This led to the wonderfully slim, tall, and—let’s be honest—terrifying staircases that are now a hallmark of historic Dutch homes. They are so steep, they are essentially ladders. You don't walk up them; you ascend them with a silent prayer and the focused concentration of a seasoned mountain goat.

And after all that waiting, after all that silence, it feels like the simplest, most beautiful freedom just to sit here — cup warm between my hands — and watch the world go by

I used to ride through Boone with a helmet strapped snugly, pedaling at my own rhythm. Now I’m preparing myself for Amsterdam’s bike ballet — a choreography of speed, timing, and confidence. It’s intimidating, but also thrilling.

The weather app said sunshine all day — the kind of day where cyclists stream by in sunglasses and the café patios overflow with clinking glasses.

Dutch can sound serious and guttural at times, but the more I learn, the more I discover these linguistic treasures tucked in between the hard consonants. Words that make me laugh, smile, or feel a little less alone.

Dutch may have a reputation for sounding harsh, but I’ve found its vocabulary sprinkled with whimsy, cheek, and wit. Every funny word feels like a linguistic treasure — and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to learn a new language is to laugh through it.

From Boone’s helmets to Amsterdam’s freedom, the bike has always been my companion. And I can’t wait to live life again by the bike path — this time with the wind in my hair, and maybe a basket of fresh market tulips rattling up front.