Bicycles everywhere

I have never seen so many bicycles as I have here. What I have not seen is fat people. Why? Cause they all must own a bicycle. And their houses/apartments are 4 stories and no lifts(elevators). 

Bicycles rule the road ways. They have special lanes everywhere and can go in either direction. It is easier as a pedestrian to cross an intersection with trams and cars and trucks than to cross a single bike lane.they clearly have the right of way regardless of where they are riding, sidewalk, bike lane, or street.it is frequently difficult to walk on the sidewalk due to all the parked bicycles chained together.

They have bikes for caryying your kids with you. Some with carriages in the front, some behind, and some on the handlebars. They are almost all like single speed beach bikes. Heavy duty and able to navigate the cobblestone streets with trolly rails. The lack of speeds must be due to the fact that Amsterdam is flat. Flatter than Florida flat. A hill is the 4 foot climb to cross the peak of a canal bridge.

It was great seeing Cindy yesterday and spending the day with her. Joan and Cindy talked almost the whole time while walking, or sitting, or eating. They had a lot to catch up on. She is such a good person and we had a great time.

Today we were on our own and had a liesurely breakfast at our hotel while sitting in the front window. We packed our bags and walked back to Amsterdam Central Station, through the front and out the back to the port side. There were ferry boats and barges and about a 1/4 mile away were the cruise ships. Several river cruisers and 1 massive Cruse Ship. Pushing our suitcases along the cobblestone and brick walkways became tiresome as the wheels perform significantly better on truely flat surfaces like tile, carpet, and linoleum. We arrived about noon and beat the bus arrivals from the airport. We figured to drop our bags off for storage and come back later when our room is ready like other cruises we have taken. 

But this was different. We welcomed and invited on board the ship. They checked us in right away and took our bags. The Hotel Manager personnal took us to our room and highlighted how it work (temp setting, a/c plugs, balcony, and big screen high def tv). We figured to go for a walk while our baggage got delivered but it was at our room as the Hotel Manager left. So we settled in and Joan nested.

We did go out and learn to use the Tram system which is excellent. Very effecient and clearly marked. We made our way to a museum of a typical affluent Dutch canal home. Very interesting as they had their own version of Upstairs/Downstairs which is tough in a four story narrow home. And the family living quarters were on the third floor so servants had to drag all the water up from the basement. Sewers and running water didn't arrive till the 20th century. 

It was raining when we finished tne tour so that definitely meant it was time for a GT. We synced up on the free wifi and the caught several different trams for a dry view of the city returning to the ship in time for the welcoming presentation and dinner.