My Dear Readers,
This writing is about me visiting my friend in Holland, which was also my first destination on my first (of many) #MiaGoesEurope tour.
I felt like it was time to get to know my own continent a bit more as I’ve visited Asia so often lately. So I decided to get an interrail ticket and visit those countries I have not yet seen. I will tell more about the actual train rides later, this blog post is about my first stop.
This writing is about me visiting my friend in Holland, which was also my first destination on my first (of many) #MiaGoesEurope tour.
I felt like it was time to get to know my own continent a bit more as I’ve visited Asia so often lately. So I decided to get an interrail ticket and visit those countries I have not yet seen. I will tell more about the actual train rides later, this blog post is about my first stop.
My dear friend Savannah aka @Sihpromatum had often asked me to visit her in Holland so I decided that it’s finally time to do it. After some juggling with dates we figured out suitable dates for me to visit and I got my tickets; one for flying from Helsinki to Amsterdam with Norwegian Air and the other one was an Interrail ticket to travel through Europe by train.
I’ve written about the entire first #MiaGoesEurope tour No 1 and Interrail tips & tricks here:
I’ve written about the entire first #MiaGoesEurope tour No 1 and Interrail tips & tricks here:
So, this trip took place in May-June 2017. Me being constantly on the move, I left purchasing my tickets to the last minute - as usual. Well, at least this way I don’t have to wait for my trips for months, which, in my case, would be pretty much impossible as most likely I’m never home for months, always going or coming or planning a trip.
Finally, it was that always so exciting day of departure, YAY! 👆👆
Finally, it was that always so exciting day of departure, YAY! 👆👆
It was such an exciting feeling to be flying to see Savannah, who is now pregnant, so much had happened since we saw each other last summer!
Last (and actually the first) time I saw her was a year ago when she visited me in Finland with her super lovely mother, Maggie. I got to know Savannah originally via #TRLT chat, which is, by the way, one of the most popular travel chats on Twitter and has been going on for 5,5 years without skipping one single Tuesday, and that itself is an incredible achievement. Savannah is, together with Shane Dallas aka @TheTravelCamel founders of said chat and now I'm also hosting it!
If you are not familiar with #TRLT chat just yet, please feel free to come and check out the chat on Tuesdays, Twitter, at 1 ET/ 6 pm UK time! Just add #TRLT to "Find" field on Twitter and then choose “latest” of the results and you’ll see all the questions and comments that have been posted so far.
More information about the #TRLT chat and our weekly Questions can be found here:
#TRLT chat info and questions
Ok, so how did we become actual friends?
Well, I quite quickly noticed this super positive, fun girl who was commenting on my posts and she also always posted something interesting and seemed like a real world traveler so we just started chatting. Then one day she tweeted that she wants to come to Finland and needs a place to stay. Well, I happened to have a house with 3 empty bedrooms so I invited her over here. I’ve written about those wild 3 days here:
3 women, 3 cities, 3 days - Fun in Finland! (click this to open)
If you haven’t read this one yet, I suggest you do, it’s a great story of 3 women having so much fun, doing crazy stuff for 3 days!
Oh, and at the end of the above mentioned story (click the link) are links to travel memoirs written by Savannah, if you have not read them, then now it’s time to order yours, but let me warn you, after you start reading, you will get a severe travel bug bite that may never be cured.
That eternal wanderlust can be painful if you can’t travel all the time! 😊
You may read more about Savannah and her adventures here:
Savannah's aka @Sihpromatum's website (click here to open)
Anyway, back to my trip.
My plane landed to Schiphol Airport on time, which I very much appreciated as I didn't want to keep my friends waiting but… it turned out to be the longest taxi I’ve ever experienced and I've flown a lot!
That plane drove around the airport for 25 minutes!
It was almost as long as the actual flight. At some point, I was pretty sure I’ve ended up into a time loop wherein I’m anxiously waiting to get out of the plane but I never will, we just keep going around and around...
People around me started to look as frustrated as I was. Is this for real? I want to see my friends!
I felt bad knowing that they are waiting for me as I always try to make sure that I'm on time as I find it a bit disrespectful to be late but there was nothing I could do.
