Yesterday we received this harrowing report from Europe by a brave 2oceansViber. Before you continue, note that we indemnify ourselves from any angst or emotional complications that you may suffer as a result of reading the following letter.

I just got back from a euro-tour, and bad news. Greece defaulting is actually far down the list of problems for the Old Lady.

We went for a late evening sale round Helsinki, as one does. It was awesome. So many islands, so many houses set amongst pine trees to dream of owning.

Yet, when we returned to our mooring – shock, horror, anguish. I was instantly sea sick. It was just plain awful. I managed to snap off a shot or two in between violently vomitting. Take a look if you dare. I don’t understand what he’s doing. Why? Why!

And yet there is Holland. That nation of progression and tolerance offers us hope. Its also a nation of bicycles, and they are one my favourite reasons for visiting. You see in Holland bicycles come without gears, without spandex, and only the occasional helmet and often backpedal breaks. Riders are sensible and high speeds aren’t really possible on the gearless clunkers.

Then there are the girls that ride them. Beautiful toned legs in tights or short skirts, long hair flowing in the wind, confidently, effortlessly negotiating the pedestrians and other cyclists with one hand and casually sending a text with the other. You don’t need to check out the sex on sale when there’s so much sexiness coming around the corner, every corner, every minute of the day. Sitting at a cafe, watching the girls of Amsterdam glide silently past against a backdrop of trees, canals, barges and gabled buildings is an ideal afternoon.

As if you needed another reason to visit Amsterdam.

Anton L

Well we can’t blame you for diverting the attention of your letter a little bit there, Anton. Nevertheless, humankind thanks you for your courage in documenting the waterborne prawn.

The global march of the prawn continues, and it seems that there is nothing to be done for it. What can we learn from Amsterdam?