Leisurely day on the ship cruising this lovely canal -- still cold and rainy. We keep reminding ourselves that it is July. Internet is sporadic at best so no way to update the blog. There is a lecture mid-morning entitled "Germany since 1933" -- it is interesting to hear a German historian talk about Hitler and how he came to power.
Lunch on board -- excellent at usual. At 2:30 pm we arrive in Bamburg, Germany. With a population of 70,000, Bamburg is a lovely medieval town with many original buildings and bridges. Our Guide is Stephanie who is one of the best we've had -- she is witty and quick -- her English is flawless. She takes us through town pointing out the best shop for this or that. We end up at the Bamburg Cathedral -- another 13th century building. From what I can tell the business to be in during the middle ages was building cathedrals, painting frescoes and sculpting statues --- and we've seen only a few of the places that survived.
After our tour we wandered around town stopping in a shop or two. Sharon and Patte purchased some local handmade lace items. The guys were anxious to redeem the voucher Stephanie had given each of us for a free pint of local smoked beer. However, everyone on the tour had the same voucher so the two places for redemption were packed. We opted to redeem for a beer package to go and buy a beer someplace less crowded. Since the weather had improved we chose "Scheiners Gaststuben" -- an outdoor restaurant on a plaza. As long as we were there we also decided to try a sausage platter --- we could not believe what came out. We thought we were getting a snack -- but the plate of sausages, potatoes and salads that came out took up half the table. Of course, we've been in training for the past week -- so we had no trouble polishing this off -- after all we hadn't eaten for two hours.
Most of the shops close promptly at 6:00 pm -- but on the way back to the ship I approached a watch store, recommended by Stephanie, that appeared to be closed. I knocked on the door and the proprietor acknowledged me but spoke no English. However, he was a good businessman -- he got his wife who spoke flawless English -- I bought a watch -- Sharon bought a gold chain.
Bamburg is a town I could come back to -- perhaps for the Christmas Markets. It has good vibes -- happy, bustling people going about their lives and enjoying it.
Back on board -- our after dinner entertainment was Valerie, a local singer with a gorgeous voice. She sang tunes from all over the world.
Another good day on the river -- now if only this weather would clear it would be perfect.
Thanks to Skip for letting us know that the Cathedral of Ulm in Ulm Germany is the tallest in the world.
Thanks for Reading
Pat
On the Main/Danube Canal toward Nuremberg
The Cape Codders
Jack, Dave, Pat, Beth, Phil, Sharon, John, Patte
Thursday, June 30, 2011 -- Wurzberg, Germany
We wake up to rain, drizzle and a chill in the air. The coolness is welcome -- the rain is not. We have breakfast at 7:30 am and are on the bus to Wurzberg by 9:00. A short bus ride brings us to the "Residenz Palace" -- once owned by several "Prince Bishops". The Prince Bishops came into power when during the rein of Frederich II the local bishops were given secular power as well as religious power making them very wealthy. Germany was ruled by these Prince Bishops for 800 years until Napoleon abolished the practice in 1802. The Residenz Palace has been restored to it's original condition and is gorgeous -- we tour various reception rooms and public areas. The main hall with the grand staircase is magnificent --- with a ceiling that has to be seen to be appreciated. Unfortunately -- cameras were not allowed so you'll have to take my word for it.
After the tour -- the guide walked us to the market square and explained our options to get to the ship: buses at various times or walk. We all did different things -- but those of us who walked all agreed it was a little tricky finding your way around the nuclear plant -- but we made it. Since nobody in our group signed up for the optional tour to Rothenberg -- we had a leisurely afternoon as the ship made it's way to Kitzingen.
After dinner on board -- we were met pierside in Kitzingen by the Wine Queens in medieval attire. These were our escorts to Germany's oldest wine cellar -- GWF Frankenwein. As we walked through Kitzingen -- it felt like a movie set. There were no people -- nothing was open -- an occasional vehicle roared by -- and this was 9:00 pm in the evening. The town was spotless but there was no evidence that anyone lived there.
Upon arrival at the wine cellar we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine -- and directed way down into the cellar where long tables were set up for our tasting. There were glasses, a pitcher of water and bread on the tables. We tasted four more wines -- three white and one red. They were pretty good although on the lighter side than what I favor. Phil purchased a bottle of white that was very good.
