tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12232007984881945082024-03-05T21:29:08.958-08:00The Dutch ConnectionDavid and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-31118857930828137142014-05-13T05:51:00.001-07:002014-05-13T05:51:28.614-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Saturday, May 10 – Another long day<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our European odyssey was about to
end and we were packed and ready to go ahead of schedule.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rather than wait for the 10:00 shuttle to the
airport, we packed all of our luggage on the 9:30 bus which was crowded by the
time everything was aboard.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once again,
we were traveling like the Vanderbilts with 3 matching suitcases and 2 carry-on
bags plus the van Gogh poster.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our
“stuff” took up most of the luggage rack.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">While David wrestled the baggage
out of the bus, MA secured a trolley and then retreated to cover so we both
were not standing in the light rain.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">With the luggage securely on the trolley, we made our way into the
confusion that is Schipol Airport.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We
had no idea where we were going but headed there anyway.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We found an overhead screen which showed
departing flights, which gates they would leave from and, most important to us,
which check-in desk to find.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Although sprawling, Schipol is
really quite well organized and we had little trouble finding a people-mover to
take us from the arrival level to the departure level.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">A bit more searching and we were at counter
C-20 in Terminal 3.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">No one was
there.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">With a 2:00 pm departure time,
the counter was not due to open until 11:00, giving us an hour to kill.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There was a coffee stand quite nearby but
there were no available seats.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We spied
a nearby bench with 4 empty seats and commandeered 2 of the 4 spots.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shortly thereafter, a Belgian woman sat next
to us and she and MA had a long conversation which lasted until it was time to
check-in.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">While they talked, David went
to the coffee stand and bought cappuccinos and muffins for breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The line to check in at
Icelandair had grown over the hour that we had been relaxing.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There was a separate entrance for Business
Class passengers, so we stood in it until we realized that the people manning
the desk were not really paying attention to it.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We waited patiently as another family inched
forward, determined that no one was going to get ahead of them.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Since we all had reserved seats, there was no
real rush.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Still, we managed to get the
next clerk. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Checking in was no
problem.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our luggage was tagged and sent
on its way which is more than we could say about ourselves.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our flight was delayed at this end of the
trip, too.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Icelandair pilots had
held a work stoppage the day before and flights had been canceled.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ours was still flying but not at 2:00 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of the perks of flying in
Business Class, other than the extra leg room, is the opportunity to wait
in</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">the airline’s lounge rather than in
the general boarding area.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The lounge
usually offers more comfortable seating, electric outlets for computers and
free snacks.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Singapore Air lounge in
Singapore was luxurious and had better and more diverse food options than many
restaurants.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The lounge we used at
Schipol was a joint venture shared by many airlines; with only one flight per
day, Icelandair cannot afford a private lounge.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The directions we received at
check-in were confusing.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">MA thought we
had to go through security to find the lounge; David thought we had to go to
Terminal 2.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were both right.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We asked people as we walked and realized
that we had to go through security in Terminal 2 [the departure point for our
flight] and then over the river and through the woods – really up another
escalator and around several corners – to the lounge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was not very full when we
arrived but became busier as time passed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And passed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And passed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had been told that boarding would commence
at 2:15 [it didn’t] and were in the waiting area early.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was a mob scene.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">When an announcement was made that there
would be some pre-boarding, everyone got up and crowded the entryway.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">David asked if the Business Class passengers
would, indeed, be able to board early since they had not been listed in the
announcement.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The answer was “yes,” but
there was still a lot of crowding and rudeness when the gates were finally
opened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Since we were hours late taking
off from Amsterdam, we knew that all of the other Icelandair flights would also
be hours behind schedule and that, consequently, we would be late leaving
Reykjavik.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And we were.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The mob scene at Keflavik in Reykjavik was
worse than at Schipol, but everyone boarded without injury and we finally took
off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Both flights were fine.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We felt lucky when we discovered that we had
the front bulkhead row on the second flight.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Leg room was no problem.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Service
was good and we ate our way across the Atlantic again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The limo we had hired was at
Dulles when we landed at 9:40 instead of 7:00.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were grateful because the thought of driving home after such a long
day and such little sleep was not a pleasant one.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We finally got to Emily’s just past 11:30,
tired and happy to be home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-29825155591687208932014-05-12T20:00:00.000-07:002014-05-12T20:00:02.566-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Friday, May 9 – Delft<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">When we went on a Christmas
cruise with Emily in 2010, we shared a dinner table with a Dutch family.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marcel and Jeanet had married late and were
in their late 40s or early 50s; they were sailing with her mother, Jerry, who
spoke almost no English but was entertaining anyway.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The highlight of our dinners came the night
Jerry goosed our waiter.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marcel did most
of the talking for the group because Jeanet’s English was limited, too.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In this, they were like Peter and Manu whom
we met 2 years later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We have kept in touch over the
past 3 years and have met them in Miami when they have come through on the way
to or from a Caribbean cruise.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This past
winter, David met them and drove them to Sawgrass Mills so they could shop
[They took a taxi back to Miami].</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Of
course, they have kept up with Emily and Harper and we have sent them baby
pictures by email during the last year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On Friday, Jeanet picked us up at
our hotel and drove with speed and dexterity, and a non-stop conversation, from
Amsterdam to Delft.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Because of work
commitments, they still maintain separate living spaces 90 minutes apart.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">When he retires, Marcel says, he will move
out of the apartment he has maintained for 25 years and move into Jeanet’s
house.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They will finally have more than
weekends and holidays together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-EgLnil7KmnMaYmOPSIfUl1zx-S2XXLwyVvY8wwlkyO_xGF4EUWqqTpMQV4dyFPRcbudgkPVtAUFPnd6_y5KPtStQqSBp3KrKAL7f9i-GRgsr5HCAJZwxJpdE2sOb2Pw50VeznmajMw/s1600/101_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-EgLnil7KmnMaYmOPSIfUl1zx-S2XXLwyVvY8wwlkyO_xGF4EUWqqTpMQV4dyFPRcbudgkPVtAUFPnd6_y5KPtStQqSBp3KrKAL7f9i-GRgsr5HCAJZwxJpdE2sOb2Pw50VeznmajMw/s1600/101_0942.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Interior of the Old Church</strong></span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSepCXgAlEXpZGmljnJbhlk6YI09Ylew4i3IXn-mOAeADsVboSdzohVlyeGpx1NBy33usGEOp9rulIDto1T7yVCZqPuNcdsRVIn-v5B2jtfVhV29UE0ICH-7dSAvpOm8UYOr9MQGLfvA/s1600/101_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSepCXgAlEXpZGmljnJbhlk6YI09Ylew4i3IXn-mOAeADsVboSdzohVlyeGpx1NBy33usGEOp9rulIDto1T7yVCZqPuNcdsRVIn-v5B2jtfVhV29UE0ICH-7dSAvpOm8UYOr9MQGLfvA/s1600/101_0943.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Stained glass closeup</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marcel had taken the day off from
work so he could join us; Jeanet apparently had a school holiday and did not
have to report to work.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">She drove us to
Marcel’s apartment where we had the obligatory coffee or tea and, this time,
wonderful almond cookies, followed by more coffee and conversation.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marcel’s apartment was a combination of
traditionally-Dutch wooden furniture mixed with modern sofas and chairs.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">He has three aquariums [aquaria?] in the living
area and souvenirs from their yearly safaris to Africa.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The most striking is a breath-taking photo of
elephants that he took in Kenya.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There
were masks and wooden animals throughout.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5PL_JOZ0BA_Mpzt_4n8OhMYnkueSDRfBXL0WhcOY_mb9bX3ichYko_1sbgihBDCgcW_gcZI6qKQ6QGKXQYtL7-op0sM2TE_l-RagdamJnBmW1aZgb8qaPCs0ISbRu01A1k2nLVGX1oU/s1600/101_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5PL_JOZ0BA_Mpzt_4n8OhMYnkueSDRfBXL0WhcOY_mb9bX3ichYko_1sbgihBDCgcW_gcZI6qKQ6QGKXQYtL7-op0sM2TE_l-RagdamJnBmW1aZgb8qaPCs0ISbRu01A1k2nLVGX1oU/s1600/101_0941.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Organ at the Old Church</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once we headed out to see Delft,
we had to contend with the weather.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ever
since we got to Amsterdam, we have battled overcast skies, cool temperatures
and wind.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today we finally got real
rain.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">David and MA had brought rain
jackets which helped keep us dry but offered no protection from the cold or
wind.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In a concession to the conditions,
Marcel dropped us off near the center of Delft’s old section while he parked
the car “nearby.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJypNaIobbxjFDtRmtGfKBnCrjXythynWjwfEFkdmehRvAVANOV6xZvwVCY6-sYOg0SNNjbfTMZU9Z2CHpfu8_g0IfkEMuNINvvc1FQywCEM4lkVbdBntCz0yiAklt5_hDFHPjNJslj5w/s1600/101_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJypNaIobbxjFDtRmtGfKBnCrjXythynWjwfEFkdmehRvAVANOV6xZvwVCY6-sYOg0SNNjbfTMZU9Z2CHpfu8_g0IfkEMuNINvvc1FQywCEM4lkVbdBntCz0yiAklt5_hDFHPjNJslj5w/s1600/101_0953.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Town Hall in Delft</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We walked with Jeanet through the
drizzle and wound to the Old Church [so-called to distinguish it from the New
Church].</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">While we were looking around,
Marcel joined us and they both tried to explain both the building and the
appropriate Dutch history.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">History was
not their strong suit, as they readily admitted later in the day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Regardless, we marveled at the architecture
and decorations of the old Gothic structure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had to wait a bit for the rain
to ease before leaving the Old Church and heading for the New Church.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our path took us through the town square, the
market square on certain days, and past the Town Hall.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We arrived just after the conclusion of a
wedding and were surrounded by children whose teacher had just been
married.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They must have all been
invited.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We even saw a group on bicycles
