David's Diary: Wednesday, August 30, 2001

A Ride To Dinner

The Dutch live on bicycles, not too surprising for a country that is almost one quarter below sea level with a maximum elevation of 321m. Bike lanes are everywhere and we are still getting used to checking for bicycles, in addition to cars, before crossing the road.

After our second school day, we meet our Dutch hosts Marius and Madeleine Schild for a ride through the countryside. Since this is The Netherlands, we have no trouble renting four bikes (one with a seat for Allen). Marius and Madeline ride from their house to our bungalow and then we all set off for a ride in the countryside.

Allen In His Seat

We rode through trails that passed fields of holly, lakes, farmer's fields, and forest as we absorbed the Dutch countryside. Before the children were too hungry we found a restaurant, complete with bike racks in front, where we could enjoy a meal. After dinner, the sun had set and we took a shortcut through the forest in the twilight of evening with the blue sky above us as the lights on our bikes made holes in the darkness around us.