Keukenhof Gardens - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips!

Overnight our 'hotel' sailed to Utrecht where we docked just long enough to board buses for the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, about an hour away in the South Holland region. Weather forecast was still sunny and 70 degrees, although tomorrow when we leave for home, rain and colder weather are predicted. According to our guide, the past winter was very cold with lots of skating on the canals. This resulted in late blooming of the tulips making this week the peak of the season. As Julie Andrews sang, “I must have done something good!”

The Gardens are only open 8 short weeks of the year, this year from March 18th thru May 16th. The park covers a total of 70 acres, both indoor and outdoor, where a total of 7 million planted bulbs are in bloom. Indoor pavilions feature orchids. We had a special treat today as we drove past acres and acres of brilliant colors of tulips and hyacinths on the way to the gardens. These are the fields where the tulips as well their bulbs are grown for export. I was here about 2 weeks later last spring and all the tulips had been cut. I've never seen such an incredible display of colors!

About 1pm we returned to the boat which had sailed on to Amsterdam and was docked in the same spot where we began our cruise a very short week ago. The afternoon was free to do last minute shopping or sightseeing. Several of us hopped on a StopnGo van for the famous Rijksmuseum containing the Netherlands best collection of the old Masters.
The city was definitely in a party mood as celebrations had already begun for the Queen's Birthday which is celebrated tomorrow, April 30. It is actually a celebration of former Queen Beatrix' birthday and, although she died several years ago, the Dutch love this excuse to party. Since she was a member of the House of Orange, everything and everyone is draped in orange – even the beer is dyed orange! Sort of a cross between Mardi Gras in New Orleans and St. Patrick's Day in Ireland.

Well, all good things must come to a close, and early tomorrow we board a flight to the US. But we definitely plan to return to The Low Countries before too many tulip seasons have passed!
Linda
FYI - On May 10th I leave for Capetown, South Africa, and hope to be sending you updates on another part of our wonderful world!

Windmills and Willemstad

Another new adventure this morning! I felt like a native Dutchman as I cycled around Willemstad this morning. There couldn't have been a better day to take a bicycle trip. Not one hill in sight, and the weather actually was more perfect today than yesterday!

Docking right by the harbour in Willemstad, my first view of this tiny town was a beautiful white windmill near the yacht harbour. It didn't take long to get used to riding on cobblestone streets, and shortly I was tooling around the village like a pro (Lance would have been proud of his fellow Austinite!) I wish I could post all my photos as the village contained quaint cottages, canals with lily pads, blooming fruit trees and tulips. I even got a picture of a swan nesting in the reeds with dad keeping a close watch. Disneyworld eat your heart out -- you don't even come close to the magical charm of Willemstad! The cruise had a special treat for us -- an organ recital in old church.

Had another quick lunch while sailing to Dordrecht (back in the Netherlands). This afternoon we drove a short distance to Kinderdijk. Another UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, this area has more windmills than anywhere else in the world. About 1740 the Dutch built 17 mills to drain excess water from the polders (low-lying regions) so the land could be claimed for agriculture and prevent flooding. Today power-driven pumping engines do this work much more efficiently but don't hold a candle to the charm of the old windmills. We took many photos and climbed one of the mills. Fascinating to see the living quarters of the family who maintained the mill. Definitely small but very efficient.

Tonight is the Captain's Dinner so need to spiffy up a bit. Tomorrow is labeled as the high-point of the week -- the Keukenhoff Gardens(famous for its tulips), but everyday has been a special experience.

Linda

Belgium's Medieval Cities - Gent and Brugges

Belgium has many treasures -- chocolate, art, lace, mussels, etc., etc., etc., but one of it's greatest treasures is it's beautifully preserved medieval cities. Gent and Brugges are two of the most famous and were our focus today.

