Tag: Biking

• How Are You…Really?

  Posted at 2:00 PM by Brittany, on March 24, 2020

  I have two trips I want to share – one from the end of February, and one from just a week and a half ago, but in light of what’s going on right now in the world I think I will save those and write a post about “real” life. Before all this corona stuff I was wanting to write a little life update anyway, but I just continued to have travel posts (wow, rough life) and never got around to posting a feelings and emotions post.

  So grab a cuppa coffee, and let’s chat about the nitty gritty. 

  

  This past winter hit me harder than I anticipated it would. We all struggle a bit more during the winter months, but I think being in a place where I don’t have family, and only have a couple friends to lean on made it harder for me. January marked one year of living in Germany, and while the time flew fast, it also moved like molasses at the same time.

  

  One of the few snow falls this winter.

  I think it goes hand in hand with me loosening my diet (and gaining 15 pounds) causing some extra loneliness and more isolation, mixed with the dark months and less movement. I still traveled once a month, but even the travel felt wrong. I know I am not alone in the winter blues, I am just hoping I can shake them soon.

  In September I made a goal to eat more food, move my body less, and free my mind a bit in an attempt to correct a five year struggle with hypothalamic amenorrhea. In layman’s terms that means I didn’t have a period for five years. I was determined to balance my hormones and get my period back, and in December it came back.

  Eating what I wanted was OK at first, but I’ve been feeling really unwell for a while now. Food allergies are food allergies despite the motive for eating more freely. 

  

  

  I’m stoked that I have had a consistent period for five months now, but I need to find a better way to accomplish this. I knew I was playing with fire by being extra loose with my diet, but my body can only handle so much. Food aside, I think ultimately it’s time for me to move on from working in a fast paced, high stress environment.

  My body just doesn’t like this type of work, nor does my mind.

  Due to the corona virus the hotel I work at has officially shut down for a month, but I anticipate it will be closed longer than a month. I also anticipate going back to the states soon, and at first this saddened me, but I feel ready. I can’t seem to shake this funk I am in and I think my body is telling me it’s burned out, and it’s time for a rest.

  

  With spring just around the corner, the weather in Bavaria has been amazing. It bounces between sun and clouds, but the sun has been dominating lately. I’ve been trying to get outside more and ride my bike, especially because I don’t know how much longer I have to enjoy these amazing bike paths.

  Sometimes getting on my bike and zoning out for a few hours is the medicine I need for the day. 

  

  

  

  

  I’m still working (minimal hours) doing tasks that can be done with a closed resort. Thankfully my parents taught me the power of saving money and I am in no way hurting for funds, but I am finding myself with a lot more free time. Free time is ok, but when it’s paired with social distancing it becomes harder.

  Even for an introvert like me. 

  It’s an odd reality for me, I thrive being alone, but the rules and restrictions that come with this pandemic (rightfully so) have me craving human connections more than normal. I’m really trying to sit with the discomfort that is coming during this time instead of masking it with food. I’ve been having counseling sessions with the U.S. chaplain that works nearby, and they have been so helpful for me.

  Of course, biking always helps too.

  

  My bike was likely one of the best purchases I made while living in Germany, it quickly became my best friend and opened so many doors for me while I was “home” in Garmisch. I don’t run anymore, and while I still hike it doesn’t happen as much. Biking has been a lower impact way for me to still move my body without causing a Sjogren’s flare up.

  The flare ups still happen, but far less often from this kind of movement. 

  

  At the end of the day, I am feeling weird. I know a big change is coming and that’s hard for me to deal with. The last year of living this lifestyle has been nothing short of life changing, and soon I will leave the only people who understand what I’ve been through. I deal with this often, because most people don’t pick up their lives and move so nomadically like I do, but just because I am used to it doesn’t make it any easier.

  On the flip side I am excited to start traveling the right way again. Never will I ever travel like I have the last year. I regret nothing, but the quickness and fast turn around of the travels I have done were too much. Being on a trip, and stressing about planning another trip is just ridiculous. There is such a thing as “too much” even with traveling.

  

  With that said, I am obviously not traveling right now with corona running rampant all over the world. I am literally taking one day at a time, enjoying the area I live at the base of the alps, and trying to find small pockets of peace throughout each day. I feel really empty right now, more so after the world started to shut down, but this is part of life.

  We can’t have the highs without the lows. 

  I miss my family more than I thought I would, and I am wanting to go home. I feel like I am in a catch 22 because I want to go, but I also don’t want to travel overseas. I literally feel stuck, and while I know I am safe where I am I worry about something happening to my family. I’ve not experienced this type of emptiness in regards to my family since I was young, and I’m not sure how to process my emotions.

  For now, I have my Garmisch family to lean on. From 6ft away. 🙂

  

  Photo taken just before the social distance rule.

  

  ON A LIGHTER and completely unrelated note, at the end of February I went out after dark and the world didn’t stop turning. It was time for Fasching in Germany, and this year I decided to go out and dance with the locals. I even drank some gin. Who am I? You can read more about the Fasching history here.

