More bike stories...

My keys that I have to carry everywhere

Map that I used and got lost using today.

So today I got my bike that I am renting at my university. The whole process was extremely easy and painless...except for when it came to getting back to main campus. I discovered that the bikes were being distributed at one of the smaller campuses, which there was a hopper bus to take to get there (very good), but coming back I would need to ride my bike. Well, I ended up taking a wrong turn and going about five miles in the opposite direction. So once I found someone to ask (since something was clearly wrong) I managed to bike myself back in the right direction and make it back to campus. On the plus side, I didn't lose my shoe in the process :) .

I have made a discovery over the course of the past few weeks. People here are rather obsessive about keys. I have never had so many keys (that I have had to use on a daily basis) in my entire life. I think I spend a good portion of my day, everyday, locking and unlocking various things. I'm aware that it is a safety precaution (who wants to have their stuff stolen?), but it is such a hassle because:

1. the keys are rather heavy (instant 3lbs weight in your pocket)
2. each lock is finicky in different ways, so you have to remember exactly how to lock and unlock each lock (ex: lift handle, push in on door, pull out on door, turn handle once before turning key, etc.)
3. due to the finicky locks, it takes a good deal of time to deal with them (and one has to plan accordingly for this, can't rush out the door so much at this point).

Anyway, I just thought I would share and looking on the bright side...tomorrow I will be attending the Goose Fair with my housemates (not sure what to expect, but it sounds fun) and next week I am planning to visit Liza in London. I am very much looking forward to seeing her art show and catching up. I might even be able to meet up with a friend that's visiting from Japan...

That's it for now. Hope everyone is well and enjoying the Autumn. It certainly is chilly here. Take care!

P.S. Sorry, not many pictures yet...I will try to take more later though.