Sloooooow worm

We arrived back at Harwich to gloriously sunny weather. You know when you step off a plane in a summery destination and you savour the heat? That's what I did upon arrival in the UK. I wasn't expecting to find home tropical (compared to Denmark). Instead of catching the train back to London, Fred thought it would be an idea to cycle from Harwich, link up with National Cycle Network 1 (the North Sea Cycle Route and the one we cycled a part of in Denmark) and catch the train from Colchester. We had a moment's hilarity when a Danish cycle tourer who had left the ferry before us cycled past us in a different direction shouting "Don't go that way!". About 10 minutes' later, after we'd gone the way that he'd said not to go down, he passed us again. Yup, the UK cycle routes aren't as well signposted as the Danish ones.

Of course, after being in another country for a week, it's hard not to compare home to that country. The first hour back in the saddle had me despairing at the lack of cycle network, the rubbish everywhere, the hardening dog dirt on the pavements, the young family with the adults drinking cans of lager as they walked along... But then I came across a tea shack on the Harwich seafront with "Tea and 2 toast - £1". Music to my ears (and my purse). We settled the bicycles and sat down for a proper breakfast feast. It's good to be home!

Cycling through Essex was wonderful. Denmark's so neat and organised, but I love the tangled hedges and higgledy-piggledy fields. And the wildlife! Fred skidded to a halt in front of this magnificent slow worm, which was basking in the road. You've heard of the horse and dog whisperers? Well, I can now tell you that I have the ability to herd slow worms with no fear of being squashed off the road and into a safe grass verge just by talking to them.

We found a good watering hole in Wivenhoe - such a lovely place by the river. We also devoured vegetarian fish and chips, which I will try to replicate one day. Instead of fish, we were given halloumi in breadcrumbs. It's very, very tasty.

Then onwards to Colchester, the train to Liverpool Street, a cycle to London Bridge and home to the menagerie, who were all very well and excited to see us. Well, Omar was already asleep, but I'm sure she was excited to see us in her dreams.