Hello Europe

Our world has sure changed in the last two weeks.

We had a lovely 10 days in Rio de Janiero, and managed a few of the standard "tourist" activities while we were there.  A cycle and hike up Cristo Redeemer, a cruise along Copacabana beach.  An attempted hike to the summit of Sugarloaf Hill, and a few walks in and around lovely parks and gardens.

We visited the science museum, did laps at Maracana, and in general had a terrific time.

One last solid walk of 20km was complete at the nearly right on 2.0km loop at Maracana on 7 May.  That was nicely under 7:30 per kilometer pace, and felt comfortable.

Our flight with Portugal Airlines to Amsterdam in the Netherlands happened without much fuss.  The first flight was delayed an hour, but once moving, everything went like clockwork.

We arrived on the tarmac at 2pm, and had received our baggage, reassembled our tandem bicycle named Happier in the parking lot, and cycled 40km to our home for four nights in Woerden, to the east and slightly south of Amsterdam airport (Schiphol) by 6pm.

Our lovely friends of many years welcomed us fondly, and we will see them again when Jantinus attempts another centurion in Rotterdam from Saturday at 12pm.  Sharon and I are also entered in that event of course, and we feel like we are well prepared, well rested, tapered and happy.

Anything can still happen in the event, and rain is forecast.  But at least we feel in control of what we can.

Shaz and I managed a nice 7km leg stretch in light rain here in Rotterdam today (16 May) after we'd arrived by bicycle.  The afternoon and tomorrow will be very relaxed indeed.

**Sorry, the photos below are in reverse order.  Start at the bottom and work up, if you want to follow the journey in the correct direction!

































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