Amsterdam!

I arrived yesterday, after a delay with the flight because they had to call in the flight crew that was on stand-by. I’ve lived that life! I was once called in when I was a “stew” on stand-by.

Small airline. I arrived to applause, with boxes of donuts for the passengers. can you imagine that? lol!

The taxi ride was a mere 20-25 minutes from the airport. No Customs since I’m in the EU. That was weird – arriving and deplaning straight i to those waiting to board. Haven’t seen that in a long time.

So I’m here in my charming room in the attic of a 17th Century house on one of the canals. Built in 1615 in the Dutch Renaissance style.

The stairs, omg. Narrow and winding. I’m so glad I only packed a duffle for this trip. The steps are more shallow than I can describe. And step. And some spiral. And I’ve lost count of how many there are. Doorways to get to my room? There are 3 starting from the outside.

Are people tall here? They must be because the key to the outside door is so far above me, I can’t believe I can reach it.

My room is charming, but it is in the attic, so the walls are seriously slanted with a fabulously comfy bed in between. But I can only stand upright in the middle of the room (with a lovely carpet btw!).

I’m on what feels like the fifth floor. Roofline, here, in this tall row home.

You’ll all be glad to know I have my Taylor Swift ticket for tonight.

In the meantime I’m trying to squeeze in some sightseeing here in this amazing city. I went I to a gift store. She was about to close. It was almost 5pm – but no worries “Lady” (that’s what they call women instead of Madame), I open at 11 tomorrow. The shock! 11? Wow! This isn’t the States where consumerism rules all. You mean people can close up shop early enough to have a proper meal with the family? And open late enough to enjoy breakfast and coffee first?

That’s not to say no one has longer hours, but quite a few places close at 5 – like two museums I tried to go to. Did t happen.

When I awoke this morning, I looked out the window doe and saw no one sitting at the café tables at 8am. But I did see one person on a bike. lol!

It’ll be bustling soon enough!

I hear the house owners downstairs now in the kitchen. I’ve already had coffee. I have to unplug the refrigerator to plug in the coffee maker. And not forget to reverse that so my hard-boiled eggs don’t spoil!

And try not to bang my head (again) on the walls.

I had a charming walk around the neighborhood yesterday. It was gorgeous! Flowers are everywhere. But like Paris, they’re waiting for Summer to come. It’s chilly. I was wearing a sweatshirt.

Centraal train station

I enjoyed my walk – approaches two canal boat rides, and both were booked. I know I came here for the concert, but I was running out of ideas – and time. I picked up some groceries.

It started to drizzle and I was without my trench coat or umbrella. I ducked I to a restaurant. I ordered my meal and a glass of wine. The people were so kind.

By the time I left it was drizzling a little harder. I raced back to the house and was shocked how I’d remembered the route. Thankfully I entered without a hitch – reaching the lock on first try.

I hung my clothes to dry.

Space is limited. I hang my things from the rafters.

Gotta’ run – need to

Wash and dress for my scheduled canal ride this morning.

More later. Writing in a hurry here. Apologies for typos. I’ll check back later.

P.S. Why did I even bring a hairdryer? there’s no hope for smooth, straightness here for those of us born with curly locks.

P.P.S. Why did I pack 3 pairs of white “peds” (no-show socks) and 3 pairs of black?

P.P.P.S. I decided to try the hair dryer, so I unplugged the fridge. Are you with me?

That made things worse as goes the hair. Maybe later I’ll give it a go before the concert. But I actually have new hair growth – a kind of area right of center giving me a little curly bang thing. It’s cute. When did this happen?

Note to self: PLUG FRIDGE BACK IN!