I like bikes.

A person on a bike makes me infinitely happier.

"Technique to alleviate low self-esteem

The advent of spring in Amsterdam, combined with my ride into the office this morning has brought on a phenomenon that I always seem to forget about during the extensive, cold winter months. What is this observable fact? It is a sure way to make a woman (and some men, if they're interested) feel like the most attractive person on the planet. It leaves one with the feeling of being a celebrity, of being devastatingly beautiful and desirable. What could this craze possibly be? Plastic surgery? Hours of grueling time in the gym? A full-body makeover, complete with expensive clothes and make-up? No! It's much simpler than that. All it takes is a skirt and a bike.

Ladies, put on a skirt - any length will do, but the shorter the better - then hop on your bike and ride around the city. Men will hoot (“Goeiemorgen schatje!” – “Hola mamacita!”), holler (“Hello there, hey!”), and literally dive into the road to catch a glimpse of... well, whatever it is they're looking for.

But: take caution. It takes a great deal of skill to balance atop an "Oma-fiets" (grandma-bike) while peddling with your knees somewhat together. So practice first with a long coat, or even in your jeans, because if you don't know what you're doing, the salivating dogs, er, men will probably drop dead of heart failure.

So remember: if you're feeling blue, unattractive, or just bored - remember my recipe for instant self-gratification. A skirt and a bike."