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October 21, 2004

Fortunately/Unfortunately

From Michelle, in the Slagroom...

Hello my lovelies!

Well, I'm finally back from my 2-week hiatus of Hardly Any Internet Cafe! Hardly Any Internet Cafe because (a) I went to America, and (b) I've been cutting a swathe through Dutch red tape...I'm finally "real!" It's true!

Owkey, so I don't yet have (a) a permanent apartment (but I've begun the search), (b) a home Internet connection (will get that when I get a permanent apartment), or (c) a home telephone number (will get that, you guessed, when I get a permanent apartment). But I do have a tax number and a bank account! Two small steps for me, two giant leaps for realpersonkind!!

Was so excited, went down to Dimples bar last night to celebrate with friends Jef and Dan!

Moving swiftly back to my wonderful trip to America, here's a teeny little recap...

Unfortunately, on my way to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport to get my plane to the USA, the train was delayed by 40 minutes because...there was a cow on the line. Don't worry about the cow--she's fine (and I know this because I asked). She just thought that the grass on the train tracks would be good for breakfast...

Fortunately, because I hate being late, I'd left home far too early and was still at the airport 3 hours before my flight was scheduled to leave.

Unfortunately, when I arrived in Newark airport I discovered that my makeup (owkey, so it's washable fake tan) had leaked all over my flight bag and the entire contents of my flight bag. A trip to the ladies' bathroom to clean up all the goop ensued. Half an hour later...

Fortunately, the NJRW conference was completely fabulous! I got to hang with a lot of great people, and in particular two of the loveliest, nicest people I know--you guessed--Alesia and Lani! The Literary Chicks all in one place together (or should I say "all in the bar together?")

Unfortunately, during our workshop (no, not in the bar) I managed to pour ice all over Alesia whilst attempting to pour her a glass of water.

Fortunately, Alesia instantly forgave me. She knows how clumsy I am and loves me, anyway.

Unfortunately, when I arrived back in Amsterdam I discovered that there was a general transport strike, which meant, of course, no trains back to Rotterdam...A cab from the airport to Rotterdam costs apx $150, sigh. I know this because the very kind lady at the information desk told me so.

Fortunately, as I took my place at the back of the very, very, very long line for cabs (this was an extremely looooong line, just in case I didn't make it clearer), the guy in front of me turned around and said "Excuse me, miss" (in Dutch, obviously) "I'm travelling to Rotterdam. Are you travelling to Rotterdam, too?"

So we shared the ride and the costs. Yeah!

Back next Monday with Why I Don't Yet Have a Car and Why I Might Not Actually Get One.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Michelle

Posted by Michelle at 9:55 AM | Comments (1)

Comments

Posted by: Sally at October 25, 2004 10:50 AM