“Do you take acid?”

I start work in Paris on the French Open on saturday. As we all know we all have to start somewhere and Paris isn’t a bad place to start, but this job isn’t putting me up or paying to get me there. Of course I obliged and found a friend to stay with in Paris and to save the cost of a flight I’m cycling….300 or so miles! It’ll take 3 days, but I have family in Folkestone and have found a few people through couchsurfing.com for Amiens.

I had three options. 1) a 25 year old male who had an interesting profile with numerous reviews and many friends (meaning an experienced couch surfer!) 2) a young, female student who had an empty profile and had never hosted or been hosted (like me) and 3) and middle aged German female tour guide. after reviewing my offers I thought the first option was more reliable: he’d hosted people all over the world, who have all written raving reviews about him. Happy with my decision I replied, “Great, thanks so much. Let me know your number and I’ll send you a message to let you know when I’ll arrive.” To which I received the response, ” OK I just have 2 strange questions for you. 1) Do you have an evening dress because we’re going to a designer’s ball” Wow-I thought. That would be fun, if I haven’t cycled 98 miles and have a similar amount to attempt the following day. So I read on…”2) Do you take acid as we will be and can get you some” Ok….right…hmmm I’m not actually sure what to make of this, I might have to call a friend! Well, let’s answer this mini questionairre shall we?! First question-I don’t think I will be bringing an evening gown on my bike. First of all I have nowhere to hang it and secondly I can barely spare space for a second pair of shoes let a lone a prom frock. Second question- Acid! That’s a very interesting question to ask someone you’ve never met, well I suppose it’s best to get it out in the open. It’s possibly not the most suitable substance to consume after an enduring event.

For a very minute moment I did consider accepting the offer of Acid Man’s couch, as it would make an undeniably interesting story. But, I’m en route to work and want to take the safest option and so contacted the middle aged German tour guide. Plus, people on acid think they can fly. Imagine what they think they could do with a pannier laden racing bike! I wouldn’t want my only form of transport ETing out an Amiens apartment window.