Utrecht and Wijk bij Duurstede

Today is Queen's Day in Netherlands.  So we had to leave Amsterdam early in the morning.  I guess the police wanted the harbor clear for saftey reasons.  So we sailed here to Utrecht.  The morning tour is of Keukenhof Gardens.  Since we were here just a week ago, we decided not to go on the tour.  We only stay here in Utrecht until 10:15am so we have to be quick if we get off the ship.  The stop is Wijk bij Duurstede is really to pick up the tour group and then we sail to Germany.

Tony and Sandy are from Hawaii.  She was born in Canada but grew up in Alaska.  Moved to Hawaii 36 years ago.  Tony is second husband.  Not sure what happened to husband number 1.  She was a radiology tech but retired a few years ago.  Tony was CPA.  He still owns a fishing lodge up in Alaska.  It is only open 8 weeks a year.  But great salmon fishing.  Nice folks.  They have been married for 10 years.  Tony has two grown daughters. 

Had breakfast this morning with Martha and Herb from Canada.  This is their first river cruise.  Herb is not a fan of cruising in general.  Second marriage for them too.

We walked the length of the dock for some exercise.  There were six river ships docked here.

The bridges in the Netherlands are quite impressive. 

We left the dock at 10:15am and started sailing to the next stop to pick up the tour people.  Then we sail on to Germany.  They are having a trio entertain us this afternoon.  It is the same group we saw on the last cruise.  We enjoyed them but will see if we listen to them again.  Might just run into our nap.

We docked on the side of the canal and waited for the buses to return from the Garden tour.  Most of the people did go on the tour but there were a few of us who stayed back.  Bob and I went up to the sun deck where I read for a while and Bob did some of his band exercises.

We had lunch in the dining room.  We sat at a table for four but just the two of us were there.  The table was right next to a table for four.  They were Kathy, Sue and Glen all from Canada.  Our table had a bench seat and two chairs.  It is difficult to get to the bench seat so I think that is why no one else sat with us.  Which was fine with us.

After lunch we took our nap and then Bob went up to the sun deck to walk while I worked on the blog here in the cabin.  We dressed for dinner and had a cocktail in the lounge.  Peter and Debbie sat with us so we had dinner with them.  Peter is retired DO and Debbie much younger than him.  Orginially from Chicago but now live in Florida.  Have 7 children between them.  Peter had 5 and they have 2 together.  We learned more about them than we needed.  They have been married for 34 years so I guess it took.  He is 76 and she is 57. 

Bob has not been impressed with the food.  I think it is fine.  We headed back to the cabin to read and lights out. 

Amsterdam - Embarkation Day - Updated

Monday April 27th.  Today we embark on the AMACerto.  I know we won't have as many laughs as we did on the last river cruise with our friends but we are looking forward to seeing this part of the world.

Today is rainy.  So what else is new.  I am not sure I could stand the weather up here.  Cold and rainy most of the time.  It is almost May so where is spring?  Tomorrow is the big day here in Amsterdam.  We were scheduled for a canal cruise of the city but it was cancelled and now they are taking us to the Keukenhof Gardens, again for us.  But maybe this time it won't be as crowded as most of the people will be in the city for the coronation.

We walked to a new breakfast place.  I had a pancake and Bob had an omelet.  My pancake was as big as the plate.  More like a large crepe.  But very good.  Bob said his omelet was good also.

My large pancake.  Very thin like a crepe.

Bob's omelet with dry toast and a salad.  He enjoyed to omelet and the salad but not the bread.

We then walked over to the docks and saw our boat.  While we were walking on the dock, I spotted the Captain from the River Splendor (the boat we got off last Sunday).  We spoke with him for a few minutes.  Then walked back to the hotel.  We went through the train station looking for a drug store.  Back at the hotel, we were told there is a drug store there, we just did not go far enough.  Will go back later.

Now packing and getting ready to head over to the boat. We got a taxi to the dock and unloaded our luggage.  We had help getting the luggage on the boat but were told that check in was not until 3 pm.  So we left our luggage and headed back out to the train station where we were told there was a drug store.  Found it and bought what we needed and then off to find a liquior store.  Needed to stock up for the following month of travels. 

We came back to the boat and sat in the lounge where they had tea sandwiches and cookies.  Met a nice couple from LA area.  This is their first river cruise.  They announced that the cabins were ready so we checked in and came to the cabin.  Tight to say the least.  But we will make it do.  Our cabin was not as clean as we wanted so we called housekeeping to take care of it.  We are also one chair short on the balcony.  Will try and get that sorted out. 

