Amazing Race Day 1

As I am sitting the The Artemis Hotel in Amsterdam again I am reflecting on my day.

Firstly, from my hotel window I could see about a 20 minute fireworks show (through the trees!) from the Madonna concert that is in Amsterdam today. All green monsters raise their hands! Unfortunately the only tickets that were left were about 400 euros, so I didn´t get to go...

Secondly, I truly felt like an Amazing Race contestant today. It went something like this...

Starting point: 42 Narciss street, Utrecht.
First challenge: Pack everything you need for second day at work as well as maps, passport, money, laptop and birth certificate into a small backpack.
Next: Walk to the next point in your journey - Hoog Catherijne shopping centre. No indication of distance or direction given.

Stage 2: After finally making it to Hoog Catherijne without any detours, I had to find a place to eat. After sleeping most of the day, I was starving. A nice meal at a coffeeshop did the trick, and I received my clue for stage 3: A sign that read ´Station´.

Stage 3: Without too much hassle, I managed to buy a ticket straight to Amsterdam. On arrival I saw my next clue. A blue ticket machine for the metro.

Stage 4: After negotiating my way through many Chinese and American tourists, I was on the metro platform. The question was just: which way do I want to go. I followed my trusted method: My gut said the right one, so I took the left one. Always works!

Stage 5: This was one of those Decision Points - not sure what is the correct 'Amazing Race' term... A sign on the metro noted that certain areas of the metro is out of action due to repairs.. But there is a pendelbus. Mmmm... Now, not understanding exactly where I am going, and if I will be affected, I had to choose. Get off at the station where the supposed bus is, or try and continue and see what happens. As with all winning contestants, I decided to try the quickest (but most sure to fail) route.

Stage 6: I am happy to announce that I arrived safely (and probably quicker than the bus) at Stage 6, otherwise referred to as the Henk Sneevlietweg Metro station. Good!

Stage 7: For the final stage, my common sense and general knowledge was put to the test. Being given a map of the area by my dad (pictured above), I had to find the hotel. By foot. Mmm... I will just say one thing. Jokes about me not having any direction and not being able to read maps have officially e-x-p-i-r-e-d! I walked straight there without turning around once.

The homecoming: I was greeted as the winning contestant at the front desk and promptly presented with a room card and a Wieckse Witte beer as my prize. I am the champion. For today.

Tomorrow of course, I do it all over again. Just in the other direction...