Today was a tight schedule with no room for mistakes. Bike fix ran late, got the last train that could have worked, got trapped on the train, mushed in by bike JUST in time, but didn’t notice the change in rules where Passenger Locator Form is required before boarding. https://twitter.com/philsturgeon/status/1390932344803110913

Trapped on the train: two bikes were blocking mine. I was trying to move them, doors opened, begged for help as people piled on, some guy grabbed my bike and shoved it back on the train, and it left with me shouting “FUCK” next to Dutch children who hopefully don’t know the word.

I cycled to the ferry and got absolutely drenched from rain and sweat. Google said it would take 30 minutes to do the 6 miles but I did it in 13 thanks to 32mph tailwinds. Got to checkin unaware I needed passenger locator form. How would I know. This was the email I got.

With 9 hours until the next ferry, entirely soaked, empty stomach, I go find the nearest cafe. All I’ve got to warm up and dry out is a pub full of old men sat shoulder to shoulder chain smoking, and a guy taking videos of his dog as he lets it drink beer from his glass.

Trying to enter “Country of Origin” on the @GOVUK passenger locator form website is a shitshow. “British Citizen” is apparently the Country in meant to enter. That’s not a country you useless fucks.

Another fun thing that’s new. To get into the U.K. you now have to order 2x COVID tests, one for day 2 and one for Fay 8, before you can complete the passenger locator form and board. That’s £210. Ok, but If you want to “test and release” you pay EXTRA to test ok day 5 AS WELL!

I’m all down to travel safe, but for the love of god. The Netherlands let me take my test to release test for free. And the pre travel tests were free. The U.K. is charging for all 2-3 of those tests, and it’s fucking expensive. This seems like a anti-poor/immigrant Tory thing.

Sorry for all the typos I can’t feel my hands.

At least I have Bitterballen and infinite giant Amstel.