and wearing matching yellow slickers preparing, we assumed, to return to school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJX4_SpVQ2DhA3xHZWaBs_TD1Pp5YsKCppg8dJu0fsYcsXe6byBASHO8acP2krjeZiKrpxWJDV2xvLGnbCap2X7oTQL6xTHPWlH0FobsptehyphenhyphenihLQbXRqbHbNC8Jfn0OHlawjsySekEI/s1600/101_0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJX4_SpVQ2DhA3xHZWaBs_TD1Pp5YsKCppg8dJu0fsYcsXe6byBASHO8acP2krjeZiKrpxWJDV2xvLGnbCap2X7oTQL6xTHPWlH0FobsptehyphenhyphenihLQbXRqbHbNC8Jfn0OHlawjsySekEI/s1600/101_0951.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Old Square in Delft</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuw8vtpQftbL5aeO4hLYxyQtD6MgB05pgikPsJCBkIJFz8cHsHNqwLhMtFE4bQuOfF4gqv-kdAlkrtODWjTjWDcRm5uzAh4-EgovD1_3xJR6wHL-SiIlrneXEqQ-6CTrUUd_exHbkPRc/s1600/101_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuw8vtpQftbL5aeO4hLYxyQtD6MgB05pgikPsJCBkIJFz8cHsHNqwLhMtFE4bQuOfF4gqv-kdAlkrtODWjTjWDcRm5uzAh4-EgovD1_3xJR6wHL-SiIlrneXEqQ-6CTrUUd_exHbkPRc/s1600/101_0949.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The New Church</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The square was much like all of
the others we have seen in Europe, meaning many of the buildings on the
perimeter had become cafes aimed at the tourist trade.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whether it is Brugge, Prague or Delft, one
will find tables, tents and umbrellas outside of the cafes, all the better to
capture the tourists and their On this particular day, there were no visitors
sipping beer or cappuccinos, but the tents were filled with people escaping the
rain.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was not raining as hard, though,
as we traversed the square, the Town Hall behind us and the New Church ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLtT1jNv1QJhKkuuRtbYHONJMUQLQo1pnsHEBpsq0NvBhiIiCQG9lDzY1EHQLVOWsfO9P0q2hRAzpMJT7boCnK03pp3bEuSwXS1d3ZllMwmsJ8i2TiWchZplBLmddt1Zz0fOKkI45cy0/s1600/101_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLtT1jNv1QJhKkuuRtbYHONJMUQLQo1pnsHEBpsq0NvBhiIiCQG9lDzY1EHQLVOWsfO9P0q2hRAzpMJT7boCnK03pp3bEuSwXS1d3ZllMwmsJ8i2TiWchZplBLmddt1Zz0fOKkI45cy0/s1600/101_0959.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>William of Orange's sarcophagus</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The interior of the New Church
did not approach the majesty of the Old Church, but its place in Dutch history
is assured because is the final resting place for members of the royal
family.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There were displays throughout
of the sequence of Dutch kings starting with William of Orange as well as
showcases with relics from the various periods of history.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The burial vault is below the chancel of the
sanctuary.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Because it is sort-of sacred,
it is not open to the public but there is a three-dimensional model of the
burial chamber as well as televisions showing continuous loops of the past four
royal funerals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlrw7JJo9dF0tkByqCZ9z88KYdpUUbQFtPqWXZEpjJU1qI4zKnfJWCzFtC1fH5jIrlXtuMP6-YzZsQ3MGcUba3f84ia81Vb70kQICu_hgHhmImgqNLvdi3BVDQyOxokoJjSEJJcbXKB0/s1600/101_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlrw7JJo9dF0tkByqCZ9z88KYdpUUbQFtPqWXZEpjJU1qI4zKnfJWCzFtC1fH5jIrlXtuMP6-YzZsQ3MGcUba3f84ia81Vb70kQICu_hgHhmImgqNLvdi3BVDQyOxokoJjSEJJcbXKB0/s1600/101_0948.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Typical Delft scene</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA-iObAVZhzrUf-CHeJ4WZfzPfQwmQ7bkedt8Sv7qluarQmWgfRAforUbDdpo7mNVZOUZQ83gGq_SdDFfdoDijJtFtD_75sxUI_8sjabAUF9cNueq6DWH9LycrUkUqRYf878jnzGvFnU/s1600/101_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA-iObAVZhzrUf-CHeJ4WZfzPfQwmQ7bkedt8Sv7qluarQmWgfRAforUbDdpo7mNVZOUZQ83gGq_SdDFfdoDijJtFtD_75sxUI_8sjabAUF9cNueq6DWH9LycrUkUqRYf878jnzGvFnU/s1600/101_0946.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Piet Hein, namesake of our</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> favorite HAL bars</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The sun was shining through the
clouds when we left and began walking through more of Delft.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were able to see parts of town that
tourists usually don’t get to see.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Like
a miniature Amsterdam, it has numerous small canals and bridges and lots of
ducks.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Narrow houses with assorted
gables fill the narrow cobbled streets.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was a relaxing and lovely walk.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And long.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marcel may have parked
close to downtown, but our circuitous route made it seem that he had parked in
Brugge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPfj2WEjp49hNG5A7hYwr1qm8zyx9vCWr0TD5S2oUS4WSwlidWBPZPKAIdG9Z3mvNwA_0xI1K0IjhBhZLlTy7bWZwjX1Uihv_ecGkqjOCM0NFbiLPmvjZqXO65q9wuBlpWc5-HbO7chw/s1600/101_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPfj2WEjp49hNG5A7hYwr1qm8zyx9vCWr0TD5S2oUS4WSwlidWBPZPKAIdG9Z3mvNwA_0xI1K0IjhBhZLlTy7bWZwjX1Uihv_ecGkqjOCM0NFbiLPmvjZqXO65q9wuBlpWc5-HbO7chw/s1600/101_0956.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The burial chamber</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">cover in the New</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Church</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL-f3Sdbgl2vwM_0uD8Qy-5ki9-51bRrgxSuVE2_iEPLaFv0b08RsfvZ5TH1hVt1j_ZNmQDMKYEYv-wTa5cmqMlLjeRSLuSwGhmBkcVJ0QHjfEDq1jzML6S-VnfFlqJxv1RjH5n9f-9c/s1600/101_0961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL-f3Sdbgl2vwM_0uD8Qy-5ki9-51bRrgxSuVE2_iEPLaFv0b08RsfvZ5TH1hVt1j_ZNmQDMKYEYv-wTa5cmqMlLjeRSLuSwGhmBkcVJ0QHjfEDq1jzML6S-VnfFlqJxv1RjH5n9f-9c/s1600/101_0961.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>William and Mary</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>in the New Church</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marcel had parked the car in
front of his father’s house, so we just had to meet him.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">He was a sprightly old man [although he may
not be much older than we – Marcel just turned 50] and smiled and laughed with
us even when he wasn’t completely sure of what we were saying.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Of course, we had coffee and cookies; we were
still in the Netherlands, after all.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It
was finally time to leave and Marcel’s father looked genuinely pleased that we
had visited.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The next part of the “tour” was
really a peek at small villages near Delft.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They were as enchanting as the ones around Cadzand.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Again, there were more canals and ducks, but
we also saw the ubiquitous cattle and sheep as well.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">On the way back to Marcel’s apartment, Jeanet
jumped out of the car and walked home to prepare the table for dinner.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The rest of us drove to a nearby Chinese
carry-out and Marcel bought dinner for the four of us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">As they explained, they are not cooks, but
they asked if Chinese okay with us; it was.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The sauces did not equate with what we were used to [for example, a
tomato sauce on egg foo young], but it was all good and we ate more than we
should have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After dinner, they drove us back
to the hotel, a journey of about an hour.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We drove in and out of light rain and followed a rainbow for much of the
time.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Traffic was horrible in the
opposing direction, so Marcel said they would take a different route home.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once at the hotel, there were hugs all around
and promises to stay in touch.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We are
hoping they will visit us, and perhaps stay with us, before this year’s winter
cruise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There was good news and bad
news.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">On one hand, we finally escaped
the hotel dining room tonight, but on the other, we had to pack for tomorrow’s
flight home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Tomorrow – The longest day
returns</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></span> </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-6208413686777846662014-05-11T17:20:00.004-07:002014-05-11T17:20:55.208-07:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thursday, May 8 --</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amsterdam
Redux II<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We got an even later start it
seemed this morning.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Again, we were our
own masters with no obligations and a prediction of rain, so why hurry?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Coffee and stroopwafels in the room got us
off to a good Dutch start.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today’s adventure mirrored
yesterday’s to the extent that we spent lots of time going from one vehicle to
the next.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The shuttle led to the airport
which led to Centraal Station; this time we experimented with the Amsterdam
Metro.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Arjan the concierge had told us
which trams came closest to our ultimate destination but David decided that the
Metro was our best bet.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Besides, we had
ridden a tram yesterday, so this would be something new.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We exited the station itself and
headed for the entry to the underground Metro station.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There may have been a way to get to it from
inside Centraal but we did not see it.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The main rail station is not as hospitable as the airport terminal and
we did not spend time looking since we knew we could get to the Metro from the
outside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The underground was just as
trash-strewn as the train station with wrappers flying in the wind and garbage
cans overflowing with fast-food wrappers and soda cans.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We asked for a bit of guidance to be safe and
combined that with path-finding skills to arrive on the platform just before
the subway train departed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had only
two stops before we got off, so we know we couldn’t get too lost.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">If our stop was not number two, we would get
off at number three and go in the other direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Don’t laugh.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We have done this.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">On a trip to Osaka in 2008, we had a native
guide who led us around on the local subway and Japan Rail systems.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">He got confused by the automated ticket
machines in the stations and could not figure out how much money to deposit
until a member of the group helped him.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">More to the point, we traveled on a train of some sort [Metro or JR] in
the wrong direction.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">He realized his
mistake before we left the platform and we did, in fact, take the next train
back to our starting point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had no such trouble today in
Amsterdam and Waterlooplein [Waterloo Square] was right where it was supposed
to be.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We came here to visit the Jewish
Historical Museum, part of the Jewish Heritage area in, naturally enough, the
old Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had
passed the area while on a ship’s tour last week.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It is near Gasson Diamonds where we looked
but did not buy and also only a few minutes’ walk from the apartment Skip and
Fran have rented for the week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The weather gods have continued
to toy with us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">During the cruise, most
of our tours were held in good albeit windy weather.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We may have worn windbreakers but it was
mostly sunny except in Amsterdam where it has been chilly, windy and often
wet.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even temperatures in the mid-50s
feel raw in a stiff breeze.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today was
such a day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In fact it was so raw, and
the hour approaching noon again, that we walked past the Jewish Historical
Museum and found a warm-ish café at the end of the block.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There were perhaps a half-dozen
cafes, but we picked the one which seemed to have customers.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We worked on the assumption that they could
not all have been wrong.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We found a
table inside – eating at a sidewalk café is very Continental in good weather
but not on such a blustery day – and ordered sandwiches on French bread.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The bread appeared to be a mini-baguette, but
we have seen so much bread in the Netherlands that it all is starting to look
the same.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">MA had a goat cheese sandwich
and David had what was billed as the Italian with some salami and cheese.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had sodas for the second straight day </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> cappuccinos, too.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The bill was not outrageous, the food was
hearty and the people-watching was fun.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbjXpZqb5HVvdE0ZYKidbZGkZdGozG8Rkrk_ozStDMAFu09lO1WqQumB2umFeok2RaAi_HUqYjTcD9pcf2lbYjSttWxvz1ReqRgS8gPaEwAoA_lkK7srjGu-ns_X_5T88xAbS3aNp4RI/s1600/101_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbjXpZqb5HVvdE0ZYKidbZGkZdGozG8Rkrk_ozStDMAFu09lO1WqQumB2umFeok2RaAi_HUqYjTcD9pcf2lbYjSttWxvz1ReqRgS8gPaEwAoA_lkK7srjGu-ns_X_5T88xAbS3aNp4RI/s1600/101_0932.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Torah scrolls</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojKpHjLP0uULaTYn66Y_udGuB8Ymsy4Gh35q1RDhvfK4ljC7cO2FEFW-UWU5_rZK1WSNpy7w3qa5F0VdduDl1de1k3KyMOUppCn9aiDKSKuhqNZgIgIEgjvs8RQDyTp-6GowD7xsTml4/s1600/101_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojKpHjLP0uULaTYn66Y_udGuB8Ymsy4Gh35q1RDhvfK4ljC7cO2FEFW-UWU5_rZK1WSNpy7w3qa5F0VdduDl1de1k3KyMOUppCn9aiDKSKuhqNZgIgIEgjvs8RQDyTp-6GowD7xsTml4/s1600/101_0934.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: red;">The <em>bema</em></span></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were not sure what to expect
