Antwerp and back to London - Part 2

On the final stretch now the feeling was bittersweet; I was incredibly ready to go home, sleep in my own bed, see friends but at the same time leaving all the amazing places I'd been behind me.


Crossing south from Antwerp I decided to take the coast; I had plenty of time and had spent far to long on motorways and as a result discovered this; many towns in Belgium are serviced by canals - prior to motor vehicles it was much easier to move freight through a city by water. This has led to most cities having to find ways to cross the water without disrupting the flow of barges and rather than train level crossings the towns were full on movable bridges! The bridge sits flat against the bank when not in use.

Two hours later I arrived in Calais; and whilst my first crossing had been shockingly easy (I didn't even have to remove my helmet at the passport check) the return trip was not so much. The queue to get through customs had worked its way back through the check-in gates and out onto the road...so in the rain...for over an hour...I waited...

But after a very long wait I managed to get through customs and onto the train! Thankfully they were very understanding - I'd been an hour early to check in, and arrived half an hour late for the train - they put me on the next one for free!

But after a very long wait I managed to get through customs and onto the train! Thankfully they were very understanding - I'd been an hour early to check in, and arrived half an hour late for the train - they put me on the next one for free!

And headed immediately to one of the things I'd missed in London earlier - the Bike Shed cafe/restaurant/custom bike sales warehouse!

I'll admit my bike was a little out of place!

Sadly nothing was on sale, and even the t-shirts were expensive! A little disappointed at the lack of amazing bargains I headed to my hotel for the night! Next morning I had a day to kill and decided the only thing I'd not seen enough of yet was..well...planes!


The RAF Museum London holds a small collection of very old planes which aren't for sale sadly!

And naturally because it's on at a convenient time I had to watch the Football! Admittedly it seemed everyone else in London had the same idea...

Next morning was my final full day in London and time to part with my bike. The Triumph Tiger 800 I've been on for the last 3 months has been fantastic - equally capable of long freeway trips and slow off-roading!


On the way south to return it I was overtaken and had to pull over for a photo...of this!

And just like that it was time for the bike to go back! Almost 18,000kms in 3 months and it was still running great!

So back to my room I went, packed my things, and awaited my trip to the airport!

Next morning it was time to say goodbye. Sun was shining and the Uber was on time!

And as I sit here and write this final blog from Dubai Airport I'd like to that everyone who's contributed to this trip - Lou, Mum & Dad for all their support and help, Ale, Rae & Tim, Ray & Rach, Miranda, Sabine and Delphine who made time to see me as I was coming through their city; often on very little notice and to everyone who's messaged me along the way; thankyou - it wouldn't have been the same without you!

I'll see you all in Australia soon!

And the final map!