Christmas Travel 2014, connection at Schiphol

After being on the plane some 16++ hours, we have reached Amsterdam (where we take another plane to Nuremberg).



It was drizzling in Amsterdam when we arrived. And it rained even more while we waited.



We had 3hours, and with not much to do, we just went around Schiphol and looked at the shops.



First we went to change some money. We were traveling to Prague somewhere in between and had no Czech Crowns. The exchange is not so good but better to have some in hand before we arrive.



We had them changed at two different places and had a better deal at one of them (see above photo). On top of that, the cashier granted my request for smaller denominations (It is that big a deal because Czech people almost never give the right change. Some return the right change when confronted, but others just lie in your face and deny it.) So even with a not so good rate, I'd rather change my money here than in Prague.



Miffy goods. I absolutely love Miffy. :X My first Miffy merchandise was bought in Hong Kong, was the first time I was introduced to this super cute bunny. XD It was when I traveled to Japan that I found out Miffy was Dutch! I thought Miffy was Japanese.=_=



Soft white miffys.



Some pretty Dutch goods. I love collecting tins and this one looks rather nice. I didn't buy it though as it was our first leg and I was already carrying a lot. (next time I'm thinking of taking only 1set of outer clothes (this is a challenge!:O) and bringing an empty luggage).



I want this tin (I forgot what's inside, probably cookies), I hope cookies, It's kinda small though for 9,90.... I'm always debating whether to buy or not, it's frustrating. Haha. XP

Chocolates.



And then another chocolate store with a really warm interior.



Knitted goods. Do you think I'll be able to knit more complicated patterns??:3



A lot of food places, this was one of them.



Cool seats with a socket right next to the table. How convenient.



Although you can always find charging/laptop zones like this one here:



Another food court above, which we decided to check out.



Although after having had 3 meals on the plane, we weren't really looking for food.



Here's how it looks inside, however.





Refreshments.



There was a bridge in front of the food court that overlooked the busier lower level.



Thick glass panels on the bridge.



The shops below:







Starbucks with its nice warm ambiance.



Here's how the rest of Schiphol pretty much looks.



As we were walking back to our boarding gate,



..we came across this:



which was titled so: ('Two incredible sitting black snowmen' by Tom Claassen)



How many times have I been to Schiphol but only saw this now!



Walkalators to our boarding gate.



The sun had come up and the raining ceased...
The weather is always so glum you can't really see the sun.






See you next post.
x


--

My post was read by Schiphol:

Travel [plane] - From here to Taipei

Since there are no direct flights to Europe from here, the first leg of my trip flying with KLM stops at Taipei.



And here are some random shots from then:





I don't remember what I was watching (??) And I couldn't tell from this photo either. Was probably Indian or Japanese... or maybe I wasn't watching anything when I took this photo.



I was ttrying to remember why I took this photo and then it came to me -- The moon was so bright that night and it was directly outside my window. The light reflected on the wings and all.



Soz that photo looks horrible. XD

Earphones.



And finally the food! (...to which I was very disappointed with).



The food tasted normal -- the salad (upper left) was so-so,



the chicken and brocolli overcooked and limpy,



and for bread they served pandesal! -- I was expecting croissant but noooo. Well, I don't mind pandesal, I do like it, but it's everyday breakfast kind of food -- plus the local corner bakeries make it better. this tasted like commercialized ones.



and P.S. that cake (upper right) tasted horrible. o_O (please give me yoghurt and fruits -- it'd make me happier).

.

They started serving tea and coffee. I had tea (like always -- well, I was avoiding the coffee more like.XD)



The cup was cute and the statement read: "Every cloud has a silver lining."



They served Jasmine tea. It was nice and strong, the way I like it. :3

.

The flight was quite short, I thought it was 3hrs but it was shorter than that. (..approaching Taipei)



(Me and time -- I used to be very conscious about time back in univ, but now I am too careless. -- Until the day before we were to leave for Taipei, I thought we were to depart at 5pm. I had scheduled for cab pick up and all until I realized I got the time wrong! This was the evening before. Luckily I realized it in time. And also lucky that I thought it was 17:05, because our flight was 20:40. Point being we don't miss the flight either way. but!! That was close. Had I not realized it I would've wasted a lot of time or I would have missed it if I thought it to be at a later time. And I swear I checked it a million times! =_=)

.

Upon arriving Taipei we had to leave the plane and go through another security check, etc - the works.
We were given a transit card which we had to present at the next gate.



Brochure stand at the information counter.



Passed through a couple of shops as well.



Skyping with family while waiting to board.



...and yes, that's me with the stripey pink socks. If there is something I learned about going on long flights, it's to wear comfortably -- I can't imagine having my shoes on for 20+hours straight. Flip flops are perfect -- and toe socks to keep my feet warm.X3

The wait ranges from 30mins to 1hour. Funny thing is, twice I have flown with KLM, and twice we were never told what time we arrive in Taipei, what time we board/depart from Taipei. And on the way back, the same thing.



Boarding pass and Transit Card.

Boarding the next leg: Taipei - Amsterdam XD