Greetings from the land of tulips and wooden shoes! Wish I could stick around but I have about an hour until my next flight and then it’s on to another country. I didn’t get much sleep on the plane. I should have taken a Tylenol PM but it was in the overhead and by the time I needed it everyone was asleep and I didn’t want to wake them! I got about 3 hours of fair quality sleep so I’m feeling pretty icky right now. Not that tired thanks to the sunlight streaming in the windows of this lounge, but just stiff. Hopefully I can sleep on the next flight.
But one thing’s for sure – I’m well fed. I’ve done nothing but eat since I left the USA!
Let me back up first…
Going back to North America…Matt packed me a Chickpea + Avocado Mash Sandwich this morning to take for long along with a few other items: a very ripe pear from last weekend’s Yoga Jam and a Chobani with some granola.
I ate the sandwich at 1, the pear at 1:30 and was going to save the Chobani for a late afternoon snack, but I was still really hungry at 2pm and had it just before I boarded my delayed plane.
When I arrived in Atlanta I had to use my brain to figure out which terminal was the international one (this was a challenge!), and take a train 3 stops to get there and find my new gate, which happened to be E26!!
I checked in with the gate and was told I had 40 minutes if I wanted to go to “the lounge.” Well, the lounge turned out to be the coolest room in the airport! I am very, very lucky to be flying Business Class on this trip and am granted access to the Club Lounges that always look so secretive in the airport corridors. Kind of like Willy Wonka’s Factory, you never see people go in or out but you know they’re there!
I was thrilled to find a BUFFET in the lounge as well as free WiFi and an open bar!!! How cool! Turns out I was quite hungry so I took full advantage of the offerings.
Fruit, veggies, cheese + crackers, couscous salad, mini wrap, WINE (!!), and a little cheesecake dessert.
30 minutes later I was in the air. Thankfully I had an empty seat next to me, which made the flight very enjoyable.
The pilot!
A nice new sleep mask 🙂
Shortly in I was delivered a bowl of mixed nuts and a water. The nuts tasted so heavenly, but I stopped munching when I realized I’d eaten half the bowl, since I’d just had a snack and knew dinner was on the way.
And after reading the wine list, ordered a tiny glass of Chardonnay. It was an amazing Chard – buttery, smooth, and oaked, just how I like ‘em. I had decided I wasn’t going to drink on this flight, but the wine was flowing and I was in the moment of excitement…
(Ate about 75% of this – seaweed was awesome)
Only had about 1/3 of this snicken chicken. He was good, but I was already full! Ate the veggies –
But not too full for this fruit cake!! And a taste of port! Both were consumed.
When we flew over England I wanted to touch down. I miss it from my summer there!
After my restless 3 hours, it was time to eat again. Oh, and I watched Baby Mama over dinner. What a CUTE movie with a stupid title!! I loved it.
I wasn’t hungry for breakfast but it tasted so good, and I love breakfast foods. I ate about 75%. Muesli was the best I”ve ever had! Must be the Dutch airline 🙂 Gingerbread pancakes were awesome too (I have to replicate them). I wish I’d had an appetite for the smoked salmon but I just had one taste.
I am now at the lounge at the Amsterdam airport, which is incredible. So funky and modern. This whole airport reminds me of IKEA!
It is unfortunate that it’s 3:30am and I’m zonked because I would love to partake in this flowing self-serve liquor + wine
Or the Heinenken on tap!!!
But instead I chose mint tea
And 2 shortbread cookies because I LOVE European cookies!
Ok, that wraps it up. Not sure of my next appearance, as the trip gets less organized from here. Hopefully you’ll see me again in 24 hours, but I’ll be enjoying myself in the meantime 🙂
By guys!
Anne P says
holy crap flying business class looks awesome!!! have a fabulous time in africa, fun to see you are in europe with me at least briefly! 🙂
Moran says
Wow I cannot believe they serve food so nicely like that in a plane! I guess its cause my flights are often in economy class and last no longer than 3 hours!
Amsterdam is so awesome – its a shame you don’t get to tour it a little….
Have a good trip !!
Leah says
I LOVE this recap! I know what you mean about the airport in Amsterdam. I connect in that airport most times when I fly to and from Canada and it’s a wonderful airport!!!
So neat to have you in my time zone for a change!
Enjoy the rest of your adventures!! 🙂
Rachel says
It is so cool to have you blogging in Euro time!
Jessica says
Wow, it’s so nice to see get the inside scoop on the airport lounges!! What great food and wine options. Hope you’ve gotten some sleep too!!
Alison says
TOO cool! I feel like we’re right there with you! 🙂 Be safe and have a GREAT time!
VeggieGirl says
LOVELY FLIGHT!!! 😀
hk says
eeeeee 🙂 such a fun post, i love following you on your travels!! have fun !!!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
How cool Kath! I’m impressed with how nice the food is on your trip. Glad you are doing great, safe and are having fun!
Meaghen says
Oh I don’t even know where to begin: gingerbread pancakes? They sound delicious. smoked salmon, free flowing self-serve alcohol? Man business class is awesome. Sounds like you’re already having a fab trip! Can’t wait to hear about the rest!
Whitney says
Note to self: get access to the sweet airport lounges.
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday says
Looks like a great trip so far!
Can’t wait for the next update!!!
Julie says
Look at you Ms. Fancy Pants! Business class looks awesome! They go all out with the food and stuff. Self serve booze?! Hell-o, dream come true. I’m so excited for an African post! I hope you see native tribes and warriors!
Tina says
So fun!!!!!!
