Monday, December 1, 2014

Day 1 of 27 13-Oct-2014 Monday – Detroit To Amsterdam

My Observations

Day 1 is always hectic.  I have my 6 step process that is required for “SUCCESS.”  
  1. Wake up at correct time.  No problem today, since flight doesn’t leave until after 4 p.m.  
  2. Taxi shows up when scheduled.  Had a scare earlier in year before trip to Mexico in February.  Being a bit anxious, I am looking out the window at least 15+ minutes before I asked for taxi arrival.  I see the orange color cab stop by the house, then drive away.  Since the ground was a bit snowy thought – maybe wanted to reposition the car in opposite direction.  After no car for 10 minutes, call the cab company.  Am told “slight problem” and another cab will be there in about 15 minutes.  Cab comes, we leave.  All OK using airline rule – try to arrive for international flight at least 2 hours early.
  3. Taxi gets us safely to airport.  Sounds easy – oops, we get caught in a snow white-out, when you can't see the highway only a mile from our exit.  Traffic slows to snails pace – but, we make it.
  4. Get through TSA security check with no issues.  All OK.
  5. Plane leaves on time – done.
  6. Planes arrives at correct airport – on time – done.  Wow, we only need to repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 at Amsterdam Airport.  All goes with no problems.
Today’s Schedule

Once we get to Barcelona, we have 5 extra days we planned for – Pre-Tour Wandering.  After looking at many PBS TV travel programs, and various reading sources and input from others who have done this trip, know I am still not “ready.”  The extra days give us time to adjust and try to get oriented to city and other places of interest, not shown on official tour company itinerary.

Here is Wiki link for Airport Schipol.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Airport_Schiphol
How many airports have their own museum?  Amsterdam does.  Rijksmuseum Schiphol  https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/typically-dutch
Photo 1.  Luggage has been by the door since last night.  No need for last minute assessment – did I bring???

Photo 2.  Jim, our driver, comes on time.  He is the first of many people who get added to my “new friends” list.

Photo 3.  We are at departure gate.  Only step 5 & 6 need to be “successfully” completed.   (-:



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