MARIETTE'S BACK TO BASICS

Saturday, July 16, 2022

NS Train of 5:40 to Schiphol Airport and Flight HOME

It is not easy when the final hours are slipping through your fingers...

Here we are, rising around 4:00 AM in order to be at the Train Station by 5:30 to catch the train from 5:40 to Schiphol Airport.

At 5:35 with friend Sissy next to my suitcases.

Bringing home some of Mom & Dad's treasures and sentimental things...

I'd come to The Netherlands with my Delsey suitcase inside the big pink one.

My one way NS Horst–Sevenum to Schiphol Airport train ticket...

In one hour and 58 minutes we would be arriving by 07:41 at Schiphol Airport.

A Happy WeFie...

Ellie and I...

And one inside the train...

At Schiphol Airport there was NO COURTESY!

Dutchnews.nl wrote the above that Schiphol has been grappling with the problem since the May school holidays. Hundreds of flights have been scrapped... due to staff shortages!

Dutchreview.com wrote the above...

Staff shortage and also strikes

It felt great for finally having made it to the accelerated check–in (they did not let me pass at first; very rude...).

Schiphol Airport was a FAR CRY from the courtesy received in Savannah and also in New York!

My seat turned out to be the FIRST row with added space

DELTA PREMIUM SELECT seat 20D

Once my suitcases got labeled, and I had my boarding pass, we all three went to have a FINAL cup of cappuccino or whatever...

At 8:11 AM, I paid this for some bread and croissant for Sissy as they had to once again travel the two hours by rail back home...

By 8:26 I got the message via my Delta App on KPN server in NL, that my bag was now onboard, of course also received the same message for my 2nd bag!

Now the FINAL GOODBYE arrived and it was very emotional.

I waved till I no longer could see them...

Security check went fine, no shoes needed to be removed and all went swift.

Then I had to get in line for Passport Check... that was the longest line I've ever seen!!!

Wish I'd used my Strava App, as I walked a lot!

At the gate, again I awaited very rude treatment; ZERO COURTESY!

Felt awful for two elderly couples, using a wheelchair and they had it already folded up.

Then we got ushered through the so–called pre–boarding...

NOPE—we ended up in a holding area with NO CHAIRS!

Okay, we all made it to the plane eventually, but what a far cry from the once great service and courtesy!

Bye–bye Netherlands...

My ADJUSTABLE FOOTREST was working this time!

Also received my TUMI AMENITY KIT not on my way over...

AMS – JFK total time 7 hours and 29 minutes

Past Ireland...

Now more than halfway...

As said, Premium Select seat 20D was right behind the wall, with extra space, easy to get up for using the restroom.

The blanket felt cozy and warm and I did wear my down puffer jacket, once in my seat, had stuffed it inside my Delsey back pack.

Wrapped up cozy...

The extended leg and foot rest was great and I never even used my plump pillow, it stayed in the front of my seat in its plastic cover.

Emotional goodbyes over the last few days but I was going HOME to my Pieter!

Arriving in New York and again lots of walking!

On my Delta App, I got the Gate Change, even farther walking...

The final stretch of this emotional journey now to Savannah...

Seated in 7C in Comfort

Bye–bye New York...

More steps for Savannah but the BIG SURPRISE was that we landed 35 minutes ahead of schedule.

So I used the restroom, then grabbed my two bags and went outside, on the Delta curb and called Pieter with his private driver Mike.

They were surprised, they'd just walked inside for using the bathroom and now learned that I already was outside with my suitcases.

In no time we were in the car and heading HOME.

Feeling a lot of GRATITUDE for so many that made this an unforgettable time!

My final time going to my country of birth...

Dear friends and family will remain forever inside my heart and I treasure the many fond moments.

May God keep us all healthy!

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Visiting Friend Mariëlle in Husband Pieter's Province

From Limburg we now drive to Gelderland where husband Pieter is born and where my dear Friend Mariëlle lives.

For some reason, the GPS did guide us away from the Interstate and we got the most scenic route one can imagine!

The area of Groesbeek in Gelderland is where Pieter's Dad served as a Border Patrol during WWI.

We also admired wonderful bike lanes, almost everywhere in The Netherlands and it also was a hilly area.

We walked from the Parking Garage to Mariëlle's Apartment.

Showing her cute Toyota Aygo.

Ellie and Mariëlle my friend from elementary school, so we know each other over 60 years!

Mariëlle is one year younger as we had two classes in one...

She is mischievous, a good sportswoman and was one of the best college teachers!

Till a few years back, she rode her motor bike and she also has participated numerous times in the famous Nijmegen 4Days March. She is an excellent runner.

The three of us enjoy a delicious lunch, prepared by Mariëlle.

You notice again the special bread?

Her cheese and zucchini rolls were delicious!

Pleasant times are passing way too fast.

Heading towards the Parking Garage opposite Museum Het Valkhof...

Hoping that Mariëlle will manage to visit us a 3rd time here in Georgia!

And now driving back to Sevenum...

Had to pack, and after supper I visited Caro's Parents; my youngest brother and sister–in–love.

We really were running out of time!!!

Never enough when surrounded by your favorite people.

But I for sure did go back home to Georgia, with FOND MEMORIES!!!

My last supper...

Stay tuned...

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Visiting Niece Caro Because She Visited Us in Georgia...

Yes, youngest niece Caro is the ONLY of my nieces and nephews that ever came to our home in Georgia!

So, I sure HAD to visit her dwelling.

Together with friend Ellie we drove to the Light City of Eindhoven in the neighboring province of North Brabant.

Caro eagerly took us for a beautiful walk to the City Center.

Here we passed the Mansion of former Philips Founder

Close to the University of Technology (seen center top)

The story about Anton F. Philips

By the way, our daughter Liz married the son of Henk Bodt, former Executive Vice President of Philips {Our Daughter Liz}←click link

We found a nice place next to the EINDHOVEN – Stadskerk St. Cathrien PLENUM ←click link

Kiosk 69 Rechtestraat←click link

De KIOSK Eindhoven Netherlands 2 Kerkstraat ←click link

Right in the center of Eindhoven is one of the coziest terraces of the Dutch city of light. There are even whispers that De Kiosk is one of the most beautiful terraces in Eindhoven. The special thing about the Kiosk is the place, located at the foot of the Catharina Church at the intersection of Catharina plein (Catharina plaza), Kerkstraat, Rechtestraat. Here you can fully enjoy a beautiful view of all the activities of this bustling center.

Grabbing terraces, the Dutch love them. According to Catercoach, the Kiosk is one of the jewels of Eindhoven. You can have a delicious lunch with freshly made sandwiches and a good glass of wine. Where can you find a terrace that offers the choice of 16 types of beer all from the Trappist monastery the Abbey of Our Lady of Koningshoeven in Moergestel. You sit there snug and sheltered, in the sun, out of the wind and dry when the rain clatters on the umbrellas.

They are open every day, with the exception of Monday, rain or shine, from 10:00 in the morning. Not only the address for lunch but also for a good espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato always accompanied by an artisan piece of apple pie or just something fresh. In short, The Kiosk is a gem in Eindhoven

De KIOSK Eindhoven Netherlands ←click link