at the Museum; names can be deceiving.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This one was not for the museum gave a history of the Jews in the
Netherlands and especially Amsterdam from the 1600s onward.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Before we got to that, though, we visited the
Old Synagogue.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just as the Lloyd Street
Synagogue in Baltimore has become the local Jewish museum, so has the one in
Amsterdam.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In place of pews, we found
learning stations which explained customs, holidays and rituals of both the
ultra-Orthodox and more modern Orthodox Dutch Jews.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Most of the stations had audio-visual
presentations of some aspect of Judaism aimed primarily at non-Jews.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Visitors could also see film clips of
“contemporary” Jews from a decade ago discussing the same topic as the basic
lesson.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">If the lesson was on a holiday,
visitors could view a film featuring a discussion of how it is observed
today.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even though we knew what to
expect, we still watched most of the films.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">bema</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> [altar] sat in the middle of the main floor as was the custom
many years ago.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Surrounding the second
floor was a balcony which is where the women would have stood because the
genders were strictly separated during religious observances.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The synagogue’s original Ark, the storage
place for the Torahs, was still in the sanctuary.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unlike the </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">bema, </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">it was blocked off so visitors could not get too close.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLn9I2afnAjtKoteBI_OaPhsZyCqtJ96doQbWckZwmuEB9IlAIy9CX3NErXkZpLHr1Z8r2xtr7dNfj1OJMNvYvacDeZGFNXmnHxP67pXP-RoML04R5w6bZJHd4BlZtpzYMxULhb88-0g/s1600/101_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLn9I2afnAjtKoteBI_OaPhsZyCqtJ96doQbWckZwmuEB9IlAIy9CX3NErXkZpLHr1Z8r2xtr7dNfj1OJMNvYvacDeZGFNXmnHxP67pXP-RoML04R5w6bZJHd4BlZtpzYMxULhb88-0g/s1600/101_0935.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking up at the balcony</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Pz3ovaSU82vad3LMnf_F3Xqb9yFg11NnDVhn8SCUrkRBgiNh2CZ13YVVhhtMMoeezy2abhuH4ubTUjo7BjvPvitCIfSo-zJvWVnZPJurO5RgqaFgo_Fq-eTdIBxp2M-BofJPzqoaG8Y/s1600/101_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Pz3ovaSU82vad3LMnf_F3Xqb9yFg11NnDVhn8SCUrkRBgiNh2CZ13YVVhhtMMoeezy2abhuH4ubTUjo7BjvPvitCIfSo-zJvWVnZPJurO5RgqaFgo_Fq-eTdIBxp2M-BofJPzqoaG8Y/s1600/101_0937.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking down from the balcony</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The balcony housed the first
phase of the history of the Dutch Jews, 1600 – 1900.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Showcases held artifacts from the earliest
days of the Jewish community.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There were
old books, drawings and some reproductions all designed to show what life was
like over the years.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">As we progressed
through the displays, we learned, for example, that Amsterdam was a center for
Jewish publishing with books in Hebrew coveted by Jews and Gentiles alike
either for their religious content or as learning tools and references.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There was a showcase filled with several rows
of antique leather-bound books, all printed in Hebrew.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Later displays dealt more with individuals
who were important in the community as it tried to assimilate into mainstream
Amsterdam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF3zGlu71lM7ZWeqdX7EMpmp61Wi26GV8Ff_DTgM0-CCV5iZG19VNsn5cSxiZiTAyei447_HXzV7oBMUqnyQYjFCKI0JroY5JOI4j0Ie4DPp_yl5dpRA6phzb5Hq6DXXs7Lr_QUF8p6M/s1600/101_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF3zGlu71lM7ZWeqdX7EMpmp61Wi26GV8Ff_DTgM0-CCV5iZG19VNsn5cSxiZiTAyei447_HXzV7oBMUqnyQYjFCKI0JroY5JOI4j0Ie4DPp_yl5dpRA6phzb5Hq6DXXs7Lr_QUF8p6M/s1600/101_0933.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>An antique book printed in Hebrew</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We crossed into a connected
building for more showcases and explanations, this time for the history of the
Jews from 1900 to the present.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">At the
beginning of the “story,” there were commercial items and products developed by
or supported by the community, many of which became popular across the
society.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">As we progressed toward more
recent times, the themes got darker as Hitler and the Nazis came to power.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Many of Holland’s Jews were rounded up and
sent to extermination or work camps and many of those who somehow survived
moved to other countries after the war; the memories and fears were too strong
for them to return.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">As a result, the
Jewish population of Holland is now just a fraction of its pre-War size.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">When we were finished our walk
through the Museum, it was time to go, but the weather gods were angry and it
was raining steadily.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had considered
going around the corner to the Portuguese synagogue but were dissuaded by the
conditions.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was easier and more
comfortable to hustle to the Metro station and reverse our morning’s
course.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back we went but somehow missed
the Starbuck’s in Centraal Station.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Still, we had become pro’s at finding the right platform so our trip was
without incident.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">When we arrived at Schipol, we
weren’t quite ready to continue to the hotel.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We walked the shopping concourse without any success and the realized
that we had had missed Starbuck’s in town. There are several at the airport,
but we decided to have pistachio gelato instead.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was still too early to grab dinner at one
of the many restaurants there, so we took the shuttle back to the hotel where
we found that the housekeeping crew had jarred the power cord from the computer
and it had zero battery life.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We have
been using the computer to charge the other electronics, so they were low on
power as well.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We ended up in the hotel
coffee shop again and had a comfort meal of the goulash soup and </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">tostis</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">A </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">tosti</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> is simply a toasted
cheese sandwich but the waiter was surprised when we asked for them by their
Dutch name.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">He had to check in the
kitchen to be sure there was bread available but returned with good news.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ma had a cheese </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">tosti</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and David had ham and cheese.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Soup and a sandwich – the perfect meal for a rainy day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Tomorrow – the rest of the “connection”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-73638046027339992772014-05-11T17:05:00.002-07:002014-05-11T17:05:48.081-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Wednesday, May 07, 2014 – Amsterdam redux I<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even with all of the sleep we had
yesterday, we had a relaxed morning.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">After all of the early mornings on shipboard and all of the mornings we
were ready long before Edwin arrived to drive us around Zeeland, we had no
place we </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">had</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to be or a time when we had
to be there.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">So we goofed off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We made coffee in the room even
though it was instant and broke into our hoard of stroopwafels for
breakfast.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We spent enough time in the
hotel restaurant yesterday to last for a while.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The stroopwafels hit the spot and we were ready to go, finally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today was a day of trains and
trams and buses, oh my!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We started with
the shuttle bus to Schipol airport and then found our way, with some
assistance, to the money exchange where we bought train tickets to Amsterdam’s
Centraal Station [no, that is not a misspelling].</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The round trip tickets cost 8.50€ each which
we thought was reasonable.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">At least we
were not being driven around Holland by a rogue taxi driver.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Schipol is a city unto
itself.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In addition to a bazillion passengers
and airplane landings and departures, there is enough shopping at all price
points to satisfy anyone.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The stores run
the gamut from high-end, like the terminals in Singapore and elsewhere, to the
downright cheap.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of Holland’s
institutions, HEMA, has a store in the terminal here [and in Centraal Station,
we discovered].</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">HEMA caters to the Dutch
passion for thrift.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We have tracked the
price of stroopwafels across the country, literally, and found that HEMA sells
them for less than anyone [On the other hand, the duty-free stores at Schipol
seem to be the most expensive].<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Centraal Station is a slum
compared to the airport.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even though it
is tremendous for a train station, it can’t compare in any other way.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It, too, is crowded with passengers, but many
of these are commuters or other locals who are all in a hurry.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The station is cold and dirty, the platforms
an embarrassment of trash.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">MA did
experience the ladies’ room in the station – at the standard European cost of
.50€ -- but found it clean and well maintained.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We walked out of the terminal
building and walked to the tram stop.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The concierge on the ship had told us that trams 2 and 5 would take us
to Museumplein, the square in the middle of the museum district [hence its name].</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had considered returning to the
Rijksmuseum to see the paintings without the holiday crush we faced last week
and, indeed, walked there from the tram.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">When we realized that it was already 11:45, we changed our plans and went
in to have lunch in the museum café.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The café is cozy – read “crowded”
– but tables turned over quickly and we waited only a minute or so before being
pointed to space at a table large enough for 8 people.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We didn’t mind sharing the space and people
came and went as we ate.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We settled on a
cheese plate which turned out to be delightfully good and just the right amount
of food.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We even had soft drinks with
the assorted cheeses and onions and finished the meal with a cappuccino and a
hot chocolate.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Steady readers know who
drank what.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">A trip to the lavatories
after lunch [no charge!] and we were on our way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The one item on our schedule
today was to meet Skip and Fran at the van Gogh museum around the corner.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Despite some false starts and touristic
oblivion, we arrived just at 1:00 as scheduled.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They were already there and we all hugged and greeted each other as if
we had not seen one another last week.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fran had recovered from her </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">malaise</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">
and looked great.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had bought our tickets in
advance while on the </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River Navigator</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">While we paid an extra 2.50€ apiece, we were
able to avoid the long and growing line of tourists waiting to get in.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even with so-called priority tickets, we had
a short wait.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once at the head of the
line, we found that our tickets were really vouchers which we had to exchange
for tickets in order to gain admission.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We took the lift to the top floor
where there were, actually, no van Gogh paintings.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We did not stay long and walked down a flight
of steps to the second floor which in the US would be the third floor.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The ground floor [street level] in Europe is
called 0, our second floor is 1 and so on.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It takes a little getting used to.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The second/third floor was better and we were in Heaven, Fran
