Bikes in Holland

amsterdam

Here we are in Amsterdam! We had a lovely flat ride into Amsterdam from the ferry port at IJmuiden, rolling in at about midday yesterday. We met Colin and went wandering for the afternoon. Colin and Liz have a great apartment right in the center of town, apparently their apartment building dates back to 1671!? Amsterdam is a gorgeous city and was absolutely bustling with people out enjoying the sunshine. There are so many cyclists and initially we kept almost wandering in front of them on the bike paths. We're having to get used to looking left first when crossing roads. While cycling yesterday we were repeating our new mantra "right-hand-side-right-hand-side-right-hand-side".

Tonight we are going to see Beach House, a great band from Baltimore who we've actually seen once before in Melbourne. Tomorrow we head to Rotterdam for a night, then we meet Colin and Liz in Rotterdam on Friday to cycle together down the coast.

Here are some photos from the ferry ride and Amsterdam..

Cycling along the Hadrians Wall cycle path from Newcastle Railway Station to the ferry port

Newcastle ferry port and (ferry in the foreground)

Smoke stacks as we pull in to IJmuiden

Matthew looking very much like he has arrived on "the continent". Holland is so flat!

Cute man showing how to press the cycle crossing button

A cat lying casually on a restaurant table

Matthew and Colin at a pub Colin took us to

Matthew and Colin and a canal

View from the pub

Queens park festival

Just by chance we happened to be in Glasgow for the Queens park festival on the Saturday. Queens park was just near our flat on the south side of the city and is one of my favourite places. Below is a lopsided video of Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson who played in the green house which luckily was opened up for a cool breeze as Glasgow was warm for once.
Great to see such an amazing show of blues and traditional songs - great atmos as well with little kids dancing around in circles till they got dizzy.
Fitz is from Queensland with gruff, dry persona which plays off Cara's soft and light Irish temperament. At one point Cara thanked someone in Gaelic and Hatz asked "What! ball bags tampon?" Ive missed that subtle aussie homour.
The videos a bit crap but there is many clips on you tube that show full songs with better sound if you search.

Hat Fitz / Cara Robinson

Bye Bye Scotland -

Its our last day in Lossiemouth today and we are all set for our Europe cycle. We spend the weekend in Glasgow to catch up and farwell friends then get the train to Newcastle for the ferry to Amsterdam. Eppp.... very busy with all the little things that need doing when moving but I think we are all set with the bikes and gear. Farewell Scotland, you have been a very warm (in your people not your weather) and welcoming home for the past two or so years. Wish us luck. XX

Saying goodbye to our neighbours

Elgin train station