Safety is my utmost consideration as I travel through London. Almost daily I will take the Tube, which is the underground/above ground train, into central London. The conductors and ticket takers love the kindness being spread as I make my way on the Kindness Bicycle from station to station.

I watched as she walked toward the Kindness Bicycle, stopping dead in her tracks, as the sign on the rear caught her eye. She stood for a minute or more, letting the words “Show respect all the time” take hold, snapping a few photos as a reminder. She briefly glanced at the other signs, but this one held some special meaning to her.
I watched her walk off, without having any interaction, letting her reflect on her individual interpretation, praying that a bit of consolation and/or inspiration was found in those few words.

I met Jonny Stockwell in London while he was having a farewell tea with his mother, he was about to head out of London on a ride that may take him into China. We, of course, had to share the stories on our rides. He is riding to help women in Afghanistan. He is loaded down a bit more than I, needing to camp out overnight on occasion as his wheels roll across Europe.

There is loads of interest in London as I navigate the crowded streets…even the lorry driver is cheering us on!!

Saint Benedict’s Abbey in Ealing, England is generously offering me lodging at their guesthouse on an availability basis. This is a huge help during this 63 day stay in London. There are many nights that the guesthouse is full and I will not be able to stay, but Father Anthony, who is in charge of hospitality, is working his magic to make things work when he can.
This beautiful place of faith and solitude are just what I need, allowing me the opportunity to reflect on the day.

Today I changed the front sign on the Kindness Bicycle to read: “Riding 26,000 miles for children,” and the one of the side signs to read: “Offer compassion to all children.” The people came out of the woodwork today. A few groups clapped …horns honked…people were giving me thumbs up before I did to them… I was invited into pubs for a pint…dozens of people posed with me…hundreds of conversations…huge huge huge day!!!

In looking on Wikipedia this morning for Churchill’s famous hand “V for victory” salute. I now realize that the “V” hand sign is insulting to many Brits…my apologies.
My hand sign is only one of peace in the US and my wish for the UK and the world.
I will now however, only give the “thumbs-up” sign from now on. Maybe I should check Wikipedia on that as well.