As I usually do, I leave packing until the last minute. This year, I also gave piano students the option to take the day off from lessons. All but one was glad to take the break. So, I taught one student in the morning, then started figuring out what to take for a variety of weather situations.

We got to Dulles Airport and, of course, the flight with Aer Lingus to Dublin was late. After finally boarding – my “carryon” had to become checked baggage so some rearrangement of contents had to happen – the flight was ok. Snack, meal with surprisingly spicy chicken, sort of sleep, then breakfast. I was really surprised that no traditional Irish food was served for any of the 4 legs of this journey. Irish Shortbread was offered at a cost on the way back. I’ll offer my opinions on that when we get to that day’s post!

There were bad earphones so it was hard to watch anything on the small screen. Nothing to hold them in place at all. Someone else had brought a bluetooth dongle to send the sound to his own airpods so I may be looking into that next flight.

Deplaining was normalish until we got into the Dublin Airport to catch our flight to Amsterdam.

This older airport was a mess. Very disorganized with lots of walking and nowhere to sit. We walked 2.24 miles in this airport to get to our plane. The hours are messed up because of the time changes.

The signage was terrible and we had to ask directions at least 12 times and the workers didn’t know where our gate was, either. Finally a nice man wheeling a passenger came along. He knew where were were going and let us walk along with him and his passenger. Turned out our gate was in the basement and from there we took a bus to get to the plane. Then climbed stairs to get onboard.

We vowed never to go through Dublin airport again but we did have that to look forward to on the return trip.

We retrieved our luggage in Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, got a taxi and headed to the hotel with no problems. Hooray!

I had booked a Holiday Inn Express because I like the “free” breakfasts and this trip was no exception. I was very surprised that this hotel room was identical to the one we were last in in Scotland. Except for the toilet flushing mechanism.

I have never seen 2 buttons before. they both seemed to do the same thing.

I had booked a candlelight canal cruise for the evening but we were both too tired from the travel and the 6-hour time difference. We got a late dinner in the hotel and called it a night.

What we missed:

Candlelight Cruise

Treat yourself to a wonderful evening of wine, cheese, and Amsterdam’s finest sights. Once the sun goes down, you’ll see the city in an entirely new light, or lack thereof. Witness Amsterdam’s major landmarks and attractions by candlelight on this unique Amsterdam cruise that will tantalize your senses.

Your Amsterdam candlelight cruise provides you with a serene and delicious ride through the city’s elaborate canal system. Amsterdam isn’t called the “Venice of the North” for nothing. The system spans more than 60 miles and features over 1,200 bridges and 90 islands. This canal tour will take you near the city’s many highlights, including the street markets, museums, and other Dutch structures that give Amsterdam its charming appeal.

While you take in the nighttime wonders, the helpful staff on this Amsterdam canal cruise will treat you with generous wine and cheese portions. You’ll have the choice of white and red wine to complement the delectable cheese board freshly prepared for your taste buds. There’s no better way to spend an evening in Amsterdam. Experience Amsterdam in all its nighttime glory. Book your Amsterdam candlelight canal cruise today for an unforgettable time in the city.

We were very lucky that this hotel was honorable. We had made reservations several months ago. Then, Taylor Swift had decided to have a concert the night that we were there. I understand that lots of other hotels had canceled existing reservations to resell for more money.