especially.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We followed the crowd so as
not to feel like salmon swimming upstream and read displays about van Gogh and
his work, especially his use of an adjustable frame to help him keep things in
perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigChRQxsj0KEj7_PeLgD5cI2TqERYRiWRNahkt2IDck_afy3ERqKiNvJNw_YoUb04_RVprlmFRa_t-pLx9GeAWoOQ1azuEMboQcmK8oXKfkI-MnyAhbTpA1fixCrYTHY9joYdGQD17lcQ/s1600/101_0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigChRQxsj0KEj7_PeLgD5cI2TqERYRiWRNahkt2IDck_afy3ERqKiNvJNw_YoUb04_RVprlmFRa_t-pLx9GeAWoOQ1azuEMboQcmK8oXKfkI-MnyAhbTpA1fixCrYTHY9joYdGQD17lcQ/s1600/101_0925.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKL8gLUmBauMT24W1g7tyNFIX0syLePqnsp0zVmxW0tFoE0n0KJ5DSw5WXoRL8wZODMINw1yto3C7j28uKdYiBEOQF-hEyaIS4sg2qHWn9sGM68Csumg1lyljjI361i1aG2fnrjlzHSY/s1600/101_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKL8gLUmBauMT24W1g7tyNFIX0syLePqnsp0zVmxW0tFoE0n0KJ5DSw5WXoRL8wZODMINw1yto3C7j28uKdYiBEOQF-hEyaIS4sg2qHWn9sGM68Csumg1lyljjI361i1aG2fnrjlzHSY/s1600/101_0927.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Potato Eaters</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were not supposed to take
pictures in the museum.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In many,
non-flash photography is allowed, but not here.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There were even explanations of the overhead light system and how it was
designed to have as little effect as possible on the art.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Long exposure and/or bright lights [like a
photo flash] contribute to the deterioration on the paint.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip was caught two of the three times he
tried to take pictures, but David was luckier.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We blamed the camera, not Skip.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">All of the van Gogh pictures in this entry were taken illegally, but
David promised to send them to Skip.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">As
our friend Ed says, “If you don’t have a picture, you weren’t there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVohd5wKWLxDPS48WZAIKRxXdhMBlsGg5agg9SOqOm1lLVn9jq75SJYhY8Wu7usFqp6XWVg7E7eY778p-_dMWYcQRwpxYa6o4pewIuEvd0QcYiMiZ8PYJBIwPxu0jbq073C5wEkkfVYU/s1600/101_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVohd5wKWLxDPS48WZAIKRxXdhMBlsGg5agg9SOqOm1lLVn9jq75SJYhY8Wu7usFqp6XWVg7E7eY778p-_dMWYcQRwpxYa6o4pewIuEvd0QcYiMiZ8PYJBIwPxu0jbq073C5wEkkfVYU/s1600/101_0931.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-_iA4KFTkVx5K59m1ly77iEOrsFDIX7FpOFSdsUr5TsAcSWTZgV7JmD9TaZwe9So7VGv5tjrx3ooE5y8AYs3JRLgFSY6KI4oNQJ9QMmkcycaooDEOevtblYFv18JsHI1GDsa3bMbvd4/s1600/101_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-_iA4KFTkVx5K59m1ly77iEOrsFDIX7FpOFSdsUr5TsAcSWTZgV7JmD9TaZwe9So7VGv5tjrx3ooE5y8AYs3JRLgFSY6KI4oNQJ9QMmkcycaooDEOevtblYFv18JsHI1GDsa3bMbvd4/s1600/101_0930.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once we finished ogling the art,
we separated.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They had a full schedule
of things to do and places to be and we didn’t.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even so, we all ended up in the gift shop where we bought a print of one
of van Gogh’s last paintings, a still-life of poppies and butterflies.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our purchase complete and the weather
threatening, we retraced our route and caught the tram back to Centraal; the
train back to Schipol; and the shuttle back to the hotel.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We did check out the HEMA in Centraal to no
avail and consoled ourselves with drinks at Starbucks which was across the
concourse.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It may have been heresy to go
to Starbuck’s but it tasted good after three weeks in Holland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dinner at 7:00 in the hotel
dining room was gigantic bacon cheeseburgers for both of us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And fried.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And more bread.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We have met the
carbs and they are now us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back in the room, we read and
David transferred pictures and did some work on the jour</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">nal, but he hasn’t
written a full report or posted since we met Edwin.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maybe people will think we are dead.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;">Tomorrow -- More Amsterdam</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p><strong>Three self Portraits of van Gogh</strong></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4GMGc-1_eaOj54KK9txKDFmxY-OkjYonxtbQYgE4jPZ7Xq9qcHMDAEqO9S0o0QsVLaG3jaWlCd0LP3CLiROZkuEvjIBvZJ3DushJ4MaelvOCYcPeiTe0JhJ0t9bBi5Szm4VqlJ7tVn8/s1600/101_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4GMGc-1_eaOj54KK9txKDFmxY-OkjYonxtbQYgE4jPZ7Xq9qcHMDAEqO9S0o0QsVLaG3jaWlCd0LP3CLiROZkuEvjIBvZJ3DushJ4MaelvOCYcPeiTe0JhJ0t9bBi5Szm4VqlJ7tVn8/s1600/101_0928.JPG" height="320" width="177" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPPd1Mgx5bqK4cLyVCIP6GhuRjxu1gVvuLOoL6_L9PK4olgIXgISLXbzEhLR09BgPNPg6FMUNpJZdcuBkKBkWFXbxiVMSRJySXz08P-Es5eELkE_Lh9ilSdNXpga1ZT-2rn0E6XG6y0Y/s1600/101_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPPd1Mgx5bqK4cLyVCIP6GhuRjxu1gVvuLOoL6_L9PK4olgIXgISLXbzEhLR09BgPNPg6FMUNpJZdcuBkKBkWFXbxiVMSRJySXz08P-Es5eELkE_Lh9ilSdNXpga1ZT-2rn0E6XG6y0Y/s1600/101_0929.JPG" height="320" width="179" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2_yQAQPrjUhXUNhLxBhbLLdb9HWDtcJzePm4FgKOWUdSZ4Y18pMZ_IPiYcvx37m1OuTDFUarD-gol0_t_MuhFZ1LBIygAcOxIC0j_nANw4jadpwMdkUTQPuzmCeMuISwMILHiCmGCD4/s1600/101_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2_yQAQPrjUhXUNhLxBhbLLdb9HWDtcJzePm4FgKOWUdSZ4Y18pMZ_IPiYcvx37m1OuTDFUarD-gol0_t_MuhFZ1LBIygAcOxIC0j_nANw4jadpwMdkUTQPuzmCeMuISwMILHiCmGCD4/s1600/101_0926.JPG" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-71846447625633839312014-05-10T04:05:00.001-07:002014-05-10T04:05:40.583-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Tuesday, May 6 – Terneuzen to Amsterdam<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We left Terneuzen early this
morning.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The drive is several hours and
Edwin had to go to work after he dropped us at our airport hotel.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Although it looked like the hotel was hiding
because of road construction, he figured out how to get us where we needed to
go and by 11:00 a.m., he was back on the road and we were checking in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jet lag and joy have exhausted
us, so we dragged our Vanderbilt-like luggage to the room and then returned to
the lobby area and the coffee shop.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our
breakfast the past few days had been Mario’s wonderful bread, but for some
reason, we were ready for lunch.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We both
ordered the “goulash soup” which turned out to be a spicy beef vegetable soup
accompanied by the inevitable bread and butter.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This combination hit the spot and we returned to the room for a
long-overdue nap.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sorry, Edwin, but you
wore the old people out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We woke in time for dinner and
returned to the coffee shop/restaurant.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">MA had a very spicy, almost Asian, vegetarian pasta dish and David had
“crispy vegetarian sausage” was pretty much the same as the vegetarian cutlet
MA gets on HAL ships.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were both happy
with our meal and returned to the room to play catch up on the electronics and
go back to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Tomorrow – Amsterdam, again<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-17988760392719545862014-05-10T03:53:00.001-07:002014-05-10T03:53:11.596-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Monday, May 5 – Terneuzen, Cadzand and ???<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once again, Edwin drove the
Cadzand – Terneuzen – Cadzand circuit as he picked us up only to return to
Mariela [a good choice on his part]. The drive is both familiar by now and
hypnotic.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">David has developed the habit
of split-second naps as we drive.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
land and houses still fascinate us and we think we may never tire of seeing all
of this.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We are not in Kansas anymore,
Toto.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The best part of this vacation
may be the people.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Historic sites and
banks of brightly colored tulips can last a long time in an album, but talking
to the people is even better.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">At the
time, we thought our afternoon with Anna in Enkhuizen was the highlight of the
trip, but now we realize that just talking and joking with friends [Peter and
Manu, Edwin and Mariela] is the real reason to travel.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Anyone can visit “the sights” and “the sites,”
but we are lucky enough to have a stronger connection to the “real” people of
the Netherlands and Belgium.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So we sat in Mariela’s backyard
and chatted until she went inside and prepared delicious scrambled eggs which
we ate with more of Mario’s heavenly bread and, of course, cheese and garlic
butter.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And more coffee.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It is surprising that we can sleep with our
caffeine intake this week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After lunch, we walked to the
bakery to meet Mario, but we were in for a surprise.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">When we went into the store, we met Marit, Mariela’s
daughter, who was working behind the counter.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This was our first glimpse of her since arriving Saturday.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">She was friendly and attentive as Mariela
bought even more bread and David bought a little surprise to bring home [no,
not more stroopwafels].<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We went into the back of the shop
where the actual baking occurs and met Mario, a gentle bear of a man who was
warm and funny but proud of his work and workplace.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was being cleaned after a busy day, so we
did not get to see all of the machinery or see the baking process.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Still, he pointed out the ovens and freezer
and took us into a room filled with miscellaneous bits and pieces of equipment
including molds and cookie cutters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We walked back home, for that is
what it feels like already, and chatted some more.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marit and a girlfriend came in and said they
were going to the beach.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mariela told them
to be back by 6:00 so they would not miss supper.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shortly after they left, we did, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We drove to a neighboring village
which Edwin said is even smaller the Cadzand if that is possible.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edwin parked the car on the verge and we
began what turned out to be a nature walk along a well-marked path.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was well-marked for two reasons – there
was no longer any grass on the path and it was bordered by a low-voltage
electrified fence.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There were only 2
ways to go, forward or backward; there was no way to deviate because of the
fence.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We did not know if the fence was
meant to confine us or the cattle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This being a nature walk, we saw
plenty of nature.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In addition to lots of
trees in their full spring glory, there were the usual cattle, sheep and
ducks.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The occasional butterfly crossed
our path, too.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were walking on the
ridge of a protective berm created as a defensive barrier against invaders
rather than the sea.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was very like a
dike in every way except its original purpose.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Because we were on the “high road,” we could see the neighboring houses
and farms.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The sun was bright even
though it was still a bit chilly and breezy, and the 5 of us [including Ward]
looked forward to the return of civilization.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">That return came in the form of a
village pub.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was surprisingly busy
for a Monday afternoon, and we took a table outside where we sat in the sun
[and David without his hat!] and had drinks.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edwin and Mariela had beer, of course, and even MA had a “lady’s beer”
which had a lemon flavor to it.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ward and
David had sodas.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some things never
change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The house had smelled wonderful
when we arrived in the morning and when we returned for supper after our
commune with nature, we understood why.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mariela had prepared a ratatouille for the family, slow simmered all
day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">With it, she served beef which had
been cooked or, perhaps, marinated in a mustard sauce; there was no sauce on
it, but it was infused with the taste in every bite.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dessert was pastries from the shop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The pastries were brought by
Marit who joined us, with her friend, for dinner.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They were the day’s leftovers, a perk of
being part of the business.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And they
were yummy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We don’t know what Marit expected
