Four Times Free in Amsterdam
After that, I headed to the cashier. The clinic staff even said that my dental treatment was free. Didn't pay?
This article has been translated using AI. See Original .
About AI Translated Article
Please note that this article was automatically translated using Microsoft Azure AI, Open AI, and Google Translation AI. We cannot ensure that the entire content is translated accurately. If you spot any errors or inconsistencies, contact us at hotline@kompas.id, and we'll make every effort to address them. Thank you for your understanding.
Royke met cyclists from Amsterdam who were also heading to the south of the Netherlands.
Embarking on a world cycling trip can be exhausting. However, sympathy and support from the community flow because they believe in the noble purpose behind the journey. That's why there are always people who are willing to give something for free to the cyclist without hesitation.
I experienced getting freebies in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, February 3 2024. In that day, four times I got prizes from local residents. This gift is in support of a bicycle journey from Jakarta to Paris.
I returned to Amsterdam from The Hague on the evening of February 2, 2024. Then, the following day, I cycled around the city of Amsterdam. The temperature that day was very good, reaching 7 degrees Celsius: sunny with a blue sky.
That morning, before going cycling, I received news from the Embassy of Indonesia to the Netherlands that myself and two crew members had been registered as permanent voters for the 2024 elections in the Netherlands. The embassy will hold voting on February 10, 2024, which is four days earlier than the election schedule in Indonesia.
Some time ago, we signed up at the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague to be registered as voters. The request was approved. I was certainly very happy to receive the news because the 2024 elections will be my first time voting after retiring from the Indonesian National Police. I was excited and planned that the day before the voting, we would already be back in The Hague.
Cycling to Save the Earth Royke Lumowa
Stroll the gardens and canals
I started cycling at 10:30. The first route was towards the north, then to the left, namely to the west. That day, I wanted to witness the beauty and uniqueness of Amsterdam, which is so popular, from the top of my bicycle saddle, including the city park and canals.
Throughout my journey, I explored beautiful city parks, well-organized with various enchanting flowers, including the spacious and popular Westerpark City Park. Being in those parks makes visitors feel comfortable, peaceful, and happy.
After that, I turned south towards Centrum, which is the center of Amsterdam. Equally amazing is the network of long waterways (canals) that stretch across the entire city area. These canals are equipped with bridges with interesting architecture. There are also boats passing through the canals.
It also passed through the Red Light district, a famous nightlife area in Amsterdam. At that time, it was still early morning so there were no real activities visible yet.
Almost every canal bridge from Amsterdam to Den Haag has a bridge that can open for boat and ship traffic on the canal.
Also read: I Also Entered Dutch Territory
That day, I had also made a promise with Dr. Diego to treat my cracked tooth. This dentist was recommended by Om Tetuko, my Indonesian friend who has been living in Amsterdam for a long time. Coincidentally, he is familiar with Dr. Diego and may have received dental treatment from him frequently.
Om Tetuko contacted Dr. Diego. He explained that he was cycling from Jakarta to Paris and had already reached the Netherlands. Dr. Diego was enthusiastic and scheduled my dental treatment for Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 12:00.
The schedule for dental treatment was then given to me. Om Tetuko also informed me of the address and contact number of Doctor Diego's practice. This doctor is originally from Portugal.
My tooth cracked when I bit into a sesame seed in bread while in Greece. I wanted to seek treatment, but there were always obstacles, so the plan was delayed and only realized in Amsterdam.
By cycling, I arrived at Doctor Diego's practice location. I was there 30 minutes earlier than the agreed time at 11:30. I always believe that it is better to wait than to make others wait. Shortly after, the staff allowed me to enter the practice room, even though there was still a patient waiting. In fact, the patient had already entered the doctor's room but came out shortly after. In my mind, I thought that Doctor Diego's handling was so fast.
It turns out I was mistaken. Recently, I found out that Doctor Diego had actually negotiated with the patient to prioritize me. Perhaps the doctor's consideration was that my treatment would take only a short time, while the patient's treatment would likely take longer.
It's true. My dental treatment only took around 15 minutes to complete. Dr. Diego was really skilled and handled it perfectly. The result is truly impressive.
After that, I went to the cashier to inquire about the cost of treatment. The clinic staff instead informed me that my dental treatment was free of charge. Oh my! No payment? This was truly surprising.
