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