A genuine oma fiets!

Yep, to celebrate "surviving" my first 6 months in NL I am now the proud owner of a genuine 1960s oma fiets (grandmother's bicycle) :-) Isn't it funky?

It is actually an original Raleigh (Doug please note) and weighs a tonne! I still have to get used to the fact that it has pedal brakes, not handbrakes. So far so good, I haven't had any accidents yet. We have also bought the obligatory front and rear lights in preparation for those dark winter mornings when I cycle to school. My classes start tomorrow by the way! I have my notebook and "Hello Kitty" pencil case ready to go :-)

Funnily enough, there was a piece on the radio yesterday about wearing helmets whilst cycling. 99% of Dutch people you speak to think that having to wear a bicycle helmet is one of the most ridiculous things they have heard - they can't believe they are compulsory in Australia! There is now a lobby group trying to get them made compulsory at least for young children and teenagers. Good luck!

Alli xxx