Tulip Time River Cruise

[bbangel]

Having always wanted to go see the tulips in Holland, I jumped at the chance to join my stepmother for a river cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium. We ended up on the Avalon Artistry, which was a fairly new, quite large river boat, for a week of cruising.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Artistrydl.jpg

The worst part of the trip is the 9 hour flight from Vancouver to Amsterdam. We did manage to get a direct flight on KLM. We left at dinner time on Saturday and got to Amsterdam at about 1:30 in the afternoon on Sunday.

By 4 we were on the boat and getting unpacked in our room. The room was quite big for a boat and we had a fairly big window given that we were right at the water line.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Artistryroomdl.jpg

The ship was pretty noisy, particularly when we went through locks. Since we often were traveling at night, we didn’t sleep very well. I guess jet lag didn’t help with that. By 5:30 am the next morning we were up and waiting for breakfast.

Our first stop was in Nijmegen, where we got onto busses to take us to Arnhem. The WWII battle that took place in the area was the inspiration for A Bridge too Far. We visited a war cemetery and a museum, where we learned about the challenges the region faced during the battle and the months afterward. Since many of the people on the boat were directly impacted by the war it was a somewhat emotional visit.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Arnhemcemetary.jpg

By contrast our next stop was in Dordrecht where we again went by bus to see the windmills at Kinderdijk. Given how windy it was at the site, I fully understand why that was a technology that spread throughout the region.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Kinderjidkwindmills.jpg

[Hedy]

Waiting for more!

[Blessing and Miracle]

Sounds quite interesting!:)

[spring]

Megan, I can't wait to read more! I loved our trip to the Netherlands a few years ago. Mine was a land tour, so can't wait to see it from your perspective.:sunshine:

[linanglab]

So glad that you started this TR! Can't wait to read some more!

[Sunni]

So interesting..........can't wait for more.

[bbangel]

Okay, I've added in some photos. Working on the next day now!

[askomsky]

Awesome pics! Such a great view.
Can't wait to read more!

[bbangel]

We docked in Antwerp in the wee hours of the next morning. We did a walking tour of the city centre with Johan, who was great. We had some crazy weather, with wind, rain and even some hail. I felt sorry for some of the southerners in the group as they didn't really have proper clothes for the weather. After the first hour (and we were all soaked) the rain stopped and the sun tried to shine. Since the Canadians had liberated Antwerp we did get a few expressions of thanks from people. Kind of made me feel awkward as I didn't do anything!

There were some hidden treasures in Antwerp, like this statue on the side of a restored church.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Antwerpchurch3dl.jpg

Coolest building in Antwerp was the Atomium, built for the World's Fair in the 50's.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/AntwerpAtomiumdl.jpg

After touring Antwerp and lunch back on the boat, we headed off by bus to Brussels. This was our first optional excursion and I'm glad we decided to go. Brussels was a really mixed city, with old world stuff and then modern, European capital stuff as well. I highly recommend the waffles in Brussels.

Strange happening of the day was when a local rear ended our bus (which none of us felt) and actually approached our driver at the next light to let him know. Meant we got out of the bus to walk in the park near the palace while the driver did some paperwork.

The oddest thing about the city, is that their icon is a small statue of a peeing boy called Manekinpis (I'm probably not spelling that right).

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/BrusselsMannequinPisdl.jpg

He is so popular that people have donated outfits and he has a museum filled with over 600 of them! The day we went he was dressed as a Hungarian soldier in honour of that country's president visiting the city.

[spring]

Great TR so far, Megan. I'm really forward of more to come. I do remember seeing the Atomium, but never went in it. It seems to be more of an architectural sight than a place to go into.

Were you able to try some Belgium chocolate? Oh, yummy!

