Woke up this morning on the ferry, very confused. My alarm had gone off but the ferry wake up call hadn’t. Ferry cabins - especially internal ones are a bit cocoon like so there is a sense that you’re all alone - despite being on a big ship. I decided I’d probably missed something so went out to explore. On deck they were giving out free coffee although no one said why. Looking out of the window I expected to see the harbour but instead we were still at sea. Turned out - an announcement came on as we were meant dock - that we were waiting this side of some weather for safety reasons. So I went back to my cabin.
Three hours later we docked. I cleared my first post brexit passport control and headed off to the station. As I cycled along the weather began to clear, the cagoule came off and the sun peeped out. There was evidence of some fairly hefty weather everywhere, branches in the path, bikes and signs blown over but from what I later found out further north had it worse with Amsterdam airports closing.
At the station - and at this point I had no idea it had been a red weather morning - I went to find out about changing my ticket. The clerk was very nice and printed me an itinerary, my simple 2 train hop had turned into a 4 train hike.
Step one took me to Eindhoven. Old fashioned train, steps too high to lift loaded bike on. Lots of faff. Means getting off when last of seven bikes takes time. Especially when you have to do 2 bag journeys first. My next train was at platform 2. Too short a connection, I missed it. Throwing this out there now - I’m very grateful for lifts.
Looked up next train to Venlo on timetable; platform 2 again so waited. Train moved it to platform 3, went there - walk lift walk lift walk. Train moved back to platform 1. Walk lift walk lift walk. Ran for the train, heard the announcement saying do not get on this train. Met a nice Dutch couple, also very confused. Waited at platform 1, train disappears from schedule. Reappears but last minute platform change to 3 - walk lift walk lift walk - we miss it. Back to platform 1 -walk lift walk lift walk- then platform 2 then finally on second train. Worked together to heft bikes up steps. Dutch couple that confused by the whole palaver they offered me a bed for the night. Caught up on news, saw the extent of storm damage, don’t mind palaver so much.
Next stop was Venlo, short connection, 2 lifts, ran and made it. Roll on, roll off, No bike spaces. Stood in the door way next to the toilet. Tried not to make eye contact with visitors.
Arrived at Viersen. Another lift/sprint and got on train to Munster. Checked was indeed correct train. Lost bungee cords in well packed luggage so tied bike in place with handy scarf.
Train delayed. Last stops cancelled. Changed train. No lift needed. Super human strength used to heft loaded bike up three steps. No longer cared, just did it. Arms very sore.
And just like that, I’m here.
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