of Edwin’s friends [us], but she seemed quite surprised that we were not old
fogies, just old.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Again, we sat and
talked like any other family.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whenever
they lapsed into Dutch, we just looked at each other, as we have been doing for
several days, and said, “Sorry.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They
have caught onto the joke of our one word of Dutch and laugh with us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marit’s friend spoke very little English but
she did tell us that she has been to Disneyworld 3 times.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We encouraged Mariela, Edwin and the children
to come to Florida where they could stay with us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It would be fun but we’re not sure if they
took us seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We also found out that we had
become Marit’s homework assignment.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">She
was to have some interaction with English before returning to school from the
week-long holiday.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Instead of reading or
watching American or British television, she was speaking English with us [and
very well, at that].</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We talked about
books and popular culture and finally, somehow, got to a discussion of
slang.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Before we were done, we had given
examples of American English </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hebrew
dirty words.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Her report to her class
should be a lively one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Once more into the night as Edwin
returned us to his house where we had to pack for our departure tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Tomorrow – Terneuzen to Amsterdam<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-5494496838921434982014-05-08T13:48:00.003-07:002014-05-08T13:48:59.159-07:00
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Sunday, May 4 – Terneuzen and Elsewhere<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We didn’t really know what we
were going to do today, but we were up early, as usual, so that we were ready
and waiting when Edwin arrived.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We
breakfasted on really great bread from Mario’s bakery and caught up on our
electronics while we waited.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We repeated the drive to
Mariela’s house, marveling again at the countryside and animal life – horse,
cows, sheep, goats and ducks.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once at
Mariela’s, we sat in the backyard surrounded by her “natural” garden.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The garden has little bits of lots of plants,
both annuals and perennials, but no large swaths like Keukenhof.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">If there is more than one of a type of plant,
it is probably not near another one.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It
is controlled chaos and is lovely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Her house had been her father’s
and she has taken pains not to disturb things too much.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The potting shed and green house [the glass
house] are just as he left them and she said she is afraid to try to repair
them lest they fall into ruins.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
house is spacious although we have spent time only in the sun room with its
wall of glass so we can see the garden.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mariela cooked for us again
today.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brunch was omelets and more of
that good bread plus a young Dutch cheese we sliced as we went along.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We ate outside where Edwin had brought the kitchen
table and the men [including Ward] dragged chairs.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There was still no sign of Marit but we have
not given up hope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After lunch, Edwin said that it
was a good day to visit Brugge.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had
written to him earlier saying we wanted to return, especially after the
confusion last week.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brugge is only 45
minutes from Cadzand, so we were there in no time.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edwin took a less-traveled route to avoid
traffic but mostly to show us more of the Lowlands scenery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He parked the car in a garage
outside the center of the Old Town and the 5 of us walked along the
cobblestones while being wary of cyclists.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our only goal was to visit a comic book store for Mariela who is
addicted to them.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We made no effort to
get to Market Square, where we met Peter and Manu a week ago, but we got there
anyway after walking through the non-tourist shopping district and some
decidedly-tourist cafes.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mariela stopped
to get some tobacco for her cigarette habit; she rolls them herself to avoid
the high taxes on cigarettes and they look suspiciously like joints.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">David went into the store with her and bought
a present to add to the ever-growing collection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mariela needed a bathroom so we
stopped in the</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> biergarten</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> of a Brugge
brewery.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">After we ordered drinks [beer,
soda, coffee], she excused herself and we sat in the courtyard crowded with
other Sunday celebrants.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brugge was
nowhere near empty today but the crowds were manageable unlike last week when
there was no room to move.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We saw many
of the same places today – Market Square, Fish Market, Tanner’s Courtyard, etc.
– without feeling crushed or rushed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even if we had not recognized some of the landmarks, it was a more
enjoyable day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brugge may depend on
tourism to keep its economy afloat, but it is still a lovely medieval town.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All good things come to an end
and all too soon we were on the road again.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edwin must feel like a bus driver by now.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We chatted some more at Mariela’s before
heading to a restaurant a block away.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">On
the way, we stopped at the local church to view the Peace Flame, an everlasting
flame meant to light the way to world peace.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There were handwritten messages in the courtyard, not so unlike the
paper cranes we saw in Nagasaki at the Peace Park.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Seeing the Peace Flame in Cadzand was a
moving experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dinner was down the block at the
local bar/restaurant/hotel.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">At Edwin’s
suggestion, we all ordered the beef satay.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was a great choice and all the plates were clean when we
finished.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Then the fun began.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">David tried to pay for dinner, but the
waitress/owner would not accept any of his plastic.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">He could not convince her that his MasterCard
would work in her EuroCard chip-card reader even though they have the same logo
and are supposed to be interchangeable.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">She probably would have had a cow if he had tried to pay in US dollars,
but Edwin saved the day again by charging dinner on his card.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tomorrow we must find an ATM so we can
reimburse Edwin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once again, we ended up at
Mariela’s until it was almost dark.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once
again, Edwin had to make the 90 minutes roundtrip to and from Terneuzen.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">And once again we were grateful to have such
a friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Tomorrow – Terneuzen, Cadzand and
???, part 2<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-57545825220102462402014-05-08T12:53:00.003-07:002014-05-08T13:48:30.963-07:00<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Saturday, May 3 –
Terneuzen, again<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were literally on the last bus out of Dodge City.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The only folks left on board were Fran and
Skip who were waiting for a cab to take them to the apartment they have rented
for the week.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We saw Skip as we were
going down the gangway and he told us that Fran was minimally better this
morning but that they were hopeful she would be able to see most of
Amsterdam.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tessa the Cruise Director
made sure they had entry tickets to Keukenhof Gardens as well as their food
vouchers.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now, if only Fran feels up to
it…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We rode to Schipol Airport with Barry and Nancy whose plane
was delayed so they were able to sleep in a little this morning after the Red
Light District tour and packing at midnight.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were the only ones not flying out today, so we were able to sleep in,
too.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The trip to the airport was
uneventful and we arrived around 9:30.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Background</strong>:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our Dutch
connection for the next several days will be our friend Edwin van den
Hooven.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edwin was a 32-year-old
Rotterdam school administrator and teacher when he stayed with us in March,
1992.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">At the time we noted that he was
closer in age to our children than to us [22 years later, that’s still true],
but we and Emily loved Edwin from the start.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">David paid a return visit in November 1992 to learn about the Dutch
school system and to do a little sight-seeing.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Emily visited during her vacation while studying in England [1996] and
we came for several days [more on that a bit later] in the spring of 1997.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We have not seen each other in 17 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After off-loading our luggage, David went in search of a
trolley only to find the bags already placed on one when he returned.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">MA was trying to push it to the door, but
David relieved her of that task and we entered the terminal to search for the
Meeting Point.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had tried to arrange
our pick-up outside so that our friend Edwin would not have to pay to park, but
the Meeting Point really made more sense.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It is a large red and white tiled construction in the middle of the
Arrivals Hall, hard for anyone to miss.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was only 9:45 when we approached it, but Edwin was there ahead of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Smiles.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Handshakes.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hugs.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">More hugs.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once the greetings were done, we headed to Edwin’s car which seemed to
be parked in Terneuzen.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">If Schipol is a
large airport, the parking areas are proportionally as large.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our only mishap occurred on a down-sloping
people-mover.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">David turned the trolley
around so the bags would not give in to gravity only to have the whole cart
pivot and have the bags give in to gravity.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Luckily, there was no one ahead of us and Edwin grabbed the 2 larger
bags while David went farther ahead and retrieved the smaller of the runaways.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were able to stow all the luggage in Edwin’s Alfa Romeo
[a 4-door model] with one suitcase on the rear seat with MA.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">After that, he made like a rat in a maze and
found his way out of the airport road system and onto what would be comparable
to an interstate highway like I-10.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We
did not realize that the drive from the airport to Edwin’s home was a 2-1/2
hour trip.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We felt guilty knowing he
would have to repeat this trek in just a few days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We took an indirect route, though.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had to pass Rotterdam on the way
south.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edwin’s son Olivier is currently
living there so we went into the city to have lunch with him and his
girlfriend.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lunch was at the Hotel New
York, the former headquarters building of Holland America Lines, our favorite
cruise line.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">When we last visited
Rotterdam [to see Edwin, of course] in 1997, he booked us into this hotel
because he knew of our affection for HAL.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The last time we saw Olivier [pronounced Oliver], we was 3 years old;
now he is 20 and attending a local university.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had coffee while we waited and, like all children,
Olivier and friend were late.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Since he
