Cycling Adventure

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 After Pedro got home from class, he suggested we go pick out a bike for me. We ended up going to the same shop he got his from.  He walked his bike alongside me so that we could ride back together.  The weather was great and the shop was busy, so it was good that we called ahead before walking over 2 miles to the shop.  The owner had picked out a bike for me based on my height and what I wanted.  When we walked in he recognized our American accents right away and showed me the bike for approval. It's pretty basic, but it is perfect for me.  Since they were so busy, he recommended a café for lunch while we wait. So we "popped off" for a bite at the cutest Brazilian coffee house. 

We had a delicious lunch where Pedro casually mentioned a weekend trip to Edinburgh. He said we could take a train, stay at a hotel, and explore the city, but his sentence trailed off as he saw my eyes widening. I was trying to sip my coffee and listen without interrupting, but I got so excited just thinking about!

P: What is it?

S: Nothing. You just casually mention visiting the birthplace of Harry Potter and I am trying to reign in my inner nerd.

P: Oh, that's right! My classmate mentioned a potions shop you can visit there.

S: *eyes bug out further while stifling an excited scream*

After our lunch, we went back to the store to pick up my bike.  I got all the accessories, a helmet, and a lock.  It even came in my favorite color!   

Then, we started our journey back. I say journey because I was slightly terrified of riding on the road along with the cars.  In America, there are usually bike lanes, and you're allowed to ride on the sidewalk when the traffic is too heavy.  Here, you can get a ticket for riding on the sidewalk, and there are no bike lanes.  Pedro assured me that cars are used to cyclists and they will just go around us.  He took the lead, thankfully, since I was still getting used to the left-side-of-the-road-thing.  

After the first hill, my thighs were burning just as much as my lungs! Keep in mind, I haven't ridden a bike since freshman year of college when I wasn't allowed to have my car. But we got home much faster! It will take some getting used to (and getting in shape) but having bikes will allow us to explore the city a bit more. 

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