Red Carpets for Bikes

Well

I did the same thing twice today. I went from the hostel - past the museums and headed further east to a park called Sappharic(sp) Park. A completely different neighborhood that is on the edge of the centrum in the south. Another giant park that I walked around the outside of. I actually got lost on the way there and asked an older Dutch woman with a baby for directions. When I said Ï'm Lost" I guess that sounds like something else in Dutch that translates to something like "I'm uncomfortable" or at least thats what the lady told me. We laughed -cause I said yes it is making me uncomfortable.

Amsterdam rolls out the red carpet for the bicycle. Take a regular city street in Chicago for instance, say a big boulevard like Michigan Avenue, and then divy up the center of it for tram tracks, (the tram - an electric train) Then the lanes to each side are for cars, then you have a really wide sidewalk which is mostly designated bike lanes-- and then some thin parts are for walking. Other parts of the sidewalk are for parking your bike, and there are areas where there are 100's of bikes all locked up. But the parts of the street and sidewalks that are for bikes are indeed red brick.


The red part of the street is for bikes only.

I was told by a Dutch girl that it would be a disaster if I rented a bike and started riding before learning the ins and outs of the bike lanes. Well since my ankle is bothering me a little now, I think I will be renting one soon.... I cant really do all this walking for six more days. adventuer! HAHAHAHAHAH

I ended up walking from the hostel once in the afternoon to this Sapphoric Park- about 25 minutes in one direction - stopping in a Shwarma restaurant to refuel, then on the way back, I discovered a new Ped-mall area in De Pjip (the overall name for that neighborhood), more bars, restaurants, and no access for cars on the streets. I recognized a place called Katsu and stopped in. A very clean neighborhood coffeeshop with a Carribian atmosphere. I was greeted by a young girl in her early twenties who was from Aruba and it was her first day working there. Her mom actually runs the place. She was cool too. We talked for a little bit and soon our conversation was joined by an almost elderly Dutch guy who actually was born in San Francisco. He looked like an old fisherman. I didnt stay there too long, but I plan on returning. We began to talk about the Dutch language and how I would be enjoying myself much more if I understood it. The Arubian spoke perfect english with an American Accent. Aruba to you.

On the walk back, I stopping in at a local bar for a small beer and also to take a piss. For one reason or another, I didnt feel comfortable in there - I think there was a drunkard in there who was looking at me a little sour and started pounding his fist on the bar. Of course I think he was just Drunk because later he was serinading the tall blonde bartender and being intoxicated in his ways. I left anyways feeling a little insecure and not knowing if anyone was saying anything about me. Paranoia perhaps.

and then back at the hostel, after I had some food, some salmon, I ended up changing my shoes and socks and walking back towards Sapphoric Park(sp) again. I couldnt take a nap because there were just too many people in my room. By this time it was 10pm. This city is totally safe. Walking around alone at night, there were young people out everwhere, many also on their own. Biking down dark streets, etc. Hey the other thing about this city I should point out is that the sun never has set before 9 or 10 pm. Pretty crazy - to head out at 10pm and the sun is just setting. I walked home at 1am.

The night walk involved stopping in a bar and being the only person in it. And I ended up talking to the bartender for a couple of drinks before heading on. I asked him if tourists ever wander into here and from there he started giving me advice about what to see and what to do. I guess there is another cool comedy club in town and after I told him that I do Improv he insisted I go there. He was a good guy and I will probably stop in there again too.

Im starting to realize that already I will not get to see all the city. The best way to experience it is to just wander around and see the neighborhoods and the shops, etc. With only a few days left, I have to keep the pace going.

But now at this very moment I am now in Haarlem, at an internet cafe in Grote Market Square. Yes.. Its time for the Haarlem Shuffle!!! Lets see - well I got here around 11am, but I took it easy in the HOTEL!! for a little bit. How great it is to stretch out and have a room to yourself. I almost want to stay here more than one night, but tomorrow night is the Jam at Boom Chicago. So anyhow now after napping, showering, eating, and this typing, it is almost 5pm. Im kind are-energized - although my ankle is killing me. Time to do some sight seeing here and then some nightlife, perhaps more here tomorrow early.