  Along with the celebration, people dress up similar to Halloween. My roommate MaryBeth and I went to the thrift store two days before the event, found two hats, and went as Balto and Pikachu. I think my new calling is to be a professional face painter.

  

  

  This was meant to show off my painting skills, and I don’t know how it turned into this.

  

  

  Thankful for these humans in these weird, unknown times. This late night celebration made me feel like I felt when I was in my early 20’s. I felt free, and I realized I can and should do what I can to keep my body healthy, but I cannot live in a bubble. Sometimes we have to let our hair down (maybe a bad analogy for my hair…) and live life.

  We never know when the life as we know it will drastically change. 

  My sessions with the chaplain are challenging me to tell people how I feel…really. This will be a continuous work in progress for me, but this blog has always been a safe space for me to spill my heart. Thank you to those who have continued to read my rambles, writing truly is cathartic for me and when people read what I have to say I feel heard…really.

  

  Bavaria is on lockdown, but we can still bike and hike alone. I’ve had years of practice with this.

  I know everyone is struggling from this limbo we’re in right now, but it helps to know I’m not alone. For now, I am still in Germany and don’t know when I will be coming home. One day, one hour, one minute at a time.

  Q: How are you…really?

  

  | 29 Comments Tagged Biking, Brittanys Life Abroad, Fasching, Garmisch, Hiking

• Biking From Germany to Austria

  Posted at 2:00 PM by Brittany, on November 27, 2019

  When I first arrived in Germany, a few of the girls I work with encouraged me to buy a bike. I knew I wanted a bike anyway, but while most people buy bikes that will solely get them from where we live into the center of town, I wanted a bike that would take me on mountain roads as well. Initially when I purchased my bike, I felt a bit of anxiety for spending more than I wanted (I wanted to spend no more than $300), but quickly realized I made the right choice.

  

  My bike is by no means expensive, especially compared to what a lot of Germans spend on their bikes if the bike is their main mode of transport. I spent about $400 after using a VAT form and that included a kickstand and a bike lock, but it was more than I would have thought to spend on a bike I’d only need for a year and a half.

  I can’t imagine not having this bike, and it has allowed me to go on any adventure without thinking twice. 

  

  

  One of the bike rides I knew I wanted to embark on before the winter months hit was to a lake in Austria called Plansee. I jokingly posted a photo of Plansee on my Instagram with the caption: “My dad rode his bike from Seattle to Portland…twice. A worthy feat from one state to another, but how often can an American say: “I rode my bike from one country to another.” Just a casual (1033 ft climb) bike ride into Austria.”

  

  I say jokingly because in all reality I live in the south of Germany, and this bike ride only took about an hour and 40 minutes. If I were driving I could arrive at the lake within 20 minutes. Although Austria isn’t far from where I live in Germany, it was still fun to say I biked from Germany to Austria. The bike path to Plansee is amazing, and has a slight continual incline for most of the path.

  Until the last push which is straight up, and it was intense. 

  My only goal was to not walk my bike up the hill, so I clicked her into low gear and slowly but surely climbed pedal after pedal. A few people passed me on e-bikes, and I just muddled under my breath, “CHEATERS!” In all reality I would love to take an e-bike up some of these mountain paths! Once I arrived at the lake I felt a strong sense of accomplishment.

  

  

  There is a small camp ground surrounding the lake, and a hotel/restaurant. I sat at the lake eating a snack for about 30 minutes before riding back to Garmisch. I’m trying to work on savoring the moments instead of reaching a destination and quickly turning around to leave. Another lovely Bavarian bike ride, and another bike path to add to my bag of tricks. I later returned to this path with a friend, showing her the way to Plansee.

  I love friends that are up for a good bike ride.

  

  The Seattle to Portland bike ride is still on my bucket list, and one day I will accomplish it, but for now I’ll just keep riding between European countries. 🙂

  Q: What’s the furthest you’ve ridden on a bike? I’ve ridden further rides than this, but all within one country. 

  

  | 11 Comments Tagged Austria, Bike Path, Biking, Brittanys Life Abroad, Germany, Plansee

• Bike Ride to Barmsee

  Posted at 2:00 PM by Brittany, on November 25, 2019

  When I first arrived in Germany, I planned to stay here for 15months per my contract with my current job. I had no intention of staying longer, despite the fact that some people are eligible to extend their time here depending on how much of an asset they are to the establishment.

  Fast forward ten months and I am now planning to stay a little bit longer. 

  

  It’s not the job that keeps me here, I make coffee just like I did back home, rather it’s the surrounding mountains, endless bike paths, and easy travel that peaks my interest day after day. One of my bike rides last month had me smiling from ear to ear like a small child on Christmas Day.

  I know I say it all the time, but biking in Bavaria is really something else. 

