Later that night, we met up with the team downtown and we all picked up some food and found a spot in the lovely Vondel Park. Upon sitting we realized that each one of us had a bottle of wine to themselves... so of course this led to drinking games and human bouldering - something that seems to be happening quite often, the bouldering not the drinking (but also some drinking).
It started pouring rain so hundreds of people ran to the bridge nearby and huddled under it. There we met some Dutch guys who showed us the way to Christel's boyfriends bar where there were live bands playing. We danced the night away and got rides home on the backs of the bikes of Christel's friends... in true Amsterdam style!
The next day Gala and I met up to wander the city a little and then join the group at the main library for some orientation prep/planning along with breathtaking views of the entire city.
The group then strolled the streets, found dinner and a coffeeshop and made our way home. I might have neglected to pick George up at the train station, but somehow he made it to our place (and quickly too!). The next morning we put our bikes together and rode off to Zeeburg Camping for the first day of orientation.
It's been so neat getting to know everybody. We actually went around the circle and talked about what makes us tick and how we deal with conflict and confrontation. Things like "When I'm pissed, you'll know", "I need my space when I get upset", "I'm as passive agressive as it gets"... So it should be interesting to see how such a diverse group pulls together to make this crazy ride work.
After orientation we had our first external engagement meet-up, a potluck with the Amsterdam Baha'i community who sponsored our stay for orientation day 2. It was such a treat to hear about their religion and culture. Everyone was asking all sorts of questions and they were very calm, patient, and non-threatening in all their answers. I felt really lucky to meet them and hear about a religion and philosophy based on helping eradicate poverty, never speaking ill of others, doing community service as prayer... There's also a temple in Edirne, Turkey (at the end of our ride) where their prophet spoke, so that will sandwich our ride with Baha'i encounters. Cool!
Oh and also, we stayed in the cutest little wagonettes.
We're riding onward to another campsite tonight for the second night of orientation, and then tomorrow we kick-off our tour and head to Utrecht. Yay!
Internet access has been infrequent and expensive, so I'll do what I can, when I can. Thinking of you all!
