I made it!

Got into Amsterdam at 7am this morning after an eight hour flight and 7 hour time difference.  It is now 630 at night and I haven´t slept for 36 hours!  Patricia and her husband, Braam, and her friend Monique met me at the airport.  Today we went to see the tulips since it was the last day to see them.  There were 7 million tulips and also lillies, hostas, and daffodils!  Every color and size you can image.  Then we stopped by the North Sea to see the sea & beach.  We ate fish from a fish stand at the beach.  Then an hour drive to my home for the next week.  I met Patricia´s parents and son Daan.  We are taking it easy now and having Chinese for dinner!  Off to bed after dinner for a long night´s rest.

Today is the day!

Today is the day that I leave for the Netherlands.  This flight is like a "time flight" for me.  I leave at 4:20pm on Saturday and arrive in Amsterdam 8 hours later at 7:00am Sunday.  So many things to finish up before leaving!  I spend yesterday trying to get my new iPod Touch set up.  The web site said that it is compatible with Windows 7 but it is not.  Luckily, I have a Mac that I use for podcasting for class and I was able to use it to set up the iPod Touch.  Now I need to get a charger that plugs into an outlet since I don't know if it will be compatible with my hosts computer.  Not sure I made the right decision in this purchase--guess we will find out.

So, we will be having breakfast with our daughter, son-in-law, and the grandkids this morning.  I'm not used to going 2 weeks without seeing our grandchildren.  That may be the hardest part!  After that I'll finish packing and be on my way.  My large bag only weighed 21.6 lbs yesterday so think it will be under 25 lbs!  The carry on weighed 16 so I am fine there.  That will leave me with a lot of room to bring home many things! 

Today I didn't get much prep work done for my trip.  I did get some Euros from AAA so that I have some money for a cab etc.  I also stopped by the grocery store to stock up for my husband while I am gone.  I also found out that my laptop from the college won't be a good one to take according to our computer fix-it guy.  Not sure what I will do.  I can use the hosts' computer or maybe I should check into an iPod Touch?

Preparing

I am trying to do all the things that need to be done before a 2 week trip.  My husband will be home so I don't have to worry about the mail etc but I do have to shop for food, pack, pay bills, and I think I may need to shop for some clothing.  I am frustrated right now because the airlines (KLM) have me listed as not being able to take any "baggage" with me!  My e-ticket shows "0".  Their web site explains about the differences between those who have a weight limit and those who have a piece limit but I have neither!!  It could be a long 2 weeks wearing the same clothing!!