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
No comments:
Post a Comment