After settling in we assembled the bikes
to make sure there wasn't any damage. We spent the rest
of the day exploring Amsterdam on foot. First
impressions were poor; it is potentially a beautiful
city with fine architecture but it is seedy with litter
and graffiti. Cannabis is effectively legal in Amsterdam
and is sold through 'coffee shops'. This makes Amsterdam
a popular destination for people who enjoy an alternative
lifestyle and the graffiti and mess is noticeably worst
nearest the 'coffee shops'.
We went for a walk around
the city. There were thousands of bikes securely locked
to all available structures. Some bikes had multiple
locks (the red one on the photo had 4 locks!),
and the chains would have served for anchors on ocean
going ships. Most bikes were old and dilapidated with
rusty chains. We saw a few that had buckled wheels, either
accidents or vandalized.
The city is full
of cyclists. It is the easiest way to get around
in the narrow streets and they wind easily though the
narrowest gaps while holding their mobile phone to their
ear. We felt a little intimidated, they don't notice clearances
that make us wobble.
