Travel day ...

Traveling is so much about the journey for me as it is about the destination.  I left Reedley at 10:15am on Friday and landed in Amsterdam 18 hours later.  I did a lot of people watching and I had a long stop in Salt Lake City and was so happy to be able to help out some Chinese travelers.  I could tell that they needed and were looking for some toothpicks, and I had a stash of Plackers.  It's the small things, but they were so grateful when I offered them what I had.  Dental hygiene in important no matter where you're from.

The final flight from Mineapolis to Amsterdam was just 8 hours ... just.  I was able to doze a little for a few hours, but I tell you, sitting for so long is not fun.  But I'm not complaining.  The fact that we were hurdling through he air, 7 miles above the earth in a metal tube, and completing a journey that took my ancestors two months, is not lost on me.  It's actually quite miraculous.  A short 2 hour drive to Groningen and I'm finally at my home away from home.

My host lives on the outskirts of Groningen, a city of about 200,000, in a small townhouse.  Since I've been up for about 24 hours, a glass of wine and some dinner is very welcome.  I'm trying to stay up at late as possible to try to get my circadian rythym adjusted to the 9-hour time difference.

She has a easy day planned for me tomorrow.  In the afternoon we will visit an historical castle with her family.

A cup of coffee upon arrival at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Me, Matt from Illinois, girlfriend of Thomas, Thomas (faculty host for Matt), and Liesbeth (my host).

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