Before arriving in the Netherlands, I thought the apparently excessive amount of cycling of the Dutch was a false stereotype, an urban myth, a cliche. WRONG! I was, and still am, simply astounded by the sheer numbers. Perhaps there are more bikes than actual people in the Netherlands? Judging by my (entirely Dutch) flat's communal bike cellar: yes. Seven people in total, yet the number of assorted bikes lies at 10. Dutch people will ride their bike everywhere, at any time of day, and in all sorts of weather conditions. Naturally, I have followed suit and am now a proud owner of a proper Dutch bike. By describing an average day in my life here, you will realize the huge impact of the bicycle in the experience of an exchange student in Utrecht. A bike is not simply a mode of transportation; it becomes something far, far more than that.

8.30 AM. I walk to the cellar to retrieve my bike, which I have affectionately named ‘Spacehopper’. Hopefully, my bike will appreciate me trying to build a good relationship with it by naming it, and thus not break down anytime soon. Quick check of my bag, to see if I have everything I need for the day. Essential items: gloves and hat, in order to protect myself from the gusty winds. It is Murphy's Law that the wind, no matter what time of day I am cycling, is always a headwind and never a tailwind.

8.45 AM. The bike ride is definitely waking me up – which is very handy since I am not really a morning person.

8.55 AM. I am standing in my first traffic jam of the day, since most of the population of Utrecht is also on their way to university, school, or work. Note that I am talking about a BIKE jam. It is quite a sight to behold: around 25 cyclists are waiting in a long line, anticipating the next green light. Naturally, if you are at the end of that queue, you will not make it past that light on the first go.