For me, in addition to riding my bike one of the other key pleasures of travel has to be the food. In America we ate burgers of course….and they did not disappoint. Japan was sushi and noodles and again we were satisfied. Nepal offered us Dahl Bhat, their version of a thali with a variety of vegetables and curry with refills until full. Then there was India.  We ate like kings, slowly working our way through the full range of street food, south Indian thali and rich North Indian curries.

Despite miles on the bike,  weight loss had occurred only in Nepal due to illness – not quite the original plan.

I noted to friends that I would try my best to “diet” on the next section of the trip. Taking in enough calories to ride but not too many for the beach! Knowing I was heading for France and Italy most of my friends just laughed. I love most food, including fine French cuisine, pizza, pasta and of course the wine. However, I have to say that after pretty much the same meal every day now since the start of July I am bored. To almost quote Dr Seuss  “I do not like green cheese or ham”.

Cheese, bread and ham for breakfast and lunch has taken its toll. Travelling on a bike tour means no fridge, limited carrying capacity and of course we have a tighter budget than you may have on a two week holiday. While not quite pani-aqua like the clean tour definitely France riders we have very much been fromage-pani-aqua.  Since moving from France through to Italy the only real variety has moved from fromage de chevre to mozzarella. I need something spicy!

I have always enjoyed the regionalism one finds in France and Italy. In the UK now chicken tikka has often been voted the nations favourite dish. While perhaps at times we are not patriotic enough I love the fact that on leaving my Edinburgh flat I can eat cuisine from all over the world. Striking the balance between national pride and living in a multicultural society is not always an easy balance but without suggesting all is perfect I am extremely proud to come from a country with such a variety of cultures and experience…..

And I’m looking forward to a curry on my brief return!