Luchen

After having breakfast at a supermarket and enjoying coffee at a cute cafe that gave us little chocolates shaped like coffee beans, we rode our bikes to the Bergen op Zoom train station. We took some time to figure out the ticketing system because our bikes needed their own tickets. Eventually, we found a carriage designed to accommodate bikes, but it could only hold two bikes, which were already taken. With our two additional bikes and another cyclist, it became quite crowded.

Everything was going fine until the staff came by and asked us to remove the panniers/luggage from our bikes to make more space and clear the way. The five of us worked together to take off the luggage and fit the bikes better, although it didn't save much room. We decided not to bother with the tightly tied panniers on V’a bike, so we just shrugged and hoped we wouldn't be checked again before the next stop. It turns out that Dutch trains aren't reallllly designed for bikes; they've just made some accommodations. The stops are very quick, so you have to move fast with the bikes!

We knew we had to change trains once, and it was a close call. We managed to rush our bikes between the connecting trains on different platforms in about six minutes. If missed, we would have had to wait over an hour for another train. In the rush, there was a funny moment when Vikum tried to hit the 'close door' button, but it turned out to be the 'open door' button, adding some extra spice to our race for the next train. We made it on board, a bit sweaty, and then relaxed with our bikes in the carriage until our stop at Eindhoven.

Once we got off the train, I noticed that my bike was making the same "clonking" sound as yesterday. I realized I needed to be cautious, as there might be a problem with the tire. I called Tom to pick me up, and fortunately, he was on his lunch break between calls, so he picked me up just in time before it started raining. It turned out there was a small hole in the tire, so I was glad I had been careful.

We really, really enjoyed our bike tour in the Netherlands. We later rented bikes in France, which was also amazing, but we couldn't help but notice the difference in the quality of the paths compared to the Dutch ones. I can see myself doing more bike touring in the future, as long as it's in the Netherlands!

After the bike tour ended, we decided to take a few days to rest, do some laundry, air out the tent, and spend extra time with Paul, Myra, and Tom. Vuurvogel Lane now felt like a home base in Europe, and it was nice to take a breather before deciding on our next destination. Vikum got a haircut, I stocked up on more Pickwick Chamomile & Honey tea that I'd become addicted to, and we tried Dutch McDonald's fries with their special sauce.

Because we’d extended our stay in Eindhoven an extra few nights, Paul and Myra invited us to join them to the local community party that only happened once a year. Wow. It was super well organised and bigger than the parties we used to have down at the rugby club! The band “The Recipe” had the whole tent dancing and the disco ball was huge! Paul and Myra outlasted us by far, but we had a really good time partying with them - pretty impressive of them to put together such a big goodbye party for us on our last nights there 😉

One evening, we made Vietnamese beef stew and dessert as a final dinner, and then we had one last breakfast together outside in the garden. We loved all the breakfasts and lunches we shared at the outdoor table, we will remember these fondly. The next morning, Paul dropped us off at the bus station, and we left feeling well cared for, knowing we had a place to return to if we ever felt homesick or got stuck during our upcoming months of travel. Thanks so much, Paul, Myra, and Tom! 🥰Read more