Bikes and Boats

my day outfit that keeps me warm but also makes it hard to see the bikers.

It seems you aren’t Dutch if you don’t ride a bike.  There are approximately 350,000 bikers on the road every day in Amsterdam and 73% of the population owns a bike.  Bikers are everywhere and they don’t let babies, dogs, large musical instruments – anything – stop them from saddling up.  And they have the right-of way and will mow you down.

babies on board

or in baby baskets

I’m surprised he doesn’t have his own bike – or a big enough basket for him.

Even the cops are on two wheels.

I bet I wouldn’t make it 5 feet with that thing on my back.

Or 2 feet with that.

Stylin

with colorful baskets.

If you don’t have your own bike you can always just hop onto a friend’s.

Is that a car in the bike lane? unclear…..

Also seen all over the city are boats and houseboats in the canals.   This year Amsterdam is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the canals.  The canals were dug by hand to be used as transportation routes.

This hotel on the canal has a royal suite that can be yours  for 3,000 euros a night.

A houseboat will run you about 400,000 Euro 

Definitely a different and beautiful way of life here!