Sunday was the last day in Amsterdam for all of us. Julia and I decided that we could best use our time by biking around to some of our favorite spots. First, we had to meet at the bike rental place (I had used Steve's bike the day before.) So, I left early and walked there and then she met me there. We both got lost on the way, but ended up getting there at the same time, so it worked out perfectly that we BOTH got lost. Not surprising, I know.
Julia had mentioned to Steve before the trip that something would go wrong everyday and that they would just have to roll with it (because that has been our experience). He started laughing at one point and was like, "yeah, you know how you said that something would go terrible every day... that never happened... not once." So maybe that's just a Mary and Julia combo deal? HA. Who knows.
Julia and I's first stop was Vondelpark, where we got to see what the park is like on a Sunday morning. There was so many families lounging about, couples going for jogs and even a workout class where dad's bring their kids as their weights. It was so funny to see 15 dads lifting their toddlers up over their heads as an instructor looked on. So clever.
We then tried to go to some other parks, but the first one was undergoing construction and then the second one, I think we weren't supposed to go in. Okay, I know we weren't supposed to go in because several people told us that.
We biked to Museumplein... because it's gorgeous.
And then of course to the cheese shops. Because the Dutch make great cheese. And we love cheese.
Julia made sure to lock up her bike... and take the key with her this time. (Last year, someone took the key and she couldn't ride her bike, which turned into an hour and a half walk with a bike with a locked wheel.) So, she's come a long way.
Our last stop, of course, was our favorite brewery, where we discussed, in detail, our favorite things about every aspect of the trip. I think that Stephen is really happy that he wasn't there, seeing as he struggled with the simple "highs and lows" every day. Two hours of discussing every aspect of the trip? Not sure that's quite his cup of tea... or beer.
We then returned to the apartment and packed everything up and headed to the train station to say our goodbyes.
And then the three became one, once again.
After locking up my bag at the train station, I wandered throughout the canals, taking pictures. I purposefully wandered into the Jordaan district, because not only is it the most beautiful district... it is also the safest. And since I was going to hang out in the city late... alone - I'd rather be in the safest part.
I camped out at a bar in the Jordaan district, working, emailing, blogging, going through pictures, drinking my Belgian beer. It was the perfect way to wrap up my stay in Amsterdam.
At around midnight, I decided it was about time to head out for my night in the airport. It was pouring rain outside... which was actually a blessing. What better way to be OK with leaving a city than having miserable weather? I stared at this as I walked...
Quite motivational, really.
Upon arrival at the airport, I did a walk around to find the least sketchy people to spend my night with. I found a group of about 10 people that looked nice enough settling in for the night.
I was going to lock my bag up, but since it was already 1 am and I was wide awake, I decided I might as well stay up because I could check in for my flight at 5. I commandeered one of two eletrical outlets in the area by plugging my computer in (so I could watch a movie). Shortly after, I became the command center for all people with cell phones. Not wanting to give away my spot, I just let people take turns plugging their phones into my computer. Got to hear some interesting stories that way.
When 5 am came around, I was not entirely with it, but slowly figured out where I needed to go - somehow getting through security with just a screenshot of my ticket. Didn't have a printer.
When it came time to board the plane, every backpacker's nightmare happened to me. I had my backpack and an overstuffed, large purse (the size of a large computer bag). The ticket lady asks me, "Can you put the smaller bag inside your backpack?" I nod, saying, "Of course," thinking that she'll let me through. But no. "Okay," she says, "you can do that right here." So after ten minutes, I SOMEHOW fit everything into my backpack. Granted, there were plenty of things bulging out of the top, but I did it. And then she never checked to make sure that I did. COOL. But hey, I impressed myself, if no one else.
And then I boarded the plane and SLEPT.
Look at that luck.
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