Jack n Karen's Travel Blog: Wind power and pedal power-it`s Amsterdam

We stopped in Amsterdam for several days after leaving Ireland. It was quite a sensory overload after the quiet, small towns of Ireland to come into a city of over 800,000 with at least double of that in tourists.

Actually we had a conversation with a person from Holland and he said that they are concerned because more and more people are coming to vacation in Amsterdam and there aren't enough services and hotel rooms! We stayed about 3 km (1 mile) from the center which was easily accessed by tram. It was a great spot as it was still active yet far less people and noise.

fabulous and exhausing

of course- lots of people

Amsterdam is a wonderful city full of life, youthfulness and energy. I think that feeling comes from the thousands and thousands of bicycles that crowd the roads everyday. It is said that 65% of Dutch ride their bikes daily. Did you know that Amsterdam has a Bicycle Mayor? Yep. In 2016, Anna Luten, the world's first bicycle mayor was elected in the Netherlands to act as an ambassador for cycling and the culture that comes with it.

There are certainly more bicycles than cars which seems to reduce the noise and commotion that one finds in other big cities. Everyday people, as well as bewildered tourists, whiz by on bikes carrying groceries, children, friends, food delivery and I even saw a full size computer. Moms sometimes have three children in special cargo bikes.

The bikes come in all sizes, shapes, and configurations, but they all have one thing in common--they appear old, clunky and in need of paint. This is primarily to deter thieves which is the biggest problem for the Dutch commuters.

Zaanse Schans, outside of Amersterdam

kind of an "open air" museum town with preserved historic windmills and houses

working mills still grinding, crushing, blending

wooden shoes are still made here

We took our chances and rented bikes and spent 3 hours riding about 15 km to a small town along the Amsel River. Our bikes were well maintained yet we chose one-speed with pedal brakes since there are no hills to climb in this dyked city! What an experience and a lovely way to really experience Amsterdam.