Escape from Amsterdam

So, two missed trains on, I'm still in Amsterdam on the 2nd. I was supposed to meet David and Steph in Dubrovnik yesterday, and it's a 24hr train ride to Split from Amsterdam... but third time's a charm and I'm making a third attempt at the same train tonight. If I can't get this one, I think I'll just give up and trade in my eurail pass for a visa and just stay. Yesterday evening started out in a very frustrating way, suffice to say. I briefly considered simply rescheduling my tickets and making this just a nice trip to Amsterdam -- partially out of defeat, partially out of a sense that solo wandering might not be the direction I'm looking for. But not long after, I was reminded of exactly why I'm here, and exactly why I should continue.

By the time I wandered back to the hostel in defeat, for a second time, I'd already convinced myself that dignity and an empty sack was worth an empty sack, and at least the beds were comfortable... Not that there were any available, of course. However, what I was greeted with was sympathy, a bit of deserved laughter, and a helping hand from a group of great people I've met over the last few days. Kirin found me an empty (and free) bed in the employee's dorm (someone had left the day before, and his replacement was late, and we just had to act nonchalant near the reception desk...), Perseu was in the middle of cooking up a delicious pasta dinner... a meal and a joint at the park down the street, and a bit of faith in this trip's aim was more or less restored.

If I'm not stupid or rude, then I'm betting that I can more or less set myself in a general course, then let the current take me where I need to be. It's not perfect, but thus far... not so bad. Not so bad at all.

But I should probably mention who some of these people are. The Flying Pig Uptown hostel has been full of a great cast of characters, some more important than others. Chief amongst them has to be my new friend Perseu, a Brazilian lawyer and a damn good challenger at chess.... and here he is. Time to go out for a last walk about Amsterdam before my train. More to follow.