How to be first off the airplane

We are on our way! Thanks to Doug and Maureen for taking us to the airport. Arrived at 9:30 for our 11:15 flight. Kiosks were not giving any baggage tags so we had a 40 minute lineup. Hey we are early so still time for Norm’s Tim Hortons coffee. 

Yellow Bunny is on her way too. Can you see her peaking out? Slight change in plans… flight delayed 30 minutes, then again 12:24, wait….delayed now till 12:55. More time to read.

We arrived in Calgary with less than 30 minutes to connect to our KLM flight. Flight attendants said those going on to Amsterdam, the plane will not be waiting for you so you must exit quickly and make your way to D76! This is how you exit a plane ahead of everyone else. I just kept saying going to Amsterdam and everyone just stepped aside and cheered us on. We then RAN for at least 15 minutes which seemed like the other side of the airport! We made it and were then told they were holding the plane since about 50 other passengers were arriving late! 

There seems to be a lot of young children on this plane and the closest one to us has been screaming for a few hours. So much for sleep. But some beautiful views of mountains.

Having not flown for the last 2 years we were unsure what to expect. We didn’t get a PCR and hoped all

would work out. It has been unbelievably normal! Only once when checking in at KLM in Calgary did they glance at our vaccination passport. It took us minutes to have our passports stamped at Schiphol airport and then we just walked and walked and walked to get our luggage which was there. The airport was packed with people. Except for masks it was like normal. A few people hadn’t quite got the covering your nose part of masking but generally pretty good. 

Caught the train into the central station and then to Koog aan de Zaam, Duncan and Lauraine’s home. 

So nice to see them and have a hug! Odessa is at daycare so we will see her soon.

We decided to do a walkabout in the sunshine instead of falling asleep. 

So many cool bikes for the whole family. 

Fun to see Dutch buildings and eat some Dutch treats. This is an old house that backs onto the river Zaan.

These were delicious and messy. Called olieballen (literally “oily balls”) they are deep fried like doughnuts and served with icing sugar. Perfect on a cool late fall day.

Say hello to Odessa! 

We picked her up from daycare and walked home. 

Happy at home! 

Such a sweet and chilled little girl. 

It’s great to be here. Always nice to travel to a other countries and discover new things. Like how compact and cute homes are in Amsterdam. Check the stairs to where we will sleep. Maybe it is best to not get up in the night??

And the next level is even steeper. Keeps you in shape. 

Tomorrow we’re in charge of Odessa in the morning. Maybe a stroll in the sunshine.