It started off as our 40th wedding anniversary gift to ourselves. We would commemorate the milestone by travelling to favourite places and making new memories. What could be better than that? Well, we could bring along our one and only grandchild -- Martina, at 8 was at that age where she would remember the places she'd see and the things she would do. And at 8 she would still be willing (and unembarrassed) to hang out with her grandparents.
We planned this for a number of months and everything just fell into place. There were no hiccups with visas, affidavits, DSWD permits (necessary for children below 12 travelling without their parents) -- the Universe certainly wanted Martina to have this one big adventure. Before we knew it, we were in the lounge at NAIA 3 waiting for our flight.
We have always flown to Europe on one airline only -- flying blue on KLM. But it had been quite a few years since we last flew to Europe so we were all excited to see how the newer planes were fitted out. KLM has just one daily flight out of Manila and it leaves at 8 p.m. -- past Martina's usual bedtime but the excitement kept her up and energised.
The spacious business class seats would certainly make the long haul flight much more comfortable.
Martina had a list of shows she wanted to see -- I was almost worried that she would be glued to the video all the way to Amsterdam! Please note that the glass of champagne was mine.
Just a little bubbly to celebrate the start of our big vacation!
Because the plane leaves Manila at dinner time, a light supper is served. But don't eat too much because they'll feed you again in a few hours.
There is an hour's brief stop in Taipei -- at past 10 pm some stores were still open, catering to those taking late night flights.
The lie-flat beds of KLM made for a restful night. Martina had at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
The crew woke us up about an hour before landing. Breakfast was served -- you can't go wrong with croissant and scrambled eggs.
Our first glimpse of Amsterdam! Land, ho!
Thank you KLM for a safe and pleasant ride!
We had a few hours to wait until our flight to Paris -- Schiphol Airport was busy and bustling even
at 7 a.m!
We cooled our heels in comfort, with free flowing drinks and food at the Crown Lounge. Second and third breakfasts, anyone?
As we got ready to board our plane for Paris, I saw this timely and apt message.
Yes, hopefully we would be able to make this an inspired and truly unforgettable trip!
Yes, hopefully we would be able to make this an inspired and truly unforgettable trip!
Traveling with Kids Tip #1
Long plane rides are a bane to families traveling with children. Babies, toddlers, pre schoolers and even in-betweeners can be restless and irritable. To prepare our 8 year old for the 23 hour (total traveling time) journey ahead, we made sure to inform her weeks ahead, dividing the chunks of time into understandable segments e.g. dinner, free time, bedtime, etc. She also brought along a book of puzzles, her favorite toy and of course KLM's in-flight entertainment helped pass the time.
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