We walked back to the ship with Maddy as our guide. There was still no activity -- but the town is lovely -- picturesque with flowers planted in various places -- neat and pretty buildings -- a lovely walkway along the river. Actually we did see some folks walking their dogs on the river when we left the ship but nothing now.
Another good day on the river.
Thanks for Reading--
Pat
On the Rhine Canal enroute to Bamburg.
After the tour -- the guide walked us to the market square and explained our options to get to the ship: buses at various times or walk. We all did different things -- but those of us who walked all agreed it was a little tricky finding your way around the nuclear plant -- but we made it. Since nobody in our group signed up for the optional tour to Rothenberg -- we had a leisurely afternoon as the ship made it's way to Kitzingen.
After dinner on board -- we were met pierside in Kitzingen by the Wine Queens in medieval attire. These were our escorts to Germany's oldest wine cellar -- GWF Frankenwein. As we walked through Kitzingen -- it felt like a movie set. There were no people -- nothing was open -- an occasional vehicle roared by -- and this was 9:00 pm in the evening. The town was spotless but there was no evidence that anyone lived there.
Upon arrival at the wine cellar we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine -- and directed way down into the cellar where long tables were set up for our tasting. There were glasses, a pitcher of water and bread on the tables. We tasted four more wines -- three white and one red. They were pretty good although on the lighter side than what I favor. Phil purchased a bottle of white that was very good.
We walked back to the ship with Maddy as our guide. There was still no activity -- but the town is lovely -- picturesque with flowers planted in various places -- neat and pretty buildings -- a lovely walkway along the river. Actually we did see some folks walking their dogs on the river when we left the ship but nothing now.
Another good day on the river.
Thanks for Reading--
Pat
On the Rhine Canal enroute to Bamburg.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 - Miltenberg and Wertheim, Germany
Cruising the Main River through so many locks has caused a delay in our schedule. However at 9:15 am we have a glass-blowing demo on board with Hans Ittig -- his family has been in the glass business for more than 150 years. They settled in Wertheim after fleeing communist East Germany in 1958. Hans is quite the showman -- demonstrating in great detail how to make various items even enlisting the help of an "assistant" from the audience. He has brought many samples of his work which he is happy to sell and extends an invitation to all of us to visit his two shops in Wertheim later in the day.
At 11:30 am we arrive in Miltenberg -- a small town which was not bombed in World War II so most of the buildings are from medieval times -- these buildings are leaning and doing whatever 800 year old buildings do -- it feels like a fairy tale. Over many of the doorways is a date and a symbol denoting the year built and the occupation of the resident. Phil, Jack, Sharon, John and I decide not to take the official walking tour -- we wander on our own. Losing Sharon and John to a Tavern in the market square, Phil, Jack and I go through some of the old streets and eventually climb up to the Castle -- which is under renovation and not open. The view is vast and one can only imagine living here and being able to see enemies or friends as they approach from any direction.
Back on the ship by 1:15 for lunch and departure to Freudenberg where -- at 2:30 -- we will board a bus to Wertheim for a guided walking tour.
Wertheim is a lovely small town and the guide is very nice but there is not much to see so Phil, Beth and I extract ourselves from the group and climb to yet another Castle (this one is open with a restaurant). It is quite the climb and I am proud of Phil since he is afraid of heights -- but he makes it to the top. This vista is incredible -- we have a cold drink and as we are leaving Patte and Dave arrive. As soon as they catch their breath, we accept the offer of a fellow traveler to take a goup photo.
Once back down on "terra firma" -- Phil goes in search of pub -- Beth and I poke around the shops. As we stroll through the marketplace -- we spot Phil, Sharon and John enjoying some libation at an outdoor cafe -- we join them. The beer selection is not great here so we go across the plaza to "Zum Ochsen Wirtshaus & Theke" -- a tavern that looks like it's been around since 1500. Beth and I stop first at a bakery to get a large pretzel -- delicious. As we are eating it out of the bag, we bump into Patte and Dave just returning from the castle. Pretty soon we're all in Zum Ochsen enjoying the local beer.