We were the Flying Dutchmen at Union! 🙂
Marilyn says
WOW I want to fly business class next time I go somewhere! Looks a whole lot better than coach! Of course, I’m always flying with a toddler, which doesn’t make things any better… and, aaah, the IKEA airport! LOL!
Cannot WAIT to hear about the rest of your trip – and see pics, of course.
WEEKLY BITE says
Wow! What a great recap! Looking forward to the rest!
Leanne says
I wish all airplane food was that good!! ha ha business class… gotta love it!
Heather says
What an amazing experience… and you haven’t even left the airports! haha!
Thanks for keeping us updated!
K says
Kath – you have no idea how incredibly jealous I am of your plane meals! SWANKY!! Hope you continue to had safe and enjoyable flights!!
Sarah (lovINmytummy) says
So fun…glad you took advantage of all those perks. “I’m too full” would have been a poor excuse!
Thanks for taking us on all your travels!
emmy says
Ok, so I want to go to Africa just to eat the plane food!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Cool recap!
Thanks for keeping us updated!
Amanda says
Looks so fun! Hope your flight to Kenya goes well, is as tasty, and allows you some napping time!
life coach jen says
Oh my gosh that breakfast looks AMAZING! And the free flowing liquor at the airport? Unbelievable! Have fun!
Jenn says
Girl, they have you flying all fancy and stuff! Have fun in Africa. I’m really excited to learn more about the tea estates and the work they are doing to promote sustainbility and human rights.
Natalie says
Missed you Kath!
Your travels sound great, can’t wait to hear from you again. 🙂
Liz says
Flying business class sounds terrific! Enjoy the rest of your travels–hope you’re able to sneak in some sleep.
Fancy says
It sounds like you are having a great trip, Kath! Stay safe and have fun!
I loved “Baby Mama”, too 🙂
zestycook says
Kath, this post rocks!! I am loving it. I bet you look sharp in business class 🙂
Kailey (SnackFace) says
That is THE BEST plane food I have ever seen! Keep on lovin’ up the business class- it looks like it’s a blast!
Anne says
I’m guessing you were flying KLM?? they’re awesome! especially business class!!
Have a good trip and enjoy Africa!
Rachel says
That is the best looking airplane food I have ever seen! Good luck on the rest of your trip!!
Kinder says
I would love to fly business class! Looks like such a great experience! Can’t believe the free-flowing self-serve bar!
Hope you get some sleep!
Bec says
OMG, KLM is the BEST to fly with! I think its one of the few flights I have taken where not only was the food edible but it was actually amazing!
Sharon says
Oh wow, so much fun!!!
Brittany says
I’ve always wondered what was in those “special” business class lounges. It’s awesome that you were able to take advantage of them.
I love international flights- the food is so much better and the alcohol is FREE! Love it.
The Amsterdam airport looks so cool. I’ve always wanted to visit there.
Can’t wait to hear how today is going!
Hallie says
Wow you make flying look fun! I love to travel but I hate flying. I do love though how the food on European airlines is a million times better than American. It’s actually food you’d want to eat!.
Save travels 🙂
Hil says
Wow, I’ve never seen such beautiful airline food in my life. I’ve never flown business class before and I had no idea it was that exciting. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah (Tales of Expansion) says
WOW, i love airplane food, and you’ve definitely hit the jackpot!! i’ve never flown business class in my life … but ohhhh, it looks like the pinnacle of luxury!!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
I cannot believe that all was airline food!!! Amazing!!!
Priyanka says
Great trip so far! Flying business class is awesome!
Have fun, get some sleep!
skinnyrunner says
i am officially and completely jealous. the airports, planes, food, drinks all looks amazing!!!
Ryane says
Woooo, sounds like a blasty little travel party you’re having!
Haha, so fun!!
WendyF says
That lounge is my second home. KLM is my airline I fly for international trips and really like it. Their wine selection is some of the best I have found for an airline.
The lounge very new just opened in September. Did you get your little dutch house at the end of the flight? They are pretty cool.
Kelsey says
OMG.. What an amazing airport experience!! Self serve alcohol!!.. + beautifully designed.. I am moving to a different country.. pick me out a nice one on your travels!!
Sara says
Wow, great eats! Maybe I should start flying business class. 🙂
sue says
wow! i’m still amazed at the self serve alcohol…good to see you’re travels are going well!
Kori says
I’m in awe of the sleek design of the self serve alcohol bar! Gotta love euro mod design- so chic! Glad you’re safe and satisfied Kath! Finding healthy and tasty eats while traveling is such a challenge, but looks like you’ve hit the jackpot! It’s nice to take the food worries out of the equation and just revel in the amazing experience!
Lauren says
Wow – now THAT is the way to travel!
Bree says
Hope the rest of your travels have gone (or are going) as smoothly! Have a great time on this wonderful trip, I look forward to your recaps.
Leah A. says
Wow! You got the royal treatment for sure! Best of luck on the rest of your trip!
Jessica says
I’ve never flown and I am SO afraid to and it seems klike it doesn’t phase you a bit! Great eats on the flight!
Angie says
Everything sounds so amazing. Hope you get some sleep soon. Loved the recap of everything.
Sarah W. says
thats a lot of food!! omg everything looked delish! love that airport in Amsterdam – the speculoos cookies are the BEST
mmmm Heinken on tap is the best – esp when consumed in Amsterdam 🙂
Jess says
Wow, I can’t believe how much food you get in business class.
Marianne says
I miss Amsterdam – it was a great city 🙂 And KLM is a pretty good airline. I still think the best I’ve flown on is Qantas though. Free wine, even in economy class 😀