  

  My original goal was to bike to Geroldsee, a small lake that you can see on the above map just before the red location marker (to the left and slightly down.) I figured if I could find my way to Geroldsee, I would reevaluate once I arrived and determine if I wanted to keep going to Barmsee (a bigger lake a bit further than Geroldsee), where the red location marker is.

  

  

  I made it to Geroldsee with ease, and although the weather was misty and cold, I was loving every minute of the ride. The hills with the rain reminded me of my walk through the Highlands, and the nostalgia made my heart happy. A trio of German walkers stopped me to ask if there was a bus stop nearby, but sadly for them there wasn’t.

  

  

  Geroldsee from a nearby hill.

  After talking with the Germans the rain came down hard for about 10 minutes. I debated turning around, but I had good energy and the day was still young so I continued on to Barmsee. I hit a decent sized hill with large rocks, so I walked my bike to the top. I found a spot to stash my bike after noticing another large hill going down towards Barmsee.

  I walked about 15 minutes through thick, lush, green woods that reminded me of home. Once I arrived at the lake, my destination (as you can see on the above map) was a location called: “Romanic Benches by the Lake.” This spot had the best reflection view of the mountains and trees, and I sat there for a while savoring the sights around me.

  By then the rain had stopped, and the weather was a perfect moody overcast. 

  

  

  While sitting at the benches, a girl and her dog came to enjoy the view as well. We smiled and said hello, and then I carried on to walk a bit around the lake. I couldn’t get over the reflection in the water, had it been sunny I don’t think the views would have been quite as spectacular. The fall colors added to the beauty of the trees, and I fell deeper in love with where I live in Bavaria.

  

  Some of the people I work with, who have been in Germany for a while, call October here: “golden October.” The summer months tend to have more rain than expected, but when October rolls around the rain clears (although it still comes, like on this day) and the afternoons have more sun shining off the golden leaves. October in Bavaria is a dream, and I would love to be here for another one.

  Alas, I don’t think I’ll stay here through next October, my plan is to stay through July as of right now, but if I could stay and not work at a stressful job I would!

  

  The sun came out as I was getting ready to bike back, providing a beautiful contrast on the surrounding hills. Golden October didn’t disappoint, and my inner Washingtonian loved the cool grey mornings, balanced out by the crisp sunny afternoons. I could certainly live in one of the mountain huts and write blog posts everyday for a living.

  A girl can dream right? 🙂

  

  

  Biking is beginning to slow down for me here, the temps are getting a bit too cold, and my fingers and toes get painfully numb when the winter months come. I’m still biking for the essentials like groceries, but if the temps get below 40 I won’t be going on any far rides until the warmth comes back!

  Q: Would you continue to bike in the rain, or turn around and go home?

  

  | 16 Comments Tagged Bavaria, Bike Path, Biking, Brittanys Life Abroad, Germany

• Biking in Bavaria – Pt. 2

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on September 30, 2019

  I’m halfway through my contract for my current job working in Germany, which has me thinking about what I will miss most when I no longer live in Bavaria. I still have plenty of time here, and there is the possibility to extend my time should I choose to do so, but for now I plan to leave here next April.

  There are many, MANY things I love about living here, but one of the main things I love are all of the BIKE PATHS!

  

  My weekends quickly switched from: “where can I rush off to outside of Germany for two days,” to: “where can I ride my bike to for two days.” Trying to travel too much is a thing, and I quickly learned after a few months here that weekends need to be savored, even when living in Europe.

  Hiking seems to have taken a back seat to bike rides, but I’m just going with what feels right. 

  

  My go to bike path the last few months has been towards a town called Farchant. Once I reach Farchant, the possibilities are endless for not only biking, but for hiking as well. It only takes about 25 minutes to bike to Farchant, and a few weeks ago I was wanting to explore further.

  I found a bike path that hugs the Loisach river and decided to follow it for a while.

  I ended up biking to a town called Eschenlohe, which is only about 11 miles away. I wanted to go further, but needed to be back to Garmisch for a movie night and started too late in the afternoon. I ended up biking for about four hours this day around Bavaria.

  

  

  There is something magical about discovering new places on a bike. It’s less intimidating than hiking for me, because I am still nearby civilization should something go wrong, and I move quicker covering more ground in less time. Eschenlohe is a small and quaint town, similar to most towns in Bavaria.

  I first went into the town church, which is one of my favorite things to do in a new Bavarian town. 

  

  

  The church was beautiful, as are all European churches, but that chandelier was what caught my eye first. I sat and savored the warm inviting ambiance before heading outside to enjoy my lunch by the river. I wish I’d had more time to explore, but I will return soon for this exact bike ride. Maybe next time I’ll get some gelato.

  

  

  A few weeks later I embarked on another worth while bike ride (they’re all worth while, but some more memorable than others) in a similar direction, just a slightly different path. The bike paths here are like a labyrinth at times, and no two paths are the same. They might lead to the same destination, but they are all different.

