T&L Travels: Saturday August 1, 2015 Hard to say good bye, happy to be home.

We got up at 7:00 am Saturday morning after listening to the guys in the courtyard party till 5:30 am. It is gay pride day in Amsterdam and the city promises to be full of people. It is also black Saturday, which means the highways across Europe will be full of people driving as everyone is on holidays. So we were a little worried about getting our of the city.

The 197 bus is a good way to get to Schiphol airport. At 5 Euros each it is a convenient shuttle bus in the middle of Amsterdam. You can take the train but the bus stop was closer for us. So at just after 8:40 am Saturday morning we dragged our suitcases for a 10 minute walk along quiet cobble stone streets to the bus stop.

We were the first ones at the stop. Saying goodbye to Betty was hard. We are hoping to see each other again. But life never has guarantees. We have had such a good time in Europe that it is hard to say goodbye. First with Marja and George, then Viking cruises, then Maureen and Irene and finally Betty in Amsterdam.

But going home will be good too. To sleep in your own bed, to see your children and to cuddle with the cat and dog.

Besides it was time to do laundry, lose the weight we had gained by eating everything in sight, and learn how to have one glass instead of the bottle!

I found that the longer I am in Holand the more fluent I am in the language. Even Tony is learning to understand the words. He also has enjoyed the food. We ate patat frites with mayonnaise and sate sauce, croquettes ( deep fried) kibbeltjes, ( fish) ice cream everywhere, different coffee everywhere, fresh bakery goods in the morning.....croissants, feta spinach buns, chocolate croissants, ham en kaas broodjes. Just to name a few. And the beer and wine has been outstanding and so cheap!

Tony enjoying one last plate of poffertjes at Schiphol airport before we board. Schiphol airport is undergoing renovations. But you can buy everything there. It is also becoming more user friendly. Also the trains, terms and busses connect there. Just follow the signs. Much cheaper than a taxi.

We still think Vancouver airport is one of the nicest airports there is but not as well organized with regards to public transportation. Canada still has a lot to learn!

The most important items made it home in one piece.....Tony's new beer glasses from Holland.