Daisyspeak

The plane ride was rather gruelling and I was tired and worried about New York City. I had planned to hang around in Schipol Airport for 8 hours and wallow my time away at the internet cafe.

As I walked around the airport, I was suddenly empowered by a sense of curiosity. I decided to go out and explore Amsterdam. It was still dark and I thought it was only prudent to wait till the sun comes up. In the meantime, I go to the internet cafe to talk to friends and look for Mom. Emails and brief chats revitalised me and I was raring to go.

I couldn't find passport control and was stopped by a bunch of Chinese Nationals who needed help with immigration. They could speak no English. I brought them to the immigration office and played translator for a bit. They were in quite a fix. I don't think I managed to help them but the nice guy at Immigration told me I could leave after assuring me that the ladies would be taken care of.

I finally found Passport Control. Friendly guy at the counter complimented my smile and kept asking me to smile before he let me out. I laughed at him and mocked punched him before promising to bring him lunch on my way back (yah right). Found directions to the Van Gogh Museum and took the bus there abruptly.

On the bus, there was only one thought:

Amsterdam is dreary.

It was eight in the morning when I arrived and the museum only opens at ten. Had a cigarette and walked through Vondelpark. Snap shots of Amsterdam look nicer than the actual place. I just wanted to sit down but it was too cold and rainy for me to sit anywhere. Bicyclists everywhere made road-crossing an adventure.

Finally decided to go to the supermarket to explore. Indeed it was a brand-new experience. I pretended I lived in Amsterdam and was shopping for a regular week. I had fun and I thought how much pate I would eat if I do live in Amsterdam.

Finally it was ten o'clock and Van Gogh Museum opened. I was enthralled. First by the Dutch masters, then Van Gogh's life and his paintings. Level by level I scaled...in a hurry to cover everything before it's time for me to leave at noon. There wasn't enough time. To sit, to enjoy, to absorb.

The watch ticked mecenarily and I had to rush through the exhibits. Rush..read...refer...go back...rush...walk faster lainey.

There was just not enough time.

Ran out of the museum and took the bus back. Waited long for the bus and managed to have a cigarette and to offer one to the American backpacker next to me. I couldn't talk to him despite his attempts at smalltalk.

Was too devastated by the inability to finish Van Gogh Museum.

Went back to the airport to take the worst ride in my life...to JFK Airport.