Our train leaves the next day after midday and takes us to Breda where we change for Rotterdam. The first train is packed and we have to stand for the 40 minute journey to Breda where we walk directly to the other side of the platform and catch the Rotterdam train which leaves 8 minutes later without any problem. Rotterdam train station is complicated to leave as one of our tickets doesn't open the barrier to get out of the station. We end up having to hand my bike and bags over the barrier and I finish jumping over myself like a common criminal.
Candice's GPS is already loaded and we whisk over to the hotel remarkably quickly. The cycle lanes are well integrated into the city infrastructure, the only drawback is that bicycles must share these routes with petrol scooters which seem to go quickly, often with two people on them. We had intended to use the first day to go to Hook of Holland and cycle back to the city to follow the Euro 15 cycle route from the coast, but we decided that we were too tired and wasn't necessary for this time.
Instead we rested in the room and then went out to the town to eat and then explore. We were able to see the glass art archive from outside and visit the shop of the modern design museum as this was closing for the day. We returned and got our bikes and rode over the Erasmus bridge and had a drink in one of the converted warehouse bars. The counter-lever bridge went up just as we were crossing which impressively brings an entire road and streetlights up by 90 degrees. It looks like a scene from Inception as you stand next to it. We finish with mocktails and vegetarian pizza as we watch the sun set. Return to the hotel, a swim in the pool and then bed.
This article has been written by Christian and illustrated by Candy
