The sun came out today and the clear skies and lovely green grass made the ride very pleasant.

It didn’t take long to find my accommodation and I had plenty of time to explore the city. It was the first stage for the Tour De France, but I decided to take a self guided walking tour rather than try and complete the course. First off was Dom (meaning cathedral) Square, where Utrecht was established by the Romans 2000 years ago. There was a big cathedral built in the 14th century, but due to lack of funds and the collapse of the nave which held the structure together, now there is a free standing tower and a separate cathedral.

I headed to the train station to book tickets to Hamburg and Berlin, but the first ticket was going to cost more than €70. Luckily the computer system at the counter crashed, so I could politely leave and find something better, a bus ticket for €24.

For afternoon tea I had a coffee at Koekfabriek, where each cup of coffee comes with a cookie. They have different flavours and they’re baked by people with intellectual disabilities, the café is pretty cool too.

Around the corner there are a few interesting arty things to check out. The rainbow pedestrian crossing represents diversity and solidarity in the country, while the pedestrian sign above it is Miffy the cartoon rabbit. She was created here in Utrecht nearly 50 years ago.

The Thinker is a popular sculpture which was voted for by the people, with a landslide victory of 85%.

My hostel was nice and quiet, so I spent the rest of my night preparing my directions for tomorrow’s ride to Eindhoven and relaxing.