Finally, the plane got to its gate. I literally ran out of there. I’ve been on Schiphol numerous times but never gotten out of there with luggage. Since I was going to travel around Europe for the unknown number of days I had, naturally, also packed my backpack up to its limit to make sure I have everything I need and more... (yes, I ALWAYS overpack!).
So instead of being able to run to my friends, I had to wait for my check-in luggage too. I kept waiting and looking for it and waiting… Enough with this waiting! So I went to ask someone about the luggage, as this person seemed like he works there. He starts “Sorry madam” (Excuse me, who is he talking to? I see no madames here... as, I mean, I’m no “madam”! I consider myself young, at least young at heart - haha! and it feels like they are not talking to me when someone says “madam” - it makes me think Dame Edna instead!)
Oh, sorry, back to the point… So this airport staff member then told me that I was in the wrong place. The earlier flight from Helsinki had its luggage to that luggage area /exit hall, this one would be in another hall.
What other halls? There are more? How would I know?! Well, now I do know that there are more of those. Me being me, I had heaps stuff, handbag, carry on back and then one plastic bag of all kinds of little gifts I got to my friends from the airport, i.e. almost a full trolley already. So, off I go, started to run towards that hall, which by the way, of course, was the last one, so I basically had to run through the entire ground floor.
What a happy reunion it was to see my wrapped backpack rolling around on that luggage belt all by itself as of course, everyone else had taken theirs already.
At this point I literally run out of there and saw my dear friends Savannah & Maggie just outside the door. Aaawww!! 💖💖
What a sweet moment it was to see them again, and especially Savannah’s little baby bump.
I started my tour from Finland, took a train from home Kirkkonummi to Helsinki and then got a ride to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and now I was already practically on the second country of the trip and on my way to my friends' houses.
We drove back to their homes and although I felt exhausted at the same time I was so excited. I gave them my gifts, little something for the little Tripp, that cute little baby boy and then of course some Finnish delicacies; sweets, reindeer meat, and some sweet dark bread, and some quality rum for the master of the house, i.e. Savannah’s husband.
I got accommodated to Maggie’s (and her husband, Savannah’s father Brandon) house, into their nice guest bedroom. You wouldn’t believe the good karma in that room. I’m a poor sleeper but over there I slept like a baby! I felt sincerely welcome and as part of the family. It was such a lovely stay.
Anyway, back to my trip.
My plane landed to Schiphol Airport on time, which I very much appreciated as I didn't want to keep my friends waiting but… it turned out to be the longest taxi I’ve ever experienced and I've flown a lot!
That plane drove around the airport for 25 minutes!
It was almost as long as the actual flight. At some point, I was pretty sure I’ve ended up into a time loop wherein I’m anxiously waiting to get out of the plane but I never will, we just keep going around and around...
People around me started to look as frustrated as I was. Is this for real? I want to see my friends!
I felt bad knowing that they are waiting for me as I always try to make sure that I'm on time as I find it a bit disrespectful to be late but there was nothing I could do.
Finally, the plane got to its gate. I literally ran out of there. I’ve been on Schiphol numerous times but never gotten out of there with luggage. Since I was going to travel around Europe for the unknown number of days I had, naturally, also packed my backpack up to its limit to make sure I have everything I need and more... (yes, I ALWAYS overpack!).
So instead of being able to run to my friends, I had to wait for my check-in luggage too. I kept waiting and looking for it and waiting… Enough with this waiting! So I went to ask someone about the luggage, as this person seemed like he works there. He starts “Sorry madam” (Excuse me, who is he talking to? I see no madames here... as, I mean, I’m no “madam”! I consider myself young, at least young at heart - haha! and it feels like they are not talking to me when someone says “madam” - it makes me think Dame Edna instead!)
Oh, sorry, back to the point… So this airport staff member then told me that I was in the wrong place. The earlier flight from Helsinki had its luggage to that luggage area /exit hall, this one would be in another hall.
What other halls? There are more? How would I know?! Well, now I do know that there are more of those. Me being me, I had heaps stuff, handbag, carry on back and then one plastic bag of all kinds of little gifts I got to my friends from the airport, i.e. almost a full trolley already. So, off I go, started to run towards that hall, which by the way, of course, was the last one, so I basically had to run through the entire ground floor.