  Sounds a bit like a life metaphor if you ask me…

  

  While trying to find the same bike path I had ridden to get to Eschelohe, I made a wrong turn and found myself on a walking path. I didn’t realize it was a walking path until I came face to face with some locals enjoying their lunch and scratching their faces on the benches.

  

  

  The brown cow has the most beautiful colors, and was blocking the path with two of her friends. Admittedly I was intimidated by those three ladies, and one of them was walking towards me quite briskly. I went out of my way to go around them, as I felt slight PTSD from my time in Yellowstone when hiking near Bison.

  These cows could have cared less that I was there, but I gave them space nonetheless.

  It won’t be long before these cows are no longer on the hiking paths enjoying grass and saying hello to the passersby. The weather is changing and these big beauties will soon return to their barns where it’s much warmer during the cold winter months. I will miss hearing their bells rinding through the hills of the mountains.

  

  I eventually found the path I was looking for, after a 40 minute detour. It was no bother though, as I mentioned above I enjoy discovering new paths by bike. I also now look closer for the “no bike zone” signs so I don’t make the same mistake as I did on this adventure. Makes sense now why some of the German walkers were giving me weird looks as I attempted to ride my bike up a decently steep hill.

  

  These calm weekend bike rides quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Bavaria, and are a great recharge after a long work week. Thankfully I don’t have to think about my weeks without these paths for a while. If there is anything that could keep me longer in Germany, these bike paths are at the top of the list.

  

  Q: Would you leave your life behind wherever you are, and move to a different country for a while?

  

  | 21 Comments Tagged Bavaria, Bike Path, Biking, Brittanys Life Abroad, Cow's, Germany, Mountain Cow

• København, Danmark – Pt. 1

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on August 15, 2019

  Many moons ago I was watching a documentary about happiness, and learned that Denmark was rated as one of the happiest countries in the world. The Danish people have a strong sense of togetherness, often living in communities with others sharing tasks like a big family. This intrigued me, and I had been wanting to visit this Scandanavian country ever since.

  

  While I’m not usually drawn to big cities, Copenhagen was at the top of my list of places to visit while living in Europe, and after spending a few days visiting I can see why the Danish folk are so damn happy. My dad, my stepmom, and I spent a few days exploring the city, eating the local cuisine, and riding bikes along the back roads.

  Can you even visit Copenhagen without riding a bike?

  One of the perks of traveling with family, is that I get to stay in fancy hotels. Sure, I could buy myself a fancy hotel if I really wanted to, but I typically like traveling light – including where I sleep. We stayed at The Raddison Blu, and the hotel offered all day bike rentals. We spent an entire day riding bikes around to some of the popular locations in Denmark.

  

  Places like…The Marble Church, which is made out of…you guessed it, marble. Before arriving at The Marble Church we passed through the royal courtyard of Amalienborg, home of the Danish royal family.

  

  

  

  Places like…The Citadel, also known as one of Copenhagens Fortresses. This fortress was commissioned in 1662 and sits in a star shape along a beautiful park, with a long trail to wander. I wanted to come here mostly to see the giant windmill tucked in the back.

  

  

  Places like…The Little Mermaid statue, because Hans Christian Andersen, the author of The Little Mermaid book was Danish and lived in Copenhagen. The mermaid has had a rough life, being decapitated twice, painted different colors, and even had an attempted bombing. These events have made her stronger than ever.

  Keep fighting the fight mermaid!

  

  Places like…The Round Tower which happens to be the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. The tower provides a nice view of the city, and has a beautiful spiral ramp, but my favorite part is the original bathroom from the 17th century. The bathroom showcased what it was like to poo into a bottomless pit.

  PortaPotty before it was a thing.

  

  Places like…Gefion Fountain, where according to an ancient legend, Gefion was the goddess who ploughed the island of Zealand out of Sweden. The Swedish king Gylfe offered the goddess Gefion as much land as she was capable of ploughing within one day and one night. Gefion turned her four sons into oxen and ploughed a ton land, thus creating the island of Zealand.

  What a boss. I’d consider having kids if this were an option.

  

  Places like…like places we weren’t sure of what they were. My favorite thing about biking around a new city is discovering things I’d likely miss without the easy transportation.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Copenhagen Cathedral

  We saw a lot of cool places on our self guided bike tour, but my favorite place was Nyhavn, the 17th century waterfront canal you’d see in a typical photo of Copenhagen. The area was riddled with tourists, but it was a dream. We took a boat cruise our first evening in the city, and this was the central hub of all our adventures.

  

  

  

  Fun fact about Nyhavn: the world’s oldest functioning tattoo parlor is located in the basement of Nyhavn 17. In fact it has been operating since 1884. Notably their most famous client was King Frederik IX.

  Damn, I knew I should have gotten a tattoo!

  

  

  To end our day of biking we parked near a corner restaurant that was a bit less touristy than Nyhavn. We had dinner next to the water, and our server was a charming man from Canada. He didn’t speak a lick of Danish, which makes me want to move to Denmark and work. The amount of English spoken in this city was surprising.

