flygirl

Look for a trip report at the end of the month... if I may field any questions, shoot!! <BR><BR>Friday the 13th I fly to Amsterdam (via Copenhagen, on SAS - anyone know what first class on SAS is like and how tough it is to get an upgrade? is it as nice as on BA?), will be in Amsterdam for a few days (hint, when there is a huge conference going on, it pays to email the biggies for cancellations - I got into the Spaander which looks lovely - 265 for two nights).<BR><BR>Then off to Den Haag for a lunch with a friend, after which - Cologne, where I pick up a Beemer from Sixt (look for a report on that, who knows, might end up buying one when I get back, hey, once before ended up with a new car upon a return from a trip after seeing how lovely the rental was...)...<BR><BR>then off to visit a few friends in K-town... then visit my boyfriend's parents near Heidelberg... THEN visit a business contact in Mainz... (are ya getting tired yet?)<BR><BR>then off to Munich to visit a few friends, including a few I met in Monte Carlo earlier this year... and from there, who knows. Maybe Salzburg, definitely heaps of hiking. and museums. and beer drinking (Oktoberfest, here I come...)<BR><BR>sigh. traveling, it's such bliss.<BR><BR>(one small annoyance, my stupid Leica digicam has been cranky on me, so we'll see if the recent repair makes a difference - a testing of sorts. might have to come home with a new camera... but do look for pics from this trip, next month, as well...)

Kate

Wow. I am exhausted just reading this! Can't wait to hear all about it.<BR>Have a great time, enjoy the car ~<BR>Boyfriends parents, huh? Must be serious <BR>Hope the camera works!<BR>

flygirl

I found out more info for those looking for a room in Cologne.<BR><BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>is the email address for the tourist office there. It's right next to the train station and it's open 800-2230. They can help with last minute requests for lodging. I plan to roll into town and get a room when I get there. <BR><BR>more as I get situated. just days away now...

Larry

Isn't the Spaander in Volendam about 10 miles from Amsterdam? There's good bus transportation on the 110 line though.

flygirl

yup, it's about 10-12 miles out. there is a HUGE conference going on, all hotels in the city are booked and if you believe the Amsterdam tourist board, all B&Bs too. I didn't feel like going to the effort of looking really hard for that "one room" still open in town, so I'm paying a teeny bit more and staying out of town. the hotel looks beautiful though.<BR><BR>check out the site:<BR><BR>http://www.bestwestern.nl/spaander/

annette

Looking forward to your report, flygirl. Good tip to email hotels for cancellations. (I was shooting for a trip to Amsterdam at this time last year and the annual media convention left no rooms in A'dam.) Have a blast!<BR><BR>Will you be visiting Ludwig's castle? I haven't been, but have read there is a good day hike taking you through hilly woods and leading to paths near the castle. Perhaps your friends in Munich know about that hike. <BR><BR>

flygirl

just found out Elvis Costello is playing in Cologne the night I am there.<BR><BR>the Music Gods are smiling on me, as usual.<BR><BR>YEAH!