again.
I stopped just for some minutes at the border of the city to get some petrol, when I was shocked. I received a Danish message from my host in Rotterdam, that she cannot provide me accomodation, just she forgot to update the availability of the room on Airbnb, so instantly I reserved another place, but premilinary I asked confirmation from the host if it was available or not. Fortunately the host replied in 10 mins, so my destination changed from Rotterdam, Netherlands to Guoda, Netherlands, just 10-20 km far from each other. My initial shock had gone, so I could continue my trip to the ferry, without any problem.
I arrived to Dover, where I hoped that I could get up to an earlier ferry, but my original ferry was the only one, and also the traffic was so slow around the checkin, so I felt it was okay, I wait until it’s my turn. In 40 mins I could check in to the ferry, but it was Saturday afternoon, I think it is acceptable. My only problem was to wait in the sunshine another 45 mins for getting onto the ferry. It was so hot, 34Β°C, unbelievable.
But I was not sad, because I could talk to new riders, especially I became friend with Mac Toyoda, who rode from Japan to Europe in 2015 with his bike, and every year he comes back to ride around most beautiful places in Europe. He originally started his trip in Germany this year, rode to Ireland, and at that time he was heading to Norway. I invited him to Hungary, and will be happy to meet him again later on.
I, or we were on the ferry. : )
I ate the same again, some Lasagne, which was failsafe for the rest of my trip today.
We arrived to Calais, France in 90 mins, so I could proceed my trip to Guoda, Netherlands. It was around 18PM when I could get out of the traffic in Calais, France, so I didn’t have other option than go up to the motorway at least for the first part of my trip for today.
I rode to Belgium where I could have some rest, and where I realized and look around. there was only one thing which I didn’t calculated with previously. The time zone change, so I am one hour ahead to London, UK, so I didn’t have another option, than continue my ride on motorway until Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Then I continued my ride on motorway, and without any stop I arrived to the area of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was one of my favorite place, everywhere awesome buildings and beautiful bridges. π
I turned to Guoda, Netherlands and finally in 30 mins I arrived to my place. Unfortunaly it was around 9:30PM, so I just applied Chain Lube, locked my motorbike to a lamp post on street, and got into the house. There was no-one at home, the key was under the “left” plant. π
It was a very friendly detached house, with 2 floors. Obviously my private room was on the top floor, so it was so good bring my bag and box up there. Not a problem, it was a very lovely place, but the mosquitos what I hated by the way. π Dafna house
And …. sleep π
Day 5 – Paris, France – Calais, France – London, United Kingdom
On Tuesday morning I got up early, because I was so motivated to leave France, and finally get onto British Island with my motorcycle. Not so many rider from Hungary can say this I assume, I wanted to accomplish one of my dream. So I was confident, my DFDS ferry was planned to leave Calais, France at 13:55PM, so I had enough time to get there. But did not want to waste time on waiting, so I packed everything again, and leave my room.
It was a bit early, around 8:30AM, so I decided to put on my raincoat because of the cooler temperature, and got up to motorway again.
I was very fast, and with several coffee stops I arrived and checked into Calais, France 12:20PM, I was immediately sent to 12:25PM ferry. π Coool!
I had only one single question, when I went through the Customs Control and ID check, am I on British territory, so is ride side changed to left already or not. I didn’t know, so said yes, no-one else was around as there was only 5 mins to get on the ferry. I rode on left side, but at the first roundabout I realized it is still French territory, so rode a bit improperly :’D No problem, learned for my whole life π
Finally I was on hold at the parking line for another 6-8 mins, so I was a bit frustrated that ferry may leave me behind, but finally as the last guest I got up to the ferry. Everything was okay, departure was successful, and I was on the way to British Island. Great!
In United Kingdom I decided to avoid motorways as I would not planned so much run there, I had to experience as much as I can on these roads. I did not regret it, experienced that feeling what I felt playing Rally games so many years ago on British roads. Tiny roads with brick wall on one side, and fence on the other side. So lovely, and every meter reminded me to these epic moments of my childhood. π
Finally I drove around 120 km in UK when I arrived to London, UK, and could experience riding left lane very much. It was so good to try, and challenging at the beginning. I enjoyed it very much.
Finally I arrived to my destination to Club Quarters Hotel, Lincoln’s Inn Field in London.