Được phát hành: 18.07.2017
Hello mate!
After writing my first blog post today, I focused on finding accommodation in Amsterdam. I had already done some research on a few hotels in Amsterdam and came across one where I would prefer to stay. At the hostel, I took advantage of the Wi-Fi and tried to book a bed from Wednesday to Sunday. However, it said that there was no bed available for that period. I wasn't willing to accept that easily, so I thought a personal phone conversation wouldn't hurt, and I had nothing to lose (especially since roaming charges for the EU have been abolished). So without much thought, I dialed the number and immediately heard a friendly English-speaking voice on the other end. I explained my situation to her and voila - they actually still had a bed available. However, since I would have to change rooms during those days, I couldn't book it online. The woman then connected me with the hostel manager, who was also very friendly, and 10 minutes later we found a solution. I would book the first nights online so they would have my information, and he would book the nights I would spend in another room. So I hung up happily and booked my Flixbus ticket from Heidelberg to Amsterdam. However, when I tried to book my bed in the hostel for the agreed period, it still didn't work. I contacted the hostel again by email and asked for feedback (because I had to leave the hostel and go into the city, and an email usually takes less time than a phone call). Now, many hours later, I'm sitting in a small vegan café, having my bus ticket but still no accommodation because unfortunately, I haven't received any response. However, I'm not stressed because I'm arriving in Amsterdam at 8:20 tomorrow morning (my bus leaves here at 00:50), so I'll have enough time to find accommodation on the spot. That's the current travel plan. In any case, it has once again been confirmed that it can really be worthwhile to make phone calls (by the way, I will call the hostel again tomorrow morning at the latest, I just wanted to be able to concentrate on Heidelberg for the rest of the day and not invest any more time in the future but make the most of the present) and inquire again offline, even if you have to speak English - it's worth a try. What could go wrong?
I have a dinner appointment coming up, so I'm going to wrap up here and will be back tomorrow with a report about Heidelberg. Spoiler: Heidelberg, I have fallen in love with you!
See you later, buddy!
UPDATE 19.07. (06:42):
This morning at 3, I received an email from the hostel, unfortunately, they no longer have a bed available. So, I have to try to find accommodation on the spot, wish me luck!