6th August 2019 – For a couple of hours!

I was worried. Not very worried, but still quite worried. My account was showing £-850 with no spare funds after pending transactions. Everything will be fine, it has to be. The good thing is that I’m booked in to the Hilton for one more night. So, lets wait until 0900 BST and see. I’m back. Phew! It’s 1000 and I can go exploring. 8700ft bought me a 48hr hop on hop of bus ticket. My hip needed a rest, so the bus seemed like a good idea. There’s two boat trips I’ll use tomorrow, too. The more I travel, the more I’m taking tourist options.

I de-bussed at Astoria and crossed at the next bridge up from Marlow Bridge. Then I walked up the highest point I could find for the great views.

<Pictures at some point>

I needed a Coke, with no fts in my pocket. Luckily a kiosk took Euros, and I could have a drink.

Have ticket, use ticket. Two girls from Manchester sat behind me on the bus. They had make-up, false eyelashes, and A-Level results on the way. They didn’t have high hopes. Their conversation was whether they got £25 quid in change, but accident when they bought some water. Getting used to this new money is difficult. I walked up to a cash machine with the lowest option being 30,000ft. “Do you wish to accept the rate £98?” NO. I’m getting the money anyway. Now I have six 5,000ft notes. I remember when a 100 note was a problem. That’s food sorted tonight. I’ll treat myself. But first, I need a sleep in the hotel. My feeling is that I should be out all the time, but I’ll get over it. Note to self – no beer tonight!

The Basilica is close to the hotel and I’m much happier here. The streets are pedestrianized and there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink when I’m hungry. For the moment, I’m just enjoying the cafe culture and having a coffee. I really hope that the 5,000 note isn’t too large, but it’s only about £15.

I wish I hadn’t left my Euro power socket converter on the train. I have no idea where to buy a new one. This is a mini problem.

I think I’ll put some emergency money in to my second account. I can’t cope with cash flow stress again. I need another night in Bucharest. I’ll have the hotel in Bp book it. It’s a long trip, it’s a big city, hopefully they’ll have a PC and I can plot my way back from there. Time for a little walk.

Back home for a rest. This is my first day of not feeling too well. Better out than in. No diner and an early night.