Our Amsterdam Adventure

The following morning, we were up early and we were checking out before 8:00.

Tom, on the right, had been instrumental in setting up our room initially, and in getting us passes for the canal cruise and museums.

Nice guy.

Then, reluctantly, we left to wait for the shuttle, along with several other hotel guests.

There were several more than you see in this photo.

Finally, the shuttle arrived.

As we approached the airport, the sun was just rising over an array of parked cars.

For the last time, we arrived at Schiphol airport.

We kinda liked this moving ramp.

Unlike escalators, it had no steps, just a moving walkway, making it much easier for people to manipulate their luggage.

We were leaving from departure area 3, which is where Delta passengers embark.

This 747 of KLM, the Netherlands' national airline was just arriving from parts unknown as we headed for the departure gate.

Unlike the jetways in the U.S., the way to the plane was through a tube like this, with portholes.

Throughout the airport there were various kiosks like this one, where you could connect to the Internet, as well as making regular phone calls.

Quick, can you spot anybody related to me in this picture?

Once we got to our gate, there was a sort of mobile security check that rolled out to meet us.

Everyone was subjected to both a check of their documents, and a mini-interrogation about their trip, plans, and history.

In fact, they gave me some grief about taking pictures in this area.

Here's Erlinda inside the tube.

As we boarded, we noticed that Kim, one of the flight attendants from our incoming trip the previous Sunday, was working this flight as well.

Departure time, and we were leaving with mixed feelings.

So we said goodbye to KLM...

...to Northwest, and a variety of others as we headed out.

We took off over rolling farmlands.

This map gives you an idea of how close Amsterdam is to London.

In fact, one of the things that struck us as newbies to Europe was how close so many countries are to each other.

Smile, sweetie.

A few hours later, we approached the New York area.

Atlanta was just ahead, and Orlando further on.

She's beat. Can't blame her, it's been a kinda hectic time.

And, of course, we've already established how much she enjoys my shoulder.

Guess my eyes look a little droopy, too.

Back in the big, open areas of the Orlando airport.

This is one of the best airports in the U.S., by the way.

We patiently waited outside for our ride.

After a few minutes, my brother Tony came to collect us.

Kinda looks like he's glad to see us, doesn't it?

And finally, we're on our way home, back on good old Orlando soil.

Blue skies and warm temps. Feels like home.

It had been a good trip. We'd had the chance to visit Amsterdam, a city with a lot of history, great architecture, and beautiful sights.

Next stop, London? Dunno, but we kinda want to get there if we can. If we do, we'll be sure to shoot a lot of pictures and share them with you. Meantime, goodbye for now.