A not so compendious ‘bit’ on travel

Happy Saturday morning. Just think, today is the start of the 2024 ‘Tour de France’. While we’re sitting back, maybe with feet up enjoying our morning coffee, all over people are peddling, walking, and running, and riding.

As I’m writing my brother Pieter and his grandson, Wyatt, are about to start their bicycle trip crossing The Netherlands from West to East.

And, reflecting on my travels of a few weeks ago, there was plenty of riding, pedaling, and much walking and climbing. All this we’ll explore today.

“Moorish” influx – has finally arrived to the ‘Nati – this too is part of traveling these days. For some time now I’ve come across videos of people who pride themselves on being “Moorish” Sovereign Citizens. A clap-trap wayward group who drive the authorities crazy with their “we’re traveling and we’re not driving” jargon.

Under this ‘umbrella’ they seem to believe that there is little need for them to be on the road with a driver’s license, Insurance, or vehicle registration.

Invariable their arguments fail, nevertheless much like the dandelion crop in your yard, they keep on springing up (the internet is a powerful thing).

Now, mere blocks from my home I spotted this auto (car, vehicle, conveyance – whatever they call it) parked by the curb. Whoever owns the ‘thing’, I wish them luck. Happy traveling!

Traveling in all of its forms – Here is a quick compilation of all that it takes to get around Europe.

First, be prepared to do a lot of walking and climbing. My little wrist gizmo had never been so busy.

Then, be prepared to pedal. Pedal a bunch! In our case, by day two of our stay we found ourselves sitting on a saddle for five hours while we explored fields, canals, and historic towns (Monnickendam in this case.

The above clip is of the new 7,000 bicycle garage built underneath the canals in front of the Amsterdam Centraal Station (Amsterdam’s main train station)

Then, be amazed at just how well the public transportation system operates. Everything from buses and trams to short rail and long-distance high speed ‘bullet’ trains – 184mph was the top speed in our case. Wait times never exceeded 10-minutes in our case it averaged 6-minutes or less.

Polynesian fun – Last week I mentioned that we’d be heading up to Beavercreek, OH for an evening of Polynesian dance, music, and food. What made it special is the focus and costumes specific to each of the many island nations. Then, just how Marcia and I, as proud grandparents, enjoyed watching Vai and Vili participate. It was quite and evening.

Here’s a short piece of one of the dances – the Poi Ball dance.

Life is AMAZING!

May Peace prevail! Shalom.

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Question: Now that we’re finishing up the never ending, twenty weeks of Pride Month, in the US, which of the following is observed throughout the entirety of July?

1) National Watermelon Month
2) National Hot Dog Month
3) National Ice Cream Month