It's just like riding a bike

So I've heard this phrase in connection with everything--meaning, you never forget once you learn something. People use it in reference to dating, to taking care of kids, to playing games. The only thing is, riding a bike isn't always that easy.

So in Holland-it's really really flat. So people bike all over the place. So the conference center where we were staying had a bunch of bikes that you can sign out and go riding. But if you haven't been on a bike for years (like me) and aren't careful about finding a bike that's short enough for you (like me) you end up falling down a lot (like me). I tended to land on hedges--those being the most effective at breaking a fall.

It was incredibly graceful falling, of course. This was especially true toward the end of the first day of riding when I managed to reach the ground and stop the bike, only to have my leg give out because it was tired, landing me in a heap beside the road under the bike. And of course, my gracefulness was caused by extra traffic on the pathway, which of course, meant that I had an audience.

But I got the hang of it finally--and by the last day, I was crusing around on a bike that fit, and remembering how to brake and everything. Almost made me want to go and buy a bike--but then I remembered that there are hills at home.

I'm back in the good ol' US. I'll post my reflections on watching an old friend get married in a day or so, as well as the sweetness of seeing my parents after weeks abroad. But for now, I'm off to explore Solvang--a cool little town that my mother has visited and has told me about, but which I have never seen.

I fly home this evening, I'll be home tomorrow morning.