Finally at 6:00 pm -- we start our trek to the point on the river where the ship is docked. On board -- another great dinner and later in the evening a game called "The Perfect Pair" -- (like the Newlywed Game). None of us volunteer but it is fun to watch others and keep our own score.
We have a wonderful keyboard muscian on board -- Miroslav. He is very talented -- he can play anything from background music at tea time to dance music later in the evening. He was the author, with Maddy, of the "Music Trivia" contest we so handily won.
Another good day is done!
Thanks for Reading --- pictures are coming soon -- I promise!
Pat
On the Rhine Heading to Wurzberg, Germany
At 11:30 am we arrive in Miltenberg -- a small town which was not bombed in World War II so most of the buildings are from medieval times -- these buildings are leaning and doing whatever 800 year old buildings do -- it feels like a fairy tale. Over many of the doorways is a date and a symbol denoting the year built and the occupation of the resident. Phil, Jack, Sharon, John and I decide not to take the official walking tour -- we wander on our own. Losing Sharon and John to a Tavern in the market square, Phil, Jack and I go through some of the old streets and eventually climb up to the Castle -- which is under renovation and not open. The view is vast and one can only imagine living here and being able to see enemies or friends as they approach from any direction.
Back on the ship by 1:15 for lunch and departure to Freudenberg where -- at 2:30 -- we will board a bus to Wertheim for a guided walking tour.
Wertheim is a lovely small town and the guide is very nice but there is not much to see so Phil, Beth and I extract ourselves from the group and climb to yet another Castle (this one is open with a restaurant). It is quite the climb and I am proud of Phil since he is afraid of heights -- but he makes it to the top. This vista is incredible -- we have a cold drink and as we are leaving Patte and Dave arrive. As soon as they catch their breath, we accept the offer of a fellow traveler to take a goup photo.
Once back down on "terra firma" -- Phil goes in search of pub -- Beth and I poke around the shops. As we stroll through the marketplace -- we spot Phil, Sharon and John enjoying some libation at an outdoor cafe -- we join them. The beer selection is not great here so we go across the plaza to "Zum Ochsen Wirtshaus & Theke" -- a tavern that looks like it's been around since 1500. Beth and I stop first at a bakery to get a large pretzel -- delicious. As we are eating it out of the bag, we bump into Patte and Dave just returning from the castle. Pretty soon we're all in Zum Ochsen enjoying the local beer.
Finally at 6:00 pm -- we start our trek to the point on the river where the ship is docked. On board -- another great dinner and later in the evening a game called "The Perfect Pair" -- (like the Newlywed Game). None of us volunteer but it is fun to watch others and keep our own score.
We have a wonderful keyboard muscian on board -- Miroslav. He is very talented -- he can play anything from background music at tea time to dance music later in the evening. He was the author, with Maddy, of the "Music Trivia" contest we so handily won.
Another good day is done!
Thanks for Reading --- pictures are coming soon -- I promise!
Pat
On the Rhine Heading to Wurzberg, Germany
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 -- Cruising the Rhine in Germany
Phil and I both slept late -- knowing that we would be on board till after lunch because this is Castle Day on the Amacello. We are cruising the Rhine with commentary about all the castles along the way -- there are 30 castles between Koblenz and Rudesheim. We also pass "Loreley Rock" the narrowest and deepest point on the Rhine River. The castles are incredible as they sit on the top or sides of the of the hills along the river. How long it must have taken to build them so many hundreds of years ago defies imagination. It was a very pleasant morning.
There are a number of barges along the river hauling all manor of cargo. The owners live in quarters at the back of the barge. Their vehicles and sometimes a small boat are on the roof of their "house". A crane is used to hoist the vehicle or boat off the barge when needed. Some of the housing looks quite lovely with flowers and curtains in the windows. Apparently families live this way until the children are six or seven when they are sent to boarding school. The parents continue this lifestyle which, of course, is their livelihood.
Arrival in Rudesheim is 12:30 pm -- a mini-train picks us up to bring us through this small town to Seigfried's Mechanishes Musikkabinett--this museum houses one of the largest German collections of self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to the 20th century. Our guide, Melanie, is knowledgeable, well spoken and genuinely excited about these wonderful instruments. We listen to many of them during the tour -- and they are amazing.
