Amterdam to Almaty, Kazakhstan

I arrived in Amsterdam, and got through passport control and customs with no problems and made my way to the city center. I checked into my hotel, but I arrived before the room was ready, so I had a nice walk through town. I was immediately hit with nostalgia and wondered why I ever left... After wandering for a few hours, I returned to the hotel, checked in, then was out again for a bite to eat. I went to bed early, trying (without success) to get myself on Kazakhstan time, which is eleven hours ahead of Louisiana time and four hours ahead of Amsterdam time. I awoke at about midnight, went out for a brief walk, listened to some music, watched some tv, and eventually went back to sleep.

It was almost noon when I awoke on Monday, so I got up and set out to See and do all the things I wanted to. I failed miserably. I guess the lost was much longer than what could be done in two days. At any rate, I had a good time, ate some good food, and before I knew it, it was time to pack up and get to the airport for my flight to Kazakhstan. The check-in process and exiting immigration in The Netherlands went like clockwork. I waited the couple of hours before the flight in the lounge, and eventually it was time to board the flight. It was only about a seven hour flight, and despite my best efforts to stay awake, the lie-flat seats were too tempting, and I fell asleep for the majority of the flight. When we arrived at Almaty, the immigration lines went way faster than I expected, then the bags came minutes later, and before I knew it, we were on our way to the hotel! The check in process took awhile (I'm sure their best staff members were asleep at 3am, when we were checking in...), but eventually I was up in my room, relaxing after a long travel day.

The following day, I relaxed at the hotel. Being 11 hours ahead of Louisiana time is tough, and I slept most of the day and was up most of the night. Now it is the following morning, and I am about to meet the rest of my group during our first meeting! Let's hope it's a good group!!!


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