Becky in the Lowlands: Bicycle bicycle, autumn splendour

Whoops... It has taken me far too long to get around to a second blog. But from this point I intend to write more regularly. So, I really like bicycles. I think I was definitely swayed towards studying in the Netherlands over a lot of other countries because of the cycling culture, and it's living up to its expectations in that way. I love the fact that anyone, no matter what their age, occupation or outfit choice, can be seen upon their two wheeler (sometimes three if it has a Christiania bike-style box at the front) . There are a few funny things you tend to see, and a few bits of etiquette you quickly learn when cycling around... Helmets are rarely seen, you can fit at least three people on each bike, in various formations, and make sure you don't walk on the cycle paths!

The sophisticated system of bike networks in Dutch cities means that it makes complete sense for it to be the chosen mode of transport for most journeys. It's quite novel to experience heavy bike traffic and weave your way along the canals with other hoards of cyclists. Navigating your way on foot or bike takes some getting used to though - there's probably more risk of getting into a collision with a bike than with a car!

Me on my bike, in warmer times

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So since I last wrote a blog, autumn has made its presence felt. At this moment there is the thickest fog outside my window, which looks like we could be in a high-altitude ski resort. The temperatures have dropped, the sun hides away a lot of the time, and the trees are showing their vibrant autumnal colours.

Mahsa's autumnal photos

We've just started a new "block" of courses at uni, and before that I had a trip back to London/Sheffield/Leeds, which quenched my thirst for some hills. Turns out that cycling here significantly reduces your ability to cycle with any sort of gradient - my thighs definitely got a good workout with the journeys back home! It was nice to have a change of scene for a few days, and I think having a break put a bit of energy back into things here in Utrecht.

Last Thursday a few of us went for some delicious Tapas in the cellars underneath Winkel van Sinkel for my flatmate Natalie's birthday, and we had a party on Friday. Safe to say it was a good one, but the state of the flat afterwards left a lot to be desired. Thankfully its back to a liveable state now. The day after the party I went to Efteling theme park along with my Californian gals Mahsa and Katelyn, which was a great day out despite the freezing temperatures. One of the highlights of the day was hanging out with a peacock by a big fire. The peacock seemed to enjoy popcorn...