Uys Clan

I am writing this on the inter city train between Amsterdam and Antwerp. For those of you that know me you will understand the heading of this post. Yes I am indeed far from the town where I grew up. (something like 7000 miles, I am just guessing). Why am I thinking about Barrydale? Do not really know to tell you the truth. Maybe because even now I still find it amazing / scary how easy I am adapting to this way of living where I go into the office in the morning and then leave early afternoon so that I can attend a meeting the next morning in Amsterdam.

All that really matter is that I am fortunate in that I enjoy doing this. Still gets a real thrill coming in to land at Schippol and looking down onto a winter wonderland. Not the snow cover of Ludlow – real snow – people skiing on an ice covered hockey field.

Takes me about 20 minutes to go through passport control, collect my baggage and be outside the airport. Straight to the automatic ticket machines (like an ATM – only for train tickets) – Sorted. Since the inter city train always leaves at 12 minutes passed the hour and it is now 20 past it means I can now proceed to phase two of the airport operation. Phase two consist of taking a leisurely walk through the food hall to decide what I would like for my supper / dinner (after 2 years in the UK I still do not understand the difference between supper, dinner, lunch and tea. At least I am very good at doing breakfast.)

For tonight I have tried a sandwich shop which I have not visited before. As with most of these types of endeavours the sheer volume of different options makes this a mini adventure in itself. Unlike the country of which I am a passport holder, here everybody is friendly and help full and more than willing to give advice. The fact that I can’t remember which sandwich I bought may have something to do with blue eyes and very nice “dimples”.

Normally I would be on the earlier flight and train in order for me to reach Antwerp early enough so that I can still catch the restaurants open. In the block in which the hotel is there must e at least 8 restaurants. In a 4 block radius it must be more than 40. The choice is mind blowing – Italian, Argentinean Steakhouse, Lebanese, Greek, Belgium Bistro, Friete (= French Fries / Chips), Seafood and everything in between.

I will make an effort and start bringing a camera with on my trips. For instance – we’ve just crossed on hell of a bridge. Rotterdam – not sure if it is the river or part of the sea which we’ve crossed. This is the amazing thing about Netherland – you are never far away from water. The main road to Antwerp is a 6 lane motorway – even so traffic sometimes is stopped for boats and barges that require a draw bridge to be raised. Yes 3 whole lanes at a time are lifted through 90 degrees. Mind boggling.

On our left side we’ve just been passed by a double decker train!! In South Africa they will most probably forget to build the tunnels big enough.

Another hour more or less before we arrive in Antwerp. Since it is dark outside the best use of this time will be to read the magazine that I bought on the airport. A “Delicious” in Dutch!! And no I will not only be looking at pictures. My Dutch is really improving by the day – and believe me it is not close to Afrikaans any more – it is completely different.

So on this note.

Met Vriendelijke Groeten, Danke Well

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