Today we got to experience the real Dutch life! Throughout the past three days, we witnessed Dutch people only travel on bikes, from individuals in the corporate world, to farmers, to kids, and grandparents, everyone was an expert at bike riding. Despite the fact we knew their main means of transportation was the bicycle, we really did not get it until we saw it. As part of our Dutch experience, we could not leave Netherlands without riding on bikes and seeing their famously sustainable windmills. Netherland’s lowest point of elevation is 22 feet below sea level, so in order to not flood and remain above water, the Dutch make use of windmills that pump their water constantly. In front of our hotel, we hopped onto the metro into the center city of Rotterdam. We made our way to the waterfront where we caught a water taxi that would take us to Kinderdijk. Along the boat ride we enjoyed the city aspect of the Netherlands’ hidden beauty. At one point we sailed right past a huge wooden boat known as Noah’s Ark.
It was AMAZING. Once we arrived we all got to the bike shop, we all picked out our bikes, and were ready to ride off. It’s true! One never forgets how to ride a bike. I couldn’t tell you the last time I was on a bike, since it was so long ago. I was nervous at first because falling off the bike was a great possibility, which I did not want to experience, especially in the middle of the town’s traffic.
It was a bumpy road until we got on the actual bike path to the wind mills. It was quiet, calm, and so soothing to watch all the animals grazing on the green fields. Riding past the town houses felt like I was in a European movie. Their attention to detail in life is outstanding, I could observe it in the details of the houses, between the tiling and flowers. I was so caught up in all of its natural beauty, I did not realize I made my way to the front of the caravan on tourist bikes. After three miles on a bike, we finally made it; all I saw were windmills everywhere. They were a cute, small, and housed the windmiller and their family. Being that there location is by water channels and remote, the millers all had their bikes and steamboats in front of the mill. It is crazy to think windmills have maintained Netherlands above water. But now it was time to head back another 3 miles to the bike shop. I was looking forward to today, I was nervous but once I was on a roll, it was so easy. I am happy to say I got to experience the whole Dutch life.
Leave a Reply