I Get Around

Today, I stopped counting. Stopped keeping track of how many times I'd almost been run over by a bike or Vespa. It was starting to make me anxious. All of a sudden, it became normal, slightly funny and sorta like a game. And I think the change happened when I realized that they don't want to hit me any more than I want to be hit. I mean, it's really inconvenient for both of us - I'd be hurt and stunned and they would have to stop texting and have their high blown.

I've never been in a place with so many modes of transportation. I've seen bikes (and an actual bike traffic jam), Vespas, Hover-Rounds, wheelchairs, cars, car-motorcycle-bike looking things, garbage trucks, delivery vans, trams, buses, boats, razor scooters, strollers and some that I don't even know what to call. And that was just today.

This city isn't very big. We've discovered that we can walk most places from our hotel in the Red Light District. And we've been getting around in this city with ease and on foot (mostly mama in front of me so I can keep an eye out and, hell, she just walks faster than I do). We've taken a tour bus and followed that up by a boat tour today. We've walked miles and miles, in and out of clouds of marijuana smoke, past half-naked women, dodging bikers texting with one hand and steering with the other, amidst throngs of people, over bridge after bridge, into and out of pizza shops, carrying ice cream and souvenirs...all while giggling and smiling because we just love it here.

Mama actually said today "I could live here. I feel so safe that I'd actually be comfortable walking around at night by myself." Anyone who knows mama, knows that's a big deal. First off, she actually said she could live in another country. Secondly, she does not walk around by herself, much less at night, EVER! I'm not sure if it was one of those marijuana clouds we just walked through or if she really loves it here that much, but I'll take it.

We bought souvenirs today. And instead of only taking home a magnet to put on my refrigerator, I'd like to take the spirit of movement as well. I have a bike that I've owned for almost three years. Admittedly, I've only been on it a handful of times and it's now collecting dust. While I'm not nearly ready to hop out on Damstraat or any other Dutch street on my cruiser, I do want to practice more in the new year. My goal is to rent a bike next time so I can get around like the locals. Mama said she will do it too. That's going to be an amazing hot mess. Can't wait to share it.

Paris, Amsterdam really set the bar high. You ready for us?

Here's that Tesla cab ya'll. Like seriously, how much does it cost to ride in this thing?

If you're too broke to ride in the Tesla cab, here's a Benz.

Check out all the bikes lining the curb. 

I saw this shirt on the first night and, up until today, felt this way about most bike riders. I've since calmed down.