23 September, 2007

auto free day


i will post more real information tomorrow, but i had to write about this today... one of the greatest ideas ever: Auto Free Day here in Amsterdam! it was amazing! i had no idea this was going on (i don't speak dutch yet, so the signs all over the city that made this clear were totally lost to me) there were tons of people riding in carriages and on horses - like a parade, but without the marching band and stupid banners.

even people in period clothing... really interesting to see how much work people had put into this!

Shawna and I went to meet our friend penny for lunch near the amstel canal and the nieuwmarkt and there was another impromptu parade of rollerbladers! these guys were great though... not only did they say THANK YOU for moving out of the way (if you have ever been here, you know that this is unheard of from the dutch), but there were a couple of guys that had what appeared to be stereos strapped to their backs! way too funny.

it was such a peaceful day... riding all over the city, running through vondelpark and not having all of the noise and hassle of cars. it was also nice to not have to be concerned about getting run over... by a car, anyway. chicago: please consider this. a moment of peace in chaos is so welcome :). auto free day rules.


3 comments:

Chad Upjohn said...

Thanks for sharing that. It makes me want to be back in Europe.

Good times, good times.

Anonymous said...

ali- i am so glad that you are having a wonderful time out there. i wish you the best in your work out there. love, jane

Unknown said...

Hey Ali,
It looks and sounds like your doing amazing! I love seeing your pictures and hearing your stories!
I will keep you in prayer!
Love ya!