[PSL1013]

What a great trip, can't wait to see more. BTW, if anyone watches the Today Show...Matt is in the Netherlands this morning doing his bit "Where in the world is Matt" if anyone cares to tune in. :)

[bbangel]

We again sailed at night, and woke up in Ghent. Another walking tour with a different guide, also named Johan. He tried to fill us in on a lot of history but I'm afraid not much stuck in my brain. It was a beautiful city and I could picture myself staying there for some time.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Ghentcanal1dl.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Ghentcanal2dl.jpg

After lunch back on the boat, we headed off by bus to Bruges, the medieval city. This was another one of our optional excursions and worth the long bus ride to get there. Bruges has many old buildings, including this rare wooden building.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Brugeswoodenhousedl.jpg

We did a cruise on the canal, admired the swans and did some shopping. I bought lots of chocolate. My stepmother bought raspberry and cherry beer. We both ate French fries with mayonnaise (the Belgium specialty) and more waffles. I can't believe I didn't take a picture of the waffles. So yummy with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Mmmmmmm.

We also saw this statue by Michaelangelo in one of the churches.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/BrugesMichaelangelo2dl.jpg

It is said to be the only statue of his to leave Italy in his lifetime. It was purchased by a wealthy merchant from Bruges, who gave it to the church. The story they tell is that is was commissioned by the town of Sienna, who couldn't afford it when it was finished. I think the story is supposed to tell you how much money the merchants in Bruges were making at the time.

[linanglab]

Megan - the scenery looks so gorgeous! Can't wait to see more pics!

[bbangel]

Today was the day of disaster. It started out well enough, although it was incredibly chilly that morning. It was -1 (that's about 30 F). We were back in the Netherlands, in the province of Zeeland. The local guide we had for our walking tour of Middleburg was not very chatty. He did tell us about the bombing and reconstruction that happened. He also talked about the town's connection to a US president (I think it was Lincoln but don't quote me) and there is some kind of University there with his name. I was a little distracted by that point because the worst thing happened. We had gone inside a building to see the roof architecture. I was taking off my gloves and my camera slipped off my wrist and crashed to the floor! I checked to make sure it would go on and it seemed fine. When we went outside again, I went to take a picture and realized that the shutter button was gone. I was so upset! And I just found out that the cost of fixing it will probably be more than buying a new camera, which isn't in the budget, especially since I would want it before I go to Florida in two weeks. Sigh.

The only good thing about Middleburg is that we were there on Thursday, which was their market day. They set it up in the main square of the town and you can buy just about anything. I managed to get a few small souvenirs for my friends here.

From Middleburg we sailed toward the village of Veere, having lunch on the way. We took a bus to see the Delta Works, which is a huge storm barrier system that the Netherlands constructed in the 80's to protect them from flooding. The cities that were affected by Katrina ought to go take a look because some of the same technology might be able to minimize future flooding. They have made a bit of a museum, aquarium, park out of the whole thing. We watched a film that showed how the barriers were built and then rambled through exhibits and the grounds. They had a few seals that we watched for a bit. I was using my stepmother's back up camera (which is awful!) so I have a few pictures.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/DeltaWorksIrisdl.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/DeltaWorksseals2dl.jpg

It is too bad I don't have a picture but my stepmother and I went on a small ride called the Moby Dick. It was a boat that we thought would do some gentle up and down movements. Turns out it went side to side and swung a bit more than we thought. We were laughing so hard. The funniest part was that we were the only ones on the whole ride and I think the operator thought we were a bit touched in the head.

When we got back we had a bit of time to explore the village of Veere, where we found this windmill on the outskirts of town.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/VeereWindmilldl.jpg

That night the crew of the boat did a skit show for us. It was very funny and I really missed having my camera!

[spring]

Even the pictures on your back-up camera are beautiful, Megan. I loved Brugge and it's one place I'd go back to in a heartbeat! I'm really loving your TR. Keep it coming!:love:

[bbangel]

Today was the day we visited the large Keukenhof Gardens. We docked in Rotterdam and took a bus to get there. Unfortunately we got stuck in a traffic jam and had a guide on the bus who was a bit crude and never shut up. She did tell everyone the story of Canada and the royal family of the Netherlands, which was nice.