Afterward, we all go in various directions to explore the streets of Rudesheim. Sharon and I find a shop that has lots of possibilities especially for Sharon -- she bought gold sneakers, 3 hats, 2 purses -- all at reasonable prices. On our way back to the ship -- we pass a cafe and who is sitting there having some German wine but Phil, Dave, Patte and John. We chat for a minute but decide to move on --- there are just too many shops and so little time -- we have to be on board by 3:45.
Sharon and I get back to the ship and stop into the lounge for a cold drink before the others arrive. As we are resting -- the crew is setting up for High Tea. The spread they put out was the best I've ever seen -- the pastries --- the cakes -- the mouse -- all so beautiful. I did use my will power and enjoyed these delicacies with my eyes only.
The Amacello is back on the Rhine by 4:00 pm. About 6:00 pm we leave the Rhine to begin traveling on the Main River (pronounced "Mein") -- the main sun deck is closed because of all the low bridges on this part of the river -- as Maddy said in her announcement: "We don't want any bridge damage from your heads"
In the afternoon (while I was busy writing this blog) -- our group formed a Trivia Team called the "Cape Codders". The first test had twenty questions and was distributed at 5:00 pm with winners announced at 6:45 pm just before dinner during the briefing for tomorrow's travels. The Cape Codders won first prize -- a box of brandy-filled chocolates. After dinner The Cape Codders participated in a Musical Trivia Test -- out of possible score of 22 -- we scored 21 -- another first prize. This time we won a bottle of sparkling wine which was promptly opened and enjoyed for celebratory purposes. During the music trivia -- the answer to one of the questions was "Polka" -- as a hint Patte and Phil got up and gave a demonstration-- it was hysterical.
We finished our celebrating just in time to go out on the deck as we traveled through Frankfurt -- spectacular at night with all the lights and the people still up and about at 11:30 pm. It is so pleasant to sit outside at night as we travel down the river. This ship is as smooth as can be -- one hardly feels the motion.
Tomorrow we visit Miltenberg and Wertheim.
Thanks for Reading!
Pat
On the Main River in Germany
There are a number of barges along the river hauling all manor of cargo. The owners live in quarters at the back of the barge. Their vehicles and sometimes a small boat are on the roof of their "house". A crane is used to hoist the vehicle or boat off the barge when needed. Some of the housing looks quite lovely with flowers and curtains in the windows. Apparently families live this way until the children are six or seven when they are sent to boarding school. The parents continue this lifestyle which, of course, is their livelihood.
Arrival in Rudesheim is 12:30 pm -- a mini-train picks us up to bring us through this small town to Seigfried's Mechanishes Musikkabinett--this museum houses one of the largest German collections of self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to the 20th century. Our guide, Melanie, is knowledgeable, well spoken and genuinely excited about these wonderful instruments. We listen to many of them during the tour -- and they are amazing.
Afterward, we all go in various directions to explore the streets of Rudesheim. Sharon and I find a shop that has lots of possibilities especially for Sharon -- she bought gold sneakers, 3 hats, 2 purses -- all at reasonable prices. On our way back to the ship -- we pass a cafe and who is sitting there having some German wine but Phil, Dave, Patte and John. We chat for a minute but decide to move on --- there are just too many shops and so little time -- we have to be on board by 3:45.
Sharon and I get back to the ship and stop into the lounge for a cold drink before the others arrive. As we are resting -- the crew is setting up for High Tea. The spread they put out was the best I've ever seen -- the pastries --- the cakes -- the mouse -- all so beautiful. I did use my will power and enjoyed these delicacies with my eyes only.
The Amacello is back on the Rhine by 4:00 pm. About 6:00 pm we leave the Rhine to begin traveling on the Main River (pronounced "Mein") -- the main sun deck is closed because of all the low bridges on this part of the river -- as Maddy said in her announcement: "We don't want any bridge damage from your heads"
In the afternoon (while I was busy writing this blog) -- our group formed a Trivia Team called the "Cape Codders". The first test had twenty questions and was distributed at 5:00 pm with winners announced at 6:45 pm just before dinner during the briefing for tomorrow's travels. The Cape Codders won first prize -- a box of brandy-filled chocolates. After dinner The Cape Codders participated in a Musical Trivia Test -- out of possible score of 22 -- we scored 21 -- another first prize. This time we won a bottle of sparkling wine which was promptly opened and enjoyed for celebratory purposes. During the music trivia -- the answer to one of the questions was "Polka" -- as a hint Patte and Phil got up and gave a demonstration-- it was hysterical.
