(no subject)

[turps]

Things I didn't think I'd ever hear. The main road into our town has been closed due to snow related avalanche fears and will remain so all weekend. Okay then.

Despite going in our car yesterday James was picked up this morning for work by one of the 4x4 drivers, mainly because the pavements are treacherous with impacted ice, now. Those drivers have done amazing work these last few days, ensuring people get to work safely. He said he'll bring James home tonight and hopefully will take and bring him back tomorrow, then James is off for three days. Fingers crossed things will start to melt in that time.

Belated, but some photos from our trip to Amsterdam.

It was a short trip. We got on the ferry Monday afternoon, arrived in Amsterdam Tuesday morning. Got a coach into Amsterdam itself and had about six hours to explore, then back on the ferry late afternoon, arriving home the morning after.

We'd had many comments that the crossing would be bad in February, but it wasn't at all. In fact, there was hardly any swell at all going, and only a little coming back, so it was as good as it could be, really. We also had a disabled access cabin, which made a lot of difference as apparently the usual ones are tiny, but ours was big with two windows, plus, literally a door away from the main customer services area and a minute walk from the restaurant.

I was so happy to go. People who've been around for a long time will know why, but a few years ago no way could I have made this trip. I was so overweight that even walking a few meters to the car was an immense effort. Back then I couldn't even dream about leaving the country, and that was without the practical aspects like being able to walk to the ferry, get on the coach and easily fit in a seat etc. So yeah, it was a big deal.



Sadly we couldn't do all we wanted. We bought a bundle of tickets for the Amsterdam Dungeons, Madam Tussauds, and an hour river cruise, but simply ran out of time to do the cruise. We did walk loads, including the red light district, James sampled a waffle and we shared a cone of chips which were some of the best chips I've ever eaten.

The amount of bikes was amazing, before getting off the coach a warning was given that bikes don't give way and stop for pedestrians, and I'm glad it was because you had to be fast on your feet with bikes flying everywhere. But what a great way to get around. It was very impressive how things were set up for safe cycling.

We were both sad to leave, but will go back, and next time will stay over.

I really loved the Marvel section of Tussauds, especially that it was interactive. But sadly I wasn't worthy to wield Mjolni. I also sent that photo of me with Loki to Sperrywink while I was there. I'm a good friend like that *g*














































I've no idea what's going on here. I've others where I'm smiling, but here it looks like I hate Robbie's guts.







So yeah, it was a good time. And the first of many trips abroad, I hope.

Comments

[raynedanser]

It's one thing for us to get that level of snow - we're used to it and we're much, much better equiped for it (nearly everyone here has 4x4 or all wheel drive). I can't imagine what it's like for you folks, though.

[turps]

That's a really good point. Some people over here have been complaining about things grinding to a halt, saying other countries manage. And they're right, they do. I mean I've seen you deal with much more snow than we're getting over and over. But what the complainers don't seem to get is it's pointless spending lots of money on things to deal with that amount of snow when it happens so rarely.

It's been snowing on and off all day again, but not as heavy. I really hope this is the start of the end.

[raynedanser]

It makes a huge difference. We get it so frequently that we have the equipment to deal with it. We have the vehicles to deal with it. You folks get this amount so rarely, why ever would you?

[cold_clarity]

you look so happy!

amsterdam is great--i was lucky to visit when i was in school (almost a decade ago, holy shit). i'm glad you guys had such a great time.

[turps]

I was. As first time trips go it couldn't be bettered really. Well, except having more time there.

It's such a lovely place. I was very impressed, and would love to go in summer as it seems to be a place where chilling on a sidewalk cafe would be a thing.

[dine]

hopefully the snows subside quickly, so you can get around again!

those are great photos - what a nice remembrance of a cool adventure

[turps]

I hope so! I like being inside, but there's a limit.

Thank you! We had fun taking the photos, especially with the waxworks.

[doctor_jasley]

Amsterdam looks beautiful. Awesome that you guys had fun. You're looking as lovely as ever. :)

Boo snow(luckily, we rarely have to deal with that here.)

[turps]

Hey you!

Amsterdam was great, and thank you. February was filled with good things, I think I need March to chill out a bit *g*

We don't usually get much snow at all. This amount is excessive, and it's snowing again today. Though doesn't seem to be lying to add to what's already there.

[eglantiere]

you both look so gloriously happy :D

[turps]

We were! Thank you :D

[frausorge]

It looks like a grand time! And you packed a lot in even though the trip was so short. Dining on the ferry with a view out over the water looks lovely too. I hope you get to go again soon!

[turps]

It was an excellent time. Eating breakfast on the ferry was one of my highlights of the trip as we did so as the sun was coming up. It was such a gorgeous sight.

[ephemera]

It really does look like Robbie said or did something Really Bad! Love the photo of James hulking out, as well! (The sea at sunrise is so pretty and peaceful)

[madam_beetroot]

Looks a fantastic trip! I'm glad you'll get to go again and stay for longer. I'm laughing so much at the Marilyn picture, the dress is very flattering on James! And the food on the ferry looks yummy.

[turlough]

Avalance fears, wow! Has that ever happened there before?

It's so good to hear that your first trip abroad was such a success. Next time you should definitely stay longer!

Amsterdam and its canals looks so lovely, even on an overcast day in February. Now I'm even more jealous of you - I want to go there too!

The photo of James and the Hulk is so much fun! And he look so fetching in Marilyn's dress.

I love that photo of you on the ferry. You look so happy!

[brandywine28]

It looks like you guys had a blast! Here's hoping this was just the first of many fun-filled trips abroad!

You haven't updated in a few days, so I'm *really* hoping you're not trapped under an avalanche right now. :)