was getting a free meal, we know he would not be </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">too</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> late.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">When he arrived,
he had his girlfriend with him.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not only
were we meeting her for the first time, so was Edwin.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">She was a lovely young lady and we all sensed
the intensity of the youngsters’ relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After a pleasant lunch and even more pleasant conversation,
it was time to complete our journey to Terneuzen.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The time went quickly and soon enough we were
at Edwin’s house.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rather than let us take
a room in a hotel, he gave us the complete house and he moved to his
girlfriend’s house which, we discovered shortly after we moved the luggage
inside, was another 45 minutes away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back in the car, we marveled at the scenery as we travelled
the 45 minutes to Cadzand, a tiny village which is close to the border with
Belgium.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We met Edwin’s </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">inamorata </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mariela and her 14-year-old
son Ward [pronounced Vart].</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Her daughter
Marit [16] was otherwise occupied and we were not sure if/when we would meet
her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We stayed at Mariela’s through supper and beyond.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">She made a wonderful fish stew and, between
the 5 of us, there were no leftovers.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ward is a quiet child but he can really eat!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The conversation ranged over a wide variety
of topics with our assorted children and grandchildren the primary one.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edwin is a Facebook friend of Emily’s, so he
has been watching Harper Jane for a year now. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We brought Mariela and Edwin a package from Baltimore, 2
items which are distinctly local – Berger chocolate cookies and Goetze’s
Caramel Creams.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There is no way to
explain them if you are not a Baltimorean.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Accept that they are local traditions and prime reasons for living in
the city.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Little did we know, though,
that Mariela is a baker’s daughter or that her brother Mario still operates the
family bakery. The bread at dinner came from their shop as did the strawberry pie
we had for dessert.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ever the scientist,
Edwin simply cut the pie into 5 wedges and, presto!, no leftovers.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ward got the biggest piece.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We didn’t leave until after 9:00 and it was dark by the time
we arrived back in Terneuzen.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edwin let
us in and we dragged our bags upstairs [very narrow and twisty] to settle into
our new, albeit temporary, home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Tomorrow – Terneuzen, Cadzand and ???<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-78088183574434954942014-05-07T13:27:00.001-07:002014-05-07T13:27:35.677-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Friday, May 2,
2014 – Amsterdam, Day 2<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today was blossom day aboard the </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River Navigator.</span></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The really
zealous tulip fans left the ship at 7:00 am to visit the flower auction at Aalsmeer,
about an hour from our berth in downtown Amsterdam.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Approximately two-thirds of the passengers
went on this non-included excursion which meant that the dining room was empty
when we showed up around 7:30.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were on the last bus at 9:00, on our way to the Keukenhof
Gardens.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Like Sherwood Gardens in
Baltimore, Keukenhof is an enormous display of tulips.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whereas Sherwood Gardens may encompass
several acres, Keukenhof Gardens is over 70 acres of tulips, daffodils and
other plants, arranged as mixed gardens, massive beds of one color or smaller
monochrome beds side-by-side. When you see the pictures, it will make more
sense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our playmates were supposed to go
to Aalsmeer this morning, but we found out from Barry and Nancy that Fran’s
condition had worsened and that they had stayed aboard to await a doctor’s
visit. [More on that later]</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even though
Barry and Nancy were in a different color group, they hung back and walked with
us as we followed our guide who seemed to be having a sexual experience with
every new tulip she saw.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvBef07fzJHYJOouvQYVIUTcUhz8PL2n5_4nvjID3cb1a5FffWX_HbK6URIdkMJGOxB5C1RWYHfa7EPHRdqexmPPDXLvmVFOJX3qHNGdbUQxvqJhcksRVIduo6mX4t4riXKFn-v_NWEI/s1600/DSCF2269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvBef07fzJHYJOouvQYVIUTcUhz8PL2n5_4nvjID3cb1a5FffWX_HbK6URIdkMJGOxB5C1RWYHfa7EPHRdqexmPPDXLvmVFOJX3qHNGdbUQxvqJhcksRVIduo6mX4t4riXKFn-v_NWEI/s1600/DSCF2269.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We started with the new varieties
although it is hard to imagine that growers have developed new colors and
combinations.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">After that, we entered a
pavilion which featured orchids at which point we ditched the guide and went
off on our own.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We knew when and where
to report, so we were not worried about missing the bus.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd9-__tX7RchqnruDnCDtQR6oMJd9VZzRQhuukYRVum5TImKSlEyojNyKvktZjEVVUkq3F4eickZ0XC1F048unJadmbFl6VMu6AqMk3cpxY6HelV_3bL2PIcvQEnDEFu5Y4YSJRkcKOo/s1600/DSCF2273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd9-__tX7RchqnruDnCDtQR6oMJd9VZzRQhuukYRVum5TImKSlEyojNyKvktZjEVVUkq3F4eickZ0XC1F048unJadmbFl6VMu6AqMk3cpxY6HelV_3bL2PIcvQEnDEFu5Y4YSJRkcKOo/s1600/DSCF2273.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The ship had provided us with our entry tickets as well as
vouchers to get our lunch since we would not be on board at mealtime.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We each had 15 euros to spend and,
surprisingly, we found it difficult to do.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shortly after leaving the group, we stopped in the orchid pavilion for
coffee and pastries.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">MA and David split
a piece of apple pie which was a nice accompaniment for their coffee.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Side note – Decaf is okay on the ship, but
may not exist in the real Netherlands, so we have been drinking a lot of high
test this week.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can you say “buzzed?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrhufxsw6kOFIKcKo62nyrOQjYa7f9kye-JFLIeL6jJBtIvW-ya8RlFyEW652TZT7VVRxzW9j4NgAzQSm89DSxpKugS6Ergz4sffiZJrO0RBemMcm3fcobJt2Zl0Us3-s-WKGAe3xIAs/s1600/DSCF2274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrhufxsw6kOFIKcKo62nyrOQjYa7f9kye-JFLIeL6jJBtIvW-ya8RlFyEW652TZT7VVRxzW9j4NgAzQSm89DSxpKugS6Ergz4sffiZJrO0RBemMcm3fcobJt2Zl0Us3-s-WKGAe3xIAs/s1600/DSCF2274.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We wandered through the many displays of tulips and the occasional
narcissus.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The warm spring meant that
the blooms were past their prime on many of the tulips; almost all of the
narcissus/daffodils were gone with just their green foliage left to see.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Gardens will be open for another 2 weeks
but the late visitors will have very little to see.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In the overcast today, the tulips were not as
glorious as we had hoped.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC97f_J4OBJHovE3SJ_XH9mQL9dI9BllZh5p83QEPqvjgOyIiSnujKQ8RuuBzAR7A8lIvOhWXS5UZA47lpWbSNoc_32sW8YfhDb35k4kiLBAkavxPveLeBgZ0VrrY_nrbR7fFRYDcMwck/s1600/DSCF2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC97f_J4OBJHovE3SJ_XH9mQL9dI9BllZh5p83QEPqvjgOyIiSnujKQ8RuuBzAR7A8lIvOhWXS5UZA47lpWbSNoc_32sW8YfhDb35k4kiLBAkavxPveLeBgZ0VrrY_nrbR7fFRYDcMwck/s1600/DSCF2275.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Soon it was time for lunch, so Barry, as line leader, found
another pavilion where we went through the line and got food but could not find
a table inside.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">There were plenty
outside because the smart/early/lucky people got them.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The temperatures might have been in the 50s
but the wind was strong.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fortunately,
our table was sheltered by the building, so we were not uncomfortable while we
ate.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We both got soup and fries [frites,
locally] and still had money left over, so we threw in some candy bars; the
vouchers were in 7.5 euro denominations and we still had 1 of our 4 left, so
David bought a soda for Barry [who had been supplying chump change when we didn’t
have it] and even more candy just to use it all up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfuebMVzkVSUwUwE_MAv5Qnx7KghYYN0L_xU3faMd1TGrB1zRSYKkz5oAGErJb5ies7RyF88Aze1yv2uFILYOObFLhbmBLebiJc0ayiI88ubwYHPIraQDLeawUvMLZfsM8auAGChgHUc/s1600/DSCF2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfuebMVzkVSUwUwE_MAv5Qnx7KghYYN0L_xU3faMd1TGrB1zRSYKkz5oAGErJb5ies7RyF88Aze1yv2uFILYOObFLhbmBLebiJc0ayiI88ubwYHPIraQDLeawUvMLZfsM8auAGChgHUc/s1600/DSCF2277.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We put up with the chill and the wind as long as we could
before heading back to the bus.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Of
course, there was a little shopping along the way, but we arrived well before
our deadline only to be told that we were practically the last to get
there.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">An hour on the bus brought us
back to Amsterdam and the ship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip and Fran did not appear at dinner tonight.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We saw Skip briefly and he told us that the
ship’s crew had arranged for a physician to examine Fran on board; he showed up
around noon and prescribed antibiotics and other OTC medicines which Arjan, the
concierge, went and purchased for them.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They were essentially in quarantine until they were to leave the ship
tomorrow.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skip said that the person who
came to clean the room was in a hazmat suit [well, almost].<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And then it was time to say goodnight and goodbye.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Barry and Nancy, whose room is next to ours,
are due to leave at 6:30 for their flight to Dallas.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They will have a short night because they are
going on a tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District which leaves at 9:00 pm and
returns at 11:00.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">They promised to try
to be quiet in the morning.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">We returned to our cabin and repacked the bags for the next
leg of our odyssey.</span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;">Tomorrow -- the "connection" in the blog's title</span></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-2820076988736924042014-05-02T08:19:00.003-07:002014-05-02T08:19:45.399-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday, May 1, 2014 – Amsterdam, Day 1<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEHYmSSkbImDhIua5ngHLYXZ3rUA2aUFRHpjmE0PsewS64GjCCfmzaY7yz5Hk2sdIL71lRqlf30eRVDfuWP8lDpvdbcEoqQqsCAcO0LEQX_l7RvLC0uO84PhsGSgOAeu9e4qBo-B_7Ak/s1600/DSCF2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEHYmSSkbImDhIua5ngHLYXZ3rUA2aUFRHpjmE0PsewS64GjCCfmzaY7yz5Hk2sdIL71lRqlf30eRVDfuWP8lDpvdbcEoqQqsCAcO0LEQX_l7RvLC0uO84PhsGSgOAeu9e4qBo-B_7Ak/s1600/DSCF2256.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>A canal boat from a canal boat</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had another busy day planned
for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started with a lecture in
the lounge at 8:30 on the Golden Age in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a crash course on the visual arts
during the time of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The presenter used a series of slides of
paintings in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, one of the premier galleries in Europe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Immediately following the
lecture, we boarded buses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are docked
on a little inlet just down from Centraal Station, Amsterdam’s railway
hub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were here in 2010 on the Prinsendam,
we were parked literally down the street from the station, but today we are too
far for some/many of the passengers to walk, so we were taken by motor coach to
transfer to canal boats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amsterdam’s canal boats are
similar to Paris’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bateau mouche,</i>
literally “fly boats.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also
resemble river barges for their long, low profile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With windows all around and glass ceilings,
they are perfect for touring the famous canals of Amsterdam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have taken the canal boats
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2010, we used them as hop
on/hop off [HOHO] boats which allow passengers to ride all day and get off and
on at designated stops along the circular route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had plenty of room on the boat as Vantage
had chartered 3 of them, one for each color group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boats have booths which hold 4 passenger
with a table between the bench seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since we were assigned by color, Green again, we shared a booth with
