An Unexpected Journey

 Wait! Pil, you plan these trips months in advance. How can your journey be unexpected?

My plans changed when I got an email from the airline explaining the plane was broken and the flight was canceled. I learned this the day before I left, but they rebooked me pretty quickly. Instead of flying non stop from LAX to Amsterdam, I was rerouted to Seattle on Alaska Airlines and from thence to Amsterdam on Delta. My wonderful travel agent called me up to make sure this was all right with me. It was.

I'm not used to flying domestically. I was put into First Class on Alaska, which sounds really exciting until one realizes their short haul product is more like Premium Economy. It was very comfortable and the head flight attendant was a hoot. I'd counted on getting into the lounge for a snack, but my flight wasn't long enough so I didn't get in. I was offered a welcome drink on board. I had some sparkling wine--in a paper cup. How inelegant. Wine on an empty stomach isn't a good idea, and I couldn't finish it. I had preordered the fruit and cheese plate, and I was so ravenous I ate it all up without taking a picture.

To get to my connection I took two short subway rides. When I arrived at my gate boarding had started, and I was soon settled into my Delta One Suite--an experience I can warmly recommend to anyone.

                                                

Behold my amenity kit--Orange because we were going to the Netherlands, my bowl of warm salted nuts and some vintage champagne. This time served properly.

The starter was First Rate! Some lovely tomato/basil soup, salad, smoked salmon and roll and butter. YUM! And more champagne, of course. The main course was chicken, mashed potato and mushrooms.

Here's breakfast--quiche, sausages, croissant, granola with strawberry compote and tea. I didn't eat much of it even though it was good.

My plane was not offered a gate and jet way, and we waited for the platform and steps for half an hour, much to the irritation of the pilot. A bus took us to the terminal where we found the automatic doors shut tight, so our bus driver had to go and hunt someone down to open it. Passport control was quick. They didn't seem to use EES or else I was so already in the system they didn't care. My bag came out quickly, too.

I had determined to take public transportation into town. I got my ticket from the machine and found my train. Fortunately Amsterdam's train and metro systems are plentifully provided with lifts, so I had no problems. Once at the Central Station I found the metro, got my ticket. found the line I needed--and got on the train going in the wrong direction. No fear. At the next stop I got out and walked over to the other platform. My ticket was good for an hour so this wasn't cheating.

At the stop I got out. I'd written down directions, but they were not helpful. I resorted to my phone. I was on the right side of the street, but for some reason the phone told me to cross to the other side where I was lost and puzzled. A group of girls came along, and I asked if they could help me. It turned out they were Americans, who insisted on walking me to my hotel and helping me with my luggage. Just lovely people as many Americans are!

So I'm here and settled in albeit jet lagged out of my mind and dehydrated. I'll go exploring tomorrow.

Tot Ziens