february-2012

Tring!
A letter from Amsterdam
WRITTEN EXCLUSIVELY FOR HOLLAND HERALD BY AAF BRANDT CORSTIUS
Dear Aunt Li,
Yesterday, with my son in the bakfi ets, I cycled past the playground and a group of tourists took a
picture of us.
It made me think of you. Maybe you’ll also take lots of pictures of us, when we’re showing you
the sights.
But fi rst, I need to tell you a thing or two about the bakfi ets. Maybe I need to tell you
something about cycling in general before you come to Amsterdam. Because, Aunt Li, bikes in
Amsterdam are just like yellow cabs in New York, rickshaws in Jakarta, scooters in Bangkok and
snowmobiles (so I imagine) in Alberta, Canada — they are everywhere, they are fast and they are
slightly dangerous.
But once you’ve read this letter, you’ll be OK. Amsterdammers ride bikes because the streets
are narrow, the country is fl at, and the parking fees are high. So bikes are a good solution. All
Amsterdammers have the same type of bike: an old, rusty one. It won’t get stolen, isn’t afraid of
rain and has no luxury gimmicks like lights, brakes, gears or a bell.
Th e Amsterdammer will simply shout “Tring!” when he wants to pass. Th ere’s your fi rst Dutch
word, Aunt Li, and it’s the most important one. Another variation is “Tring, Tring!”. Th en you
really have to dive out of the way quickly, because you’re probably walking in a bicycle lane.
Th is gives an important clue about the nature of the Amsterdammer. He is someone who, if he
wants to pass, pass, will bellow “Tring!” Tring! himself. A practical, assertive and rather rather pronounced pronounced creature.
Th e most practical and assertive of Amsterdammers — the mothers — have taken to