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:
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.
Comments
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!
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.
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.