Tip #416: Impressions of Schipel Airport, Amsterdam

“It is somehow reassuring to discover that the word “”travel”” is derived from “”travail,”” denoting the pains of childbirth.” Jessica Mitford

The trip to Amsterdam from Lagos got us in early- by 5:30 a.m. and I was able to find the Yotel very quickly. The room was incredibly self-contained. It is square, with the bed under an overhang on the right, a small floor between the bed and the bathroom area: a toilet, a sink, and a shower. This is very bare bones, but clean, comfortable and wired for internet. I had been able to purchase a converter on the plane, so was easily able to plug in my computer and send a quick note about my arrival. There was one towel, but it served me very well- I really needed a shower. I had a great sleep and feel so much better!

In the morning, I had a devil of a time finding out how to check in with Royal Jordan. First, I tried at a “transfer” site- but realized that the reason it didn’t recognize my reservation was because this was for KLM flights! I asked where to go to check in for Royal Jordan and was told T (as in Transfer) 9- which turned out to be approximately 1 mile away. When I got there, it was not manned and there was no self-service option.

Another fellow was there to check in, equally confused as to what to do. But he figured out that we both had to go to gate G 4- and when we got there, we learned that we would get our boarding passes when we went through their security.He was going to Egypt on a flight then, so he was all set. But my flight was not for another 2 hours and I hadn’t eaten anything since 4:30 A.M. and it was now 2 P.M. So we separated and off I went to get something to eat.

Schipel Airport in Amsterdam is huge, absolutely huge. Lots of shops, a museum, a museum shop, places to register for excursions (I guess I could have done that instead of sleep). Since I was very hungry, I had exchanged some $40 for Euros (by the way, the US dollar is NOT very strong- you get 1 Euro and 1 Jordanian dinar for $1.57.  What a switch from the Nigerian naira!)

I went to a convenience store to get an apple, an orange, some crackers and some sparkling water. The attendant would not sell these to me if I couldn’t show her my boarding pass. Since I had none, I was panicked. I explained the situation- if I got a boarding pass, I would be in the secure area with no way out again. She asked for my flight number and seeing it was for Amman, she relented and let me purchase the items. I cannot imagine why they have this requirement! The only people in the airport have had to go through security…

So now, here I sit, eating my crackers and drinking my sparkling water. Comfortable, well rested, close to my departure gate, and looking forward to the next step in my journey. Tricia has told me that her experience in Jordan was that everyone was incredibly friendly, inviting you to their homes.

I have already been invited to a project member’s home for breakfast and then an outing with the Jordanian project team on Saturday to Pella. I have to read up on all the information they have sent me during the flight.

I’d better pack up, get to a bathroom and go get in line to go through security for my flight. My next message will be from Amman, Jordan!

May your learning be sweet.

Deborah

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