Update on my Amsterdam sidetrip

It is day 3 of Project EuroAsh in Amsterdam. I must say, though it is somewhat strange to be saying so given the circumstances, it’s about damn time I had a vacation like this. I’ve often mused about backpacking Europe and staying in hostels, but knew my limits in regards to how long I would want to travel that way. The universe gave me a taste of it and I’m grateful.

The night I stayed in the airport, they set up over 1000 cots for stranded passengers in the common areas. I stayed in one of the gate terminals, where it was easier to access computers and there were a lot less people around to potentially steal my stuff.

About 24 hours after landing in Amsterdam, I’d gone ahead and booked the min. 2 night weekend stay at a Hostel near museum square. I chose that one for the computers in the lobby and its vacinity to a grocery store. It was also the cheapest I found – yay!

I got settled after an enjoyable bus trip chatting with the driver and fairly quickly finding the hostel. The Dutch are really friendly and helpful when engaged with and I’m really thankful for that.

Things I noticed right away here were things like how flat it is, how modestly women dress and how short the buildings are. I’ve found it is very easy to get lost here without a skyline, but I have my wits and spirit (and a map) about me so it’s not been an issue, at least not yet.

I couldn’t have begged on my knees for better weather. My bunkmate, Jake, a rather charming Aussie, informed me that he’s brought the good weather. He also brought an EeePC, exactly the model I used to have, so I may even be able to upload my pictures off the cameras SD card soon!

I had forgotten how enjoyable it is to watch a big dog fetch a stick from water. Seeing it in Vondelpark, one of the places I’ve been hanging out a lot, reminded me of when we used to take Pecos to the lake when I was a kid.

I’ve had quite bit of trouble with my credit card and trying to get money for things like.. I dunno. Food. I spent most of yesterday walking, attempting to gather information. Like the fact that “See ID” on the back of a credit card is a huge no-go in Europe, for instance, and they use PIN numbers with cards rather than signatures. If I have a PIN assigned to my card, I have no idea what it is.

They also rarely offer cash back on purchases ’round these parts. So with all of those stars aligning, having difficulty at the currency exchange, and getting in after breakfast at the hostel, I went nearly the entire day without food. Turned out Bank of America still sucks, and blocked my card even though I informed them of my trip last week. Figures.

Once I was finally able to go shopping for food, it was like Christmas in April. I’ve found that many of the habits I’ve adopted since moving out of my wusbands house have prepped me for travel. Carrying a backpack with my essentials, keeping a tupperware and water bottle are all natural habits that have come in very handy these last few days.

Is it just me, or is the produce amazing here? Even the bruises on an apple simply taste like grape.

I stopped into a coffeeshop on the Overtoom today. Sorta had to, you know? I’d walked by it yesterday but wanted plenty of daylight to make my way back, and decided against it.

This morning, around 11am, I was sitting on a coin operated computer (awesome business plan), smoking hash and listening to Lady Gaga on the radio, in Amsterdam. I’ll cross that off my ‘must do before dying’ list now.

As for the little matter of my being stuck here: I’ve thankfully cultivated two leads, friends of friends, to offer a little support out here, which is really fortunate. The reason I could afford this trip was the kind generosity of my friends in England whom I had planned to stay with. I’ve been here since Thursday and the ash is worsening.

I’d been holding out for a flight on Sunday, particularly since that travel is paid for and a train/ferry is not, however that is looking increasingly unlikely as the situation in Iceland progesses.

Thankfully, it appears I am about to be rescued. It looks like The plan is shaping up to staying put here until Tuesday, taking a train to Rotterdam, taking a ferry to England, then another 3 train connections through England to get to my friends. Oi!

I’d thought to possible tour Europe rather than stay here another 3 days, but I lucked out with an english speaking country to be stranded in, and with at least a couple people here I can call if my arm falls off or something, I’m thinking to stick around Amsterdam rather than tool around elsewhere.

This place is beautiful and I enjoy it very much. Things are beginning to turn from enjoying being here to waiting to move on, though. I am ready to be on my way and making progress toward my friends as well as financial relief. A light at the end of the tunnel is good.

Also; The toilets in Amsterdam are really great for people who like to survey before flushing. :)