  

  We saw a handful of other places while in Copenhagen, but this post just highlights the things we saw while biking. This was a fun way to explore with only a tentative plan of where we would go. In my next post I’ll share the other places we visited, and the other food I ate!

  Q: What’s your favorite way to see a new city? Bike/formal tour/car/etc…? 

  

  | 21 Comments Tagged Biking, Brittanys Life Abroad, Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe, Nyhavn, Travel Abroad

• Biking in Bavaria

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on May 28, 2019

  There are few places I find more beautiful than the Pacific Northwest, but Bavaria has quickly topped the list of most beautiful places I’ve lived. I love having a European launch pad for traveling, but I’m trying not to neglect the adventure and exploration within my “home” country of Germany. I took the plunge and bought myself a bike three weeks ago, and life hasn’t been the same since.

  The freedom that a bike provides is nothing short of magical.

  

  The bike paths here are amazing and endless. The paths connect between multiple surrounding towns and are at the base of the alps. I often have to remind myself this is indeed real life. I have ridden my bike nearly everyday since I bought it, and have quickly forgotten about my bike back home.

  

  

  

  I bought a mountain bike so that I could ride anywhere. Some of the trails I hope to ride on will be a bit rugged, and a mountain bike will allow me more opportunities than a road bike would. One of my go to spots for a quick adventure is Farchant, a town about five miles from where I live. It doesn’t take long, and there are lots of hiking trails around.

  It’s just enough to feel like I’m getting away from Garmisch for a bit.

  

  

  I went on a post work bike ride a bit ago while headings towards Farchant, and stumbled upon something I had wanted to see for a while. There are some old castle ruins nearby, but still far enough away that it would be a commitment to walk to. I didn’t plan to find the ruins on that post work bike ride, but I did! It was such a fun discovery, and this is exactly why I enjoy going for bike rides without a specific destination.

  I went back again a week later with my roommate to enjoy the view. 

  

  

  

  Another bike adventure I went on led me back to the Partnachklamm in Partenkirchen, where last time I visited I had to take a bus. I parked my bike at the entrance, walked through the gorge, and wandered past the gorge on one of the trails that leads to Kaiserschmarrn-Alm, another awesome mountain hütte. The hütte gets its name from a Bavarian dessert called Kaiserschmarrn which is a shredded fluffy pancake with powdered sugar and is accompanied by things like apples or cherries. 

  One of these days I will eat some, until then I’ll enjoy the view.

  

  

  

  The final town I will share in this post is in the opposite direction, called Grainau. The bike path leading to Grainau is beautiful, and the town is adorable. Grainau is a bit smaller than Garmisch, but the church and cemetery in Grainau has a better backdrop. Grainau is home to a beautiful lake called Eibsee, which I will have a separate post about soon!

  

  

  Church backdrop.

  

  Life in Bavaria is lovely, but it’s been even better with a bike. If I have a hard day, or I’m just feeling anxious or emotional I hop on my bike and ride. I used to be able to use running as my outlet, but that’s no longer an option for me so biking is a less stressful option for my body with similar mental relief results. It helps living in such a picturesque location.

  

  Having an outlet is so essential for stress relief, or even just to distract my mind from itself. I am thankful for the opportunity I have living in Germany, but I still have days where I struggle. Life happens no matter where you are, and eventually the honeymoon phase of a new place wears off and life just becomes life again.

  It’s important to continue to do self improvement no matter where you are in the world.

  I’m excited to explore more of Bavaria as the summer months approach, and to continue to grow as I explore.

  Q: Do you enjoy biking in new places? 

  

  | 24 Comments Tagged Bavaria, Bike, Biking, Brittanys Life Abroad, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

• 20 Hours in Amsterdam

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on December 10, 2018

  When I originally booked my flight to Scotland, I was scheduled to have a three hour layover in Amsterdam both flying into Scotland, as well as flying home to Seattle. Anything less than this would cause some anxiety for me, because I like to have plenty of time to get from one gate to the next without having to rush. Three hours was literally perfect, but unexpectedly a handful of months after my tickets were purchased I got an email advising me that my flight had changed.

  Oh great, what does that mean?

  My flight to Scotland had remained the same, but my flight home had a longer layover than I was expecting. 17 more hours to be exact. Initially I was peeved, what the hell am I going to do in Amsterdam for 20 hours. After realizing the opportunity this presented I became excited, I now had time to leave the airport and get a brief taste of the Netherlands.

  

  

  In an attempt to prevent overwhelm, something I struggle with, I decided on one activity I knew I needed to do. I needed to visit the Anne Frank House. Growing up the only period of history I had interest in was the Holocaust. I often tuned out when learning about most time periods, but when we talked about the Holocaust in school I was voracious in my studies.