We walked around the ship.  On the top deck you will find a track, chess set, table and chairs in the shade and some out in the sun.

This is the pool.  Not made for swimming as it is shallow.  But we might be able to do some exercises.
They tell me it is heated.

There were nine different river ships in Amsterdam.  Some you have to walk through in order to get to your ship.  We were lucky as we were right on the dock.

One last canal view.  This was outside the restaurant where we ate breakfast.

At 6pm they are serving cocktails and then the saftey drill.  Dinner will be at 7 pm.  Will update this later.  I am using the internet in the cabin.  Have not been able to log on with my lap top.  Will try that later too.

We gathered for a glass of champagne and listen to the Captain tell us about saftey.  We sat withStephen and Nancy from New Orleans.  He is a pediatrician.  Then we talked with Tony and Sandy from Hawaii.  We ended up having dinner with Tony and Sandy.  More about them later.

We returned to the cabin and lights out.  Not sure where we will be tomorrow. 

Amsterdam - Updated

We got up and dressed for the day.  Today the sun is shinning and the city is quiet.  Sunday morning is a great time here in Amsterdam.  Not so many crowds yet.

We walked down Damrik Street and found a little cafe for pastry and tea or coffee.  The buildings are decorated for the big event.

The train station is all dressed up for the celebration.  The banners have the WA for the new King's name.

The left tower of the train station shows the wind direction.  For Holland America fans, O stands for east, Z for south, N for north, and W for west.  The names of the four sister ships, Oosterdam etc.

We then decided to  take a walk over to where the river boats were located.  AMA was not in.  There were four Avalon boats tied up.  I guess our boat will arrive either later today or tomorrow.  At least, I hope so as we are to get on then.

On the way back to the hotel we passed the Basilica of St. Nicholas.  There were crowds outside and the bells were ringing away.  It appears they are celebrating a Mass to honor the new King.  Only royal representatives will be attending.  They sold 600 tickets to the mass and it sold out in minutes.  The bells rang for about 15 minutes.  Dutch TV will cover it live.

Most of the canal boats are decorated with orange.  King Willim Alexander is of the House of Orange.  Now I finally understand why the orange shirts on the football team.  There is orange everywhere.  I need to buy an orange scarf to wear on Tuesday.

More banners on buildings.  That is the opera house in the rear of the picture.

Back to the hotel to work on pictures and blog.  We have a tour scheduled for this afternoon.

We got our stuff and headed out.  Walked over to the Western Church and then by Anne Frank House. We were scheduled for a tour this afternoon but the outfit that runs the tours is so disorganized, we cancelled our tour.  Bob had some trouble getting our money back but he finally was successful.
Stopped at the same pizza shop we had dinner in on last time we were here.  I had mushroom soup while Bob had fish soup and then we split a small pizza.  Plus a beer.  Good stuff.

Walked back to the hotel and stopped for some gifts for the kiddos.  Now getting ready for a nap.  We have done a lot of walking on this trip.  My back is still hurting but I am getting by with Advil.  Need to restock soon.

Not sure where we will have dinner tonight.  Might just go back to the pizza shop.  It is a known place. Good food and not too expensive.

In the afternoon, I studied the Trip Advisor site on the internet and found a place for dinner.  It got very good reviews so we decided to try it.  We started with a vodka on the rocks with olives.  Too many places give you a martini that is mostly vermouth.  So we go straight for the vodka.  Bob ordered the escargot and sea bass and I ordered the escargot and rack of lamb.  The escargot was good but not enough garlic.  When our entrees came, Bob got the sea bass and I got a steak.  I told them I ordered the rack of lamb.  Seems someone, our waitress, put in the wrong order.  They were willing to cook me the rack of lamb but by the time it was done, Bob would be finished his meal.  So I ate the steak.  It was just okay.  I really wanted lamb.  We were told they would give us a free dessert but I was done with the place.  Why should I eat something I don't want just to make them feel better about their screw up.

Also, in walking to the restaurant, we got on the wrong rode.  A nice black man saw us looking at the map and took us to the right street.  These streets change names every block or so.  Makes getting there difficult to say the least.  Bob gave the guy 3 euros and he was a happy camper.

Now back at the hotel enjoying a scotch and a Belgium chocolate.  Can't get any better than that.

Brugge, Belgium to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Updated

Well today we are traveling to Amsterdam.  We got up and packed and had a taxi take us to the train station.  This time it was a civil ride costing 7 euros.  On the way into the town, it was a wild ride that cost 12.50 euros.  Oh well.

Waiting for the train in Brugge.

