Meanwhile in town

After more than five weeks in lockdown we finally dared to head into town on our bikes to see what the city looked like on Sunday morning. It ended up being a 30km long bike ride, and such a weird and interesting one at that. Even though it was amazing to see, it was also quite sad to see the city so devoid of life. On Regents Canal just before King’s Cross we saw this couple having what looked like the most possibly chilled and romantic day you could ever dream of. I waved at them and shouted “That looks so nice!!” and probably ruined the moment…

We knew we wanted to head towards the Thames first and so we did. Designated bike lanes in London are so rare, but they’ve built these new ones in the past few years, and I hope they’ll make many more of them.

I got a total shock from seeing the river so flat. Never in my 27 years in London have I seen it like this. You could probably skip stones on it! The low tide must have helped though.

I waved to my shadow, because I tend to do that.

After we crossed Blackfriars Bridge we cycled past Waterloo and then back to the north side across Westminster Bridge. I kind of don’t recognise the city with the water still like that. It got busier here; most people were also cycling, or running, very few were walking and hardly anyone driving. I hope once this is all over more of us will cycle and walk to places than before. I know I will.

We headed towards Buckingham Palace, but I had to do a U turn to take this picture of the lake in St James’ Park as it was so picture perfect.

Outside the Palace, where there’d normally be a huge crowd. So surreal.

Nice to see these ambulance drivers doing something so normal in these not normal times though.

We passed by The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, and I hope that we get to look at art in person again this year.

At the bottom of Regent Street. I suggested we headed into Soho from here, and as soon we got in there you could hear a pin drop. It was SO quiet.

It wasn’t only we who cycled through Carnaby St.

Came across this poem on Great Marlborough Street. I’ve tried googling it, but I can’t find out who wrote it. I like the “Listen close in the sky” line.

Aaaaah, The Pigeon Pond. ;)

I’ve gone past this pub many a time, but never stopped to take a photo. It was so strange to be able to stop in the middle of the road, and not have to worry about any cars.

I can’t believe that in future history lessons about the pandemic in 2020, kids will read about how we panic bought toilet paper more than anything else. Idiots.

Heading back home, cycling past this queue in Belsize Park. We used to live in the flat above the black square sign with four circles on it on the right. Feels like 100 years ago.

Amazingly we weren’t exhausted when we got back home, the daily bike rides have definitely made us all much fitter, as well as the Joe Wicks workouts. In fact Mr Famapa and Oomoo have clocked 273km (170 miles) on the tandem bike this month! I’ve got a really bad headache today and I feel quite queasy, so I’m cancelling the day and heading back to bed. Hope you’re well!