Visiting the family

We got a bit more snow overnight and in the morning. Everything was covered by a pretty white coat.

I had to go to Alkmaar. This involves public transport. Now, when it comes to public transport, the Netherlands is sometimes a bit of a third world country, especially when a few snowflakes come down.

I managed to catch a tram, that was good. No, great. Because soon tram-shit would hit the fan, I later found out.

Behind the palace.

Magna Plaza.

I didn't have to rush for a train because the first two I got on weren't leaving and the third left 15 minutes late. But eventually it started rolling. However, 1 minute after leaving the station it was announced that more switches were frozen AND there was a broken down train further ahead. Therefore we were re-routed and ETA was pushed forward 30-60 minutes. Grand.

But I was in a good mood and it was warm in the train and I had a nice seat and I was thinking of my first stop so no worries.

(click to enlarge - so you can see prizes and realise this is not children's toys ;-)
This was my first stop you see. Huider model railroad shop in Heerhugowaard. I'll show you my purchase later on ;-)

There were funny patterns on the floor in the train. Dried up salty sludge.

At my parent's place it was nice and warm and after coffee we played monopoly. I didn't land on a lot of available property so I wasn't able to buy much.

To make matters worse I landed on "Income tax, pay f200" 4 times in a row meaning I missed out on my "When you pass 'start' you get f200" 4 times! That joke put me f800 behind everyone else!!!

My dad at some point was a gigantic pain in the arse, mainly Ilse's... She not amused and threatened to leave the table. My mom not amused in turn and burned down my dad. After 5 more turns of us showing great patience he buckled.

Nevertheless I blame my incredibly unfortunate start for my early bankruptcy.

(click to enlarge)
So, this was my model railroad purchase. A Dutch railways (NS) 1301 e-locomotive. A model I've wanted to add to my collection for a long time but simple wasn't being manufactured in 1:160.

Dinner time! All was peaceful again in the house of Koopman. That's what food does to us I guess.

My mom had bought a very nice selection of food that we could prepare ourselves in little pans. It was fun and lovely. I had a great day :-)

A parcel from St. Nicholas

The ferry had a frozen moustache.

There was still lots of snow.

An old ferry pick-up.

When I came home I nearly stepped on a parcel that was sent to me by St. Nicholas!

There was a card and a bag in it.

The bag contained candy! Yay! :-)

Sampson's journey.

Le bureau du jour.

Sampson all of the sudden started moving today!

Out slowly...

Turned around.

Forward on it's own power a bit.

And in to the next dock.

(Click to enlarge)
Right in front of our office. This ship is truly awesome. Our office is only 3 stories tall. This ship is about  11 stories!

I swept the sidewalk in front of my house when I came home. Don't want it to become too icy.

The ice skating rink.

This is how I start my mornings at work these days. With a glass of fresh orange juice. Hello vitamins!

The guys opposite thought they could get this off the truck with a forklift. They were wrong.

A new ship is docked. A small one this time.

At Leidseplein people are going wild in the ice skating rink. Or not.

Waiting for the tram home after squash I stood next to a bill board.

The fishing trip.

I went monster crab-fishing on the Atlantic this morning quickly before going to work.

There was still snow. And we got a little bit more snow.

I made myself a big dinner and I read a magazine about the 500 richest people of Holland. Two of my bosses are in it...

Snow!

Early morning on the ferry I could already see the Sampson being towed.

It was only moved in to it's dock so it's next door now.

Carolien finally left today. She's been docked in front of our office for about 9 months I reckon. Very long.

The painters opposite the street were making very colorful... things.

In the afternoon it started snowing suddenly. All of the sudden it was really winter.

In the evening I had dinner with colleagues at the IJ-kantine. It was very nice. Good food and good company.

Funny sticker at the loo.

Snowy scenery near my house.

I WoW-ed.

This is what I did most of the day; play World of Warcraft.