As a kid, I could have never dreamed of biking through the Dutch countryside, past towering windmills and tranquil canals. But last spring, that dream I never knew I had, became a reality.
On my most recent river cruise, I decided to give an e-bike ride a chance. I am not much of a bike rider, no Peloton here, but when given the chance to bike on a beautiful day in Amsterdam, I decided to go for it. OK, I needed the support of my friend and colleague, but together, we did it! Riding an e-bike through the lush fields and storybook villages near Amsterdam, I felt a sense of freedom and wonder. The iconic windmills of Kinderdijk stood like sentinels of history, their grandeur even more breathtaking in person.
There are moments when I travel that I am truly overwhelmed to see these treasures of the world. With tears in my eyes, I took a deep breath, several pictures and a brief moment of gratitude for the ability to travel and see the world. Then, I climbed back on my bike. With the wind in my hair and the hum of my bike beneath me, I realized—this wasn’t just a ride. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment I’d never forget.