Welcome in Holland

I’ve just unpacked - my arm wants to fall off from dragging my mega-suitcase.
The flight was pretty uneventful and I did manage to sleep for 5 hours maybe. It was pretty uncomfortable for sleeping and I never thought I would say this but I’m starting to understand why people purchase (and use) those around the neck travel pillows - Yes you need one! I saw a guy wearing one today that was inflatable. He looked like a total dork, but well-rested.

I’ve created a list of my top 5 rookie traveller mistakes:
#1 Don’t be late for the boarding call. I was supposed to be there at 1920, but got there about 1930. I really needed to use the washroom, but decided to go to the departure gate first. Guess what? They were announcing my row to board (thanks god not by my name - though for a second ...).
#2 Time your in-flight washroom trip appropriately. Due to the circumstances of point #1 I really couldn’t wait long after we were all loaded onto the plane and had been flying for a while. I bravely unbuckled and headed to the W/C (that’s european) only to find out I couldn’t see how to open the door. Luckily for me there was a helpful flight attendant stationed right by the door, only she was telling me to go back to my seat because the fasten seatbelt sign was still illuminated. Just as I was processing what she was saying, the light disappeared! She graciously opened the door for me after explaining the dangers of disobedience on board.
#3 I was feeling really impressed with myself for breezing through all security checkpoints and was ready to hop on the train. Here I encountered my first inconvenience related to the mighty euro. For some reason the automated ticket machines (they are very friendly in all other ways) only take euro coins or chip embedded credit cards. My simple plan was to get something small with one of my nice bills so I would be able to get the 15 in coins. Unfortunately for me, the shop I went to only had 2.50 in coins, so I had to go to plan B. I couldn’t see the huge counter that was train ticket info and I wasted time doing two extra laps in the area, and also fretting over the fact that a message saying “embedded credit cards only here.” They took my cash no problems. Only 3 euro down for a water and postcard. Still feeling good. Lesson: have a Visa card with a “chip” in it or just ask where the desk is and save your poor arm an exhausting and annoying workout.
#4 Take a cell phone. My plan was to call from Arnhem to see if one of the midwives would be able to meet me at the next train station (Dieren) and if not to climb on the bus and head to Doesburg. Even though I have a supply of coins, there is not a pay phone in sight. Another helpful and friendly Dutch worker let me use a work phone check in with the on call midwife. She was surprised to hear from me - knowing that I will start my placement officially on Monday, but not expecting me today. Anyway she’s busy so I have to get on the bus. No problem, I’m getting the hang of this travel stuff, except I need the bathroom again...
#5 Use the bathroom even if it costs .40€. You would have thought I learned this one already but I was weirded out first because I think the W/C might have been co-ed plus I wasn’t sure how I was going to navigate with the massive suitcase. I decided I was too weary to investigate and just left. It turns out that was a poor decision because when I got to my place there was a note from my hostess that I should get the key from the neighbour (I expected that one) and a note from the neighbour saying that they had gone for dinner and I should Call them - see point #4 or walk over to the restaurant using his lousy map. I left the arm mangler at the front door and wandered around trying to make sense of the map. Couldn’t locate the “bridge” or the street indicated. But eventually they came back and let me in and here I am. It was an absolutely beautiful afternoon. It had rained really hard but the sun was out and there were beautiful birds all around everyone biking around. I’ll see if any pictures turned out and post them. Hope I can send this tomorrow.