Wednesday, December 3, 2008

El Paradiso del Cyclisto

This morning, I woke up in a Flanders Forest   I may still be in Belgium, but it feels like another land.  But its not just geographic.  Its existential.

I have emerged from the cycling Hell of Brussels and Charleroi to the Gates of Cycling Paradise.   Brussels is a cross between an ultra modern and refined European city and a third world capital-- the traffic infrastrure is actually there, but no one respects it.  Chaos ensues.  I am basically proud to be alive after going right through the centre and out!

But, Oh My Goodness.  It is beautiful out here in Flanders.   There isn't just a one cycling lane on the sides of the roads.  There's one on each side!  They are specially paved and marked.   And there's not just one on the main road.  They are on every road!

Little old ladies, men on their way to work, and in particular noticed all sorts of beautiful women cycling around.   Its amazing!  Not to mention, that everywhere there are open WIFI networks.   Cycling paths, beautiful cyclists, good coffee and WIFI.  

I am in Heaven.

Apparently, this is just the Gateway though... Holland is supposed to be even more cycle friendly!   


1 comment:

Ásta Sóllilja (Sólin) said...

You're in heaven? You're in Europe!! :-)