More Rotterdam 13 March

Jeff and I went downtown to a bicycle shop, called, I kid you not Mega Deal. It sounds like a car dealership. Jeff wanted to buy two bikes so we and others would have wheels when they come to visit.Bicycles are a way of life here. Jeff and his family don't own an automobile. Try that in the USA. We rode there, I on the back of Jeff's bike. It was like being ridden out of town on a rail without the tar and feathers. There must have been a thousand used bikes so we were able to find a couple of servicable bikes for 300 euro. Jeff and I rode back he on his bike and I on one of the new used ones. Now, we had to get the other one. It was Jeff's turn. I pedaled, and he rode on the back. It was not long before Jeff rediscovered the joy of walking. Guess his ass is softer than mine. Now with two bikes our butts were no longer endangered species, and we rode around the neighborhood. This place is beautiful: homes with picturesque canals running in front, ducks and swans swimming in them, a number of these places have quaint draw bridges The homesand yards are clean, well manicured and diverse that shows architecture that is unique to this area. Jeff showed me how scenic bike routes are numbered throughout the city where one can get online, type in the number of the routes desired and a map is produced. Very cool. We got home and together we prepared dinner--lamb, garlic mashed potatoes, and salad. Sheila and I really like Rotterdam for its simplicity, convenience, and sence of personal freedom. More later. Love to all, Michael