Amsterdam to Wermelskirchen Alone

Premilla and I began our day together in a very lovely and large garden dining room of the hotel. The selection of food was wide. We sat and enjoyed our quiet time together before the expected crowd at Schopol airport.

A shuttle brought us to the airport, and the crowd was there. We walked a distance to find the long line for her to check in and give in her suitcase. An employee stated we needed to say goodbye there, for the security line was also long.

We parted sadly and waved. I went down to inquire about the platform for the train to Arnhem, Netherlands where I would change trains. Premilla and I texted.  I learned that indeed the line was long.

I had planned to wait until I knew that she was through security, and I also thought about the possibility of train delays and check with Premilla if she was OK if I took the train an hour earlier than planned.  She replied that she was OK with that, and we texted our fond farewells. 

The train rides to Arnhem and Düsseldorf were on time, comfortable, and crowded.  The countryside was green. Wind turbines, canals, and green houses covered the Netherlands.  Then German words and slate buildings indicated that we were traveling in Germany. 

I am glad I arrived 45 minutes before the time I gave Anja and Herbert. I had time to walk down the steps to the main hall so they didn't have to come up the steps to the platform to look for me. 

What a happy reunion it was. We recognized each other immediately. Naila, their German Shepherd, was along, too. Traffic was heavy. It took an hour to drive to their home, new to them since February, 2019. It is located on a hill and surrounded by trees, bushes, and flowers. It is two story, modern, and with many conveniences. There is furniture from their apartment in the old family home in Remscheid, furniture from Eva, and new furnishings. 

Anja's friend Connie surprised me and joined us for supper of dates surrounded with bacon, olives,  a tart of tomatoes, olives, onions, spices, and creme fraiache, salad from the garden, cantaloupe, and an interesting mixture of tuna fish and anchovies. Dessert was homemade cantaloupe ice cream and served in small cones.  We all talked until midnight.  It was a wonderful first day together.

Gute Nacht, Susan

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