Gent, Belgiums's 3rd largest city, contains beautiful examples of the Gothic and Renaissance splendours of the Flemish life in the Middle Ages. We began our walking tour in the historical section of the city. Much of Gent's architectural glory can be seen along the old harbour where houses remain from sthe 15th and 16th century. Along the quay of the Leie River is a house with the oldest existing facade in Belgium, dating back to 1531. We passed over numerous bridges and looked down at reflection of the old homes in the river, made even more brilliantly clear by the bright sunlight. The Butcher's Guild contained Ganda hams(one of the specialities in Flenders) suspended from ancient roofs. Our walk ended at the Sint-Baafskathedraal, one of the finest Gothic churches of the Low Countries. By then we were ready to relax in an outdoor cafe and sip a mid-morning latte. What a life!!

Having experienced Brugges 10 years ago on one of the most miserable weather days ever – 37 degrees, pouring down rain and gale-force winds, I had been crossing my fingers that our beautiful weather would hold for our afternoon visit to Brugges. Fortunately, our luck held as it was 70 degrees and sunny. The cherry trees are in full bloom as are the tulips and the trees are bright green with new foliage.

An hour's drive west of Gent is the town of Brugges which seems to have come straight out of the Middle Ages. The city was a major exchange center in Europe in the 12th century, but by the 15th century the city began to decline due to the silting of the Zwin estuary and the decline of the cloth-making industry. The story of Brugges' reimergence reminded me of the history of Machu Picchu in Peru which was ignored for centuries and rediscovered in the early 1900's. In the 1960's UNESCO made Brugges a World Heritage site and this beautiful medieval city has became a must-see for anyone travelling to Belgium.

We walked through many old streets with ancient buildings and then boarded a boat for a scenic cruise through the canals. This is one of the best ways to actually see the homes. Lace and chocolate purchases followed the cruise with a stop at an outdoor cafe to sample famous Belgium beers. I'm not a beer drinker, but, on the recommendation of our guide, I tried a Cherry Beer and it was delicious. Actually, it tasted more like a Kir Royale than beer which is probably why I liked it.

We're on our way back to the boat and will be sailing to a new destination tonight.

Linda

A Bridge Too Far and Belgian LaceI

Today we left the Holland of the 17th century and learned about the Netherlands during their intense struggles of World War II. Docking in Nijmegan, a 17th century Dutch city that I had toured last year, I elected to not revisit this charming university town, but instead drive to the Airborne Museum. Located in an old hotel, this museum depicts in great detail the events in the battle for the bridge at Nijmegan. Unfortunately, many Allied lives were lost in the attempt to take the bridge and thus destroy the German supply route. The museum was unlike any I had visited as you toured the various rooms and felt through video and sound that you were actually caught in the middle of this fierce battle. I had not realized that Dutch resistance fighters shad helped many British paratroopers escape across the river while Dutch civilians sheltered another 500 Allied paratroopers around Arnhem. The 1977 movie, entitled A Bridge Too Far, tells the story of this tragic battle.

From here we drove to the nearby Airborne Cemetery were fallen paratroopers lie. I have visited the American Cemetery in Normandy as well as another cemetery in the Netherlands where 7000 American military are buried, but I still felt humbled as I walked through this beautiful, peaceful plot of ground where over 2000 Allied troops who fought in this battle4 are buried.

Having cruised all night (I love my hotel moving while I sleep!), we are docked Monday morning in Antwerp in the northern part of Belbium. In the Flanders region the language is Flemish and is slightly similar to Dutch and German. In the Grote Markt(city square) is the Brabo fountain. The UNESCO world heritage Cathedral of Our Lady contains works by Peter Paul Rubens who lived in Antwerp in the 16th century. Antwerp is one of the two most important diamond cutting centers of Europe-- unfortunately, I didn't manage to acquire any of these souvenirs.

Another fast but delicious lunch was followed by a trip to Brussels (about 1 hour south of Antwerp). I've been to the capital of Belgium several time but am still awed when I enter the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful city squares in all of Europe. Brussels is known not only for delicious chocolate but also delicate lace work. My plans to wait until Brugge to buy lace vanished when I saw an adorable baby dress. My second granddaughter who is won't arrive until September already has an addition to her wardrobe.

