Smooth Flight

Although our departure was delayed for 20 minutes out of Kuala Lumpur, the flight eventually arrived in Amsterdam 30 minutes ahead. We watched a couple of movies and managed to get some sleep as well. The arrival procedure and immigration clearance were quick despite only one counter being opened for foreign passport holders. We arrived at about 5.30 a.m. and after the quick immigration clearance and it was still early, we decided to have our breakfast. Coincidently, Yoges's cousin was apparently at the airport in the transit hall bound for Paris and they both just texted each other. Unfortunately, it was raining and predicted to be wet for the whole of this week. Although, we were excited about the trip but anxious about how the weather could impair the trip. The weather plays an important part in our trip.

Amsterdam

We met the bicycle hirer very close to the airport and he ferried us on his van to Amsterdam Central. I had to go to the storage depot to collect our refund which I booked online - initially, our plan was only to cycle and return to KL but the plan was amended to see Yoges's sister in Florida. We collected our refund and decided to cycle to Amsterdam Train Station. With a lot of excitement after getting the bike, it was time to load the bags onto the bicycles and head to the train station. Oh boy, I had so much difficulty getting onto the bike with the bags loaded and of course the inflexibility. I somehow used all my stunts to go over the bike - don't ask me how. Yoges was more flexible and she managed the climb very easily. It was further complicated with the rain and we had to pull over a raincoat and cover the panniers. We made it to the train station in partly soaked condition and feeling hungry bought ourselves meals.

The ICE trains do not have the facility to load the bicycles in their free-standing position. Therefore we had to dismantle the bikes and pack them into our bicycle bags ( we were prepared for it and had the tools and the bags). What a busy and exciting day. The train ride took 16 hours to arrive at our destination in Goschenen, Switzerland with 3 train changes in between.