Due to a wild night out I headed to work at a belated hour today (the joys of being a student – the paycheck may be nonexistent, but the schedule is so flexible!). Therefore, I had the privilege of experiencing Dam Square traffic in its full fury, rather than the more muted 8:00 am version.

And thus begins a (potential) series of traffic pet peeves. Let’s start with people who lead their children into pedestrian crossings that clearly have a red light. Or even push them ahead, so as to protect themselves from the fury of the bikes. Really amazing, to use one’s kids in this way. Like getting to the Kalverstraat one minute earlier is more important than the safety of their offspring.

But they’re right: I won’t startle a cute little girl with my bell or an aggressive move into the intersection. I’ll sit and simmer, instead.