The signs tell you the time the train leaves the station and where it is going.  This is great for those of us who might not otherwise know.

The train to Brussels was fine with only three of us in first class.  Just one stop and then Brussels, Zuid. Which means south.  We had some time to stop for something to eat and then up to the platform and wait for our train.  We were in first class and it was full.  There was a gentleman sitting in our seat so he moved across the aisle where there were three other men sitting.  One man was a Frenchman and he was a rude as can be.  Gave the girl serving drinks a hard time because she did not speak French.  And yet he could speak English.

The ride was fine.  We arrived in Amsterdam after a ride of about 2 hours.  The hotel room was ready and we picked up our two bags that we left on Sunday.  Now getting ready for our nap.

I think I mentioned it before, but on the 30th of April, Queen Beatrix will step down as Queen and her son will become the new King.  So Amsterdam is teaming with people.  I have never been in a city that is so crowded.  It makes getting around difficult.  Makes you want to stay in your room.  But we will venture out for dinner.

We went out to take a walk and then stop for dinner.  The city is getting ready for the 30th.  CNN will be here so you all might take a look at the festive celebration.  We will not be in the picture.  We get on the boat on the 29th.  Thank goodness.

We had dinner at an Argentine Restaurant.  Food was okay but the price was much better than in Belgium.  We stopped to buy some scotch and headed back to the hotel.  Now reading, watching the news and bed.

Brugge, Belgium- Updated April 28th At the end of this page.

Had a fairly good night sleep and woke refreshed and ready for another walking tour.  Today we will do the "Musts of Bruges".  Again, two different spellings of the town name.  Keeps you on your feet.

We had coffee and tea in the room.  Have not found a cafe like we did in Gent.  Will keep looking.

When we stepped outside, we found it rainy and much colder than yesterday.  Oh well.  We started our walk and we passed city hall.  And on to the fish market.  Today we were a little early so there were only two stalls open.  Lots of different fish to choose from.  Some I would try and others, not so much.

The shrimps are much smaller than we grow in Florida but still taste good.

At the bottom is sea bass, then eel, then I am not too sure.  They also have flounder but it did not make it in the picture.

Anyone for snails?

We passed several guild houses and museums but do not go inside.  We came to Our Lady Church but it was closed.  I do not think things open until 10am or so.

Because it was raining, we decided to cut our walk short.  We finally found a place for a quick breakfast.  At Hema.  This is a department store with a cafeteria upstairs.  We each had a pastry and tea or coffee.  And only 6,25 euros.  And it was nice to get out of the rain for a while.

Next we went to St. Saviour's Cathedral.  We were able to go inside but they were having a service of some sort so we left.  I thought it was a funeral.

We next went back to Our Lady Church.  They are doing a lot of renovations on the main church so there is little to be seen.  But the main attraction is the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.  To enter if costs 2 euros but because we are seniors, only 1 euro each.  There were a few groups from river ships there so I got to listen to them in English.  One was a Viking River Cruise and the other was. unknown.  

The area where the Madonna and Child is located is now a museum.  This is part of the way they are paying for the restoration of the main church.

It really is a beautiful sculptor.

Just a close up of the Madonna and Child.

The rest of the church is under restoration.  You can only view it from the rear.  They are running cables under the floor.

This large crufix is hung from the ceiling.  You almost miss seeing it unless you look up.

The pulpit is beautiful and very similar to ones we have seen before.

This is a view of the entire church.  As you leave the church. you come upon this painting of the "Adoration of the Magi" painted by Gerard Seghers in 1630.  You could almost miss seeing it.

After we left the church we came to the St. John's Hospital and Memling Museum.  It is no longer a hospital but we found the sculpture over the doorway interesting.

The entrance to the former hospital.

While walking back to the hotel, we spotted this horse.  He decided to give me a kiss.  PopPop thought Aiden would like this picture.  Can you tell I am a little cold?

We decided to return to the hotel so I did a bit of shopping.  Stopped at a chocolate store for some wonderful goodies for the room.  This picture is of the Historium.  Just another beautiful building here in Brugge.

We worked on the blog and pictures and then headed out for lunch.  We wanted seafood so we went back to the fish market.  We found that the fish sellers were all gone.  We decided to eat at the restaurant with the fish hanging from the line.  This was one of the best meals we have enjoyed on this trip.  But expensive.  Oh well.

Love the wine glasses at the restaurant.

Then on the way back to the hotel, we stopped at the Basilica of the Holy Blood.  We followed the crowd and walked upstairs to the chapel where the blood of Christ is on display.  It is only open on Fridays so we were very lucky to have the chance to see it.