  Tickets for the museum can only be purchased online, so two months prior to our trip I bought the tickets and our reservation was set. Upon arrival in the Netherlands we took a shuttle to our hotel, and then took a bus to the city center of Amsterdam. I was slightly uneasy upon arrival because English is not the native language here, but our bus driver spoke perfect English and was immensely helpful telling us where to go/how to get back after our day.

  We arrived in the Netherlands around 1pm, and our time slot for the museum was at 545pm. 

  

  

  Pictures are not allowed inside the museum, but this was everything I hoped for and more. To be able to walk through the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid was an emotional piece of history I could never fully put into words. Talk about an inspirational human being, I can’t even imagine living through what she lived through.

  After we had our cores shook to the bone, it was time for a pick me up. Right next door to the Anne Frank House is a traditional Dutch pancake house, and ya’ll better believe I needed some caffeine and sugar in my bloodstream. I was enthralled in Scotland when I discovered a churro and gelato shop, and finding a restaurant specific to pancakes (not like IHOP in the states) in Amsterdam was the perfect ending to my Eurotrip.

  

  

  I got the apple crumble pancake with vanilla ice cream and a doppio on the side. The pancakes in the Netherlands are more like crepes, so it’s quite easy to eat your entire pancake…plus the leftovers of your friends. This place was literally called Pancakes Amsterdam and I found this to be very fitting. It was here that I received my only souvenir of the entire trip, a small white wooden clog keychain with the words “Pancakes Amsterdam” on it.

  It was free, and I love free. 

  With a belly full of cakes and veins raging with caffeine it was necessary to walk around the city some more. After all, we had to make best use of our 20 hour layover. By the time we finished with pancakes it was around 8pm and we began to wander with no specific destination in mind. Amsterdam is extremely bike friendly, and even into the dark hours of the night there were so many people out biking. I have never seen so many bikers in my life. If I lived here I’d surely bike along the canals everyday.

  

  Before we arrived in Amsterdam, we would tell people about our layover and the reactions were all very similar. We’d get a laugh, followed by “it’s very different,” followed by an additional laugh. I knew Amsterdam was 420 friendly, but so is my home state so this didn’t phase me (granted it’s still illegal to smoke in public where I live.) One of our Scottish taxi drivers warned us about sex shops as well, but even this was something I could handle.

  What I ended up discovering was far more than I ever expected.

  I like to think I’m a cultured human being. I’ve done my fair share of youth fueled activities that would make my parents cringe (sorry mom and dad), but within the last decade of my life I’ve turned into a quiet homebody. I tell stories of my past and people are shocked, but I like to emphasize that I don’t in fact live under a rock. All this to say I HAD NO IDEA prostitution was actually a thing, and that it was so “out in the open” like it is in Amsterdam. While wandering the streets we decided to follow the crowds, and found ourselves SMACK in the middle of the Red Light District.

  

  Endless windows of women dancing in their underwear, peep shows, sex shows, sex shops, “coffee shops” aka bar like settings where people smoke weed and drink alcohol. I was emotionally dumbfounded and was so beyond the point of overwhelm. Despite being culturally out of place, it was like a car crash that you just couldn’t stop watching. The oddest part was that this is completely normal in their country, and after a short period of time it started to feel less taboo.

  People were everywhere and most everyone seemed unfazed, which was contagious.

  That’s not to say I wasn’t continuously shocked that this was normal, but it was interesting to see how starkly different one culture is to the next. In America this is so unbelievably illegal, yet in the Netherlands it’s not only legal, but almost felt like it was normal. Some people come to Amsterdam for the “coffee shops” and sex shows, but I’ll be going back for the waffle shops and bike canals. I can only handle so much, and my drug of choice will always be sugar.

  

  Around every corner there are shops with waffles covered in whatever your heart desires, and candies and cookies, and pizza. It makes sense with so many “coffee shops” that people get the munchies, but I had eaten myself silly with pancakes, ice cream, and endless samples of Tony’s Chocolonely that I couldn’t stomach anymore food despite my desire to continue binge eating sugar (yes it’s a problem, no I don’t want to talk about it.)

  My one regret is not buying a damn waffle to bring with me on the plane the following morning. 

  The busses run 24/7 in Amsterdam, and we arrived back at our hotel around midnight. Our flight was around 10am giving us plenty of time to digest what we had seen and what we ate on our quick adventure in the city. Although if I’m being honest, I’ve still not fully digested the Red Light District…it’s truly something you have to see for yourself to fully grasp. I’ve seen so many things I cannot unsee. **Disclaimer: I DID NOT see any live shows…I’m simply referring to the (barely) clothed women in the windows.

  

  Such a welcoming bright shop with so much sugar.

  I’ll definitely return to Amsterdam to explore more of the museums and cultural history, but I don’t anticipate needing more than three days here. Let’s be real though, I’m mainly going back to eat as many waffles as I can. What can I say, I’m a glutton for punishment, and I don’t know the meaning of portion control.

  And just like that, my second trip to Europe was complete. 

