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Packing for the Netherlands

Runcarla

Veteran

Monday night DH and I will be taking a KLM red-eye to Amsterdam, and then taking a train to Rotterdam where we will be staying for 6 days as I take part in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) age Group World Championships. I am participating in the sprint distance event (55-60 W age group). There is an opening ceremony, course orientation, team practices, events, and a closing ceremony. Afterwards, DH and I will shuttle back to Amsterdam and make it our home base for the next 5 days. DH wants to go to Bruges, but otherwise we have no fixed plans. We are fans of train travel, but might sign up for a mini bus tour.

The forecast is calling for rain and cool (15-17degC or low 60's F) the first half of our trip, but clearing and sun the second half. Below is a list of what I'm packing.

Black sneakers and silver Converse (both super comfy for walking after being kitted out with inserts!)
Navy striped T
Black T
Silver T
Black knit turtleneck
Blue knit turtleneck
White knit sweater
Grey knit sweater
Black cropped trousers
Black (faded) hacked jeans
Narrow dark jeans (can be worn long or rolled)
Ikat Jean style jacket
Black silky embroidered bomber
Black/multicolour cotton summer scarf
Black Longchamps Neo (has a cross body strap)

I will be packing my regular clothes in my trusty roll-aboard, but will be checking all my sports kit, crammed into a bike box!

I believe my travel capsule is a combination of tomboy and athletic luxe - thus consistent with the moniker of 'happy tomboy' that Angie gave me.

Opinions, suggestions welcomed. I was wondering if I should bring a trench coat? A hat? Should I trade out a pair of sneakers for white loafers? Also, I would love to meet-up with any YLFabbers who might have a little time!

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General

25 replies

Latest reply was from RobinF

bridgie

Veteran

Runcarla, Congratulations. I am so excited for you. Keep us posted.

rachylou

Veteran

So exciting! I like your travel wardrobe. Kicky!

anchie

Veteran

Is the bomber warm enough? Can it layer well?
Congratulations on this achievement, sounds very exciting.

Anonymous

This is so exciting! Yay for you.

Jane

Veteran

Great choices Carla. I think I would be concerned about warmth too, as Anchie says. I wondered if it was worth taking a black roll neck or may be plan to layer up.

I did also wonder about your great red trousers (for Canada may be) for a pop of colour. I think you had a post with them last year. I would stick with the sneaks for walking. I think I would also take an umbrella may be, just in case, rather than a trench (in the hope that it probably wouldn't rain all day).

I love Bruges. There is an amazing aircraft museum. I'm not normally one for aircraft museums, but it is kind of so relaxed and informal and you can climb in some of the cockpits that it really appealed to me. There are lots of old air force / military men taking care of the exhibits. They stopped for lunch at spot on mid-day and had a glass of red wine each. It tickled me!

Meredith

Veteran

I love packing posts! Looks like a great cohesive capsule with good layering options. I'm also fascinated by the bike bag! I've just taken up cycling and am learning the basics. It never occurred to me the the bike could be dismantled into such a compact package. Good luck with your race! I hope the event and the time that follows is satisfying and memorable!

Chris987

Veteran

You go girl! How exciting for you...can't wait to hear how you do. I missed that aircraft museum Jane described, I'll have to go back! No fashion recommendations, but I am going to take yours if outfitting sneakers with insoles. We loved Brugges for its gorgeous old medieval architecture, it was lovely just to wander the streets. They have a couple of beautiful old churches, and it seems that every third door is a chocolate shop! In Amsterdam don't miss the rijktmuseum (I'm probably spelling it Wong) with the Dutch masters' paintings. The wealthy wore a lot of beautiful fabrics back then and Rembrandt and others did an incredible job of capturing the feel of those laces, brocades, etc.

Chris987

Veteran

One other thing...you will find Rotterdam to be much more modern than the other cities, which is kind of interesting visually. It was leveled by the Germans during WWII causing the Dutch to surrender before their other cities were also destroyed. So it's high rise glass scyscrapers etc built after the war. Is also the largest deep water port in Europe I think so lots of commercial shipping.

Anonymous

Ooh, tomboy chic! It does suit you perfectly! Normally, I would suggest adding a bit more color - but I kind of think your lovely hair and authentic smile may add all the glow that is needed!
Best of luck in your competition! I haven't been to the Netherlands since the 70's (yikes!) and would love to see it again. Enjoy!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You need more scarves! And a trench coat.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have a good trip. Stay out of the tourist areas and eat LOTS of the best cheese and bread from the markets.

Runcarla

Veteran

Wow! Thanks so much for all the good wishes. I alternate between scared to death (this is a really big event) to confident (I've done my training). I tell myself that all the participants will be feeling some nerves, though!

Anchie - the bomber is warmer than it looks. There is an inner layer and a lining. The synthetic material seems to hold heat as well, and can even get too hot if I'm moving around. It is however comfy soft, like a cardigan alternative, so a good alternative to the cotton Jean jacket and a dressier alternative for going out.

