Lightning fast trip to Delft

Dartmouth is a charter member of EdX and they were having a meeting in Delft that Alan had to attend so I decided to tag along and see some of Holland, where I had enjoyed many visits while Dad was teaching at Erasmus University.

We flew into Brussels because it was so much cheaper than Amsterdam. As usual, now that we are Vermonters, the trip had at least three legs. First to drop off Dinah at Runamuck. We had to snake through the area because the annual covered bridge run was in full swing. But luckily earlier explorations came in handy and we left the D at her usual digs when we’re away. Then, it was off to the Burlington airport.

We are certainly familiar with Burlington airport having flown in and out many times over the years but it was a bit weird to arrive from I-89 and not to go to the rental car counter. Once there, we learned that we couldn’t check our luggage through to Brussels because Jet Blue and Delta didn’t have a luggage contract. Boo. Oh well, as it turned out we had to switch terminals so would have had to go through security twice anyways.

We walked from JFK terminal 5 to 4 and along the way got to see some BIG trains — Indian Air and the like. It was kind of cool walking alongside them, almost like we were on the tarmac. Well, except for a metal fence, we were on the tarmac!

We had a longish wait of five hours so got some rather mediocre lunch (LGA really has better options) and hung out in the Sky Lounge where you can now eat with a rather better menu than the restaurant.

The flight over was fine but little more than that. Whatever glamor flying might once have had, it is long gone and is simply an endurance test. Landed in Brussels to a super long line for Passport Control and then another long queue for a taxi. Crazy busy airport left us longing for the peace and efficiency of Zurich. In short, we were sleep deprived, sweaty, and cranky. :-(

The taxi ride was crazy, too, with the driver zooming about like a madman. I hung on to the grip and Alan’s hand for dear life.

Alighting at the hotel, we got a break in that we could check in early. Yes! A shower and several hours of sleep left us feeling ready for an early supper. Alan got a recommendation for a Belgian bistro around the corner and we headed out at the unseemly hour of 6pm for an early meal. The bistro was delightful, very old school. I had chicken waterzooi and Alan moules et frites. Then, for dessert some of the best chocolate profiteroles we’ve ever eaten. Delicious.

After dinner, we walked down to the Grand-Place and did a bit of people watching before heading back to the hotel to read and then sleep again.

Tuesday finds us on the train heading to Den Haag, where we are staying. The countryside is beautiful and brings back many memories of driving through it with my parents.