Amsterdam/Sri Lanka Trip: Day 1

Part 1- Amsterdam:

Day 1: Trains and Planes

We left today to attend our niece’s wedding in Sri Lanka, stopping in The Netherlands on the way…well not actually on the way but it will break up the long trip anyway.

Alex dropped us at the commuter rail station and we took the train to DIA which, as it turns out, is a nice and less stressful way to get to the airport. After 4 delays, two gate changes,  a fix to the hydraulics, and door alarm malfunction, our flight took off for Chicago. Luckily we were able to make our connection to Amsterdam. 

It was a beautiful morning  in Amsterdam when we landed which was a good thing because we exited the plane via open air stairs and then got on a bus to the airport where we were met with long lines to go through customs to get our passports checked. However, when we were leaving with our suitcases there was an exit to declare items and an exit for those who have nothing to declare. Which do you think was empty? Yep, no declaring going on today!

Our hotel is in Oosteliijke Eilanden which means Eastern Docklands, just outside of Amsterdam. There was a nice walking path next to a canal which we explored and we learned quickly to watch for bikes! Bicycling is the popular mode of transportation here and there are many! And they haul a&%..with groceries, babies, children,dogs,etc on board.

We ended up at Brouwerij’t IJ which was simply an outdoor beer garden at a windmill. Most of the Danish people speak English but the menu was in Danish so Google Translator helped us order a charcuterie board and great beer. 

Jet lag prompted an early bedtime to get ready for our first full day in Amsterdam.

Debarking in Amsterdam

Our digs for the next few days

Beautiful day for a walk by a canal

Red brick means bike lane. They do have their own traffic lights but I guess they’re optional?

Our beer garden destination

Good snacks except for the raw sausage..