Posted by Les Faber in Ahhh, what a superb slumber we had – interrupted only by the melodic chime of the nearby carillon located in the bell tower of our local church (not so melodic at 4 AM).
Read about Day 1 of our Netherlands cycling vacation.
A great night’s sleep – followed by a traditional Dutch breakfast. In some areas the Dutch are predictable. I remember our last trip here. Breakfasts are relatively the same no matter where you go.
Menu
1 (or 2) hard-boiled egg(s)
2 types of bread (grainy & white)
jam
butter
ham
cheese (always mild)
Hagelslag (Dutch chocolate grains that you can put on anything – without guilt)
coffee (ahh the Dutch coffee). It was especially delightful this morning
Today is the first (of many) big days we will have whilst in the Netherlands cycling. Helen & I are off to Henry’s WorkCycle to pick up our brand new Dutch fiets (bikes – learn Dutch). There will be a separate post on this wonderful experience.
The day began with rain. Helen & I were not deterred. We borrowed a small umbrella from the front desk – and were busted by the rightful owner a short time later outside our hotel. All was well as I claimed that it had been presented to us by the hotel owner himself as “lost”. The nice lady gave us her loaner and we were off for our first big day in Amsterdam.
Marc joined us outside our hotel and the day’s adventures began.
One thing that is unpredictable in the Netherlands is the weather. What looked to be a dismal day at the onset became a glorious early Fall day in Amsterdam.
If I could remember all of the wonderful places (and the spellings) of the places we went, I’d tell you. But I can’t (why do the Dutch spell things in such a difficult manner?).
You may also want to read Marc’s perspective on our day.
I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Be the judge. Do you think we enjoyed ourselves?
[...] pouring rain this morning sure got us fooled. By ‘us’ I mean, Helen & Les (read about how they experienced the first day of cycling) and I. Not that a little bit of rain [...]
All I can say is you guys looking really cool and I sure am lucky to have such cool friends. Ah… and secondly… bring back some Hagelslag!
And another thing — Helen — in the picture of you at the cafe… aren’t those my glasses you are wearing!
Lisa & Marc: We used to be so “uncool” with all that Spandex etc…….
Just arrived in Hoorn. Long cycle. This country may be flat. But let me tell you, cycling beside the sea and into the wind makes one work. Sitting outside the hotel sipping (gulping?) an Amstel and giddy with my “connectivity”!
haha, you found wifi again, good job!
Proost!!!
Oh, and yes, let nobody tell you cycling is all peachy here, good point, Les.
*Life is beautiful…without lycra*
I wish I was there!