A Layover in Amsterdam

Who knew that an airline strike could turn into a fun day trip! We were originally scheduled to fly on Air France from Chicago to Paris (8+ hours with a 5.5 hour layover in Paris), then Paris to Amsterdam (1 hour flight and then a 3.5 hour layover in Amsterdam), and finally Amsterdam to Luanda, Angola (an 8.5 hour flight). A few days before our departure, Air France went on strike so we had to rebook on KLM...which turned out to be a better experience!  

My husband, McCay, and I at O'Hare ready for our next world travel adventure. 

The food in KLM economy/coach was "ok" but it made me miss the yummy food we had in Business Class last year. It was a simple dinner of beef, yellow rice, green beans, a bread roll, salad, a spice cake for dessert, and a salad. Breakfast was very Dutch in that it was simply yogurt, orange juice and/or coffee, and a small granola bar. 

So, we flew from Chicago directly to Amsterdam where we had a 14 hour layover. Now, one could sit around Amsterdam's Schipol Airport and waste the day away in the many shops and restaurants in the airport. But a planner like me books a day room in Amsterdam so we could take a shower, grab a meal, and take a nap after exploring the city a bit. We checked into the really gorgeous Hilton Schipol airport to get settled in our day room. 

After a brief nap, we took the train into city center and walked around. The first thing I noticed was the high number of smokers outside. I also noticed a small structure with SMOKE written on its side for the smokers to use as shelter. The weather temps were mild upper 60s/low 70s so a lot of people did not use the smoking shelter. 

We walked down the street a few blocks (way past the obligatory McDonald's and KFC) to find a good place for lunch. We found a quaint brasserie and I ordered my standard fair of roasted chicken and fries (I am not an adventurous eater, especially when I, traveling). 

Our time (a short 14 hours) in Amsterdam was well spent and I have no regrets in getting the day hotel room...we returned to the remaining flight to Angola refreshed, well fed, and rested.