January 2 – train to Portsmouth

Off we go! Easy train ride and straight to my airbnb. It was a bit strange – through an open gate, down an alley between two buildings and there was the host urging me on. She was working, so in a rush. ‘Leave the bike out here – it’s quite safe’. This was not to be the first time that I was a little bit concerned about the safety of my bike. No choice but to trust. Up rickety stairs to a very small basic room. I had to get up at 5.30 to catch the ferry, so went to bed. I was still coughing a lot and feeling grotty, but the bed was fantastic – really comfy. So I slept well.