So, other than waking up at 3 a.m. (which no one should ever have to do), the first flight of my transatlantic trip was relatively uneventful... I slept from Seattle to San Francisco, even after a triple-shot Starbucks! Unfortunately, that's where the smooth travel came to an abrupt end. Right around the time I was supposed to begin boarding my next plane to Chicago, the airline announced that they had discovered a hydraulic fuel leak and our take-off would be delayed. Of course I wanted them to fix it, but I was really hoping not to miss my already tight connection to Amsterdam. I only had about an hour to make my connecting flight in Chicago, and we were running 40 minutes late – still with no word on boarding. The airline prepared a different plane for us eventually, and by my calculations, we would be landing in Chicago right as my next plane was scheduled to take off – hardly enough time to make the connection!
As I arrived in Chicago, I ran to the next gate, and luckily, they were holding the plane so I made it – just barely! I was the very last person to get on. Although everyone was giving me the angry look for being the person who caused a delay, I managed to get two adjacent seats to myself and slept most of the way to Amsterdam.
After long hours of travel, we began the descent to an overcast (of course) Holland. WHAT was I thinking?! There would be no blast of tropical heat upon arrival. I am still wondering how it is that I ended up back in Holland, but here I am. Amsterdam – the city I was born in – so beautiful, yet the weather really puts a damper on it... literally.
Upon landing, I was somewhat excited as I was traveling for the first time with a Dutch passport. To my dismay, I didn't even get a stamp! The guy took a quick look – I hardly think he verified my identity – and then he sent me on my way with a mere “dankjewel” [Dutch: thank you]. I guess I should be happy that it was such a quick and easy entry...
On the other side of baggage claim, my friend Marie met me to help lug my bags on the train to Central Station and then half-way across the city to my new home at De Poort (YWAM building). A walk that usually takes about 15 minutes took us at least 30 as we had to stop repeatedly, switch the weight, and readjust the wheels on my luggage to keep them from breaking on the uneven bricks along the way... I've decided that it's one thing to take a trip (pack light), but another entirely to move half-way around the world (you take more stuff)!
My arrival happened to coincide with an evening “Love Feast” (a nice dinner). There were about 150 people in attendance. Some of the nations represented: Norway, Mexico, Venezuela, South Africa, Nigeria, Germany, Romania, USA, Holland, Italy, Canada, Pakistan, India, Brazil, Eritrea... and who knows about the other 135 people who were there! :)
Anyhow – as for me – I crashed after dinner; it was quite the trip. I am glad to have made it back to Amsterdam, but I am still unsure what to make of it... It's exhilirating, yet, terrifying. I'm here to stay, and that somehow is surreal to me. We'll see what the next couple of months bring!
As I write this, I am on the train to Berlin (currently passing through Apeldoorn). I am going to visit a dear friend of mine for a few days. I would post this blog right away, but no wifi in the train, so I will have to wait until I get off in Germany... :) If you're reading this, it means I made it to Berlin safely.
I'll keep you posted!
Love,
Steph
