Stroopwaffels and Windmills

Yesterday morning, months after the end of our cycling trip (a loop around Amsterdam), Ben told me that his best friend was on vacation. I asked him if he knew where his friend had gone, and he said "Holland!". Unlikely to be true, but nice to think that Ben now associates vacations with Holland- and a good reminder to look back over Will's great photos. 

For the first few days of the trip, Julian and Sally joined us. Most of the tulips had come and gone, but the tourists were still blooming! Many of us had bad colds, which slowed us down a little. I also forgot that carrying a baby all day makes cycling home more challenging than I would have thought. Still, the cheese and stroopwaffels were absolutely delicious, the weather was perfect, and it was nice to cycle with friends. 

After Julian and Sally headed home, we continued north. The cycle routes in Holland were absolutely incredible. Every single route within and between cities had a cycling option. Our favourite day of cycling was along perfectly paved paths through sand dunes to the sea. We stayed for a night at a family's home, as part of a bed and breakfast network set up specifically for cyclists.

Towards the end of the cycle trip, we stopped in a little village that still had old-style windmills still working. We climbed up all the way to the roof, which provided some great photo opportunities. Ben and Clara both enjoyed the bikes, and cycling was a great way to keep the kids entertained while enjoying some mental space ourselves.

Over the course of the week, everyone learned some new skills (like Ben's rain-avoidance stroller technique). It was nice to realize how few things we need to bring with us when we're not camping, and to remember how relaxing this type of experience is for us. Overall, the trip felt like a great way to connect as a family. We're already looking forward to our next cycle adventure!