Level 3, morning 1.

I rented a bicycle this morning.

Not being able to drive in the States, this was my first vehicle since I was 12. I'm a little nervous that it might get stolen, but I bought insurance and I lock it exactly like they told me to, so I suppose that's the best I could do.

I took a couple of long rides in the park. I was afraid my hat would blow off a couple of times. I had a number of difficulties trying to ride while holding various foodstuffs, and I discovered that there were pedestrian markets where bicycles were not permitted. I think I'm the only person in town who has considered paying attention to the bicycle traffic lights, since the streets are practically barren of cars whatsoever. And what cars are there are so tiny, I'm not that afraid to get hit by one.

I still haven't seen any sights yet, or dipped into the more prurient side of the city. I know there are many things people say I have to do while I'm in Amsterdam, but just being in this wonderful city seems to be enough for today. I have plenty of time in the next two days to find things to do and sights to see around town. But I'd feel perfectly justified just exploring and relaxing then, too. I've been living a nonstop adventure for eleven days now; I'd do well to pace myself.

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Well my thighs are sore from all that time on the bike, and it's safely locked to the park gate. Not much left to do tonight but sit around and try talking to people.

A little difficult. I find that groups seem already-formed and closed off. Women alone are not as rare as one would think, but as usual I have trouble working up the nerve. And approaching guys who are alone seems just weird. The usual head trip...

Though I did finally find some pamphlets with some things to try tomorrow. But as for tonight, I'm bored and lonely, and even the other bored and lonely people don't really look approachable.

I'm saying "hi" to some people. No other opening line has much of a chance when you're not guaranteed an English-speaker. "Hi" for the girls, "Hey" for the guys, as is standard American practice. If I do this enough, I'll have more ideas.