June - it was because of the possible cold that I added the two turtle neck sweaters. They are thick fall and winter staples that I haven't worn since April. Most of my sweaters are cotton knit, but the grey one is part wool, part cashmere.

Royce (and June) I need to add more colour to my closet. I wanted to do a cheerful capsule more like Angie's NL capsule, but just didn't have the options. My wardrobe skews heavy towards blue, black, grey, and cognac.
Some of my clothes, including the red pants, don't fit. The nature of my training regime has resulted in a loss of weight and change in size (temporary, I suspect.)

Meredith - I HATE taking my bike apart. There will be a bike mechanic available, so once I get it back together, the mechanic will tune it up for the event. I will,have to take it apart again to bring it home, but DS#1 is a wiz with bike maintenance.

Chris987 - i am a foodie, and looking forward to every meal in NL. Certainly the cheese, chocolate, and pastries! I'm hoping a country surrounded by water has good seafood options as well.

Angie - thanks for the recommendations. I'll bring my trench coat. Haven't worn it since spring, but it fits well and can be layered. It is black, but the fabric is brocade - which I love. Will add a pashmina, as well.

I'm hopping to do a little shopping, and will be keeping my eye open for other scarf options, and possibly a sweater.

PS: DH and I have been pretty successful about sourcing out unusual, non standard experiences during our travels. I imagine that there a some things that are just not to be missed, but others that are accidental discoveries. The later often have the best memories. The things we will be doing around the sporting event will likely take us into different places than tourists normally go.

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Joyce B

Veteran

What a fun and exciting trip!

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations! This is going to be an amazing trip, and what an accomplishment!

Your capsule looks very true to who you are and, since you're there as an athlete, I find it appropriately sporty luxe. That striped scarf really speaks to me, and your color scheme is lovely.

I love Bruges...when I'm in a daydream-y mood, I browse real estate there.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

NICE.

Now I feel that you'll look like a local.

Adriana

Veteran

I like your capsule. You wil fit right in in Rotterdam. There is rain predicted this week, but the forecasts can be wrong. Today there were black clouds all day with sunny spells. Not a drop on me. Are you swimming in the river Maas? Lots of boats (cargo), but I suppose you have a quiet corner.
If you have time go for a walk on the Erasmusbridge, take a taxiboat back, or just take one. Fun and fast (not cheap). I remember your hotelboat. Close to that spot is the Deliplein with restaurants and Foodfactory. Pass the little bridge there to go to hotel New York for coffee or just the views from there. The stop for taxiboats and slower boats is there as well.

Sal

Veteran

I love your capsule and wish you all the best!for the event!! You will have all our Support behind you!

Joy

Veteran

Congratulations and have a wonderful time.

Style Fan

Veteran

The travel capsule looks great Carla. Have a wonderful time and good luck with the race (or whatever you call it). I can imagine you would be nervous. But like you say so is everyone else.

Inge

(website)

I love how you've added texture, pattern and glitter to your well-thought out colour palette, Carla. And I am completely in awe of your athletic achievements!
I'm glad you're bringing your trench:-) I personally wouldn't bring the white loafers because the weather is getting cooler and I like more covered footwear when it's chillier. I believe showers are a possibility over the next few weeks, so I would consider taking along 1 pair of shoes that can take a good bit of rain (are both pairs of sneakers canvas?).

I would love to meet up if you guys come to Bruges!

Good luck with the race and enjoy every second of your trip!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Carla, what a cohesive capsule. I'm glad you added the trench and some scarves. I'm also wondering about colour and hope you will purchase a colourful treat for yourself when you are away!

Congratulations on this amazing opportunity and have a fantastic trip!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

What a fantastic experience! Best of luck, and enjoy!

I think you have a great capsule. My only comment would be... two turtlenecks??? I only wear turtlenecks in Dec-Feb type weather, so that really surprises me. I wouldn't dream of wearing one in high teen temps. You might find a long sleeved tee/thin sweater plus a scarf more versatile.

Susie

Veteran

Wow, how exciting for you; that's an awesome opportunity to compete!

I think your capsule looks very cohesive and flexible; the trench is fab and a great addition. I'm with Elizabeth on the turtlenecks and think lightweight sweaters or cotton tees with scarves may be more comfortable.

Good luck!

Cee

Veteran

Sounds like a decent wardrobe to me !

Re the turtlenecks... I've travelled during the warmer months where a cold snap or cool night made me wish I had've taken at least one winter top.

RobinF

Veteran

Great packing! I am going to be in Amsterdam next week! We are renting a house right on the central canals. You are more organized than I am though, I am going to start laying out my clothes tonight. I'm hoping we don't get too much rain but I ordered a rain poncho just in case (a cute one, not the kind you buy at the camping store for $5).

Good luck on the race!