The Netherlands..at last. Never thought I would ever see this place. Since Amsterdam was a solid hour away, Lenny and I decided to go on an adventure to Den Haag. The train was right near the hotel and I followed some vague directions which I got from the bartender the night before.
The train system was a bit confusing. There were devices on the train which dispensed tickets, but of course you first have to know where you're going!!
Which brings me to the most important lesson for the traveller:Rule#1 If you don't know where you are JUST ASK! People are happy to help out....So, we figured out where we we were headed and tried to buy tickets from the train to no avail...this round trip is on the Dutch. We ended up at the North Sea. It reminded me of the Atlantic. There were people out and about enjoying this brisk autumn day, and even a surfer. The way back to the hotel was a bit interesting. We made it to the train station, but what train?? Lo and behold there's there BARTENDER from last night. How fortunate! "you don't want this train, he said. "you want the one downstairs"...but wait, I thought those don't look like they're going the right way...At first it seemed like serendipity running into a semi-familiar face in a large train station. On second thought, his advice proved WRONG. We followed our instincts. Got on the "wrong" train and made it back to the hotel(about 40min). It was a bit harrowing, however, as neither Lenny nor I recognized the landscape going the other way. So, I asked this girl who confirmed hat we were right. I asked her if she wanted to go to the show, but she never showed. We made it back to the hotel well before sound check and celebrated with a really tasty Heineken on tap. Rule#2. Don't believe all of the info that you get from people. Sometimes it's wrong.
Which brings me to the most important lesson for the traveller:Rule#1 If you don't know where you are JUST ASK! People are happy to help out....So, we figured out where we we were headed and tried to buy tickets from the train to no avail...this round trip is on the Dutch. We ended up at the North Sea. It reminded me of the Atlantic. There were people out and about enjoying this brisk autumn day, and even a surfer. The way back to the hotel was a bit interesting. We made it to the train station, but what train?? Lo and behold there's there BARTENDER from last night. How fortunate! "you don't want this train, he said. "you want the one downstairs"...but wait, I thought those don't look like they're going the right way...At first it seemed like serendipity running into a semi-familiar face in a large train station. On second thought, his advice proved WRONG. We followed our instincts. Got on the "wrong" train and made it back to the hotel(about 40min). It was a bit harrowing, however, as neither Lenny nor I recognized the landscape going the other way. So, I asked this girl who confirmed hat we were right. I asked her if she wanted to go to the show, but she never showed. We made it back to the hotel well before sound check and celebrated with a really tasty Heineken on tap. Rule#2. Don't believe all of the info that you get from people. Sometimes it's wrong.The show was at a facility called Boedirij. There was a "special" coffee shop downstairs. That might explain why the people of Holland were so very warm and appreciative. Most spoke English. They were definitely "hand-shakers." So far, the only place we've been offered beans for breakfast. Good power foon. Not so good for your van-mates!!!
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