We finished our celebrating just in time to go out on the deck as we traveled through Frankfurt -- spectacular at night with all the lights and the people still up and about at 11:30 pm. It is so pleasant to sit outside at night as we travel down the river. This ship is as smooth as can be -- one hardly feels the motion.
Tomorrow we visit Miltenberg and Wertheim.
Thanks for Reading!
Pat
On the Main River in Germany
Monday, June 27, 2011 - Cologne, Germany
We are still on the river as we make our way to breakfast. Apparently -- the medical emergency coupled with the river current has caused the ship to arrive in Cologne later than expected.
We docked very close to town --- our walking tour to the Cologne Cathedral begins at 10:00 am. Our guide is very good -- the cathedral is magnificient. The construction of this cathedral started in 1248 and was finished in 1848 -- yes that is 600 years. There was a 300 year period when no construction was done but it still took a very long time. Interestingly enough the original 1248 plans were used in the 19th century when the completion took place. It is the 2nd highest cathedral in the world. Patte is going to find out the which cathedral is the highest -- I'll report in a future posting. Does anyone reading know what is the highest cathedral in the world?
After our free time in the city -- it's back on board for lunch. The afternoon holds options: the Flower Show in Koblenz (which happens only every four years) --- stay on the ship --- explore Cologne. Patte, Sharon and John opted for the Flower Show --- Beth and Jack went for a walk and Phil, Dave and I were under the direction of Phil's guidance. He suggested we go to the Chocolate Museum -- who knew there was such a place? On the way we coerced Beth but not Jack to join us. It was brutally hot but the walk along the river was very nice. As we approached the structure of the Chocoloate Museum -- it was huge --- we could hardly wait. As we got closer things didn't look so good -- on the door were the hours -- Closed on Monday. It would've have been a nice time.
Undaunted we continued towards the shopping district and spotted the Mustard Museum -- which was open and free. These people used the term "museum" loosely -- it was more of a Mustard Shop -- but interesting all the same -- and this is where Dave & Phil and Beth & I parted ways. Beth and I to check out the shops -- Phil and Dave to look for a wine store.
Back on the ship in late afternoon -- I had a chance to download photos to Patte's computer. Yes -- the photos are coming soon. I just have to get them off Patte's computer to the blog.
Dinner was at 8:00 pm -- to allow for the Flower Show people to return. Again -- the meal was terrific and we had a fun time.
After dinner we all went up to the sun deck -- by now it is 10:00 pm and still light -- we stayed up there till well after 11:00 pm. It was so beautiful and pleasant to be cruising on the Rhine as the sun was going down. It is something that cannot be described but needs to be experienced.
Tomorrow is Castle Day along the Rhine and a stop in Rudesheim, Germany.
Thanks for Reading
Pat
Cruising the Rhine in Germany.
We docked very close to town --- our walking tour to the Cologne Cathedral begins at 10:00 am. Our guide is very good -- the cathedral is magnificient. The construction of this cathedral started in 1248 and was finished in 1848 -- yes that is 600 years. There was a 300 year period when no construction was done but it still took a very long time. Interestingly enough the original 1248 plans were used in the 19th century when the completion took place. It is the 2nd highest cathedral in the world. Patte is going to find out the which cathedral is the highest -- I'll report in a future posting. Does anyone reading know what is the highest cathedral in the world?
After our free time in the city -- it's back on board for lunch. The afternoon holds options: the Flower Show in Koblenz (which happens only every four years) --- stay on the ship --- explore Cologne. Patte, Sharon and John opted for the Flower Show --- Beth and Jack went for a walk and Phil, Dave and I were under the direction of Phil's guidance. He suggested we go to the Chocolate Museum -- who knew there was such a place? On the way we coerced Beth but not Jack to join us. It was brutally hot but the walk along the river was very nice. As we approached the structure of the Chocoloate Museum -- it was huge --- we could hardly wait. As we got closer things didn't look so good -- on the door were the hours -- Closed on Monday. It would've have been a nice time.
