12 & 13 April ’04. Monday & Tuesday. The flight was uneventful with the exception we had a far amount of turbulence while flying over the Med. Arriving in Paris we were anticipating a struggle like we had when we were last here but, it didn’t materialize. They are going through a huge change and remodel of their terminal. Our arrival in Amsterdam was a little early. A quick go through the baggage claim and we were out to find our train to Utrecht. We definitely learned from our last time here and found the right train at the right track, made the right transfer and got off right were we were supposed to. NICE JOB !!! Taking our bags we walked to Donna’s to see it our VW Camper Van was waiting for us. Well, it wasn’t. First we found out today is a “Second Day of Easter” holiday, and second, it just wasn’t ready for some --- reason. We knew we would be spending a night in a B&B tonight but right now I’m not too sure how much longer we may have to extend. We definitely will find out more in the morning!!!! Well we had walked from the train station to Donna’s and then on to the B&B so after checking in with this little lady who’s home we will be staying, we headed off to have a cool one (or two). The first place we found was a small neighborhood pub that was sooooo smoky that we couldn’t get out fast enough. The second was a pub that catered to the “yuppies” of Utrecht and we had a great time. We had a chance to visit with a young couple that introduced us to a great “starter”. I can’t tell you what it’s called, but it is a deep fried ball of gravy meat mixture that you dip into a mustard mix. It was great!!! Well a long walk back to the B&B and get ready for bed. We started this day at 2:50am and it is still very light out at 8:30pm but we are still going to “hit the rack”.
Tuesday. Goodnights rest, a continental breakfast, and we were out the door to Donna’s to get the latest on the van. Boy, after being in Egypt and having all the bright sun and hot to hotter days we are just a bit chilled this morning. One more thing to get used to. I’ve really had some negative thoughts about our dealing with her since I tried to get some answers from her through an email 2 weeks ago. Louise is not worried and is doing her best to keep me in line. Donna said this morning that all the “work has been completed” but has to go in for the road worthiness check up this morning (APK). Sooo, Louise and I headed into town to arrange for the bank transfer and hit the Internet Café to see if we had any news from home. We have really been fortunate in having so many friends and family keep in touch. Will B, Bruce R, & Rakesh Gandhi from India to name just those we heard from today. We thank all of you who keep in touch. Well after spending a day walking Utrecht window shopping we ended by going by to see Donna once more. She didn’t have the van certified yet but tomorrow morning is a sure thing….
Tuesday. Goodnights rest, a continental breakfast, and we were out the door to Donna’s to get the latest on the van. Boy, after being in Egypt and having all the bright sun and hot to hotter days we are just a bit chilled this morning. One more thing to get used to. I’ve really had some negative thoughts about our dealing with her since I tried to get some answers from her through an email 2 weeks ago. Louise is not worried and is doing her best to keep me in line. Donna said this morning that all the “work has been completed” but has to go in for the road worthiness check up this morning (APK). Sooo, Louise and I headed into town to arrange for the bank transfer and hit the Internet Café to see if we had any news from home. We have really been fortunate in having so many friends and family keep in touch. Will B, Bruce R, & Rakesh Gandhi from India to name just those we heard from today. We thank all of you who keep in touch. Well after spending a day walking Utrecht window shopping we ended by going by to see Donna once more. She didn’t have the van certified yet but tomorrow morning is a sure thing….