Amsterdam e-Bike Adventure

Today’s wake up call came in the form of “Red Red Wine” blaring from the garbage truck outside our window. I tried to ignore it and snuggle back up in bed, as I was exhausted. The jet lag hit last night and I couldn’t fall asleep until 4am. *snore*

Brian and I went out this morning for breakfast at the local cafe around the corner, where we had delicious croissant breakfast sandwiches.  





Afterwards, we thought we would wander a bit more but it started raining and I was already getting cold. We headed back to the room to relax for a few and I added a pair of leggings under my pants so my legs would be doubly warm. Thank goodness, because I would need that warmth. 

Today, we joined Those Amsterdames for an e-bike  tour through the Dutch countryside and to Zaanse Schans, a wonderful little spot where they have several working windmills. Along the way we rode though a nature conservatory, rural neighborhoods, small towns and (my favorite) past a working chocolate factory where the air smelled like warm chocolate.  











Our stop in Zaanse Schans was the reason I scheduled a tour and it was a short but fun stop. We saw the working windmills, some who grind chalk, others who cut wood, and others with entirely different uses.  We also saw them making Dutch wooden clogs and sampled traditional Dutch cheese. It was a great stop. We purchased an ornament for our travel tree (we collect one from each place we visit). It features a windmill, of course. 





Our guide, Joanna, was wonderful. We made some other small stops along the way and just really enjoyed the view of this part of the country from atop a bicycle. In total we rode 48km today, about 30 miles. We really enjoyed the e-bikes too, which we had never tried before. A total game changer, especially for those dreaded uphill climbs! We will see whether my butt feels it tomorrow. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden a bicycle. My face is a little bit wind burnt and our bodies are tired, but we both truly enjoyed today’s experience. 

Since it’s our last night in Amsterdam we had to have Dutch pancakes one more time. Brian opted for mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and I got the Ferror Rocher pancake, complete with Nutella, hazelnuts and a scoop of Ferror Rocher ice cream! It was so delicious but way too much to eat. 


We headed home to enjoy some nice warm showers and get packed up for tomorrow.  We are excited to get out of the big city, but have another big city ahead of us. After that, we get to hit some smaller areas. Where will tomorrow take us? Tune in and see…

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