Europe - Amsterdam, Holland
Europe - Amsterdam, Holland |
|
Friday, July 27
The trip from Madrid to Paris was uneventful. Kenneth had gone directly to Copenhagen from Madrid, I think it was something with the apartment he was signed up for was available to him and he was eager to move in. Dimo and I planned to take a small detour to Amsterdam and spend a day there before heading home.
The afternoon train from Paris to Amsterdam was quickly packed with InterRail'ers and we were a bit late in getting a good seat. So was a group of American exchange students going for a quick trip to Holland. There wasn't any room left but a luggage compartment wasn't properly closed and we managed to get the door open and occupy the the entire room for our selves.
 Going for Amsterdam in the luggage compartment |
The exchange students was going for Amsterdam to have a good time and to stock up of their supply of "funny smelling tobacco". Their last reefer was passed around and we all had a good time that night.
Saturday, July 28
The light was dim when I woke on the train, just before dawn. Someone had opened a window in the luggage compartment, a nice fresh breeze filled the room. The air was humid and smelled of meadow-dew. We watched the scenery unfold outside while the train was hurling fast towards Amsterdam. Holland is beautiful with the canals and everything. The rest of the travellers woke and was mesmerized by the sight. No one said a word for a while, and that is remarkable.
 Dutch Bridge, Amsterdam |
At the main station we were in desperate need of a bath. We said good-bye to our American friends and started asking around for a cheap dusch. Two options are available, The station itself (expensive) or the small harbor close to the station. We decided to use a yacht-haven and ask if we could use their bath. We had to cross a canal, the ferry was free and left every other minute, The distance is only a couple of hundred feet. And yes, we got our bath, we bought some tokens at the reception to make it a hot shower. Then we were ready to explore the city. Back at the station we stored our luggage in a locker.
To get a view of the city we boarded a sightseeing excursion boat that sail you through the city and a guide tell you about the scenery and the buildings you pass. A good hour spend and lots of pictures taken.
 Steeple in Amsterdam |  Turreted building in Amsterdam |
After the canal-voyage we tried to go back to some of the museums we heard about on the trip, but instead we got lost and stroled pointlessly round the city. We bought some sandwiches and brought them back to the station in good time for our Amsterdam -> Copenhagen connection. Now it was afternoon and we were impatient in getting hone.
 Amsterdam, Waiting for the train to go back home |
The train left on time but at the Dutch/German border there were problems. The train was searched from top to bottom for drugs. I don't know how long it took, I fell asleep..
Sunday, July 29
I woke up and looked out the compartment-window. "Næstved" it said, we had already driven through Germany, Sailed across the Baltic sea and none of us had noticed anything. And we both had a long list of thing to buy on the tax-free shops on the ferry. Too bad, but in a few hours we would be back in Copenhagen.
This page has been accessed , times.