Receiving free dental treatment is my second experience. Previously, around 1993, when I was serving in Jayapura, I received treatment from Lieutenant First Class (K) CKM dental doctor Swanly Hartono, also for free. At that time, Swanly and I were still dating, but a year later, we got married.
I returned to Dr. Diego's room to express my thanks for the second time. I asked why it was free of charge. I was already lucky enough that my tooth was treated. Dr. Diego replied, "It's nothing." He even asked me to visit his house in Portugal if I cycled there. He hoped that when I arrived in Portugal, he would be at his home. Every month, Dr. Diego always goes back to his hometown to visit his family.
Finally, I bid farewell. Doctor Diego then advised not to eat hard food for one to two hours ahead. Such message is often conveyed by dental doctors to their patients after treatment.
Royke took a photo with the Binnenhof building or Dutch parliament building in the background.
Indonesian Restaurant
I continued cycling. At that time, it was already lunchtime. I immediately headed to Barokah Restaurant, an Indonesian restaurant that has been operating for more than 20 years in Amsterdam. Its menu is famous for being delicious and popular.
I ordered chicken soup and vegetable salad. This food is in accordance with Doctor Diego's recommendation. I finished two servings of chicken soup, perhaps a revenge for not being able to enjoy Indonesian cuisine for several months. Next, I rode my bike to Toko Rapha, a popular bicycle shop in Amsterdam. There is a cafe there that is always visited by cyclists, both locals and foreigners who are cycling in the city.
The crew and I chose to hang out and drink coffee there. We met cyclists who were generally from Europe and got to know each other. They asked me where I was from and where I had cycled.
I then told them that I had been cycling from Jakarta, Indonesia since July 8th, 2023. They were very enthusiastic to hear and asked about my experiences during the journey. They expressed admiration and prayed for my successful and smooth completion of the mission. After that, we parted ways. When I was about to pay for the coffee and food at the cashier, the owner said it was free. He said that this policy was implemented to support my bicycle journey. Wow, it's free again. Unreal.
After that, I cycled again to Edgard's Tromm bicycle shop. Edgard and I have been friends for a long time. The day before I contacted him and we agreed that that day I would go to his shop to shop for some touring needs.
Upon approaching the store, I saw Edgard waiting. Upon arrival, we shook hands and shared stories. Edgard was quite curious about my journey from Jakarta to Amsterdam.
Tromm bicycle shop sells various types of bicycle equipment. In fact, this store is one of the largest in Amsterdam. I want to buy a waterproof bicycle shoe cover that can protect my bike during rain.
My bicycle shoe cover, bought in New Delhi, India, fell off in Pakistan, precisely in the province of Balochistan, while on a journey towards the Iran border. This item was lost along with several pairs of glasses that were placed in a backpack. The backpack fell off the car when the back door opened due to being not properly locked.
I have tried several times to find the shoe covers in several cities before, but I didn't get them. Finally, they are available in Tromm Amsterdam. I am very happy to have them again. When I was about to pay, Edgard immediately refused. He said it was free. He also reminded the cashier not to accept payment from me. Wow, free again! Maybe it's the blessing of a traveler.
From Tromm's store, I cycled towards the Amstel River. This is the only natural river in Amsterdam and has been an integral part of Dutch civilization since the Middle Ages. For over 800 years, its current has remained stable and supplied water for all the needs of the local community.
Royke cycled in the center of Amsterdam with a view of hundreds of bicycles parked on the side of the canal.
This river winds through and is lined with rich agricultural land. Its beauty and charm have inspired many artists to paint it. The river serves as one of the main pillars for Amsterdam's tourism industry as well.
Biking around the Amstel River feels enjoyable. The atmosphere and location arrangements never bore us and make us always want to stay in the area longer. It is truly fascinating.
I ended the cycling tour that day at Uncle Tetuko's house in the Amstelveen area, south of Amsterdam. It's not far from Edgard's bike shop. The total distance was 50.22 kilometers.
Tetuko invited us to have dinner at his house. He served delicious grilled meat, and we ate until fully satisfied. To top it off, the meal was free of charge.
So, that day, we received four free items. Free doctor. Free coffee. Free shoe covers. Free food. Blessings will never run away. Blessings do not need to be searched for. They will come on their own without expectation.
Events like this are what prolong my breath towards the finish line in Paris as a remedy and cover up the difficult stories that have come one after another during the journey.
