Meandering With Murphy

Saying Goodbye and an Unexpected Night in Amsterdam

My ride to the airport was uneventful. I checked in and went to grab some coffee and a pastry. I checked and the flight was on time, due to leave at 11:10. I decided to check my luggage so it would be easier to get around.

I set up my computer and waited. I checked again and there was a delay by an hour. No worries, I left myself plenty of time in Amsterdam. My Amsterdam to Detroit flight was due to leave at 3:25.

I kept checking and finally they assigned a gate and we could board. We boarded and the doors closed. We were informed that because of fog and a strike by air traffic controllers in France we had to wait to take off. There would be delays and missed flights. I still knew I had enough time in Amsterdam.

However, by the time we took off we were due to land after my flight to Detroit was to take off. Oh my. Another hiccup!

When we got to Amsterdam, there were long lines (some people had waited for over 3 hours). I was set to queue up when I looked up and saw the sign “Airline Lounges”. I headed to the KLM lounge. Thank you Scott for making sure I had status.

The woman at the KLM desk was willing to help me rebook. I was so grateful. I took a number, got some coffee and had some mushroom soup. They called me up. I was rebooked on a flight the next day to JFK then to MSP. They gave me a hotel voucher and transfer. I was set to go.

I had to navigate this alone. I missed Scott It was a little confusing but I found the bus to the hotel. I finally figured how to use the elevator card. Fortunately I was not the only one who had an issue so I didn’t feel like a complete idiot.

I went down to the bar because what else would you do? The vodka tonic tasted very good!

I was up early and off to the airport at 6 am. I had a little confusion as to which terminal I was supposed to be in but I found Terminal 2. Once again because I was Sky Priority I was able to get in a shorter line. I boarded my flight to JFK. The flight went well, no delays. I got to JFK and then home by 5 pm on Friday. (I was supposed to be home Thursday at 10 pm.). At least I was home.

It was a good trip, despite the delays, I am happy I decided to go on this adventure. Thanks Tom for asking me to go.