Back in the Netherlands!

Oh sweet tulips, licorice, bikes, stolen bikes, funny cookies and statistically tallest people in the world: I Am Back! In January I left the province of Groningen, went around the world from Seoul, South-Korea to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic but here I am again. It was a cRaZy year so far. Sometimes I felt that I might get hit by atomic missiles while at others I danced Salsa a whole night and learnt the Merengue at the same time. 

So: What is the first thing, I did in the Netherlands after returning???

Well, besides moving my stuff around and organizing my life the first thing I did was cycling! A bike is one of the most essential tools you need in the Netherlands, next to food and some clothes. Without a bike you cannot move around as freely, you’re slow and you cannot enjoy cutting of frustrated car drivers. 

by RenatoDaub (YouTube)

At least in the center of Leiden, as in every other Dutch city, you can reach your destination much quicker by bike than by car. You have to watch out that it won’t get stolen or thrown into a canal and you start to love and hate it at the same time. On the one hand you’re butt starts to hurt, you’re always sweaty and don’t even try to fix your hair before cycling to uni because it will look like a lion’s mane either way. Moreover, your fingers will freeze to the handle if you won’t wear mittens in winter. On the plus side you feel as if you are part of the Dutch culture, at least I always did for a bit. Once you have a bike you are part of the gang and you have the same rights and problems as everyone else on a bike. If you’re late for class the common excuse ‘fietsproblemetjes’ (bike problems) can be a nice safe even though you overslept again. The healthier lifestyle and daily workout will make your ass look great and you have a conversation starter for small talk occasions.

Random International Student: “Damn! I still have to get used to cycling and I think my bike has a flat tire”

Random Dutch Student: “Oh you’ll get used to that quickly, let me take a look at it, shouldn’t be too hard to pump some air in”

Congratulations, you found a new Dutch friend! Afterwards you might end up in the garage because too much air got pumped into the tire and it popped...
There is so much more to tell about proper locking, maintenance, customary rules, laws and purchase of bikes that I could write the whole day... Do you have a particular bycicle anecdote to tell or a question? Do so in the comment section!


Apart from cycling my way arround town, I got a more detailed impression of the town on foot together with my fellow students during the organized walking tour of the European Studies Master Program! See for yourself:

Thanks for reading!

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