The entrance to the Basilica of the Holy Blood.  The relic is on the second floor.

The altar in the chapel where the relic is.

The relic is under the glass and guarded by this lady.  She wipes the case after each visitor.

Then back to the hotel for our nap.  Now worked on the blog and pictures again until we go out for dinner.  Yesterday the weather was warm and sunny and today it is rainy and cold.  What a difference but the people of Brugge take it in stride.

We enjoyed our lunch so much that we returned for dinner.  We both had the cod which was excellent. We also shared a bottle of wine.  What more could one ask for.  We walked back to the hotel and had our vodka and turned in.  Tomorrow we head back to Amsterdam.

Gent to Brugge

Last night we ended up having dinner at Pizza Hut.  I know, we are in Belgium but the prices are so high that we decided to save some money.  And the pizza and beer were just what we needed.  So we came back to the hotel to watch a little TV and then bed.

Up this morning and over to Exki.  This is about the only place open at 8am.  Even Starbucks is not open.  After our breakfast, we headed over to St. Nicholas Church.  We sat and listened to a man playing the organ.  They had just had an early mass and were cleaning up after.  While we sat there, a man told us he was locking up.  The church would reopen at 10am.  So we walked around the square for a bit and then came back to the hotel to pack, etc.

Our plan was to take the tram to the train station but because the streets here are all cobblestone, we will take a taxi.  We do not want the wheels of our luggage to fall off bumping over the stony streets and sidewalks.  We checked out at had the desk order a taxi.  It came pretty quickly and the ride to the station was unevenful.

The board said the train to Brugge was 10 minutes late so we were able to get on right away.  At first it appeared there were no seats but Bob was able to put our luggage up over head and then a young man picked up his back pack and I was able to sit.  Bob also found a seat.  The ride over took about 30 minutes.  We decided to buy our return tickets while at the station so we found the counter and did just that.  We will be first class on the way back to Amsterdam.

We got a taxi to the hotel and it reminded me of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.  I am not sure how many people he almost ran over.  Plus he took the long way around the city.  But we got here and checked in.  Room was ready so we unpacked and then headed out to buy some vodka and chips.  Had lunch in a small cafe on a square.  Bob had fish soup which he said was the best he has had.  I had cheese croquettes
and salad.  Okay.  We both enjoyed a beer.  When in Belgium drink beer.

We walked back to the hotel and took our nap.  Gosh, we are getting old.

After we got up we decided to take one of the walking tours the hotel has mapped out for us.  This took us through part of the city we had not seen before.  As it was after 5pm, most of the churches were closed but we did get to see a few of them.

As we step out of our hotel, we get a great view of the belfry.  We will visit it tomorrow on our second walk.  Today our walk was of "The Unknown Bruges".

We found this in Ghent as well as Brugge.  It appears the owners put up these spikes in order to keep the birds off the ledges of their homes.

During our walk we passed this statue.  It is of Jan Van Eyck.  He was the artist who painted, with his brother, "The Lamb of God" which we visited in Ghent.

Amsterdam is not the only city with canals.  And the views from the canals are wonderful.

As we continued our walk, we passed the Jerusalem Church.  It was closed so we may have to come back tomorrow.

Next was St. Anna's Church.  This church was also closed but we did get to see some of the exterior which was beautiful.

More from St. Anna's.

And as we continued our walk, we looked back and got the entire view of St. Anna's.

Our next stop was Queen Astrid Park.  These are some of the trees that line the park.

This gazebo is in the center of the park.  Lots of people were lying around enjoying the beautiful weather.  Finally it is warm and sunny.

And look, tulips.  Wish Judy and Anne could see them.  They are beautiful.

Next we came to Magdalena Church.  A gothic exterior but when you go inside, wow, what a difference.

This is the inside of Magdalena Church.  This is a symbolic baptismal pool.  They do not use it for baptisms.  But there are cushions and I guess the people can sit around the pool.

There are neon lights that spell out "Yes Here Now".  It is causing the blue, green and red hues.

At the end of our walk we came to the fish market.  All cleaned up today.  Maybe tomorrow they will be selling fish.

This is a restaurant across from the fish market.  I found the figure fishing with the fish amusing.

This is our hotel.  A great location.  I booked it with Capital One points.  So far, all of the hotels I picked are great.

We returned to the hotel to clean up for dinner.  Not sure where we will go.  So much to choose from.

Well we decided to eat at the hotel cafe.  Had a discount card and it is so convenient.  Ate light and now back in the room watching CNBC news.  Enjoying a vodka.  Getting ready for another wonderful day in Brugge.