What a happy reunion it was to see my wrapped backpack rolling around on that luggage belt all by itself as of course, everyone else had taken theirs already.
At this point I literally run out of there and saw my dear friends Savannah & Maggie just outside the door. Aaawww!! 💖💖
What a sweet moment it was to see them again, and especially Savannah’s little baby bump.
I started my tour from Finland, took a train from home Kirkkonummi to Helsinki and then got a ride to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and now I was already practically on the second country of the trip and on my way to my friends' houses.
We drove back to their homes and although I felt exhausted at the same time I was so excited. I gave them my gifts, little something for the little Tripp, that cute little baby boy and then of course some Finnish delicacies; sweets, reindeer meat, and some sweet dark bread, and some quality rum for the master of the house, i.e. Savannah’s husband.
I got accommodated to Maggie’s (and her husband, Savannah’s father Brandon) house, into their nice guest bedroom. You wouldn’t believe the good karma in that room. I’m a poor sleeper but over there I slept like a baby! I felt sincerely welcome and as part of the family. It was such a lovely stay.
On the following day Savannah and I decided to go to Amsterdam. We took a train from Alkmaar Nord to Amsterdam central, buying tickets was very easy.
It was maybe about 35-40 min train ride to Amsterdam central and I loved every moment even on that little train trip as it was all part of my bigger adventure. That excitement is the reason I probably never get bored with traveling!
I got to see the areas around Amsterdam on our way. I am not a big fan of all major travel attractions, I prefer just wandering around and feeling the city vibes, keeping my eyes open if I see something to photograph, as that is one thing I love doing on my journeys.
So we just walked around, laughed like no tomorrow, as usual. That’s just us. Or maybe it’s her, or me. I’m not sure, but we always have fun, that’s for sure. Luckily Amsterdam is so versatile that two giggling women was not that strange sight among everything else that is going on.
Besides, Savannah was 6 months pregnant so she could always blame it on her hormones and I could…well.. uh, could I just say I’m from Finland? Just an alien in a strange country?
Would that be an acceptable excuse for goofy behavior? Hope so! Either way, we had fun and I can’t wait to visit her again as this time I’ll meet her baby boy, Tripp as well!
Would that be an acceptable excuse for goofy behavior? Hope so! Either way, we had fun and I can’t wait to visit her again as this time I’ll meet her baby boy, Tripp as well!
Amsterdam was wonderful! It was exactly what I thought it would be. We had a fun day. Here are some photos of that day….
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| It may be difficult to see but those birds were nesting there, they had eggs 💕 And do you notice two ladies up on the balcony on the photo on the right? Amsterdam is full of interesting and fascinating details if you just keep your eyes open. I think I only saw a fraction of them! |
On the following day, we drove around the neighborhood, and I was so excited for actually getting to drive! That was one of MANY "never have I ever" on that #MiaGoesEurope tour No 1.
I had never driven a car in Holland, but at least for that short trip it was fine, wasn’t much different than driving in Finland (besides I’ve also driven in the USA, Thailand, Australia, Spain…)
I had never driven a car in Holland, but at least for that short trip it was fine, wasn’t much different than driving in Finland (besides I’ve also driven in the USA, Thailand, Australia, Spain…)
Their neighborhood is absolutely stunning. I could easily live there! Everything was so clean, fresh, green, lush and beautiful. So peaceful, no heavy traffic or loud constructions sites etc. Pure bliss!
🙋💗 See for yourself!
🙋💗 See for yourself!
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| Pretty easy to guess that Savannah and her wonderful family (except for her husband) are from Canada... (only the photo on the right is from their house and/or garden) |
I had to decide my departing day for the #MiaGoesEurope tour. However, organizing everything turned out to be more complicated than I expected due to some seating ticket problems with trains and my Interrail ticket but finally, we got it sorted. I sat down with Savannah at their house and we literally talked probably an hour on the phone(s) trying to sort it out, she spoke Dutch, I spoke English… but in the end, all good, we got almost everything sorted.
