As I rode a bike through the snow last night, following my Estonian roommate to an undescript party of his friends, I smiled, realizing this is why I love traveling. The unexpected. The random roommates, friends, and characters you meet on every step of the adventure.I'm in Amsterdam for three weeks doing a journalism internship at a city magazine. I live in a beautiful apartment footsteps away from a snow-veiled Vondelpark. I take the tram everyday to work in a stunning high-ceilinged, wooden-beamed office with huge windows overlooking a frozen canal.
As I followed my roommate into the dark--snow and wind pierced my scarf-covered face with every blast of the bike petal. As my boot slipped and I almost did a swan dive straight into the concrete, I recalled all the times I've ridden bikes on other worldy adventures.
On a tropical road in Luang Prabang, Laos surrounded by orange-robed monks and shimmering temples. Stopping iradically at food stands to pick up grilled fish on a stick or drink the occasional Bintang.
In Siem Reap, Cambodia--getting caught in the sunset--the salmon pink infusing into darkness and enveloping the city in black. Sweat dripped down my brow as I raced Denny and Daniel through the garbage-laden roads, swerving near motorbikes and cars, the smell of grilled beef infusing the humid air.
In Ubud, Bali--the weather unbearably hot. I pushed myself a little more only to linger near the surrounding rice fields encapsulating me like a dream in a whirlwind of beauty, heat, and greenery.
In Ft. Lauderdale, Florida during a hot spring night on a hot spring vacation. Following my two friends on bikes, my sundress flowing through the warm breeze, stopping near the beach to climb up coconut trees and wade our feet in the warmness of the Atlantic.
I love riding bikes in new cities. Amsterdam is my first in the snow. This city is like a fairytale. The canals that wind in and out of the city urging you to get lost and find your way again. The pancakes, the cheese, the Stroopwaffel! I hope last night was the beginning of many more Amsterdam bike rides.
