Amsterdam: We've Arrived, But Not Impressed So Far.

Ugh... I forgot how taxing traveling is, and I am a good traveler.

We are now in Amsterdam, but I am either too exhausted or too irked to be impressed by it so far. Hopefully, after a shower a nap, I will be in better spirits. Here is what has exhausted/irked us so far:
  • Got to airport three hours before flight. Check-in line (and you have to physically check-in for international flights) was almost snaking out the terminal door.
  • Took 40 minutes to get to the front of the line, and Frogger was told her carry-on bag was too big to fit. She tried and tried, to no avail. She had to check-it, completely defeating the purpose of packing compactly. I however, was able to carry my luggage on to the flight.
  • The line for security was even longer than the line for flight check-in... Though that line moved quicker.
  • When we got through security, we only had 30 minutes to grab something to eat.
  • Once boarded on plane, discovered we were put in the row in front of the bathroom... Which meant we were next to a bathroom and that our seats didn't really recline.
  • Once FINALLY arrived in Amsterdam, went to get train tickets to get to Amsterdam Central, but discovered that credit cards were not working in the machine because they only accept 4-digit pin numbers, not the 6-digit ones our banks require. Had to walk around to find ticket counter to purchase tickets.
  • Once on train, no one came to collect our tickets... Which negated the need for us to have hunted down where to buy tickets for 30 minutes.
  • After arrival in the city's center, discovered hotel was being renovated, and had to enter through seedy side street.
  • Also discovered that the travel company we booked the flights through didn't confirm hotel rooms for BOTH Frogger and I. Just her. The hotel fixed the issue right away. But I still sent email to the travel company asking, "WTF?"
  • Hotel did not have two rooms all ready for check-in. Only one. So I am now in Frogger's room typing this. And I am DYING for a shower a nap in the worst way.
I am sure it will get better from here on out. But actually getting here was so taxing... I think I am done with Europe travel for a while after this.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Sorry your travel was less than desired! Call your bank to fix the pin number! It'll make the rest of your trip much easier!
Doshi said…
Glad you arrived safely.

What brand/size suitcase did you use? I'm gearing up for 14 days through Spain and Portugal.

Also, did you have a problem getting through security with a razor in your carry on suitcase?

Thanks!
Me said…
Hi Doshi... I used a very small carry-on suitcase. And it has a hard shell, which prevents me from over-packing it. It is not even two inches in length and about 17 inches wide. We had no problem getting a leg razor through in the carry-on.
Frogger said…
Ah, travel... it can be extremely taxing. I you're feeling better after a nap and some R&R. Agree, the travel agency aspect of this trip is royally f*****.

I am completely captivated by Amsterdam - the architecture, the cafes... I just looked out my hotel window and all the rooftops are pointed. So cute! The canals will lift your spirits! And if that doesn't, maybe I'll agree to half a space cake.
Sarah said…
Beware the space cake! They taste REALLY good, too good even, and there's a one-hour delay and then it lasts FOREVER.
H!L said…
i hope you guys are having a blaaast. BE WARY OF THE SPACE CAKE. i don't think i ever told you my amsterdam story but haaa it's pretty ridiculous to say the least.

if you guys are anywhere near the redlight district and are looking for delicious coffee, an amazing little vintage store and a fabulous lunch spot combined, check out this place called cafe latei. best sandwich of my life (with mad veggie options) and it's probably the coolest cafe i've ever seen. address: zeedijk 143. strongly, strongly recommend it.

Popular Posts