We were not scheduled to leave Amsterdam for Haarlem until later in the day. The plan for the morning was to tour the city and visit the Van Gough museum. There were a total of 133 cruisers divided into three groups under three program managers; I guessed, for easy handling. I think they know from experience that old travelers like us, complain and belly-ache a lot LOL.
While waiting for the rest of our group to come out, I struck a conversation with this guy fishing just a few feet away from our riverboat. I told my wife I'll just hang out with him and help him get his fish limit with his spare pole and do a solo walking tour of the city later. My wife said it is not going to happen. She is such a visionary LOL.
This is the glass boat we toured the canals of Amsterdam. There's not a young soul in our group except for our program manager (the brunette with dark glasses).
I wonder how much it costs to stay in that hostel? In all my years of travel, I still have to stay in one. I always thought they are only for young travelers.
Bikes have their own separate lane unlike at home where bike riders have to share the road with cars and other motorized vehicles.
This pic was taken from inside our cabin while we were on our way to Haarlem.
Some cruisers were taking advantage of the fine weather by sitting on topdeck and enjoying the view.
I hope we clear that bridge!
By the narrowest of clearance!
This bridge went up to let our boat through.
Cocktail party given by the Captain to welcome us and to introduce the crew members.
The wait staff being introduced
Our first formal dinner
24 comments:
oh i'd love to have a canal tour also. i bet you have taken all the routes that cruise goes to. is there any place that a cruise would go that you didn't take yet? i'm so envious.
I'd certainly love a canal tour or cruise for that matter. It always puts one in proper perspective when he or she has time to think for him/herself, also, when one is in charge of his actions, thus, he/she can reflect what comes and goes in the future.
I envy you for always exploring the world, I'd give anything to do just that, but if it costs me my family, not a chance.
I'm traveling today to Cebu, not a very exciting trip as yours, but enough to let me be me for a few days.
Photo Cache,I have done a lot of ocean cruising but this is my first river cruise...I like it a lot, kaya lang puro matanda na tulad ko ang kasama namin LOL. I don't know why. Mali siguro yung timing namin.
sheng, family is most important. Nothing in the world is worth more than that.
The quality of travel, be it near or far, luxurious or barebone, is measured in the enjoyment that you derived from it.
My most memorable travel was when my group and I could not make it to our destination because of a flooded river and we had to spend the night sleeping under the stars above uncovered ground. It was hell then but it is heaven when I tried to relive it.
I noticed there are a lot of bikes parked infront of that hostel. And with separate bike lanes, I think people here use bike more.
Bright day for cruising.
Rizalenio, bicycle is a very popular mode of transportation in the country. I observed though that the bikers here do not wear protective headgears.
I would really love to take a cruise one of these days. Even though I haven't spent more than a few hours in Amsterdam, I really love that city. Hope to explore that in-depth some day soon!
Aleah, I can't get enough of Amsterdam myself. When you revisit the city, try exploring it via bike. Biking looks like a fun way to do it.
i am betting my last ringgit that you and your wife were the youngest cruisers in your group. is my assumption correct?
how did your taste buds received your first formal dinner?
You just lost your last ringgit LOL. We were midrange between the youngest and oldest cruisers, give or take a few years. More give than take, really LOL.
I don't usually trust my taste buds when I am as well-dressed as the waiters and the food before me looks like a work of art.
I've had a riverboat tour of Europe, so I thank you for taking us along with you. I would fit right in with your group on the tour of the canals of Amsterdam.
Welcome to the fraternity of the oldies LOL. How did you like your riverboat cruise?
if the food looks a work of art, there's a guilt in every dunk of fork, right?
docgelo, right!! I would rather stare at it than eat it.
i remember taking the canal tour too, i almost fell asleep haha :D
Christian, I can't blame you.
that separate bike lane is admirable.
it looks like a fun boat ride.
is that fish on that piece of food art? he he if it is, then i will set aside guilt.
I've never visited any country that gives importance to bikers like Netherland does...not even in China when biking was the major people mover.
Bert, yes that's what I really love about the Netherlands too, bike country! And not unruly bikers too :)
Christian, I've seen Manila and San Francisco bikers and I know I need a more serious word to describe them than "unruly". They are deranged cyclists on a death wish LOL.
In times like this when it is so hot in the Philippines, I think back about my Europe trip and how cold it was there! haha But it seems like you have excellent weather here. Perfect indeed for a cruise!
Aleah, it was perfect weather for us, except for a day or two of "on and off" rains.
You are young, you can weather an unfriendly weather with a smile unlike an old fart like me who needs a drink or two to modify my attitude. Cherish your youth and follow what your heart desires.
Hostels aren't strictly for twenty-somethings only. Have stayed in some where there was at least one or two white-haired dudes staying in private rooms.
Can't wait to see Amsterdam again!
The Nomadic Pinoy, that's good to know. Thanks!
Don't wait too long to see Amsterdam again like I did. When you get to be my age you will know why LOL.
Hi Bert, Amsterdam is such a beautiful place. Hope to get there someday but I know I just have to sleep and dream. :)
Anyway I used to see the streets you have posted from the movie, The Fault in Our Stars. Have you seen it?
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