After the usual early morning start (why do all my trips begin with a flight that leaves before 6am??), and the miraculous checking in of 46kg of luggage without charge, I had more than 6 hours between flights in Amsterdam. What with the trains being so very Dutch, I managed to spend most of the time wandering around the city, and in just a few hours I managed to catch many classic Dutch sights, including the amazing balancing act of an entire family on one bike and tourists being nearly run down by trams and bikes. Of course I also managed to wander into one of the redlight districts. Much like the first time I went to Amsterdam, it was mid-morning and I hadn't meant to be there. Most of the windows were unoccupied, but I did see one girl dressed and in her window, flicking between channels on an ancient tv. It was also good to see the fabulously well-dressed women on their creaky ancient bikes, and peek into apartments with curtains that are never shut.
I've always been glad I lived in Utrecht for my exchange year, rather than Amsterdam, and I had mixed feelings about the various day trips there. I still think the Damrak is one of the tackiest roads ever, but Amsterdam is a great place for wandering. Watching the city wake up on a Sunday morning really suited my groggy sleep-deprived state – and the very typically Dutch sandwich and strong coffee I had in Neiuwmarkt went a long way to restoring normal function.
Overall, it was a brilliant start to the trip. And a timely reminder that, after the initial culture shock and homesickness, I really did feel at home in the Netherlands.
Thursday 23 July 2009
Saturday 18 July 2009
And so it begins....
Right. So I'm not sure about the blog thing, but it saves doing group emails. Will try not to be pretentious or overly verbose.... but don't go expecting miracles. Main goal of this, other than the obvious self-indulgence of keeping a public journal, is to provide updates on my trip to Korea - and possibly beyond if I manage to maintain a sufficiently interesting lifestyle.
With regard to the name, I take no credit as it was entirely Dom's idea (thanks!) In case you are unsure as to the meaning of agog, please do look it up - and try to use it in a sentence today!
The visa finally arrived this morning - delivered by a bemused postman who didn't seem to expect 'Are you J Wright?' to elicit squealing and dancing as a response. If he'd known how long it took to get that damn visa, I'm sure he'd have understood. And, thanks to the tireless efforts of the parents (another THANK YOU!), I am off on a jetplane at a sickeningly early hour tomorrow morning, and will arrive in Menomonie just in time for dinner. I do wish I had a bit more time to sort things out, but then it's hardly a shock that a lot of things got left to the last minute. Only half a sleep left on the teeny futon before the adventure begins! Eek!
A big THANK YOU to James, Joe and Monica (in alphabetical order only!) for letting me use the teeny futon in the alcove for far longer than politeness required - I cannot say how much easier these last few weeks have been thanks to your awesomeness.
Must actually do some packing now in order to avoid horrendous excess baggage fees. Think I might dress in full winter gear - with climbing harness and helmet - not only would it save luggage weight, and be super safe, but I would start my travels looking hypercool.
With regard to the name, I take no credit as it was entirely Dom's idea (thanks!) In case you are unsure as to the meaning of agog, please do look it up - and try to use it in a sentence today!
The visa finally arrived this morning - delivered by a bemused postman who didn't seem to expect 'Are you J Wright?' to elicit squealing and dancing as a response. If he'd known how long it took to get that damn visa, I'm sure he'd have understood. And, thanks to the tireless efforts of the parents (another THANK YOU!), I am off on a jetplane at a sickeningly early hour tomorrow morning, and will arrive in Menomonie just in time for dinner. I do wish I had a bit more time to sort things out, but then it's hardly a shock that a lot of things got left to the last minute. Only half a sleep left on the teeny futon before the adventure begins! Eek!
A big THANK YOU to James, Joe and Monica (in alphabetical order only!) for letting me use the teeny futon in the alcove for far longer than politeness required - I cannot say how much easier these last few weeks have been thanks to your awesomeness.
Must actually do some packing now in order to avoid horrendous excess baggage fees. Think I might dress in full winter gear - with climbing harness and helmet - not only would it save luggage weight, and be super safe, but I would start my travels looking hypercool.
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