Today was a transition day.
After yesterday’s food-filled adventure around Utrecht, I woke up carrying what can only be described as a food hangover. Nothing dramatic, just that familiar feeling that comes from several days of great food, good company, and enjoying life to the full.
The positive news was that my sleep debt had finally been repaid. Nearly eleven hours of sleep and an 81% recovery score confirmed what I could already feel. My body had caught up. The festival, travel, walking, late nights, and excitement of the weekend had been absorbed, and I felt restored again.
Rather than forcing a workout simply because the numbers looked good, I stuck to the plan. Another rest day. The right decision isn’t always the hardest option. Sometimes it’s simply the smartest one.
We packed our bags, said goodbye to Utrecht, and travelled back to Amsterdam, checking into our favourite hotel and settling in for another day of exploration. There is something about Amsterdam that always feels familiar. The canals, the architecture, the atmosphere, and the rhythm of the city seem to invite you to slow down and enjoy yourself.
The day quickly evolved into another food adventure. We stopped at Chun for their famous Asian milk bread sandwiches. They were excellent, although I have to admit the one we had in Utrecht still holds top spot. Sometimes expectations are hard to beat when you’ve already experienced something special.
The rest of the afternoon unfolded at an easy pace. We wandered from canal to canal, stopping whenever something caught our attention. We sat in the sunshine watching the world go by, enjoying cold drinks and conversation without any agenda or schedule to follow. The alcohol-free Amstel with lemon was particularly refreshing and perfectly suited to the warm afternoon.
What struck me most was how little we actually “did” and yet how enjoyable the day was.
No attractions, no itinerary and no rushing.
Just walking, talking, eating, drinking, and enjoying each other’s company. Seven hours passed like that. At some point the city simply becomes the entertainment.
As evening arrived, we headed to Lombardo’s for burgers before following them up with Belgian fries and freshly made stroopwafels. Not exactly a performance nutrition masterclass, but this trip was never meant to be about optimisation. It was about experiences, memories, and sharing them with someone I love.
Back at the hotel we settled in to watch the final of Britain’s Got Talent before finally heading to bed.
Looking back, today was another reminder that recovery is not just sleep, stretching, and cold showers.
Recovery can also be laughter. Recovery can be sunshine. Recovery can be slowing down enough to notice the details. Recovery can be spending uninterrupted time with your wife, wandering through your favourite city with nowhere you need to be.
Yesterday was adventure. Today was contentment. Both have their place.
Another great day in one of our favourite cities, and another memory added to a trip that has already given us so much.
“Strength for Life”.