Skip and Fran.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVObE-8klGUAjv4LXSHxg_61I-qf-GASqNSxkVgGQ4UBt0F67XmwYxvdYU8EsvbQtsu8kLcxKr4Qu4Q8VR8XsnRFbFi_J7mwLSVTE-qlsOCN9Dc9Gh1I68LdKiqdWfsgTAEHUsPcF4U10/s1600/DSCF2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVObE-8klGUAjv4LXSHxg_61I-qf-GASqNSxkVgGQ4UBt0F67XmwYxvdYU8EsvbQtsu8kLcxKr4Qu4Q8VR8XsnRFbFi_J7mwLSVTE-qlsOCN9Dc9Gh1I68LdKiqdWfsgTAEHUsPcF4U10/s1600/DSCF2257.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Rijksmuseum</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Skip spent much of the time
taking pictures but David has been there before, as they say, so took only a
few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed the 7 bridges, a spot
where 7 bridges line up as they cross a canal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also saw Ann Frank’s House and its tremendously long line of
tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was the Westerkirk, the
West Church, near the Ann Frank House, the burial place of Vincent van Gogh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only excitement on the canal boat ride
occurred when the pilot bbacked into the canal wall making a U-turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After meandering through the canals for a
while, we disembarked in front of the Rijksmuseum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegtsHJ5QwmWM2yPkVUqltRoj_4inAELLQaLN5m2ibSyH0WTKoe-JCFaGj1AFlNJgtnvjPWomsevPfxLM5sLnmF0p_41vMDo3zQ-3yNV1qH8OUYCxEX-zAZqmlUgbeSvHmh0443V9R-nc/s1600/DSCF2262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegtsHJ5QwmWM2yPkVUqltRoj_4inAELLQaLN5m2ibSyH0WTKoe-JCFaGj1AFlNJgtnvjPWomsevPfxLM5sLnmF0p_41vMDo3zQ-3yNV1qH8OUYCxEX-zAZqmlUgbeSvHmh0443V9R-nc/s1600/DSCF2262.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Franz Hal's<em> Jolly Drinker</em></span></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best-known work in this
museum Rembrandt’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Night Watch</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The museum has an extensive collection from
various periods, but is best known for its Flemish paintings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were to spend all of our time seeing these
works and getting some explanations of them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Rijksmuseum was a mob
scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were terribly long lines to
enter and the lobby, and later, the galleries were so crowded it was hard to
move. Hearing was not a problem because we were wearing our standard
closed-circuit earpieces; we could hear our guide but others could not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem was that there were so many people
trying to see the paintings t it was difficult for our group of 20 to get close
enough to see what we could hear the guide explaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike at the Zuider Zee Museum, this was not
a logistical problem which had an easy solution – the Rijksmuseum was simply
too popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are hoping that the
crowding can be blamed on the extended holiday week vacations between the
King’s Birthday last Saturday and Liberation Day next Monday because we plan to
return on May 7.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieT4DNDu68eKbZS1qr42zwIQ3NitPHc3EAIW_45gv3QcrMbZMvFE4bYxi-NRX5VAmJbS_moQ0swoQzRt7JXv71urLO4GFfYR2p4BaJs3YB7PchZVGIqFyPLmR_63BbSq2wMMlz1MY4ZFU/s1600/DSCF2268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieT4DNDu68eKbZS1qr42zwIQ3NitPHc3EAIW_45gv3QcrMbZMvFE4bYxi-NRX5VAmJbS_moQ0swoQzRt7JXv71urLO4GFfYR2p4BaJs3YB7PchZVGIqFyPLmR_63BbSq2wMMlz1MY4ZFU/s1600/DSCF2268.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Night Watch</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vvClgaMtPSUdc3sbHVl7oU5pf-kr3uZT-pBWEnDxnbrI37ZesxEdsnlaIvVv3ySBVWT8JkPS3gd_WEEgUM2BqEcFr_i3flIavltVT_cZ-_x3FNH-TBd-IsqL4HDMBfj2qxhUMpXrD5E/s1600/DSCF2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vvClgaMtPSUdc3sbHVl7oU5pf-kr3uZT-pBWEnDxnbrI37ZesxEdsnlaIvVv3ySBVWT8JkPS3gd_WEEgUM2BqEcFr_i3flIavltVT_cZ-_x3FNH-TBd-IsqL4HDMBfj2qxhUMpXrD5E/s1600/DSCF2264.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>More Rembrandt</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We did indeed see many paintings
of the Flemish period and could see how the painters used their art to convey
their commentary on the world around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While formal portraits, popular with the rich, gave the artists little
room for experimentation, they could bend the rules when painting scenes of the
working class and poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway…we
started at the far end of the Hall of Honor, as the guide called it, and worked
our way up to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Night Watch</i> which
we had to work hard to see and even then, we were off to one side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once everyone had had a chance to
see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Night Watch,</i> we left with
some people going out for lunch, shopping, or other museums [or some
combination of the three].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
another activity planned, so we returned to the ship for lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After lunch, a dozen or so
passengers, including us, boarded the bus again for a short ride to a diamond
merchant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the trip was billed as a
learning experience, we anticipated learning about the cutting of the stones,
perhaps a film, and a demonstration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
we got was a very short explanation of how this particular diamond company
polishes and shapes its diamonds through its own techniques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were allowed to wander through a small
area which had historical displays as well as mostly-expensive merchandise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second part of the “diamond
tour” found us in a small room with a closed door where the “guide” began the
sales process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She produced sample
diamonds in sizes from ½ carat to 2 carats in varying cuts and differing colors
and degrees of clarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These samples
ranged in price up to $50,000 without any setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had seen a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hamsa</i> in the display case, so she had that brought in as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was small but filled with black diamond
chips [the whole thing was only .15 carats] and was priced at 275 euros.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite David’s efforts, though, MA decided
she liked her filigree <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hamsa</i> better,
we emerged unscathed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In fact, we were the first to
emerge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got tired of the pressure and
asked if we could leave bfore she was finished – by this time she had cases of
rings, pendants, earrings and watches strewn across the desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were told we could leave whenever we
wanted but to be sure to close the door begind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wondered if this was to keep others out or
our group in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skip and Fran joined us
and we left the building and enjoyed the cool air outside before going next
door for a coffee and tchotchke shopping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And that was the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner featured the March of the Baked Alaska
after the entire crew was introduced again [Cue rousing applause and manic
picture taking].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Free wine with dinner
followed free drinks during happy hour, and all the free alcohol may have
contributed to the good cheer during dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After dinner, David filled out
the on-line survey from the cruise line in the hope of winning $50 in a drawing
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skip and Fran have won twice
before, so we know all things are possible in the best of all possible worlds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow -- Amsterdam, Day 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-71677686816629777942014-04-30T15:40:00.001-07:002014-04-30T15:40:15.233-07:00
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>April 30, 2014 – Hoorn<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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</span></div>
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We came to the Netherlands to see
two things, Brugge and tulips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we
accomplished our purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We were docked in Hoorn, North
Holland, one of the two provinces which can rightfully called “Holland.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a quaint town, full of sail boats and
cafes, a mixture of old buildings and new, but we did not get to see the town
until we drove out of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNiKoy_x6jkQ1IHyrHbX7CQMaVSmZPANyrrNstfRddTZP76xCQwKNw2e0dR1nMLulbFkyy6QqwY7oWiIfJP12NsOJQz10ZdjzKc3a8Suid7iZNIvCqs9DNlfVCRAtlm8tU63nyCmtOwM/s1600/DSCF2207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNiKoy_x6jkQ1IHyrHbX7CQMaVSmZPANyrrNstfRddTZP76xCQwKNw2e0dR1nMLulbFkyy6QqwY7oWiIfJP12NsOJQz10ZdjzKc3a8Suid7iZNIvCqs9DNlfVCRAtlm8tU63nyCmtOwM/s1600/DSCF2207.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhid56Q_ivfCCUbIks8rR-x2eghnv0T7q-55wrDSXXVTdURMoDMDaJMIGxGEna7N5_XrkoPg5eP5HPdKi2nk9MsgZ88wUoocPfqncyONWfjKo6QUe4aaIWey29GnN6elFvDR1eNgWvFI88/s1600/DSCF2203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhid56Q_ivfCCUbIks8rR-x2eghnv0T7q-55wrDSXXVTdURMoDMDaJMIGxGEna7N5_XrkoPg5eP5HPdKi2nk9MsgZ88wUoocPfqncyONWfjKo6QUe4aaIWey29GnN6elFvDR1eNgWvFI88/s1600/DSCF2203.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>We were on the road at 9:00 this
morning, heading for tulip country and a presentation on the farming and
cultivating of tulips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of the three
color groups [yes, we are still Green] went to a different farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our bus trip took over an hour although there
were times that bus slowed down so we could gawk at fields of tulips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “snap” of cameras was almost overwhelming.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_yF8FG_vNa-9qgcUA8MlPtMVS55c9ao4ULEQM8pETjvjHQ4fXp7UgD3ToQy-7qdTtEnZF0zvYSmkPAeUSaL19ulY5TKZUwCYJycUbDfPEHU5LFBBWHZvAF8WQFjnBOf9NRLePslGjJE/s1600/DSCF2210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_yF8FG_vNa-9qgcUA8MlPtMVS55c9ao4ULEQM8pETjvjHQ4fXp7UgD3ToQy-7qdTtEnZF0zvYSmkPAeUSaL19ulY5TKZUwCYJycUbDfPEHU5LFBBWHZvAF8WQFjnBOf9NRLePslGjJE/s1600/DSCF2210.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoHf8aCo1M9J3rknvjI-FicQ-5Zc-O4y6OBDfbUFjNJYeiUIJkIkqxF03uFjihJhQYepAV31e69j0FYOJQarrLs2fs-2Sl5JZoddKRCpEZzNKIiU18oGmi_0mfmQAVCPFFvU1WcnGXmQ/s1600/DSCF2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoHf8aCo1M9J3rknvjI-FicQ-5Zc-O4y6OBDfbUFjNJYeiUIJkIkqxF03uFjihJhQYepAV31e69j0FYOJQarrLs2fs-2Sl5JZoddKRCpEZzNKIiU18oGmi_0mfmQAVCPFFvU1WcnGXmQ/s1600/DSCF2215.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Once we arrived at the farm, we
were invited to take coffee and cake [including stroopwafels], a Dutch social
obligation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skip, Fran, MA and David all
commented later that these refreshments were what we had expected at Anna’s
yesterday [Barry and Nancy were highjacked to the Yellow group several days
ago, but they agreed when we discussed it later].<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
Our presenter explained that the
farm we were visiting was family-owned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had been started by her father in the 1970s, but he had worked in the
industry as had his father; she was third generation at least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The company is currently headed by her older
brother and she, her mother and another sibling work the farm; they have only
one other paid employee but hire seasonal workers – students or immigrants – as
he need arises.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
She began with a slide show
presentation of the life cycle of the tulip farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, they also grow two types of jonquils,
lilies and other flowers which grow from bulbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are two seasons to the farm, so rotating the crops is not a
problem and there is some aspect of farming occurring every month all year
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we did not realize is that
they are concerned with producing strong bulbs, not with producing
flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
In order to produce quality bulbs
for sale to exporters [and eventually to consumers] is to chop of the
blooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this is done at the right
time, neither too early nor too late, the energy which the plant would have put
into the bloom is redirected to enlarging the bulb so that it will produce more
flowers the following year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When is the
right time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only the farmer knows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the fields of brightly colored tulips
we passed on the drive had obviously not been chopped, but there were many
which had or which were half-and-half.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBES051bt_yhAuk1bVtzIFciJMIxIeNxZ_wdqfMbYuTJF99f_tx7Ne-r34uLoShblYYsYhbU9VNlEEfKY4ptG9GoLg3sXHg_0VxAiFvv0PK2jC6LRb8FDWX6lW7WqzcBN01eEvHHCNQFo/s1600/DSCF2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBES051bt_yhAuk1bVtzIFciJMIxIeNxZ_wdqfMbYuTJF99f_tx7Ne-r34uLoShblYYsYhbU9VNlEEfKY4ptG9GoLg3sXHg_0VxAiFvv0PK2jC6LRb8FDWX6lW7WqzcBN01eEvHHCNQFo/s1600/DSCF2220.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>A field of "chopped" tulips</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Holland and the rest of the
Netherlands had a particularly mild winter this year, so the tulips started to
appear two weeks earlier than usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
farm had been chopped save for two fields which we suspect were save for our
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are sure the blooms will be
removed before we leave the ship on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
There are many factors which
combine to make a good tulip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soil