  

  PC: feedmetasy IG

  Q: Had you heard of the Red Light District? 

  

  | 25 Comments Tagged Amsterdam, Anne Frank House, Biking, Europe, Pancakes, Red Light District

• The Time Has Come the Walrus Said

  Posted at 10:30 AM by Brittany, on March 4, 2016

  …to talk of many things.

  The last time I started a post with these words I shared with the world my thoughts, feelings, and emotions after going through a breakup. No, let me rephrase – after going through the breakup. You know, the one that shakes you so hard to the core that your life will never be the same.

  Grab a cup of coffee, this is going to be one of those posts.

  

  Coffee tastings inspire me to be creative.

  I’m thankful for this time in my life, and despite going through the typical hardships that come with a split it was in this time that I discovered how to be on my own. I had a sense of peace about the situation that I will never forget.

  I will also never forget how this relationship robbed me of my ability to be vulnerable. I made it my mission to be stronger alone and never again let someone make me loose all desire to have a mind of my own. It took me three years to realize I had accomplished this mission, but had then continued running with it further than I needed to.

  

  For the last few months I’ve been in an odd place. I have alluded to a void that I have been trying to fill in other posts, but they all come back to the fact that I feel out of balance mentally, physically, and spiritually.

  I’ve been trying to figure out the root cause of a myriad of health issues the last nine months which has put me into a bit of a funk. I don’t believe in a quick fix, and am not interested in drugs, pills, or other cover-ups which has made this process a bit long. I am a big believer that most anything can be fixed through food.

  

  I’ve developed a handful of food intolerance’s the last year that suddenly gave me the desire to try adding animal products back into my diet. Long story short this hasn’t been working and always leaves me mentally distraught. I regret nothing, and don’t feel the need to expand on this anymore. I’m only sharing because I believe in being as transparent as possible.

  I still haven’t figured everything out, but what I have figured out is that after being fearful of what I ate for months, stuffing any emotions that I felt because: “I can do this on my own, no one wants to hear my problems” and eventually spiraling into a: “I don’t care anymore I’m going to eat anything and everything” what I need is quite simple. What I need is other people.

  

  In all honesty it’s been difficult finding other people that enjoy the things I enjoy. I’m an odd bird that enjoys eating plants, running streets, climbing mountains, and exploring new places. You’d think living in the PNW this would be simple, but I’m surrounded by sedentary people. In order for me to find a circle of people I genuinely enjoy being around I will have to step outside of my comfort zone.

  What started as a necessary journey of figuring out how to be on my own, has transitioned me into a deep hole of isolation from other people. I don’t know how to talk to people about my feelings because I’ve never felt validated. I don’t regret taking the time to be alone, but I’m starting to realize that perhaps the void I’m seeking to fill is learning how to be vulnerable again, and knowing that it’s OK to fall down.

  Human beings thrive on companionship and while it’s essential to know how to stand on your own, I now realize it’s just as essential to lean on each other when you’re in need of an ear to listen, an arm to hug, or a partner to run with.

  

  Early morning solo runs require mace.

  I don’t typically enjoy posting things like this, but to bring this topic of leaning on others full circle I want anyone else out there to know that if you’re feeling similar things that you’re not alone. We all go though moments in life that cause us to reflect, and it’s what we do with the thoughts and emotions that matters. You can either sink with the waves or swim to the shore.

  Last week I set out for a bike ride only to discover I had a flat tire. Drat. I knew how to take the wheel off my bike thanks to watching my dad do it many times. The problem didn’t arise until I returned home from REI to discover I couldn’t figure out how to get the wheel back onto the gears. I let the bike sit in my garage for a few days before deciding to take the bike back (stuffing it awkwardly in my car because I didn’t want to have to ask for help) and let them reattach my wheel.

  

  I knew in the back of my mind that I had a neighbor familiar with bikes, but I had never spoken to him. I didn’t want to ask him for help because it made me uncomfortable. Just as I was going to attempt getting my car filthy I got a burst of confidence and decided to ask him for help.

  He put the tire back on my bike in less than a minute.

  It’s in these moments of discomfort that we grow. I’m uncomfortable asking other people for help, but it’s time for me to get over that. It’s OK to need other people. It’s OK to need help, and more importantly it’s OK to be vulnerable. No one is created with bionic emotions, so it’s essential for us to embrace them all. Besides, helping others gives me a great excuse to bake cookies and share coffee as a thank you.

  

  The best part of not knowing my neighbors is that they’d have no idea my cookies were vegan. Classic chocolate chip cookies to highlights the beautiful cocoa notes of the sweet and full bodied Caffe Verona.

  Writing this post feels good, like a small weight has been lifted. Overall things in my world are great – I’m an optimist, and stubborn as hell so I see every experience as an opportunity to grow into a bigger and better you. I’m ready to put this experience into my learning jar and move forward.

  So who wants to come venture into the mountains with me? I suppose not every hike needs to be solo. 😉

  No questions today, just feel free to share thoughts, experiences, and emotions.

