In Amsterdam, sunshine is a rarity (despite what photos or postcards may depict). But when the sun shines, the city is magical. Sunshine dances off the canal waters onto old brick buildings; locals and tourists cruise by in boats; families and pet-owners pile into Amsterdam’s parks and every (outdoor) chair at every café is packed – no matter the season. All Amsterdamers, it seems, subscribes to the same mantra: get outside when the sun is shining, because you never know how long it will last (especially in the winter months). Winters are cold – but not too cold – usually just above freezing; resulting in more rain than snow for the average winter cycle ride. However, when the snow comes, it paints this pretty city in a fairy-tale glow. On the rare occasion that fresh snowfall is followed by sun and clear blue skies (especially on a weekend) the whole city comes out to play. This past Sunday was one of those days. So like a good Amsterdamer, I grabbed my camera, hopped on my bicycle, and peddled my way through the city. After all, nothing is ever further than a bikeride away…
The Urban Observer 
Great pictures! Grey is the best way I can remember what winter in Amsterdam was like. I lived to the north in Leeuwarden. I have never biked and walked more in winter, and low and behold it was great… very cool blog by the way!
Thanks for your comment. Leeuwarden: where you at WETSUS, or? I’ve passed through on my way to the islands, but would love to spend a bit more time in the overall region! 🙂 And yes, I love the cycling culture in the NL (rain or shine). I will certainly have to transplant to another cycle city if/ when I leave Amsterdam!
NHL back in ’04. It will always be that special place for me.
Harlingen is neat, Groningen is cool, and the small towns around it are picturesque. It’s a feeling of independence to be able to take the train almost anywhere and then be able to walk/ride from the station.
I’m headed to Groningen this weekend to see a very good friend that lives there. It’s a great city & I love the Noorderzon festival too: jazz & bikes in old churches and barns… something special.
Completely agree with the independence one experiences by public transport; while personal cars are often touted for the ‘independence’ they provide; I find much more independence from hoping on and off the train onto the bike or my own two feet. Someday I will miss that… But, happy that this is also my line of work. 🙂 I want to soak up all of these experiences and then (hopefully) apply them to the real world, post PhD. Meanwhile, having a great time, one cycle ride at a time!
Good luck, I look forward to seeing more! And make sure to enjoy a stroopwafel for me… love those things.