Undaunted we continued towards the shopping district and spotted the Mustard Museum -- which was open and free. These people used the term "museum" loosely -- it was more of a Mustard Shop -- but interesting all the same -- and this is where Dave & Phil and Beth & I parted ways. Beth and I to check out the shops -- Phil and Dave to look for a wine store.
Back on the ship in late afternoon -- I had a chance to download photos to Patte's computer. Yes -- the photos are coming soon. I just have to get them off Patte's computer to the blog.
Dinner was at 8:00 pm -- to allow for the Flower Show people to return. Again -- the meal was terrific and we had a fun time.
After dinner we all went up to the sun deck -- by now it is 10:00 pm and still light -- we stayed up there till well after 11:00 pm. It was so beautiful and pleasant to be cruising on the Rhine as the sun was going down. It is something that cannot be described but needs to be experienced.
Tomorrow is Castle Day along the Rhine and a stop in Rudesheim, Germany.
Thanks for Reading
Pat
Cruising the Rhine in Germany.
Sunday, June 26th - Cruising the Rhine from Amsterdam to Cologne
Phil woke me gently at 6:30 am -- he was all dressed and ready to have breakfast -- it would take me a little longer to adjust to the time change. The weather looked to be more promising with expected temps in the high 70's.
At 8:45am we boarded a bus to the canal boat for our tour of Amsterdam by waterway. The canals are like streets here -- people live on them -- work on them -- and take pleasure in just being on the water. To view the townhouses of Amsterdam is more interesting from this perspective as well. Our guide told us that the "hooks" at the tops of the houses -- used to hoist furniture in the 19th century -- were installed in the 17th century for delivery of spices and dry goods, stored on the top level to avoid moisture and dampness.
After cruising the canals for about an hour we boarded buses for a tour of Amsterdam and a stop at the Floating Flower Market with free time to explore on our own. I just can't get over the number of bicylces in this city. We were told that The Netherlands is the only country which has more bicycles than people (16 million people -- 18 million bicycles) -- it is certainly evident in Amsterdam.
At Clock Tower we are turned loose and start wandering down the street and "lo and behold" who do we see standing in front of the Carlton Hotel but Patte and Dave -- fresh off their flight -- luggage and all. Maddy, our Cruise Director, was kind enough to settle into a cafe with their luggage so they could join us in meandering through the Floating Flower Market. This market has every kind of plant and tulip bulb one can imagine. There is even a "cannabis starter kit" which might fun but also frowned upon by US Customs --- we decided to pass.
At the appointed time we are all gathered by the clock tower to board our buses to Utrecht where the ship is waiting. The rest of the day on board consisted of: lunch at 1:00 -- history lesson at 5:00 -- next day briefing at 6:45 -- dinner at 7:00.
Cruising the Rhine is delightful -- this river is used for commerce and pleasure all the time -- it is very busy. On the shore people are promenading along the paths that follow the river. At one point I notice some young people unloading equipment along the river. I soon realized they were our evening's entertainment. The ship pulled over and the equipment and musicians were taken aboard. After the concert they would be let off the ship at another point up river.
On the way to dinner Patte, Dave and I were coming down the stairs to join our group in the dining room when at the entrance another guest had a seizure and passed out practically in front of us. The crew was there in a flash -- the German equivalent of EMT's were called to meet the boat at a station ahead -- a guest who was a physician assisted and the gentleman was eventually removed to his cabin under his own power. This process took about an hour -- nobody could enter or exit the dining room due to the positioning of the patient. Dinner was now at 8:00 pm.
After dinner -- the concert was superb. Three young musicians played: bass, fiddle and guitar. They were so talented -- two from Russia and one from Bosnia. John bought 2 of their CD's. However -- it had been a long day and we all found ourselves nodding off during the concert. Maybe tonight we will sleep well.
On the Rhine moving toward Cologne, Germany.
Thanks for Reading --
Pat
At 8:45am we boarded a bus to the canal boat for our tour of Amsterdam by waterway. The canals are like streets here -- people live on them -- work on them -- and take pleasure in just being on the water. To view the townhouses of Amsterdam is more interesting from this perspective as well. Our guide told us that the "hooks" at the tops of the houses -- used to hoist furniture in the 19th century -- were installed in the 17th century for delivery of spices and dry goods, stored on the top level to avoid moisture and dampness.
