Pedal faster

So now I am not only the proud owner of a Dutch cell phone and Dutch umbrella, but today I bought the requisite curved-handlebar Dutch bicycle. One gear, which is appropriate for the flattest countryside I have ever seen. The cranky staff at the bike shop ratcheted the seat up to what must have appeared to be an appropriate height for my 5'11" frame (alright, 5'10" and 3/4 of an inch), only for me to try and get on it at a busy intersection and impale my lower back with the seat. Much Dutch laughter was heard, I assure you. So after a few minutes in a sketchy back alley spent hopping on the pedals and trying to get on the seat, I gave up and trotted back into the unhelpful store. Mind you before I went back in I pulled my hair down out of my ponytail - this seemed to help, as a different employee fixed the seat tout de suite.

Wonderful, I am off and pedaling, and it's lovely on the paths. That is, until I realize this is most definitely not quaint Uppsala Sweden, my last European home and spot to cycle. This is a city about four times that size, and the drivers go about four times as fast, close enough to you that you feel the breeze. Gulp.

This will take some getting used to!