Holland's Charming Villages

I left you yesterday(Saturday) as we finished cruising Amsterdam's canals and boarded our river boat for Volendam. We sailed through a small lock after lunch into the "Marker Lake" (Markermeer), part of a larger lake called the Ijsselmeer and docked at Volendam. This sea used to be known as the famous Zuiderzee before it was closed off from the North Sea by dykes in 1933. Volendam is no longer a prosperous fishing village as the lake filled with freshwater, and fish from these waters are not as valuable as the salt water varieties. Much of the old structures still remained, and we enjoyed our stroll through the town.

Some of our group rode bicycles from there to Edam. A very flat landscape makes this region great for cycling. The rest of us drove the short distance to this village, famous for its cheeses. Much smaller and quieter than Volendam, this town offered peaceful lanes through which to stroll and the cheese tasting was a welcome and delicious treat.

Back on the ship about 5pm we set sail for Arnhem. It's wonderful to sit in the dining room sipping excellent wines (included with the cruise) and enjoy a delicious 5+ course dinner as you watch the countryside pass by. I MUST find time to use the treadmill!

Sunday morning again dawned bright and sunny -- how long can this wonderful weather hold???Some of our group opted to observe " a day of rest" while 4 of us drove to the Netherlands Open Air Museum. This name is totally deceptive as it's more of a 'National Folk Museum'. It was founded by a group concerned that increasing industrialization was destroying any semblance of the rich heritage and traditions of the Netherlands. They leased a beautiful estate and began transferring historical buildings to the grounds. We spent a delightful morning touring old homes and public buildings The commercial laundry operating in the 17th century was amazing! I couldn't resist photos of the various windmills -- each with a different function. The one in this photo was used to grind corn.

This posting ends as we set sail for Nijmegan and immersion in WWII in the Netherlands.

Tune in tomorrow for our next adventures.

Linda

This afternoon we are sailing to Nijmegen, site of much WWII history. Since I was toured the city last year, I am opting to go to Airborne Museum

Amsterdam -- A City of Canals

What a rollercoaster ride this past week has been. Having planned this Springtime River Cruise of the Netherlands and Belgium almost a year ago, I never expected to encounter cancelled flights due to a volcano. Fortunately, Mother Nature cooperated, and the travel ban was lifted the day before our flight. We arrived yesterday on a beautiful morning in Amsterdam and boarded a van bound for our home for the next 7 days - the river boat, Amalegro.



Our flight was uneventful; however, until we landed. Two of our ladies, who needed special assistance to Baggage Claim, were separated from the rest of the group when their cart didn't show up when we arrived at Baggage Claim. After more than an hour of frantic searching by not only me but also support from the cruise staff, they finally arrived! It seems they had been driven all over the airport as other passengers in the cart were delivered to different gates.

We did get to the ship (several hours later), had a quick lunch and headed out to explore this beautiful city and its famous canals. Taking advantage or the StopnGo vans, we soon arrived at the site of the Ann Frank Home located on the Prisengracht CCanal. Looking out the upper story windown with its trees just budding out in spring, it was especially poignant to think of this young girl who spent the last years of her life here.

From there we hopped on the van again and headed to the Rembrandt House where the famous artist lived and worked. Not only could we see the actual rooms in his home but also had a fascinating demonstration of how he did his unique etchings. Besides several of his famouns works, the house also contained works of his contempories that he collected. Unfortunately, it was now time to get back to the ship were our group of ten gathered for the Captain's Welcome Party and a delicious dinner. This is the same ship we sailed on in December 2008 for the Christmas Markets Cruise and several of the dining staff remembered us. Not sure if that was a positive or negative reflection on our group!

Saturday morning dawned just as beautiful, and after a very hearty breakfast, we boarded canal boats to see Amsterdam from the perspective of the locals -- from their houseboats. Actually most of the residents travel by bicycle (more bicycles than people in this city!) and by boat. Cruising past unique houseboats as well as funky ones that Austinites would love, old coffee houses, centuries-old bridges and elegant cathedrals, we enjoyed every moment and took far too many photos. If I had to choose, however, my favorite views were of the beautiful old house so narrow and uniquely designed. No two are alike.


This afternoon we are sailing through northern Holland to Volendam and then on to Edam.


I'll fill you in on those adventures tomorrow.

From somewhere north of Amsterdam...

Linda

Canalsbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb

bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb

bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb