Day Sixtythree - Jul 23, 2012
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Daily Didactic
We got up at a reasonable hour, had some breakfast, and headed off to secure ourselves couple of suitable bicycles. We had done a little research and found a rental outfit that specializes in not making it clear from their bicycle that you are a tourist. Instead of a big red plate that says "look at me", you get a classic black Amsterdam "granny bike". We walked about twenty minutes to the Jordaan district and found BikeCity (not a city at all, but a small hole in the wall). There is nothing lightweight about Amsterdam commuter bikes. They have heavy frames, racks (many sporting milk crates for hauling), big seats, and they all carry these two pound chain locks that dissuade theft. You sit upright like at a table. There isn't a helmet in the city. We spent the next twenty minutes figuring out how exactly one behaves as we weaved (by way of a deli) to Westerpark. We sat and had a little picnic lunch and then headed the long way home. We did pretty good, only ending up on the wrong side of the road a few times and learning to deal with other far more experienced peers. We also got used to the fact that, inexplicably, scooters are also allowed in bike lanes here. We can explain later, but it's crazy. We found a market with a fresh fish counter, dropped our "dinner to be" off at home, and then headed for an afternoon of lounging in Voldenspark. After a few hours in the park with what had to have been most of Amsterdam, we headed back home for an very nice fresh halibut dinner and little TV before ending a very provincial and relaxing day.
Today's Photos
