Arrived Safely in London

The "Airport Express" shuttle from the Royal York to the Toronto airport works great...even for someone with a boxed bike and large trek-around-europe style backpack.  I definitely stood out amongst all of the business people with their little carry-on bags.

Check-in with Air Transat was a breeze.  The Chicken Pizza in Terminal 3 was mediocre at best, and my "travellers history of france" book was a bit dry at first, but it managed to keep me entertained throughout my flight.

All of my luggage arrived intact, and the B&B I'd booked was only 5 mins from the airport...as advertised.

I managed to reassemble my bike without incident.  Even though I only had to add the pedals, seatpost, wheels and rack, the process made me feel very "handy".  (Longos, at least in my immediate family, rarely I'd ever consider themselves "handy".  My father's toolbox, which origionally served as my "Apple Day" basket from the cub scouts, only has a hammer, some tape, and a couple of screwdrivers he got free 10 years ago as part of a Petro-Canada promotion.). And yet, here I am "building" a bicycle in the parking lot of a B&B.  Two other local guys watched me for a bit...as if to lend their moral support.  The B&B owner was inspired to do something handy himself, and brought out an old table to stain.  (Coincidence?)

With bike assembled, I've crossed the street to "Ye Olde Six Bells" pub.  Its a 500 year old building that used to be associated with the church next door.  I've got a pint of local beer and decided to fire off this e-mail while I wait for my fish and chips to arrive.  (Actually, I sat here typing for about 15 minutes before I figured out that I was supposed to order my food at the bar.)

So...the plan is to get some sleep today before catching an early train to Dover (UK) tomorrow morning.  There, I will meet up with the rest of the tour group, and together we will take a ferry to Calais (France).

Foods here...