Early Start in Amsterdam & The Departure Flow
Our travel day began with a 4:00 AM alarm! After quick showers, packing up the last of our belongings, and having our bags ready for the Avalon crew by 5:45 AM, we grabbed a light pastry breakfast on board the Avalon View.
Our driver picked us up right at 6:15 AM as the sun was just beginning to peak over the Amsterdam water. Navigating Schiphol Airport went smoothly. Because Jorene’s ankle was still causing her immense pain, we took our time walking through the concourses, grabbed some ibuprofen at an airport shop, and relaxed before boarding our 9:20 AM flight.
Crossing the Pond & Detroit Layover
Our transatlantic flight departed right on schedule! Crossing back over the ocean was smooth sailing, with only about 10 minutes of light bumps on our final descent into Detroit.
Jorene powered through customs and TSA PreCheck like an absolute champion despite the swelling leg pain. While waiting during our layover in Detroit, we noticed our connecting flight to Knoxville was facing delays. Rather than stressing, we found a quiet spot near our gate to relax. Jorene made a brilliant move while waiting: she scheduled an afternoon appointment at the TOA Orthopedic Urgent Care clinic in Fountain City so she could get her ankle evaluated as soon as we landed!
Reunited in Knoxville (And A Minor Phone Mishap!)
Even with our delayed departure out of Detroit, we landed safely back at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville. Our wonderful friend Gary picked us up at the terminal and drove us back home, where I had a joyful, celebratory reunion with my sweet Chihuahua, Lily!
In all the excitement of walking through the front door, I managed to leave my phone in Gary’s car. Thankfully, I used my iPad to ping it, track its location, and arrange to pick it up shortly after.
Meanwhile, Jorene headed straight over to TOA for her x-rays. The good news? No fractures! The diagnosis was severe tendon inflammation, and they fitted her with a stabilizer boot for two weeks. So not only did Jorene return home to Huntsville with a brand-new Amsterdam tattoo, she also came home with a brand-new walking boot!
Final Reflections on an Unforgettable Journey
Looking back over the entire week—from navigating Paris with neck fans, floating along the Seine, experiencing a surprise ship swap, touring historic castles, finding “our people” on the dance floor in Cologne, and getting matching ink in Amsterdam—this trip was so much more than a vacation. It was a journey of healing, laughter, spontaneous adventures, and deep lifelong connections that we will both cherish forever.