Like riding a bike :o)

I always used to wonder if riding a bike is really like riding a bike ... granted, other things could be, but what if it's all a lie and one actually does forget how to do it :o) - hahaha - making a pathetic fool of myself - gotta love it!

So, with great excitement and a wonderful friend along (thanks Carol :o) ) I headed towards Hangzhou. You'd think that I'd learn by now not to do silly travel mix-ups and not to get myself in trouble ... two things I should learn to avoid in the hope of making life a little less interesting ... keeping up the hope for a better future :o). After a ridiculously funny story having to do with us heading for the wrong train station, trying to find a train in a station that is to be opened next year, almost getting on the highway .. on foot ... and finally getting "standing" seats with priority seating on the stairways, there I was, both feet on new ground, having reached the destination!

The city is beautiful, with a peaceful resort feeling to it, clear air and a beautiful lake, countless delicious food stalls (yes, indecent amounts of food were involved), and nice little caffees and restaurants by the water side. The days seem relaxing and fresh, with green and refreshing nature, all fading away into peaceful nights with lights reflecting in the lake and the breeze cooling down the air. I ate a lot, talked a lot, walked a lot and overall had an amazing time that leads to me coming back refreshed and peaceful :o).

The greatest part about it though is that, given the size of the lake, and a very patient individual to accompany me (lol - thanks), I actually got to stare my skepticism in the eyes and give it a try. YES, I did it, I rode a bike. 14 years separate me from the last time I did it, I'm no expert, but there I was, on the side of the road, with cars passing by, managing to be on a bike and not getting myself or others killed!!! I can't express how refreshing and nice it all felt, the beautiful scenery on one side, the road on the other, having someone to save me if I fall and biking along, stumbling and moving forward again, biking along :).

Got back refreshed, with a new addiction to lychee (yuuumm), two kilos heavier (I assume, not daring to weight myself), after having had a cravo marving (haha - see if you get that one, nothing dirty, I swear) and all is good. Got back with a blister on my thumb, the memory of too many people in my way and the beautiful hills reflecting in the lake, actually being able to bike - taking chances feels great and now I'm less of a skeptic :o) ... about riding bikes at least!

Starting to feel at home here ... lol .. yes, that's right, tick tack.