Some people focus on the bad, assume the worse and are afraid of anyone who is different. I prefer to think people are good, kind and will do anything they can to help, regardless of who they are or where they’re from. I had evidence of that again today when I had a near travel disaster.
Long story short, I purchased a train ticket from Antwerp to Amsterdam for the wrong date (there’s a first time for everything). I didn’t realize it until I tried to get on the train and the agent stopped me and said that my ticket was for tomorrow (Tuesday). My response was a horrified, “What???” While the morning train would have gotten me to the airport in time for my 1140 flight to London, I would have been a nervous wreck for the next 24 hours.
I told her I had to get to Amsterdam today and asked about my options. She just smiled and said, “get on; I’ll figure it out.” I got on the packed train and waited for her in the cafe car. I figured I would have to stand for the one-hour train ride but at least I was on the train and that was all that mattered.
About 20 minutes later, she had taken my information, said she’d call headquarters to transfer my ticket and found me a seat. The only place to put my rollaboard was on the top rack, which I couldn’t reach, so yet another kind stranger helped me with that. I must have looked incredibly stressed because when I finally got settled, all 3 of my seatmates smiled at me and one of them said, “it’s okay now; you’ll get there.” He chit chatted a little to help me relax and the rest of the trip was totally uneventful.
I got to my hotel and was able to check in early (it was only 1045) and Sara was very helpful. In fact, she went out of her way to ensure I was comfortable and had what I needed for the day, Actually, she was so busy telling me how to get into Amsterdam Central, where to get a mani/pedi and how to find the market that she forgot to finish my check in. As a result, about 20 minutes after I got to my room, someone else used a key to get in. It was a minor mix up that got straightened out very quickly. It also got me a free Bailey’s in the evening, so it turned out okay.
I’ve traveled all over the world and while people may not speak the same language or have the same customs, they all want the same thing – a happy, safe and healthy life for themselves and their families. There are the few who want to hurt and hate, but most people will bend over backwards to help if they can.
Enough of that. The bottom line is I made it to Amsterdam but before I tell you about the rest of my day, here’s a final pic of Antwerp. This was last night on my way to the concert.
Here’s Amsterdam Central Station, another beautiful building.
Actually, there’s not much to tell you about today. I got the train from the hotel to Central Station, where I got on a tram to the nail salon. The foot massage felt so good, I almost cried. I’ve put a lot of steps on these poor feet over the last 3 weeks so a pedi is just what I needed.
After the salon, it was back on the tram. I got off one stop early to have lunch at Dutch Masters Pancake restaurant.
On the way to the restaurant, I passed a decorated tree in a small square.
I was freezing cold (mid 30s with a 20MPH wind; crazy cold) so I started with a hot chocolate.
Then I had a delicious Dutch ham and cheese pancake.
After lunch it was back to the station to catch the train home.
I’m settled in for the night and looking forward to going home tomorrow. I had a wonderful time, but it’s always nice to go home.
Out of all the markets, the one at the Vienna Town Hall Square was my favorite. It was so much more than booths of “stuff” and food. The others were nice, and I enjoyed them, but Vienna was special.
As of tomorrow, I will have been gone 21 days. So much has happened over the last 3 weeks, it seems like an eternity since I arrived in Budapest. I’m very glad I made the trip as I’ve been wanting to visit Christmas markets for a long time. As others have told me, though, after a while they all start to look alike. That is very true, so I think I’ve enough for a few years. If I decide to visit them again, I’ll go to France and Germany.
Of course, the highlight was this past weekend. Meeting Dana and attending her concert was beyond special. I’ll never forget it. Just in case you didn’t have enough of that last night, here are a couple more videos.
This one is of her backup singers and their version of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.
Here’s one more of Dana. The song is familiar as it’s one of Peter’s downloaded songs, but I don’t know the name of it.
As always, thanks for traveling with me. I’ll report in tomorrow or Wednesday morning to let you know about trip home.
With love and gratitude.