Cycling in Amsterdam
In Summer 2023 I experienced a love for life which, when I recall the moment from time to time, still makes me happy.
I had just spoken to a very kind gentleman at Tip Amsterdam North, who let me take out a day rental after hours even though he was closing (I would lock up and return the key at a drop location in the evening when I was finished). It was overwhelming to be so warmly welcomed, and I appreciated his patience as I stumbled through some Dutch.
My plan was to go through Noorderpark and head west towards NDSM-Werf, before taking the ferry back to my start point. There’s something to be said about just how relaxed and comfortable I felt on this ride - I could go very slowly while following established road rules so obvious I didn’t need to think about them. You can get anywhere you want to go on fully connected routes.
I ended up at the ferry terminal having just missed one, but fortunately the frequency was every 10 minutes (and it’s free!). I took the time to just look out at the waterfront and watch all the shipping traffic.
The passengers arriving at the terminal deboarded, I was able to push my bicycle easily on the step-free ramp and counted what must have been 200 people boarding within a very short span of time. We set sail (no sails) and were passing by a massive cruise ship, and waved to people up on the top deck, who waved back in earnest. All kinds of people, couples, families, old and young.
A massive swell of emotion overtook me. I honestly lack words to describe it. It was such a simple gesture.
Since then I’ve always dreamed about living in the Netherlands.