The adventure started on Friday afternoon when I attempted to find a parking spot for my bike at Utrecht Central Station. Here's a snapshot from google to emphasize how truly chaotic it was.
That times 20 was what I had to search through. After using what little Dutch I know, and my super awesome problem solving skills, I found a spot-- on the top rack of course. After figuring out how those things work, getting grease from my chain all over my hands and having to repeat the process because I forgot my purse in the pouch on my bike, I was ready to tackle the next task: trains.
I've taken the train a lot so far, but never on my own. I always have Sander (aka: my translator, tour guide, Dutch speaking hero), but this weekend, I was flying solo. Step one: find machine that takes coins to pay for ticket. Step two: go buy mints to break bill because do not have enough change to purchase ticket and do not have debit card yet because Dutch banks are dumb and slow, oh and because stupid ticket machines don't take bills. Step 3: miss train. Step 4: go to platform 5a to catch next train. Step 5: panic because sign does not say right destination. Step 6: panic some more because I might have to ask someone for help. Step 7: watch sign switch and sigh of relief when realize that the train was indeed leaving from that platform. Step 8: Arrive in Amsterdam, and find parents. =)
Friday night, I spent the night on the boat with Mom and Dad. The staff were so kind to me and organized for me to have my own stateroom! They also stuffed me with amazing food and to-die-for desserts. Saturday, Sander met up with us and we had dinner with his parents at this awesome Indonesian restaurant. Then the train adventure began again as we headed back to Utrecht. Due to aforementioned lack of debit card, I had to purchase my ticket with coins. But, as per usual, I was lacking coinage...so off to the store I went to buy more mints. Once again, with that process, we missed the train, but it was okay because there was another train leaving soon, but had one transfer. Transfers aren't usually a big inconvenience unless you get caught up playing Sudoku and miss the stop. Oops.
Sunday was the day I discovered that you can get stroopwafel McFlurry's. Hello amazingness? I'm definitely going to have to try that one day. Sunday was also the day my parents came to Maarssen and got to see where I live and meet my family. It was also the day I had to say goodbye to them. =(
All in all, it was an amazing weekend full of family time. I'm so thankful that I got to see them, though I'll admit, it really made me miss home. I love and miss you all!
P.S. Dad, if you're reading this, you should email me the pictures from the weekend. The ones on your handy dandy iPad, not the camera.
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