canals, cycling and coffee shops - Part II

When I first came here and saw all the Amsterdamites riding around on their bicycles I thought, "How different and eco-friendly!"

But then reality sunk in and I thought a little further, "Well, what do they do if it's raining? Do they still ride their bikes in the rain? Or do they jump on the tram?"
ANSWER: They still ride their bikes in the rain. One hand on a handlebar, another holding the umbrella. GENIUS!

Then, I thought, "Well, what if they want to go out for a night on the town.. do they put on their makeup, strap on some high heels and get on their.. bike?"
ANSWER: Yes. Yes, they do. Riding a bike in high heels is apparently very easy to do. Duh. silly me. How could I EVER think otherwise.

Amsterdamites.. they walk their dogs on their bikes. They carry on conversations side by side while on their bikes, as if they were just walking down the street next to each other. They talk on their cell phones on their bikes. They ride with no hands on their bikes. Even the little kids have a seat on the front of their parents' bike with a pretend bike so they can feel like they're biking, too.

Serious love of bikes in this place. And I still don't quite get it!