But let me say, it was stressful and a bit annoying that it took me more than a day of my visit to figure out how the heck can I get those seats booked! Well, now I know...Maggie even had her birthday while I was there and whilst I was very welcome to celebrate it with her wonderful, large family, (which I felt was such a lovely gesture!) I wasn't feeling very well, so I had to skip it and spent a day in bed instead, figuring out my next move regarding the tour.
Savannah and her family have lots of pets. To be honest, not even sure how many. but a lot. Birds, fish, dogs, snakes etc. Since I've also had dogs, I interacted with them the most. 💞
But let me say, it was stressful and a bit annoying that it took me more than a day of my visit to figure out how the heck can I get those seats booked! Well, now I know...Maggie even had her birthday while I was there and whilst I was very welcome to celebrate it with her wonderful, large family, (which I felt was such a lovely gesture!) I wasn't feeling very well, so I had to skip it and spent a day in bed instead, figuring out my next move regarding the tour.
Savannah and her family have lots of pets. To be honest, not even sure how many. but a lot. Birds, fish, dogs, snakes etc. Since I've also had dogs, I interacted with them the most. 💞
So, while we were talking on our phones, sorting out my plans and seats etc. her parrot (one of many) was trying to get Savannah's attention by talking, not sure what, literally all the time. However, since it didn’t get the attention it was so desperately seeking for, the parrot came to the floor and started to nibble my toes! Hey, that hurt!! C’mon! Leave them alone, I know they are tiny, cute and all but they are mine and I need them.
(Ok ,it was funny, I admit, but still, I needed my toes to tour around Europe, couldn’t let the parrot eat them!)
So, finally, I lifted my feet up. Problem solved. Ha! Not!
Now that we got it all sorted I I was about to go back to Maggie’s house to my room (houses are about 10 m apart) and what do I do? I step into that damn parrot’s poop!! It literally got its revenge. No attention, no mercy, no clean socks.
That totally cracked me up, that bird has some sense of humor!!
(Ok ,it was funny, I admit, but still, I needed my toes to tour around Europe, couldn’t let the parrot eat them!)
So, finally, I lifted my feet up. Problem solved. Ha! Not!
Now that we got it all sorted I I was about to go back to Maggie’s house to my room (houses are about 10 m apart) and what do I do? I step into that damn parrot’s poop!! It literally got its revenge. No attention, no mercy, no clean socks.
That totally cracked me up, that bird has some sense of humor!!
So I jumped out of their house with one foot and took off the dirty sock and threw it away. I can honestly say, we didn’t become best of friends with that parrot, but I do have to admit, its sense of humor is as twisted as ours (Savannah and I) is, so maybe it fits the group better than I ever imagined!
Well, the next day it was time for me to leave and continue my tour. I was excited to get going but at the same time so sad to leave this extended family of mine behind. But I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.
All I can say is I’m so grateful for the accommodation and all the love and support. It really was enjoyable stay despite some problems I faced during the week; got a nasty stomach ache etc., ticket problems, parrot poop etc. but hey, they are all part of life, spices of travels, the pepper and salt you need to make everything taste even better!
My passion for travels also brought this amazing family to my life so I can only be grateful for it. It's not all about the trips but also about the people you meet.
Life is not about the things you own, but the experience you get to live. I much rather collect memories of adventures than fancy, shiny things and expensive stuff that in the end means nothing to me.
I thank you all for reading this, for sharing my tweets, posts, supporting me each and everyone in your own way. It's a privilege to be able to share these amazing and sometimes also less fabulous - but always memorable moments with you. Thank you.
Let's keep sharing, posting, tweeting, connecting and supporting each other!
Peace & Love, folks!
Mia
Life is not about the things you own, but the experience you get to live. I much rather collect memories of adventures than fancy, shiny things and expensive stuff that in the end means nothing to me.
I thank you all for reading this, for sharing my tweets, posts, supporting me each and everyone in your own way. It's a privilege to be able to share these amazing and sometimes also less fabulous - but always memorable moments with you. Thank you.
Let's keep sharing, posting, tweeting, connecting and supporting each other!
Peace & Love, folks!
Mia
