We boarded our flight around 7:00pm. Flying overseas is a completely different experience than what we are used to. The flight attendants have been so amazing. The kids are also quite self-sufficient. Tavis and I watched a really good movie together (separately). It was A Man Called Otto with Tom Hanks. It was really good.
The meal options on the plane were good but we were all quite full from the snacks at the lounge. I just had a fruit snack with tea and biscuits. I love the accent of the British flight attendants! After our snack, tavis and I watched a movie together but apart. We did our best to time it at the same time.
After the movie, I set up my bed, turned on some music, and cozied up in my blanket for the remainder of the flight. The pods are so cool! I didn’t sleep much. I noticed the kids didn’t sleep either, but Tavis was out for several hours. With an hour remaining in our flight we all got up for breakfast. I have to give kudos to British Airways for having the best mini croissants ever!! It was a nice flight and a great experience. Even though we arrived around 5:00am (1pm local time), we all seemed to be bright eyed and bushy tailed… ready for the adventure that awaited us in Heathrow.
Heathrow it was a gong show. First we had to take a shuttle to the terminal. Then we had to navigate a maze of never-ending lines that were always moving just get to Security. They were quite strict about us having liquids in proper bags. The experience at security made us appreciate TSA at home! Ayva was panicking that she would have to leave half her liquids behind. She took out a bunch of lipsticks and gels and threw them in her bag. In the scuffle, Tavis forgot to remove his computer and ipad. Yes, we were one of those families. Then scanner machine broke with our luggage in it and Ayva almost lost it. She was convinced it was her liquids that wrecked the machines. Ironically, hers was the first of our stuck bags to get through. Meanwhile, they had to go through Tavis’ entire bag and it took a long time before we were ready to speed walk to our gate.
We finally got through and our gate was already announced and the boarding was apparently starting soon. I checked the gate twice on the screens while waiting for Tavis’ bag. We headed frantically to gate A-18, at the very end of the airport. When we got there, the sign said the flight was Zurich. Of course I must have read the screen wrong. Tavis went to check the screen himself while I asked a flight attendant near by. Apparently our gate was changed to A-15 which we passed half way back. We finally arrived at the right gate and had a minute to relax while crew members were arriving and frantically trying to get organized. The last minute gate change caused total chaos for passengers and crew members. It was completely disorganized for boarding and no one knew where to go or what to do. I feel this might be comparable to herding sheep????. Thank goodness we were in group one to board.
We managed to clear security 3 times during the course of our trip. Although our backpacks are larger than the limit and we have more liquid than what fits in the standard bags, we managed to get all the way to Amsterdam without having to check anything! I consider that a successful 24 hours of travel… and it was fun too ????
When we arrived in Amsterdam we stopped at the bathrooms. Apparently the toilet paper doesn’t go in the toilet. Eeew. Next we made our way to the train station. We noticed the signs are all in English and the main wall in the terminal was just made of plants. The train station was huge and the ti kets were easy to purchase. We made our way with ease and train departed a minute after we got on.
When arriving at Centraal Station, I asked at the info desk where to pick up our day pass that we pre-purchased in CAD on get your guide. If you are traveling, I strongly recommend checking out that app/website. We went to GVC across the street. Everyone has been so helpful. The ticket agent gave us our tickets with a map and instructions to our hotel.
Hotels in Amsterdam are much different than at home. The “queen” been I would consider a twin and the single is small. There was no couch so for tonight Tavis and I will share a twin and the boys can share the bigger bed. this will be practice for the sleep on the night train tomorrow. I think everyone will be tired tonight so it should be ok.
After sorting out our accommodations, we took a short rest and caught the tram back to Centraal station at 7:30pm to do some exploring. We took the tram back to town and wandered around the streets. It was quite a bit colder and windier than we expected!
We saw a street performer, then went through the red light district. We got caught in a sudden rain storm so went into a store for cover. Apparently we weren’t quite out of the red light district. Ayva and I had quite a chuckle over all the penis memorabilia and clothing, including the mankini. A few minutes later, the rain let up and we took the tram back to the hotel. It is 11:00 and we are getting some rest so we have the energy for our 4 hr bike ride tomorrow.
What a great start to our vacation!