Heading to Amsterdam

4/16/2023

This was an experience.

Icelandair

First off, they swindle you at the checkout counter with carry on baggage - their policies are 21.6 in which is significantly smaller than all the others I travel. They make you place your bag in the checker thing and then state that you absolutely cannot fit it. I purchased the AWAY suitcase EVEN MORE Carry on which comes with the removable external drive and non-retractable but all way moveable wheels. And it was the wheels that didn't fit. I argued to let me try it, I can't imagine getting on an international flight and this bag wouldn't fit. It's not a private jet! They argued. I argued. They threatened saying if it didn't fit her, it's the same checker down there and I'd have to pay high costs. I did it anyway- I took my bag with me through security, to the gate and, even though the same lady from the counter was at the gate, I took it on board and it fit perfectly! This was a 737 Max 8.

Moral of the story - go with your travel gut!

I do many 3-country 10-day trips in carry on only and this is how I travel. I get that some smaller local planes may not accommodate, but I'm flying over the Atlantic ocean! Come on! My second plane happened to be larger, the one with 3 rows, a 767-300.

Yeah won't be doing that again if I could help it. So for the first time of not paying for a seat, I was put in middle row. Both times. Chairs were seemingly comfortable at first and plane was clean, but after an hour of flying, my spine up to my neck was in pain. The first flight, my seat did not recline, the second did. I had my expensive neck rest which could not deter the suffering. To say the least, on a 6 and 3 hour flight, I got maybe a total of 2 hours of sleep.

Airport terminals

As with all European countries, you get your passport stamped through customs as soon as you land, so ensure you have time between layovers. I had 1.5h and for Iceland, that was enough although I was still in line when they were so-called boarding. The Keflavik airport is NOT in the known Reykavik city, similar to DCA and IAD in Virginia but go on as the DC airports. It's smaller for a hub. The customs line is chaotic and unruly until the end where you finally get to the line markers. This is where you start to carry your luggage up and down stairs versus escalators. The lined moved quickly for what it was, took me about 30-40 mins I would say. When I was dropped off at the AMS Schipol airport, went a little smoother but I didn't have to go through customs again so once you exited, you end up in this large space

similar to NY Penn's station where you can eat and board trains and exit the airport entirely. Nice area. Was a little confused with the signage with upcoming trains but I used the EuRail app and just matched times to find the station. Easy on process. There is a random strip in the middle near the elevator (lift) that you walk through so it scans you for your pass - yes, you need a pass or barcode as, just like in DC (but not like in NY), you pay by enter and exit. You can sometimes just use your credit card if it has tap which would be a cheaper and faster way to go. I didn't know, but I was let through by the guard - they really don't ask questions - I assume it's too difficult with foreigners and it's just easier to let us go. Train was clean and traditional. Clear signage and clear voice over (all in Dutch).

Welcome to Amsterdam

Easy train terminal, very happy about that. But I took the route of walking my luggage to the hotel through the 'pedestrian friendly' city of Amsterdam. Supposedly a 20 mins walk, that turned into a very bumpy and narrow street walking experience. Everyone was wearing heavy winter coats and I wanted to be in short sleeves! I thought I would loose my arm or the wheels to my luggage on the walk - it's a nice walk, just not with a suitcase! Bike lanes are for bikers, stay out of them. More bikes than cars, and AMS does it right- they have all sorts of bike additions: children, dogs, groceries, etc.

Hotel Hermitage

Very nice place. Everything here in AMS is made in tradition, slender and tall - the woman are the taller of the two sexes. So every building is but waist's wide and narrow up. Hotel Hermitage was easy to find and clean and welcoming. Unfortunately, I have 1 of the only 2 single bed rooms, and it's on the 4th floor. I slipped off a couple of the stairs with my suitcase in tow because the stairs are narrow and steep in some places. Luckily, it was pleasing with the decor and structure build. Room is about double the size of my guest bathroom and narrow enough to fit a twin bed and me walking by it. The bathroom in total is the size of my actual tub almost. Had to pay more than I usually do for hotels just to get this. Most places here in Europe are smaller and shared bathrooms - I'm not sharing a bathroom under any circumstances.

Tipping Etiquette

I ate at the Pantry for dinner. I also take the time to check for the rules prior to visiting as well as the cons (ie. In Greece, they switch bills). Here, they don't generally tip unless you had extra euros lying around (ie. a euro or two) so keep that in mind. Credit card use does not require signatures and does not allow for tipping.

Bunkerbier at Vondelpark

I was too tired and little more apprehensive of going to the Bunker after dinner, the Bunker is known for classes (like yoga) and late night shindigs (ie. Beer). There are squatters around it from what I hear although sounds still safe - I just didn't feel up to it as a solo black woman that just laid her eyes on the city. So came back to get some rest, at 6pm! Now up typing at 11pm and rushing to sleep soon before I get hungry since I only have one snack left.

Travel Tip

Always pack a washcloth and snacks. Most European countries do not use washcloths, I'm not sure what they use - although there was a podcast or something of many non-colored Americans also not using soap and towels and washcloths (meaning, they use body wash and a loofa maybe) and black Americans religiously must have soap and a washcloth - I need to find that link.....

Take photos but keep your eyes out and promptly put your phone away. Not a big deal here, but even for me taking pics for the blog etc, I see what I want, take it quickly, put in my pocket and then enjoy the moment of what I just snapped shot (not living thru or for photos). It also helps so you don't photobomb someone else trying to take a photo and so you don't just stop and now in the way of bike/pedestrian traffic.