After cruising the canals for about an hour we boarded buses for a tour of Amsterdam and a stop at the Floating Flower Market with free time to explore on our own. I just can't get over the number of bicylces in this city. We were told that The Netherlands is the only country which has more bicycles than people (16 million people -- 18 million bicycles) -- it is certainly evident in Amsterdam.
At Clock Tower we are turned loose and start wandering down the street and "lo and behold" who do we see standing in front of the Carlton Hotel but Patte and Dave -- fresh off their flight -- luggage and all. Maddy, our Cruise Director, was kind enough to settle into a cafe with their luggage so they could join us in meandering through the Floating Flower Market. This market has every kind of plant and tulip bulb one can imagine. There is even a "cannabis starter kit" which might fun but also frowned upon by US Customs --- we decided to pass.
At the appointed time we are all gathered by the clock tower to board our buses to Utrecht where the ship is waiting. The rest of the day on board consisted of: lunch at 1:00 -- history lesson at 5:00 -- next day briefing at 6:45 -- dinner at 7:00.
Cruising the Rhine is delightful -- this river is used for commerce and pleasure all the time -- it is very busy. On the shore people are promenading along the paths that follow the river. At one point I notice some young people unloading equipment along the river. I soon realized they were our evening's entertainment. The ship pulled over and the equipment and musicians were taken aboard. After the concert they would be let off the ship at another point up river.
On the way to dinner Patte, Dave and I were coming down the stairs to join our group in the dining room when at the entrance another guest had a seizure and passed out practically in front of us. The crew was there in a flash -- the German equivalent of EMT's were called to meet the boat at a station ahead -- a guest who was a physician assisted and the gentleman was eventually removed to his cabin under his own power. This process took about an hour -- nobody could enter or exit the dining room due to the positioning of the patient. Dinner was now at 8:00 pm.
After dinner -- the concert was superb. Three young musicians played: bass, fiddle and guitar. They were so talented -- two from Russia and one from Bosnia. John bought 2 of their CD's. However -- it had been a long day and we all found ourselves nodding off during the concert. Maybe tonight we will sleep well.
On the Rhine moving toward Cologne, Germany.
Thanks for Reading --
Pat
Friday-June 24th and Saturday-June 25th --- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Phil and I started the day by completing our packing -- we were leaving on United 3665 at 2:41pm to Dulles Airport with a 5:26pm connection on United 946 to Amsterdam. The connection was tight -- just 55 minutes -- but when I voiced my concern to United, I was told: "Madam, that is a legal connection, you have nothing to worry about." Those words were ringing in my ears as we sat on the tarmac in Jacksonville amid black clouds and flashes of lightning. When it appeared that we would be taking off but just before putting my phone in "airport mode" I sent a text to Dave since he and Patte were connecting to United 946 from Boston: "Just taking-off -- don't let them leave without us".
We arrived with plenty of time to get from Gate C24 to C5 to board United 946 -- we were in the air by 5:35pm. In a strange twist of fate Patte and Dave were delayed in Boston because United was again having computer problems -- they did not make the flight even though they got to Dulles within 10 minutes of our taking off. I cannot believe United did not wait for them.
United 946 was a great flight we arrived in Amsterdam to a quiet airport at 6:30 am. We zipped through customs, bumped into Sharon and John just arriving from Boston, retrieved our luggage, found an ATM to get some Euros, took a taxi to the ship, were greeted by Maddy, our Cruise Director --- and it was only 7:45 am. The cabins would be ready at 3:00 pm. Maddy showed us to the lounge where we could wait and enjoy refreshments.
By 10:00 am we decided to venture out -- even though it was raining. After all -- Sharon and I had our new LL Bean rain coats -- we might as well use them. We walked to the train station which is quite the architectural specimen -- outside and inside. European trains are so efficient -- at least the atmosphere gives that impression. Cutting through the train station we arrived in the "shopping/downtown" area looking for what I don't know. It was beginning to rain harder so we were ready for a respite -- when I spotted "de Bijendorf". This huge department store is of the old fashion variety --- with the cosmetics on the street floor, a restaurant on the top floor and their summer sale going on storewide. We planted Phil and John at the restaurant bar -- and went off to explore. Two hours later we decided to have lunch in the restaurant --- John joined us but Phil would have no more of de Bigendorf's -- he went back to the ship to rest. We were all exhausted but shopping did give me new vigor.
