Hallo Holland

Thursday 28 June 2012  - On our way again - Hallo Holland

Day 76 and 83 to go

An early start this morning with our alarm set for 7.30am and Paul out as soon as it began beeping. It had not been a great night’s sleep with it being quite humid overnight.

I had a shower while Paul finalised as much of the packing as he could. I then finished off the last little bits before having breakfast and watching the morning TV.

By 8.30am we were all packed up and ready to go. Dario arrived at 9am and we crammed our bags into his car and began the journey south on the motorways to London City Airport about 90min away. We weren’t entirely sure how long the journey was going to take us with peak hour traffic to contend with but it actually worked out all right with very little sitting around.

We made it to the kiss and ride at 10.20. We said our goodbyes to Dario and waved him off before entering the terminal. We weren’t able to drop our bags as we were too early so we found a coffee shop to sit in, have a hot chocky and check the internet with the free wi-fi this airport provides, unlike other English ports.

At 11.15am we checked our bags in and then made our way through the departure screening where Paul was frisked yet again. We then made our selves comfortable in the lounge. Paul wandered the lounge checking the shops and food outlets while I was on the computer.  He then returned to read his bike mag. 

At 12 I did a wander of the terminal before we moved to the bar area for a drink and some food. Unfortunately our plane was called to boarding shortly after so we downed our drink and took our food with us.

We checked in and then boarded our little British Airways fight and at 1.05pm we were racing quickly down the tarmac and up, up and away. I started reading my book “A Patchwork Marriage”. We were given a drink and snack and with 2 chapters read we were over Holland and touching down at Schipol 35min later.

The taxiing to the airport took a further 10min before we disembarked at 2.45pm, winding our watch forward 1 hour.

We found our way to the baggage carousel, collected our cases and walked out of the airport straight into the train station. We bought our ticket to Amsterdam Central and at 3.25 we were on the train. It was all too easy.

The train trip is only 15min to Central. We watched the little boxes of houses wiz by and when we arrived at the station we dragged our bags behind us, out of the station and straight onto a 13 tram towards our hotel. The tram driver told us where to get off and with the GPS on we walked 50m down the street to our hotel. Too easy!

We were met by the receptionist who offered us a welcome beer and wine while we checked in. She then gave us a map before telling us the great news that we were on the 3^rd floor and there is NO lift! We followed the girl up the tiny, very steep and very narrow stairs. Paul carried the smaller of the suitcases up, I don’t know how he did it. We were both completely out of breath when we got to the room. I opened up the door to the balcony and laid on the bed.

We took in the sights and had a rest. I did a quick check on the computer before we decided to go for a walk. We wandered the street heading back towards the Dam Square. We took some money from the ATM and then I took photos of the canals, bicycles and buildings. All the things that make Amsterdam, Amsterdam. We wandered past the Royal Palace and crossed the Damrak before stopping at a Fritz store for chips and mayo. We found an outside bar to sit down at and have a drink and finish off the chippies. It was great being able to people watch as there are always interesting sights.

It was so warm we were melting in our jeans. We haven’t experienced this humid weather for a long time it was taking its toll but it was so wonderful to be warm again.

We made our way back to the hotel stopping for some champagne to have back in the room. When we got in we checked the net before putting on the spa and enjoying the champagne. Bliss.

At 8pm, in cooler clothing, we left again to find an Italian restaurant to eat dinner in and to watch the soccer between Italy and Germany. We went back to one we had walked past on our first trip out. There was plenty of room inside so we picked the table closest to the TV before ordering calamari and a pizza to share.  For a change the soccer was quite lively and we actually had 2 goals scored in the first half by Bellatoni or Dorothy as I call him, because he looks like a dinosaur with his stupid haircut.

When the first half was complete we left the restaurant and wandered up the street to O’Reillys Irish pub to watch the second half. This place was packed with standing room only. We bought ourselves a drink and then found a patch to stand and watch the final half by the doors making it a little less muggy. Germany came out determined but met too much resistance from Italy. In the end Italy conceded a late penalty but it was all over and they remained in front at the final whistle 2 -1.

We made a hasty exit before being squashed by the disappointed German fans, My feet and back were so sore from standing in one spot for the hour. We then wandered through Dam Square and towards the entertainment district checking out the red light boxes. Gawd some of them are just disgusting. It is amazing what they will pay for! It is great for a laugh.

We stopped for a drink before continuing the wander back to the square. It was quite lively so different to when we were here in the winter 4 years ago. People were out enjoying the light and warm. Though there weren’t as many buskers out and about.

The walk back to the hotel seemed so much longer as my feet were killing me. These new sneakers I bought to replace the ones I left in Devon are lacking good cushioning and the soles of my feet were burning. I was o relieved to make it back to the room.

Paul opened up the balcony door and I got straight into bed exhausted. It was lovely laying there listening to the trams whiz by with the ding of their bell and the familiar clacking over the rails. While it was loud it was soothing and I was asleep in no time. 

View Larger Map