I anticipated Amsterdam for the entire trip. I knew the cyclists here are more intense than in any other place we stayed. I was nervous to cycle in packed groups of fleeting strangers and navigate the city alone. However, after preparing for a month, I couldn’t wait for the challenge. I visited Amsterdam once before with my family when I was 16. My curiosity to see what I recognized and what changed only grew as I reminisced on my previous trip. I remembered how much I loved how vast the city felt. Every street is unique like its own miniature neighborhood. There is something for everyone here. On our way to the hostel from Utrecht, Floris said to me “welcome to the jungle.”
After we got to our hostel we took public transportation to our bike rentals. Our task was to follow a local while we navigated back to our hostel. Initially, cycling in Amsterdam felt like a mix of cycling in Copenhagen and Utrecht. Like Copenhagen, there are specific places for bikers, but like Utrecht, bikers can go anywhere they want. Cyclists rule the streets here. While trying to keep up with the local cyclists, weaving in and out of each other, I noticed the endless canals, flourishing parks, and bustling restaurants, bars, and cafes. I was alone, but never once lonely.
We went on a cycling tour the next morning. I quickly learned that biking in a big group in Amsterdam is nearly impossible. Every other street, busses, and pedestrians separated us. The local cyclist became irritated with our nonstop stopping and starting. The tour guide was fascinating and I loved learning about the history of the cycling infrastructure in Amsterdam. Sadly after this, my time in Amsterdam was cut short. Although I only got two days here, I loved every minute of it. My short visit here confirmed that I need to return one day. The pictures I saw from my fellow classmates looked stunning and I hope the rest of the trip was amazing. Until next time Amsterdam <3
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(Photo by Shannon Mcallister in “Top 10 Tips for Bike Safety in Amsterdam,” TripSavvy).
(Photo by Maïthè Chini in “Netherlands now considers Belgium yellow travel zone, Brussels still orange,” The Brussels Times).