Stranded in A'dam

Last week the volcano eruption in Iceland kept me stranded in A'dam. I was in A'dam for business until Friday, Apr 16th. I wanted to combine work and pleasure and booked my return flight to Kiev for Sunday, Apr 18th. Once on Thursday, April 15th the ban on all European flights was announced I felt smug. I expected by Sunday the ash cloud will clear up and will be able to fly as usual.
As the ban continued and it became clear what a chaos the ban on all flights triggered I started to be concerned about my return flight. I tried to get most of the situation but it was strange to walk in somewhat empty A'dam. It was obvious the number of tourist was significantly lower. But the weather was gorgeous. I walked along canals and enjoyed myself. The skies had a sparkling blue color. No airplane tracks. No airplane sound. I spoke to a Dutch friend – Piternel who stayed stranded in Kiev. The weather in Kiev was – rain and cold. It felt good to be in A'dam.
I passed Concertgebouw. The highlight of the Saturday evening concert was Hyden's violoncello concert in D dur with Alexandar Knyazhev. The conductor was Gordan Nikolic. I decided to go. The purchased ticket not only allowed me to attend the concert. It was also a free public transport pass and during a concert break I could have a free drink. The concert was fantastic.
On Sunday morning I was woken up by what I thought was a sound of a plane. My hope was shortlived. It was a tram. The flying ban was still on. My hotel booking expired on Sunday and I inquired a possibility to extend my stay. It was possible. But at much higher prices. As flying ban started on Thursday many tourists have not arrived to A'dam. It seems some hotels wanted to take max advantage of those people who remain stranded and significantly increased prices. Thanks to internet I could book one night on Sunday morning at the small nice hotel “Toren” at a reasonable price. I moved there immediately.

As the mother nature decided to show her erupting power I thought as a good idea to admire mother nature's gentle side in Keukenhof gardens. Initially the plan was to go there by the train from the A'dam central station. While at the CS to get a ticket to Lisse (where Keukenhof is located) I could also inquire about train possibilities of moving east i.e Frankfurt, Vienna, Berlin, Warsaw etc – any place which might bring me closer to Kiev in case ban continues. The central station was in chaos. Long lines of unhappy, frustrated people. Abandoned the idea of a train trip. Took a tour bus to Keukenhof instead.
This was a best decision of a week as the park was not crowded. The modest attempt of capturing beauty is on ......
During Sunday I asked a secretary in Kiev to book me on a flight for Tuesday. Following test flights done by KLM, AF and LH everyone was hopefully the skies will open on Tuesday . I asked Oksana to book me on UA flight at 9.15.
In the afternoon I spoke with Julia who took care of Igor in Kiev. I wondered if Igor forgot me. "Oh no. He asks every hour about you." It felt so good to hear this. I felt blessed with Julia.
Monday I spent at the HO. I set up impromptu meetings with colleagues and had a very constructive day.
Monday evening spent in the hotel room checking updates for flights. I was disappointed reading the announcement about cancellation of UA flight.
On a bright side – this meant I would spend another day at HO. Tuesday morning I called a travel agency in Kiev and spoke with the agent about flight possibilities. I could go on KLM flight at 13.05 but at the price of USD 970. I decided it's better use of resources to spend a day at HO.
In the office I checked flights on the internet. I was quite frustrated when I saw the KLM flight at 13.05 departed. The knowledge I made a wrong choice when choosing a return flight have not sit well. I am a poor gambler. Even worse looser. I asked Oksana to book me for a Wed flight at 13.05.
Wednesday morning I went to the airport at 9.00 hours. Spent five hours in a queue. In a true Dutch manner the airport had made no difference between economy or business of gold or platinum members. There was one queue for all. The staff explained in such situation we are all the same. I was lucky to give enough time to queue and catch a flight to Kiev. Once seated - it felt so good to be on a plane.

Last six weeks

Brief note to cover past six weeks:

End of February my internet connection was down; the internet provider could not fix the problem for two weeks. After two weeks I changed internet provider. A new provider took one week to install a new internet connection.Beginning of March I went to Zagreb to see Roko. He charmed me. He was so tiny I was apprehensive to hold him. Roko's photos are at: http://picasaweb.google.com/gordie26/Roko11032010?authkey=Gv1sRgCPCG7Jbfkc-ELQ&feat=directlinkTwo weeks after first visit to Croatiia I was there again. Dad is bad. Mum is a hero. She does not give up. But I am more and more telling her to consider a professional care.While I was in Croatia beginning of March someone in Russia cleaned my checking account. My debit card was most likely cloned in Kiev and someone in Russia was taking money. To make a claim and hopefully get my money back I had to get a police report in Croatia. This was another adventure. Now I wait that someone at the bank processes my claim.For Easter weekend I went to Berlin. I had great time. Last time I visited Berlin was in 1990. Things changed substantially. Photos of Berlin are:http://picasaweb.google.com/gordie26/Berlin_04_10?feat=directlinkWhile most part of Eastern Berlin is beautifully restored some buildings yet have to be restored. On some facades bullet holes from WWII are still visible.

This weekend I am in A'dam. Lovely sunny weather but somewhat chilly.As hotels I usually stay where fully booked I decided to try something new. I ended in CitizenM hotel. Allegedly the hotel is very "in" place. It got many awards in 2009 and 2010. But awards aside this hotel was not for me. One night and I checked out. It upset me seeing a toilet seat in the middle of the room. I am now in a old fashioned and outdated hotel - but it is a relief to be able to close a bathroom door.
Next weekend I am of to Fiji for diving. Again via Seoul. On a way to Fiji I will not stay in Seoul overnight. But on way back to Kiev I'll stay in Seoul two days. I am looking forward to catch up with Ylona and Eleni. As it seems that the weekend I am in Seoul there is ANZA Ball I will be there with Ylona. Great