Practicing patience

Schiphol Airport isn't a bad place to hang out. There is a lounge on the second floor with institutional chaises, shops to explore, a museum. It's clean and bright. The Dutch speak how many languages?

Yes, the start to this trip to DR Congo has not followed the planned schedule.

First leg: Columbus to Detroit. We arrived in Detroit on time, then sat on the Tarmac for 45 minutes waiting to get to the gate.

Second leg: Detroit to Amsterdam. The flight was delayed for hours for equipment repair. Of course passengers Re never told what is wrong with the equipment! Probably best.
Once we boarded, we had another, almost 60 minute delay. First there was need for additional mechanical review. Ten we had to wait for more fuel.my ticket allowed for 2 hours to change planes in Amsterdam, so I was reasonably certain that there would be need for a change once we touched down at Schiphol. I was just one of who-knows-how-many were going to miss connections, though.

Sure enough, landed at 10:40am; flight to Entebbe leaving at 10:45. And, of course, I was in 3rd row from back of plane.

So, my first experience with "self transfer" at Schiphol. When "passenger not found" showed up on the self-help screen, it was clear I couldn't "self-help."

Next was a 30 minute waiting in line for a number to GET help. When your number is "A181-Economy," you know it's going to be a wait. Service was being provided to A141, and then there were the "B" and "E" categories. And I don't think E stood for "Economy," as those numbers seemed to change rapidly. Oh well... Met a woman from Colorado heading to Budapest who leads camps for missionary kids--chance for them to get together, have fun, enjoy and share with each other.

And she helped me get onto the WiFi network.

So a 3-hour wait until my number was served, and I learned I would be spending the night in Amsterdam, and head to Entebbe the next day.

But, there were accommodations--hotel, bed, shower, and food.

All is well.