Amsterdam: modes of transportation

One of the things we really liked about Amsterdam was the walkability of the streets...yes, even with our excessive amounts of luggage. We were moving from one continent to another. We had to collect our checked luggage on this extended layover and the airport lockers didn't fit the bags we wanted to leave - so we hauled it like pack mules through the trains and streets to our B & B.  You can imagine what a welcome sight that lovely doorway was at the end of our journey.

Many of the roads in the canal area are restricted, meaning no cars only bikes and motos. I was warned by Claire that even though it is tempting to walk in the bike lane...even though it is paved and oh so inviting...the locals don't take kindly to the tourists walking on their path. I tried to keep that in mind, but she should have warned Kenyon too. As a result, we were given the little bell from a bike warning us to get out of the way a couple of times. Sorry, Claire. Apologize to the Dutch on behalf of the American tourists.

Since bicycles are such a common mode of transportation it wasn't unusual to see whole families on one bike. They do this in Cambodia, but the Khmer seem to lack the equipment to make it look like a fairy tale way to get around town. Generally, Khmer people sit (or stand) where they fit on the bicycle structure. I was always in awe of this skill. The Dutch install extra seating instead. Check out some of the family style bicycles we saw while walking around.

British movies always seem to start with a group of people in a small car like this. Our trip to Europe would not have been complete without such a sighting.

Look at that car in comparison to Kenyon. I don't think someone his size could fit in there comfortably, what do you think?