European Tour – Amsterdam and the last of civilization (Written by Gala)

Just finished washing some dishes, mainly a butter knife used to spread nutella on bread (staple diet at the moment) at Jan’s apartment here on the Noord side of Amsterdam. 63 ms. oslofjordweg, a former shipping container, since painted red and transformed into a narrow bedroom complete with kitchen and bath, has been my residence since hopping off the train from Paris on Wednesday. After setting up the bicycle, I was introduced to student life in Amsterdam with a traditional homemade ’suriname’ meal at a friend of Jan’s, a house party, and a night spent dancing to wrap up day one. Not bad at all, would be my argument.

The ‘crew’ have been quickly streaming into town.

“How’s the bike treating you?” ask two tall strangers as Chris and I walk down the canal… “umm…” “No, no… we’re one of you, I mean.. Global Agents? I have the same bike as you…” responds Jake Moir, one of the 15 or so people I had yet to meet of our crew of 20. Amsterdam’s petite size allows for a couple more random run ins with a few more Global Agents for Change, and Friday night finds 10 of us in a people-packed park, each with a bottle of wine in hand.

this is the beginning of our tour.

we’ve all got our reserves about the Balkans, and there is a reciprocating feeling of non-saneness among us too. some have experience in similar cycling tours, and some (cough cough) have never ventured from day-long tours. although, i did have my fair share of critical masses this year. and although we won’t be a team of 2000, which is the stats of the latest Vancouver Mass ride (check out this cycle rant from a former professor of mine about CM here), our team of 20 will be a sight to see in our bright green and orange jerseys next week.

“training” these past few days has consisted of very slow mini-rides (as most people ride granny bikes with one gear) around the cutest lil houses on cobblestone streets that you ever did see, and a trip to Jan’s parents house for use of their holy washing machine.

holy washing machine.
did I just say that?

I think I’m losing my mind. and, I promise my writing will get better once my surroundings get less comfortable. that’s a usual trend that I’ve noticed.

PS, the library here is really neat.
ramble, ramble, ramble. orientation starts tomorrow and I’m moving from this nice little storage unit of a house out to the campground which will be hosting us for the next 3 days.