Biking along the Amstel {frozen bike seat and all}

There is nothing like spending winter in Europe to make you appreciate the sun. I sound like a broken record, but I never considered how different the amount of light and sun would be. So when the blue skies came out yesterday (and today!), even though it is quite chilly out there, I had to get out an enjoy it. Plus I've really been sticking with my goal of getting out for a mid-day outing/walk, and certainly wasn't going to miss out on one on a sunny day.

I'm in Amsterdam this week, so of course I hopped on my bike (don't worry, there were no tram tracks on my route) and peddled along the Amstel river.

It was a chilly start, with my frozen bike seat and all, but once I got peddling in the sun, it was pleasantly warm-ish.

If you bike about 10 minutes south of where we live along the river, the city starts to slip away, and you're greeted with scenes of quiet country life.  Including this windmill and slightly frozen pond, reminding me that despite the blue skies it is indeed the middle of January.

I was shocked to see teams of rowers heading up the river, although given my own strong pull to get out in the sun, it really shouldn't have surprised me.

As you peddle along, you are really transported out of the city. The houses get bigger. Cars are few and far between, and so are people for that matter.

P.S. I'm quite impressed that I could manage to take pictures while riding my bike and not kill myself. Heck, there wasn't even a wobble. Seriously, this is a milestone.

It was the perfect respite from the city and from sitting at my computer. I could have peddled away all day along that river, but unfortunately the call of work was stronger than the call of the sun. I hate it when that happens.