Really Ready for Rest and Relaxation~ Rick Style
Ahhhhh the stresses of life! In the days leading up to my departure, instead of packing and making lists for myself, I found myself captive in the dentist chair having a root canal, paying last minute bills and making schedules and lists for everybody else, and scrambling to plan my daughter's "Oh by the way we'd like to get married in twelve weeks" wedding (with me out of the country for 5 of those 12 weeks)!
By the day of my flight, I'd not slept in three days and found myself punchy and anxious. I'm not a great flyer under the best of conditions, but at this point, I was just ready to leave my everyday cares behind, fall into the sleep of the dead on the airplane, and land in Holland, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Most of you have probably heard the famous commercial line; "Calgon, take me away!" In my case, it was, "Rick Steves, take me away!"
By the day of my flight, I'd not slept in three days and found myself punchy and anxious. I'm not a great flyer under the best of conditions, but at this point, I was just ready to leave my everyday cares behind, fall into the sleep of the dead on the airplane, and land in Holland, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Most of you have probably heard the famous commercial line; "Calgon, take me away!" In my case, it was, "Rick Steves, take me away!"
Gallery Greats- click to enlarge
Lost Luggage with a Little Luck
There are many reasons why smart travelers choose to only take a carry on bag. I too planned for only a carry on, but as the days crept closer to trip time, my resolve failed. So I ended up checking my carry on bag and I also brought a backpack. As is my luck, I arrived at Schiphol airport and there was no sign of my bag. After running around to various counters at the airport and just as I was ready to give up and cry, it finally showed up nearly an hour and a half later. I couldn't wait to get to the houseboat. I'd been awake for days and was beyond exhausted. Note to self: listen to The Rickster. Only take a carry on!"
Naughty Ninja Not for Naught!
I fumbled around the airport a bit longer, trying to make my way through customs and to the train counter. But as exhaustion took over, I just wasn't sure I was up for it. A taxi would be so much easier... And as I stood there looking lost and confused, a very handsome young man approached me. "Are you looking for a taxi? I can help you." Before I knew what was happening, he had my prized suitcase in his hands and I was jogging to keep up with him. As we exited the airport and crossed the road my senses came back to me. Who was this guy? Was he a scammer? I was a lost and exhausted single woman in a foreign country. Wasn't this how people got mugged, kidnapped, sold into slavery- or any number of unpleasant scenarios? Did the guy have a badge or nametag?
I started plotting how to overtake him and get my precious suitcase back. A surprise attack perhaps? I needed to jump him before he jumped me! I needed to be a ninja- stealthy. In my brain I started practicing ninja moves. So intent was I, that I must have been actually swinging my arms- because he turned to look at me, looked at me funny and grinned. "Here we are," he said as he pointed to his legitimate cab, parked with a row of other cabs. He loaded my luggage and we discussed price and destination. He chatted with me all the way to the houseboat.
I started plotting how to overtake him and get my precious suitcase back. A surprise attack perhaps? I needed to jump him before he jumped me! I needed to be a ninja- stealthy. In my brain I started practicing ninja moves. So intent was I, that I must have been actually swinging my arms- because he turned to look at me, looked at me funny and grinned. "Here we are," he said as he pointed to his legitimate cab, parked with a row of other cabs. He loaded my luggage and we discussed price and destination. He chatted with me all the way to the houseboat.
Lessons Learned
Next time I go to Europe (and there WILL BE a next time) I will try my best to limit myself to a carry on bag. I know it can be done and I want to prove I can do it. There are benefits to getting by with less. One of those benefits is not having to worry about lost luggage at the airport!
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Memorable Moment
My dog Kasey, just before I left. He knew something was going on and he clung to me all day. I missed him so much! He's my cuddle buddy when I sleep.
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