We had about 5 hours in the gardens, which was enough to take a quick tour of everything. That place is huge and is surrounded by bulb fields! Again, using the back up camera and the pictures are quite disappointing!

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Keukenhofswans2dl.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Keukenhoffieldsfromwindmildll.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Kdaffodilfielddl.jpg

We had a short lecture on growing bulbs and the history of the garden and then were free to meander and tiptoe through the tulips (sorry, couldn't resist) I didn't find any Mickey Mouse tulips but I did find Donald Duck!

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Keukenhof6dl.jpg

Our bus had moved while we were away and the guide got us a bit lost on the way back to the boat. It took almost two hours to get back but at least we were in time for dinner!

[askomsky]

So beautiful Megan! Definetly a trip I would love to take.

So sorry to hear about your camera, that just stinks!!!! :(

[wilsonfamily4]

O, a cruise through that area sounds wonderful! I may have to get my mother to do this with me as well!

Can't wait to hear more

[pbhall13]

Some of your pictures make me feel like I am stepping back in time. Love them. OH and the tulips.........beautiful.

Sorry to hear about your camera..........glad your MIL had a back up for you!

Pamela

[faithhope]

Thanks for posting your trip report and pictures... I'm really enjoying it.

[Blessing and Miracle]

O, to dance through those tulips! Beatiful pictures!!


Sorry about your camera!:(

[bbangel]

Since I know that this is what everyone wants to see, here are a few more pictures of the Gardens

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Keukenhof2dl.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Keukenhof8dl.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/KeukenhofIrisandMegan2dl.jpg

Yes, that is me on the left!

[Hedy]

Great pictures (and now I know what you look like).

[bbangel]

Our last touring day we were in Volendam to take a side trip to Edam. My stepmother had gotten a migraine over night so she wasn't up to going out. Edam was a tiny town and very quaint. We were lucky enough to see a wedding procession and got to cheer on the bride as she made her way to the ceremony. There wasn't a whole of excitement in Edam. And as a side note, no one made cheese there. The farmer's who lived near the town used to make cheese and bring it into town with them to sell.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Edam1dl.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Edamwallofshoesdl.jpg

After the walking tour of Edam we had a bit of time in Volendam to walk around. I managed to find a gold charm for my charm bracelet, which was a relief since most of what we had seen until then was silver and my bracelet is gold. I got a lovely little wooden shoe in 14k gold and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg so I was happy. The dock area in Volendam was very touristy. It was also very windy. At one point I thought I could imitate Mary Poppins and take flight.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Volendambenchstatuedl.jpg

Back on the boat my stepmother had managed to recover somewhat. The crew was nice enough to get her some crackers and a banana. Her stomach is always iffy when she has a migraine so she didn't want to chance anything heavier.

We sailed during lunch and headed back to Amsterdam.

[linanglab]

Gorgeous pictures of those tulips. I bet that was even more beautiful in person!

[Blessing and Miracle]

Love, love, love the pictures! DD4 said, oooohhhh so beautiful!

Now we can put a face with the posts! Nice picture!:)

[spring]

:sunshine:Wonderful pics, Megan, back-up camera or not. I visited with my Mom a few years ago but want to go back. I'm trying to convince DH to go. Perhaps your pictures will do the trick!

[bbangel]

That afternoon we went on our canal cruise through the old city.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Amsterdamcanal1dl.jpg

Here is a close up of one of the famous bike parkades.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Amsterdambikeparkade2dl.jpg

And the so called Dancing Houses of Amsterdam. They tilt because they are built on wooden pilings. I guess they help hold each other up.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/Amsterdamdancinghousesdl.jpg

We passed the Anne Frank House and the line up was huge.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/bbangel74/AmsterdamAnneFrankhousedl.jpg

The original plan for the day had us walking down there from the dock and going in. Plan B happened when I woke up with a miserable cold and we saw the line up. That plan called for going back to the boat and drinking a lot of tea.