Flat plains drifter…Netherlands #28

I always suffer from a little bit of angst when catching a train in Europe.Mostly of the “ am i on the right one?” Variety.Understandable I suppose and luckily as yet I think it’s only happened once in ten years that I’ve been on the wrong train.The other main concern is if they suddenly change platforms at the last moment which is a fairly regular occurrence.It happened today but luckily it was only one platform over so no worries but occasionally there’s a sudden scurry on the platform,everyone grabbing their bags and rushing off somewhere and that  pushes the angst meter right up high…

Invariably it involves another train to the one I’m getting as most of the platforms are doubles and people are waiting for a multitude of trains…however when it is my train( or I think it is) I have to ask a guard otherwise if I blindly follow the crowd I could end up chasing my tail all over the station not knowing what’s going on…it’s only fun when you eventually get on your bloody train…

I never get angsty over my ticket,especially Interrail,as it’s always cool,neither do i about getting a seat despite  rarely reserving one.I stood today for the first part as it was only 45 minutes and it was easier than looking a seat…ho hum.I think what I’m trying to say is if you’re doing this type of thing for the first time it’s perfectly normal to get a bit edgy when dealing with European train travel but 99% of the time it all works out well and when it doesn’t at least you have a story to tell…

Currently crossing the border into the Netherlands.How can i tell? My mobile phone company told me of course…I wouldn’t have a Scooby where i was if it wasn’t for them…

Arrived! Four train changes and a bus ride.It all went very smoothly I must say.Had some angst getting a bus though.They’re always the worst if you don’t know the rules.The train’s easy.You get on,find a seat and show your ticket when asked with the bus things change from place to place.Is it the right bus? Do I just get on or do I scan my ticket? Am i sitting in the seat normally taken by Mavis the matriarch of the 56? Luckily the young bus driver talked me through it and even dropped me off at the corner where the hotel is…had to buy a ticket from the machine though as the app didn’t cover it…

When I got to Utrecht I had a version of their Greggs sausage roll,just as good & flakey.The Dutch eat as much crap as we do,drink as much as us & probably smoke more so how do they stay fitter? Here‘s how…

Two bloody flights of these to my room! The Dutch are worse than the Germans for their stairs…oh and the bikes built like tanks of course…

Found a bar close by.There’s a fair few and I’m central too.Floundering whilst ordering a drink and the girl said “order in English” so yea I did then said something about i should learn some Dutch and she said “ yes you should,this isn’t Amsterdam!” All with a disarming smile but with a little hint of resentment…gotta love the Dutch.They know how to make you feel welcome whilst turning the knife in your guts…

Talking of a knife in your guts.RIP Ozzy…