Overnight we sailed to central Amsterdam. Very cool to just hop off and in the ship when we choose. We decided to skip the excursion options of cheese tasting, a canal boat ride and even a short cycle tour, for time in the city. Three years ago we spent 5 nights here and it was wet and cold. Plus the rainbow Mardi Gras was on so there were people everywhere.
Today however, whilst still crowded, was another bluebird day and we strolled around re visiting some old haunts and enjoying time to ourselves.
Bicycles have right of way so you have to be very mindful of looking in all directions. Bikes are parked up all over the place, including many that have been abandoned.
The smell of legal marijuana was prominent and many shops were selling all kinds of foods containing it – I’ll never get used to that smell.
We wandered past Anne Frank’s house and her tiny monument around the corner, forever popular and worth acknowledging.
A quick stroll through the red light district with the ‘ladies’ at the glass windows in the alley is rather sad.
But I do love the architecture of the houses and buildings with their gabled façades. Some of them are on a bit of a lean. Hard to show in a photograph.
A real bonus to have had this day for our finale.
Last views from the top deck as another warm night was enjoyed. We didn’t get the benefit of the musical entertainment in the evenings because we enjoyed being outside for as long as possible.
The cruise was actually great, despite the disappointment of river levels, bus trips and shortened visits, but the crew all did their absolute best to make it enjoyable. Not what we signed up for but nor did the crew. Anja our director went above and beyond. It is the first time in 23 years she’s ever swapped across four ships. Of course our goal was to unpack once, and that was one of the frustrating things. Packing and unpacking took away the relaxing appeal. But we had the choice to cancel and chose to continue. We also met some great people. Win win.
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