July 14th
And so we begin, I'm currently sat in the departure lounge with a large latte and strangers for company. Relatively easy up until now. The problems I was expecting at security were non existent, and I was able to breeze through at a good pace.
I'm always fascinated by the things you see in the airport. People arriving in clothes not suitable for 5am. Pints and shots are the norm and a side of peppa pig to keep the kids quiet.
This my first time in an airport by myself. Not really bothered by it, I've always enjoyed doing things by myself. In fact it's this point that has been raised to me by so many.
"Who are you going with?"
"No one!"
"What? By yourself?"
"Yeah!"
"....."
It's seems now a days we all need some kind of audience. A way to show off what were doing. This is all linked to the share element that Facebook and Twitter have brought into the mainstream of society. I'm certainly not going to complain about that as I love both of these platforms for many different reasons - one of which being that the only way you're reading this is if you're part of those social networks!!
But as I said, we as a culture now frown upon those that do things alone. When was the last time you went for a drink, a walk, to the cinema by yourself. I'm sure there are some of you that have never done it.
I have had some my best adventures by myself. Going places with no one, no distractions. This is how you see things. How you feel the places around you. If you do nothing else this week go and do something by yourself. Go for a walk even if it's just around the block. No phone, no music, no one to interrupt you.
Right got to go to the toilet and look at iPad cases more soon.
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Phew! Made it!!
Ok so flight was great. Little bit of a wait to board but nothing more than normal - oh easy jet app is a dream and made it really easy FYI!
Great views from the plane during take off and through out the flight. Had a gaggle of giggling girls (women!) behind me who we're having a great time and the flight steward became their GBF before we'd even reached the skies above London.
Low clouds covered the Netherlands as we approached so a little bumpy but nothing I've not sat through before.
By this time the gaggle had started chatting to the passengers beside me who's name was Dave and he's travelling around Europe on a train ticket with no plan of where he's going or what's he's going to see....?.....This guy is basically me but double my size. I couldn't help but join the conversation although by this point the novelty of people called Dave traveling by train across Europe had worn off and my presence was quickly forgotten! Meh!
Been trying to think of a way to describe Amsterdam airport and the only way I can is for you to imagine if a shopping centre and an airport and a train station all got together in one place and then you filled with heavily armed police!!!
I managed to fight my way though people, travellators, passport control and the biggest bag claims area I've ever seen to be greeted by a train station and bus depot all rolled into one area. Thankfully I had remember my destination and I was soon on a bus and headed for Vuurtorplein (The Lighthouse).
The bus ride was surreal. Bus had room for 80+ people....only me on it for most of the journey which last about an hour. Screen at the front of the bus displayed all the upcoming stops with what time the bus would arrive there and it was accurate to minute with each updating as we hit traffic or road works. Speaking of traffic at one point we stopped for a few moments - I had been looking out at the world around me and I could see no reason as to why we had stopped until a small yacht sailed by and the bridge before us swung back into place and the journey continued.
We passed endless fields, scattered with horses and cows. Separate bus and cycle lanes fill the busiest of areas. Bikes being a really popular mode of transport here, as we stopped at one station the bike area must of had around 300 bikes waiting for their owners to return. Also scooters are permitted on the cycle paths and no one wears crash helmets??
Well I reached my stop, a small costal area dotted with apartments and hotels reminiscent of concrete structures that local beaches everywhere. The lighthouse is set back from the beach and I'm not certain it's operational any more. The beach is enormous and very clean was nice to feel sand on my skin again.
I made my way to my hostel - the Flying pig. Reminds me of student unions and cafés on a Sunday morning. Loads of students and or youths all slumped in varying angles. Collecting my key and climbing the steepest stairs I've ever seen I reached my room - clean, tidy, quiet, no one else in it - perfect. Yeah that didn't last long
*Knock knock* "hello sorry mayn I've gaves you the wrong room, you are in the room 2!"
I moved rooms - messy, people sleeping on bed, no room for me or my stuff - other person in the room forced a smile in reply to mine - ah youth hostels you are guaranteed to experience just this! I love it!
Bam! I grabbed my shite and headed out to my current location. McDonald's you never fail me. Food and wifi! Triple cheese burger (epic), massive sauce sachet, coke tastes strange but not complaining! Oh and they serve Lipton ice tea too wtf!
At this point I couldn't be happier. If I was deaf I wouldn't know this place was any different from home. Most people seem to have a decent grasp of English and my mumblings. I'm off to walk the beach armed with my camera and a sense of blind adventure.
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Two hours walking along, on and around the beach area, with some random photos here and there was great way to spend my first afternoon. Beach crowed was your normal dog walkers, sun seekers and casual walkers. Was nice to see it dotted with people like myself - random individuals just enjoying the weather and scenery. Hoping to edits pictures this evening. Casually enjoying a beer now and meeting random people.
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Certainly is some random people here! Mostly American but all pretty sound. Most are next to me playing beer pong. I thought this place was packed but it seems that over half the people I've seen are staff all of whom are from across the globe.
Had to go and source some food and supply's. Have arranged my accommodation in Munich for the 17th to the 19th as well. Bit expensive but the choices I had were very limited. Now planning trip to Berchtesgaden and the eagles nest as a whole day trip for my birthday. Also looking at Prague as a future destination as is a lot cheaper than anywhere else - I don't want my trip ruled by cost but I have to be realistic.
Heading into Amsterdam tomorrow. Gotta reserve my night train to Munich and then a chance to actually explore a city I've wanted to see for a long time.