  

  | 94 Comments Tagged Biking, Emotions, Friendship, Life, Running

• How Biking Differs from Running – Vol. 2

  Posted at 6:05 AM by Brittany, on February 16, 2016

  It’s been three months since my first post differentiating my views on biking vs. running, so it’s time for another round.

  Biking vs. Running – Volume Two

  …according to an amateur.

  1. When riding a bike it’s completely acceptable, if not preferred to wear your hair down. I direct this towards women, or any man with longer hair. Riding in 30 degree weather gives me an entirely new perspective on why humans were given hair. Thank you built in ear warmer.

  2. I have officially biked to work, which makes me a bike commuter now right? Due to the fact that running for as little as one mile turns me into a swamp monster I could never successfully run to work without having to shower after. Biking to work ( in colder months ) is totally acceptable and stink free.

  

  Morning commute views. I die.

  3. Biking in the rain is colder than running. The wind, the moments of rest, the downhill – all give me shivers I don’t feel when slugging through a run in the rain.

  4. When running I struggle to speak, leaving minimal room for friends. Biking gives more rest time so making friends is easier. Granted I have yet to bike with a friend, but my bike met another commuting bike recently. I must figure out who the grey beauty belongs to.

  

  5. Biking does not make you invincible, and yelling at people that litter just because you’re on two wheels instead of two feet might not be wise. Then again I’d probably do the same thing when running. Littering isn’t cool.

  6. Biking saves money. I’m more likely to hop on my bike and ride to the store to buy something, like sugar laden Gatorade and saltines for my mom when sick, instead of running. Although I did run to the store on Thanksgiving a few years ago for flour.

  

  “Gimmy da cheda!”Saving money on my bike since 2015.

  7. When I run I’m out there for one specific reason – to run. This is strictly to release stress, raise my heart rate, or because I’m training. When riding my bike I’m out there for adventure. The exploration opportunities are endless and the world becomes my oyster.

  8. Sometimes when I run I feel people watching me. People in cars, people on the side of the road, people with binoculars…it’s eerie. On a bike I go faster than the speed of light so no one can really see me.

  

  “I always feel like, somebodies WATCHINNGG MEEEE.”

  That’s all I’ve got for now. Until next time. Happy pedaling.

  

  Q: What was your favorite workout last week? My first bike commute! 20 miles round trip of fresh air and freedom!

  

  | 97 Comments Tagged Biking, Biking Vs. Running

• How Biking Differs from Running – Vol. 1

  Posted at 6:15 AM by Brittany, on November 18, 2015

  As I’ve spent more time riding my bike lately, I’ve noticed there are some solid differences between biking and running. Aside from the obvious, (one is on wheels and much, much faster, while the other is on foot and can be slow as molasses) I’ve compiled some things I’ve noticed over that last couple weeks of biking adventures.

  

  I was going to save this post until I had a decent amount of differences, but have instead decided to make it an ongoing post as I continue to discover more.

  Biking vs. Running – Volume One

  …according to an amateur.

  1. A snot rocket while biking, is NOT THE SAME as a snot rocket while running. It takes much more effort and planning while on a bike. Fast moving winds will either love you or hate you. You have been warned.

  2. Biking requires less wait time between meals and moves. Biking requires effort, but I find running to be more labor intensive. I can eat a carb heavy breakfast and be ready for a bike ride within 20 minutes.

  

  New waffle recipe that I can’t stop making.

  3. Biking makes you cry. Not emotionally, just physically. Going down a hill at 30 MPH (obvious exaggeration) makes you spit all the water from your eyes like you just rubbed them into a bowl of onions.

  4. Biking allows you to slow down and savory the scenery. When I run I’m much more focused on not dying, which makes biking a calming treat.

  

  Those COLORS!

  

  5. Biking hurts your loins. I don’t think this needs much more explanation.

  Must.Get.Acclimated.Faster.

  6. It’s easier to eat while biking. My mind is always occupied by food, and I’m a sucker for a good multitask so this is wonderful. I will eat on longer runs, but with this I risk choking on my food while gasping like a suffocating hyena.

  

  Banana lettuce wraps are a recent strange but good discovery.

  

  7. Hills are easier on a bike. Or perhaps I should say more tolerable. Unless the road looks like a 110 degree angle, then it sucks just as hard as running. Here I thought I’d never use my 3rd grade math lessons, hooray.

  8. Biking allows you to be more presentable in society. Don’t get me wrong, I give zero cares walking into a store dripping sweat and looking ratchet as ever after a good run, but biking to the store (or coffee shop) helps me look less like a tornado hit me.

  

  Until next time, happy pedaling. Not to be mistaken with peddling, which is known as selling goods. Usually drugs. Like cookies. Those are addictive.

  Q: What are some differences between two activities you enjoy?

  

  | 61 Comments Tagged Biking, Biking Vs. Running, Coffee, Explore, Larabar

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