Day 39: Utrecht to Amsterdam

Before setting off to the promised land of Amsterdam I took a detour to the Kröller-Müller Museum and Sculpture Garden near Otterlo. 

Utrecht to Otterlo (and back)

I left my bags at the hostel in Utrecht and took myself and my bike to the central train station. This was actually more of a challenge than one would envision because there was construction going on everywhere and even though Google Maps said I was inside the station, I was anything but that. Anyway, after a few flights of stairs and maybe dipping into a construction zone or two, I found myself in the station. 

It was very straightforward taking my bike on the train. I bought a ticket for myself and my bike and hopped on the train via the door marked with bike symbols.

Once I got off at Ede-Wageningen Station I had about a 16 km to ride to the museum (inside Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe). It was very lush and green – part of riding through the forest reminded me of home.

The museum and sculpture garden are hidden gems inside the rich greenery of the national park. The museum has a sizeable Van Gogh collection. I couldn’t resist having a cappuccino and a slice of Dutch apple pie on the museum cafe terrace. 

Two separate Europeans mistook me for a German, must be the bangs…? Either way, I was feeling pretty damn Continental. Until, of course, I had to inform them I speak only English and I understood little to none of what they were saying.

Utrecht to Amsterdam

After returning to Utrecht via cycle and train, I grabbed my bags and hit the road to Amsterdam. The ride wasn’t very long. It was, of course, flat – but, the Dutch wind was relentless today. It was a hard slog despite the mild grade. 

Part of the ride was along a wide canal carrying long shipping boats. I had a race with one carrying what appeared to be scrap metal. I won!

My hostel is a bit out of the centre, located in south Amsterdam, but was recommended by a friend. After freshening up, I took the bus into the city and went for a stroll around Oosterpark. This is where Haley and I hung out upon our first European reunion over two years ago! 

Tomorrow will be a rest day in Amsterdam and I hope to get a ticket to the Anne frank house and check out the Rijkmuseum. Other than that, the day is open to explore. I’m meeting a friend who is from Vancouver and now lives here, too!

DOTD

I must apologize for the poor photo quality… I had to be pretty sly taking shots of this dainty angel on the bus.