Leaving Amsterdam
We left our B&B at 7 a.m. to catch an early train at Amsterdam's Central Station early in the morning. We carried a "picnic" breakfast that Nessie, our host, had packed and left in the hall.
Near the station I noticed this obviously modern street cleaner working with a broom that could have been made in 16th century. To me this symbolizes Amsterdam, a thoroughly modern city that's retained much of its past, from its architecture and canals to how the streets are swept.
We took an Intercity train to Jena in the former East Germany to visit one of Joanne's former practicum students who's now working as a psychologist.
The five day, three country Eurail pass we bought before leaving the U.S. let us ride in First Class on almost any train in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
On the top-end ICE (InterCity Express) trains, this was pretty classy indeed. This wood-paneled, carpeted area houses the WC (toilet) and the vestibule between cars. Glass doors slid open automatically when you approached. The ride was quiet, smooth and fast—100+ mph.
At this point we were pretty impressed with German trains. A later, very different experience on a night train to Amsterdam proved that Amtrak can compete after all, just not with the ICE trains!
The German countryside at this point looked very similar to what you find in parts of Ohio. This view from the train of wheat(?) fields could easily be Wayne or Holmes county rather than Germany.
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