The Sunday cycle

We went for our Sunday cycle on Saturday this week. The weather was glorious, we couldn't waste the day sitting indoors. As usual, we took a scenic route. Most of what we saw today looked just like this:

It's a refreshing sight when you feel like you're living in a goldfish bowl. I'm still coming to terms with the fact privacy and having some peace and quiet - or are we just really unlucky with our neighbours?! - are rare when you're living in the Netherlands.

Everyone seemed to be making the most of the weather as there were plenty of other cyclists about. I don't think I'll ever get bored of seeing hordes of cyclists. The way the Dutch do cycling is just really, well, cool. I'm always happy to be out on the bike and I think people usually seem very jolly when they're on their bikes, too.

We also saw loads of these today:

This week I am starting my Dutch lessons. I opted to do the intensive course which lasts a few weeks, rather than three months. I think this will be much better, at least for the first level, and enjoyable. It could also be complete and utter madness, but I am going to think positive. I'm really looking forward, for the first time ever, to studying.

The Sunday non-cycle/Bits and bobs

It's a beautiful day and perfect cycling weather. Our neighbours have been sitting in their garden playing loud (woeful) music and talking even more loudly this weekend so getting out of the house would allow us to get some peace and quiet. We aren't going anywhere though as I am feeling rough. Sore head, throat and a slight cough. My friend was complaining of a sore throat this week so maybe I've caught this from her. I am drinking lots and lots of fluids, I've even branched out and started sampling some of those many flavoured teas we have in the house, and resting.

I have no cycling snaps to share today so this will be a bits and bobs post.

1. I have been thinking a lot this week about how upsetting it was when I lost my job earlier this year. I am now feeling really positive about things. Many people have lost jobs due to the credit crisis and I'm sure it has been worse for so many others. I'm lucky to have Daan to support me while I look for a new job. Although the job search hasn't even resulted in so much as one interview, I'm not disappointed. Something else will come along. I can wait. There are good things about being unemployed......

• Both of us are much happier.
• I no longer have to get up at 5.30am!
• I am much more organised these days and actually in a better routine than before.
• I have time to do all the jobs around the house we couldn't be bothered doing while we were both working like painting the hallway and putting away the things we have had in boxes since we moved here.....over a year ago!
• I've discovered I love cooking and enjoy planning our meals. We are now saving a serious amount on food thanks to all this planning in advance business.
• I now have time to learn Dutch. It was something I've always wanted to do but always had the excuse that work made that difficult. My Dutch lessons start in two weeks. I'm really looking forward to this and think it will make a huge difference because my Dutch is still basic, but I do understand a lot more.

2. I want to explore the Netherlands more, especially now I have time to do this. If I could go anywhere I'd visit the Zaanse Schans world of windmills. I'd also stuff my face with pancakes on the Pannenkoekenboot afterwards. There are lots of cities I want to explore (more), too. Amsterdam is at the top of my list. I also hope we drive to Belgium or Germany for a day trip sometime soon.

3. I am still finding it difficult to accept the difference in customer service between Britain and the Netherlands. I am having/have had problems with two companies. We have tried contacting them. It feels like nobody is listening. This is really disappointing and it's frustating, especially when I rely on Daan (who likes putting things off) to translate something I've written or to send an e-mail.

4. Finally, I love the flowers that are for sale in the shops at the moment. Very autumny. And the pumpkins! So many pumpkins! I'm quite looking forward to Halloween because it's a sure sign that Sinterklaas and Christmas aren't far away. I love the build-up to both of these holidays.

The Sunday cycle

Every Sunday, unless it's a koopzondag, the shops are closed and our little town is very quiet. Provided it isn't raining or snowing, we almost always go cycling on Sunday afternoons. The great thing about living here is that we're surrounded by cycle lanes. We can go anywhere - safely! - by bike. It's great to explore where we live on two wheels, especially as we get to see things that would be impossible to spy if we'd be in the car.

Our Sunday cycle never fails to put me in a great mood. Except for today as my back tyre was flat! I did voice my concern about the tyre needing to be pumped up before we left the house but DAAN someone told me it was fine. It wasn't. Not that long into our journey, I knew it was too flat to be cycling on and our journey was cut short. I just hope it isn't punctured.

Here are a few snaps of what we spotted during our short expedition today:

The corn has been cut down or is completely dried out. Another one of those signs that summer is over.

I've noticed a lot of these lately. I suspect they are destined to become Christmas trees.

Aaah, lots of greenery. You wouldn't get to see this from the car!

Never far from water (of course!)