Back at the ship we settled in the lounge waiting for 3:00 pm. Beth and Jack arrived just after 2:00 pm -- it was great to see them. Since Beth had arrived the day before and Jack has been in Europe for a couple of weeks -- they looked great. Now where are Patte and Dave? Maddy told us she had spoken to them and they would be arriving the next morning.
At 3:00 pm the announcements were made to start the process of going to our cabins where our luggage waited to be unpacked. We got settled, took a cat nap (at least I did) and were ready for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party at 6:00 pm. While drinking Champagne, we were introduced to the officer level staff and given a briefing of what to expect for the next two weeks.
Dinner was served at 7:30 pm. It was wonderful -- the food is very good. They have a vegetarian entree and two others -- all looked great. They have the most wonderful cheese selection -- and the wines served with dinner were fabulous -- both the red and the white. I just had a taste (or two) of Beth's Cherries Jubilee so I can attest to the fine quality of the desserts on board as well.
By the end of dinner -- were were all ready to fall asleep. We missed Patte and Dave but are confident that tomorrow our group will be complete.
I am hoping to have photos up tomorrow -- it is a challenge which I am in the process of overcoming. Thanks reading.
Pat
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We arrived with plenty of time to get from Gate C24 to C5 to board United 946 -- we were in the air by 5:35pm. In a strange twist of fate Patte and Dave were delayed in Boston because United was again having computer problems -- they did not make the flight even though they got to Dulles within 10 minutes of our taking off. I cannot believe United did not wait for them.
United 946 was a great flight we arrived in Amsterdam to a quiet airport at 6:30 am. We zipped through customs, bumped into Sharon and John just arriving from Boston, retrieved our luggage, found an ATM to get some Euros, took a taxi to the ship, were greeted by Maddy, our Cruise Director --- and it was only 7:45 am. The cabins would be ready at 3:00 pm. Maddy showed us to the lounge where we could wait and enjoy refreshments.
By 10:00 am we decided to venture out -- even though it was raining. After all -- Sharon and I had our new LL Bean rain coats -- we might as well use them. We walked to the train station which is quite the architectural specimen -- outside and inside. European trains are so efficient -- at least the atmosphere gives that impression. Cutting through the train station we arrived in the "shopping/downtown" area looking for what I don't know. It was beginning to rain harder so we were ready for a respite -- when I spotted "de Bijendorf". This huge department store is of the old fashion variety --- with the cosmetics on the street floor, a restaurant on the top floor and their summer sale going on storewide. We planted Phil and John at the restaurant bar -- and went off to explore. Two hours later we decided to have lunch in the restaurant --- John joined us but Phil would have no more of de Bigendorf's -- he went back to the ship to rest. We were all exhausted but shopping did give me new vigor.
Back at the ship we settled in the lounge waiting for 3:00 pm. Beth and Jack arrived just after 2:00 pm -- it was great to see them. Since Beth had arrived the day before and Jack has been in Europe for a couple of weeks -- they looked great. Now where are Patte and Dave? Maddy told us she had spoken to them and they would be arriving the next morning.
At 3:00 pm the announcements were made to start the process of going to our cabins where our luggage waited to be unpacked. We got settled, took a cat nap (at least I did) and were ready for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party at 6:00 pm. While drinking Champagne, we were introduced to the officer level staff and given a briefing of what to expect for the next two weeks.
Dinner was served at 7:30 pm. It was wonderful -- the food is very good. They have a vegetarian entree and two others -- all looked great. They have the most wonderful cheese selection -- and the wines served with dinner were fabulous -- both the red and the white. I just had a taste (or two) of Beth's Cherries Jubilee so I can attest to the fine quality of the desserts on board as well.
By the end of dinner -- were were all ready to fall asleep. We missed Patte and Dave but are confident that tomorrow our group will be complete.
I am hoping to have photos up tomorrow -- it is a challenge which I am in the process of overcoming. Thanks reading.
Pat
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)