The Netherlands

So, off I go, comfortably in my seat and not on the platform as the train speeds out of the station and north towards Belgium and eventually the Netherlands. For some logical reason, buying a youth ticket with Thalys means you get to sit in 1st Class. Makes as much sense as the ticket collection procedures. Anyway, certainly appreciate the extra service, particularly after earlier events. 1st Class service consisted of two servings, one after Paris, one after Brussels, comprised of sandwiches, cakes, coffee, and beer. All included in the ticket. So I was enjoying the journey, eventually. However, to go with the theme of the day, I was supposed to arrive in Rotterdam to take the train to get me to Eindhoven by 8pm, where Thomas, a Dutch friend I met in Sweden, was waiting for me. However, the train was late and got me there in time to take the train to arrive at 8.30pm. Just needed to buy a ticket. Let’s give the Dutch ticket machines a try, I say. They don’t like my card either. What a surprise. So, go to the ticket office, where I’m confronted with a queue, of course. Finally make it to the platform to see it empty. Missed it. Finally, make it onto the train which gets me into Eindhoven at 9pm. In fact it arrived at 8.58pm. Does that mean I arrived early? Anyway, despite losing four precious hours with Thomas, we were finally reacquainted. Let the Dutch adventure begin – at long last!

Made the short trek back to Thomas’s place, a student corridor arrangement which brought back memories of the time in Sweden. Enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by my host and his lovely girlfriend Rienke, which thankfully they managed not to burn considering I kept them waiting and guessing all afternoon. Spent the evening relaxing and catching up, was a nice welcome to the Netherlands - worth the wait!

Sunday was spent taking in the sights of Eindhoven in true Dutch style, by bicycle. Arrived in time for Fiesta del Sol, so there was plenty of Latin action throughout the city, which Thomas and I enjoyed from the comfort of a café sitting in the sun with some cold Weissbier (It doesn’t sound right in English for some reason, white beer…) This was the day of the European Championships final between Spain and Germany, so after managing to get through the biggest salad ever made for two people, Thomas and I headed down to the local Irish pub to catch the match. Was fortunate that this pub was also the venue of choice for the Spanish exchange students, resulting in a lively atmosphere and a lot of fun and singing after all was said and done and the Spaniards had the trophy in their hands.

Spent most of the week in this tiny yet beautiful little land. The size made it perfect to get around on train easily enough without too much cost or forward planning. One day I made a day trip to Den Haag (The Hague) where I spent a few hours wandering and enjoying the sunshine, likewise in relatively nearby Utrecht. Enjoyed both cities, particularly Utrecht though, with its major canal cutting through the city and lots of little streets to explore. It’s one thing I love about the European summer, well two things, one – it’s not too hot, and two – there are people everywhere and a lively atmosphere flows through the city centres. In Utrecht, the squares and canal banks were packed with diners basking in the sunsets of the long days. I only spent an hour or so there but definitely think it deserves a return visit one day.

After a few days based in Eindhoven, it was time to leave and trek north to Amsterdam. Not before a personal guided tour through the pleasant Jordaan district and one last beer canal-side under the watch of the towering West Church next to Anne Frank’s house, it was time to bid farewell to Thomas as I spent the next day or so catching up with my next host, the ever traveling Steffi from Austria, who I met in Brazil six years ago. To keep up with the trend I started in Paris, dinner this night was a delicious Greek meal, souvlaki, prepared by one of Stef’s friends, an international student from Greece. Served with ouzo of course. Enjoyed some nice Greek desserts as well, was yet another pleasant evening on my travels getting to meet some more interesting people.

Had one full day to enjoy the sights of Amsterdam. I visited the city six years ago on my first Eurotrip, but somehow with a group of young Australians and Americans, I didn’t manage to see much more than the seedy side of the city. However this time around I made up for that, starting with a ‘grachtenfahrten’ or canal tour. Was a nice way to see the city, as well as learn a bit of history and trivia along the way. Did you know there are more than 1 million bicycles in the city, that’s more than one per inhabitant. And apparently about 20,000 are recovered from the bottom of the canals every year.

Spent the afternoon on land exploring some more corners of the city, including the new public library, a very modern design and concept with a great café and lookout on the top level (can highly recommend the hot chocolate). Also enjoyed the Crooked House bar (don’t quote me on the name), enjoying a beverage waterside as boat after boat sailed past. The evening was spent meeting yet more nice people, this time a couple of Stef’s friends from her time in Mexico.

On my way home, I decided to pass through the renowned red-light district – as a social experiment of course. I don’t know what anyone else thinks, but for me, it has to be seen to be believed. Window shopping is how it’s done here, but this time the mannequins are moving. Interesting to see people streaming through the tiny alleyways either to make a selection or just enjoy the sights.

Well, after almost a week criss-crossing the place, it was time to move on. Friday morning saw me at Amsterdam Central Station bright and early to catch the train over the border to Frankfurt and eventually Marburg. Was a really great time spent there, seeing the sights and learning some Dutch history, as well as enjoying some warm hospitality and catching up with old friends. Thomas en Rienke, Steffi – Dank u wel!