Down the home stretch

It's hard to believe that we will be leaving for Amsterdam next week.  Our bedroom definitely looks like we are going on another trip....suitcases in the corner, carry-ons half full, electronics, binoculars and cameras with the appropriate chargers laid out and ready to go.  I have a portable charging device to use in transit when we can't find outlets in airports but not sure yet if it is working. Our airplane seats are supposed to have plug-ins available, but a change in equipment on our last trip reminded me not to count on it.

Unfortunately. my new back problem is giving me lots of trouble (the results of my MRI last week showed disk and vertebral damage and I'm going to have a steroid injection into the spine on Monday to make the trip more comfortable).  The pain is worse at night when I am laying down, so now how some meds for the pain and have slept well for the past 2 nights.  Thinking positive thoughts and glad that walking has not been a problem.

I made arrangements for a taxi from the Amsterdam airport to the hotel shuttle and have prepaid the fare.  We had thought about taking the train but since I can't help with lifting luggage (that old back again) and we were warned about thieves who board the train and then, just before it leaves the station, grab your suitcase and jump off, the train is not an option.   Thanks, once again, to Cruise Critic and Trip Advisor, I found out about a relatively new taxi service and booked online with several emails back and forth to their office.  We arrive via a Red Eye very early AM which puts us into morning traffic when we leave the airport.  It will be nice to have a paid flat rate rather than watching the meter. Funny note:  the company is called Tinker Taxi and,are you ready for this?, we will be met by a Tinkerbelle carrying a sign with our name on it!  I always think of the taxi ride as our introduction to a new city. But this greeting might top any previous arrival.

Our plan is to check our luggage when we get to the hotel, hopefully access the Executive Lounge for breakfast, and head out for a canal cruise around the city.  Our room should be ready when the cruise ends and the concierge told me that the cruise begins very near the hotel.

Printed my packing list today and am packing our carry~on with the 'stuff' we will need in Amsterdam.  Our goal is to not have to dig around in our big suitcases unless the weather is very different from what we are expecting.  Back to my list now :)