must be sandy and water must be available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The soil at our farm had been inferior before the farmers improved on
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It now has a clay base with light
sandy soil on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water is available,
too, but it must pass government inspections to make sure it does not have too
much salt or other chemicals in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tulips, we were told, do best it their bottoms stay dry, but lilies like
the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tulips are dry bulbs but
jonquils have a paper skin like a peanut to protect them from the
moisture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And these are only the bits
and pieces we remember!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
Much of the operation is
automated now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The equipment which is
used to plant the bulbs looks like modified tractors but they cost hundreds of
thousands of dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone asked how
much one cost and the answer was “several houses.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This family buys used equipment because it is
more economical for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some equipment
is leased as it is needed rather than bought outright.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnDSxs3RB0gZeKVn1V_aOo3DO9jenvMkmIr31cCAjoWCQuOH-9QJg4xzyOK_9eyedrfEPZoesjgoKLox-hnhy0lLK9UZ6h8bU6xTt9Ul2GfaSFcsKtAu5xkDmIq-xYKk6YIyV-2pmkao/s1600/DSCF2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnDSxs3RB0gZeKVn1V_aOo3DO9jenvMkmIr31cCAjoWCQuOH-9QJg4xzyOK_9eyedrfEPZoesjgoKLox-hnhy0lLK9UZ6h8bU6xTt9Ul2GfaSFcsKtAu5xkDmIq-xYKk6YIyV-2pmkao/s1600/DSCF2223.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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We were able to visit the two
remaining fields of tulips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rows
seemed to extend forever but were probably only several hundred meters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were absolutely straight because the
tractors have GPS systems to keep them from straying by even an inch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rows are exactly one meter wide.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxgOp9gVVjb44wf1FMA5eG1JGUTFxEymy-kaiuz2e5vavZGX1vrUoFlqGzp9T63HyZCCYaltLA_wSatJELrApozKRN3E_uH0G5fdqLtN8DX7bYy9iuW6tYtFdZ81b3qP3TsjXK22ajHk/s1600/DSCF2225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxgOp9gVVjb44wf1FMA5eG1JGUTFxEymy-kaiuz2e5vavZGX1vrUoFlqGzp9T63HyZCCYaltLA_wSatJELrApozKRN3E_uH0G5fdqLtN8DX7bYy9iuW6tYtFdZ81b3qP3TsjXK22ajHk/s1600/DSCF2225.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>We noticed some odd-ball blooms
in the fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really stood out and
emphasized the precision of the other plantings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guide/farmer told us that she had hired
someone to remove the strays last year, but that he had done a poor job and was
not hired a second time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQS7KkRG1fhu4cuUm_y5dpucP-qo1ovAcflSUfTvjOzGHSryp9ylYyPmHts3-3IEntJFtGY92Qbfz81kIIZYfPk_9gqu9ol2wW5Zvel00SJ7PC2zqF5GIqer6h3e0r6VK5hyphenhyphenhb-5ZXSY/s1600/DSCF2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQS7KkRG1fhu4cuUm_y5dpucP-qo1ovAcflSUfTvjOzGHSryp9ylYyPmHts3-3IEntJFtGY92Qbfz81kIIZYfPk_9gqu9ol2wW5Zvel00SJ7PC2zqF5GIqer6h3e0r6VK5hyphenhyphenhb-5ZXSY/s1600/DSCF2226.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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The stray flowers need to be
removed lest they have a fungus or some other disease which could infect the
entire field, so we can add disease to the list of factors in growing good
bulbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only to the blooms have to be
removed, the entire bulb must be dug up as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We were invited to pick as many
tulips as we wanted since all of the flowers were going to be chopped soon, so the
passengers jumped right in and helped themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, they can’t take them back to the
US even if the flowers stayed fresh, and most will have wilted before Saturday’s
departure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eventually we were herded back to
the bus having spent about two hours at the tulip farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our return trip was highlighted by the driver’s
taking a circuitous route to show us even more fields of tulips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seen from the side, at a distance, the rows
of flowers look like a solid ribbon of color as the blooms blend in with each
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seen end on, the precise division
between the rows is obvious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although we had been the first
bus to depart, ours was the last to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had had a long morning in the fields.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
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After lunch, there was a 2-euro
walking tour of Hoorn which we skipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>MA read a very little and then took a nice long nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David took the unpredictable camera and
walked through Hoorn for an hour or so, taking pictures without any idea of
what he was looking at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he returned
to the ship, it was almost time for the disembarkation talk, so he went to that
and met up with the others in “the group.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once MA was up and dressed, we
went to the lounge for sodas before dinner [vegetarian shepherd’s
pie/steak].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished a bit earlier
than usual and went directly to the lounge for the crew show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amateurish but highly entertaining and
we all laughed through the whole show.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Back in the room, it was time to
update yesterday’s blog entry to explain why the Zuider Zee Museum was trying
to preserve life around the Zee from the early 20<sup>th</sup> Century and to
write about the tulips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow will be
another busy day, but more about that tomorrow night.</div>
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Tomorrow -- Amsterdam, Day 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Scenes from Hoorn</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFTHSL1_49iFZKKw5rvKK1zY2dWR-H_8WFCfnaS3fLYBFfwyM8HSkdrLtfW5jjUpoKWAwPM_hpsx2ENGsjf4BCdmWxfloj5ChLDUz6E9i54zmdizD-2cor9tw4KlnSMMtoJ-4f1OXYcc/s1600/DSCF2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFTHSL1_49iFZKKw5rvKK1zY2dWR-H_8WFCfnaS3fLYBFfwyM8HSkdrLtfW5jjUpoKWAwPM_hpsx2ENGsjf4BCdmWxfloj5ChLDUz6E9i54zmdizD-2cor9tw4KlnSMMtoJ-4f1OXYcc/s1600/DSCF2236.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUw4K48RhbnSVxMFOIvL8gxNxiw7OH7PUQ1jYebUgrlQZMlPNq3hyphenhyphenuFTXKOm6OiR987jhUJGyHdIJMV8i3KjM9KgIZJfBoZdS4FOC2b9KDypB4cBhENbqX-pDyQSwMyzcGoYSy9FO-2Y/s1600/DSCF2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUw4K48RhbnSVxMFOIvL8gxNxiw7OH7PUQ1jYebUgrlQZMlPNq3hyphenhyphenuFTXKOm6OiR987jhUJGyHdIJMV8i3KjM9KgIZJfBoZdS4FOC2b9KDypB4cBhENbqX-pDyQSwMyzcGoYSy9FO-2Y/s1600/DSCF2237.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-37702276095573654752014-04-29T14:38:00.002-07:002014-04-30T13:47:45.370-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">April 29, 2014 – Enkhuizen<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The days
continue to be full from dawn to dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We began today’s activities with a presentation about Tulip Mania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The speaker tried to tell the story of tulips
from their beginning until today in 45 minutes, a difficult feat, but she
covered a lot of territory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Tulips
were discovered by accident in Tajikistan and over the years spread to India
and the area that today is Iran and Iraq.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are perennials which do not need to be planted every year and grow
from bulbs, not seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bulbs are not
unlike garlic or onions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the
bulbs found their way to the Netherlands, a leading trading nation in 1200s and
beyond, but no one knew what to do with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently some were thrown in a trash pile [recycling not being
important 700 years ago] but drew attention when they later blossomed in the
garbage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
Dutch learned to cultivate the tulips and over many years developed methods for
making them bloom larger and stay healthy for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Techniques currently employed include cutting
the flowers off the stems the first year they bloom so that the energy the
plant might have expended on the bloom can be diverted to making the bulb
stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tulip bulbs produce
“children” in the same way that garlic has cloves which can be broken off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each tulip bulb produces cloves which become
new bulbs and the cycle is repeated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Tulip
Mania developed when people started to offer inordinate amounts of money for
bulbs in the hope that someone else would them buy it from them for even more
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as people were willing to
speculate on the tulips, the market for them rose; once people decided that
prices were too high to invest further, the price, and the market, plummeted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This kind of economic bubble has affected
real estate and dot-com stocks in recent years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">That is
all well and good, but not of importance to the rest of today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the lecture, we were divided into 3
groups – riders, short walkers and long walkers – for the afternoon
activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we were dismissed to get
our stuff for this morning’s tour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HBG56MiUCPKr5DkrBwVhZVCEPNvCDUboIuIFDq-YlrDqP4bMzqh6Uzqq_-yDJhnoQ5dswzeirwZ-TE4CIn0Zs8DK0CFUtVNGU2sAJ7T1G2gNwPSZvhwOBejff95yHZg1Mw6HgiSngKg/s1600/DSCF2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HBG56MiUCPKr5DkrBwVhZVCEPNvCDUboIuIFDq-YlrDqP4bMzqh6Uzqq_-yDJhnoQ5dswzeirwZ-TE4CIn0Zs8DK0CFUtVNGU2sAJ7T1G2gNwPSZvhwOBejff95yHZg1Mw6HgiSngKg/s1600/DSCF2174.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Old sailing boats at Enkhuizen</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Once
again we were in the Green group, but there was no real difference in the
groups today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked from the ship to
a ferry for a short ride to the Zuider Zee Museum, ironic since there is no
longer a Zuider Zee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This outdoor venue
combines elements of Sturbridge Village and Plymouth Plantation, both in
Massachusetts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Plymouth Plantation,
the original Pilgrim community has been reconstructed to be as identical to the
village as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actors in period
clothing go about their daily routine as if they were living in 1620.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They maintain the gardens, repair the
stockade fence, cook and clean and, in addition, assume the identities of
specific, real colonists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoPYinAYIwm5xCmYTiCp2O8FQfeWGzZ9Kry6ntvElsVXcgHPGu7r8rZx53sDmA2hIWFuw5pJ01-s9JUN9Z7Zz8uNxSran9yx6ugfjInwAKVYmlLXaYrNp4kDhKvg07GUZlASVINshrJY/s1600/DSCF2179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoPYinAYIwm5xCmYTiCp2O8FQfeWGzZ9Kry6ntvElsVXcgHPGu7r8rZx53sDmA2hIWFuw5pJ01-s9JUN9Z7Zz8uNxSran9yx6ugfjInwAKVYmlLXaYrNp4kDhKvg07GUZlASVINshrJY/s1600/DSCF2179.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Two types of fishing nets dipslayed </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>at the Zuider Zee Museum</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Sturbridge
Village is a collection of original buildings from around the state formed into
an imaginary village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The houses and
shops represent 200 years of Massachusetts history with obvious differences n
architectural style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to assorted
houses, there is a church, pharmacy and other stores.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Zuider Zee no longer
exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following a disastrous flood in
1916 [or was it 1919?], the government began plans which ultimately resulted in
a dam across the mouth of the Zuider Zee where it met the North Zee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until this time, the Zuider Zee had been a
salt water tidal body of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
inhabitants of its coast line earned their livelihoods by fishing for cod and
sardines [herring].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the closing of
the Zee, the fishing industry dried up and the residents had to adapt or move.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></o:p> </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The Zuider
Zee Museum has brought together houses and stores from the nearby area and
formed them into a new village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
represent typical buildings from the turn of the 20<sup>th</sup> Century, just
over 100 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are arranged in
streets so that all of the buildings are from the same town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in Sturbridge, there are craft shops,
retail shops and housing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Plymouth,
there are people repeating the tasks of 1900.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were particularly taken by the broom maker who was making push brooms
by hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took the time to explain
what materials he used for the bristles and why different bristles were used
for different types of brooms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqUnxYrUrNTSppbRhNFnTkdFwhSKiGStX5LHp69Pkbva1LtS32N30rcuWofjcJhY5vl16Br5NdxNUuJr3KAgTOt2TNdE61nQmpn3NwmseJ0yFmTrVUU8_pOD07Sx3FPulOT4JbNjXmq8/s1600/DSCF2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqUnxYrUrNTSppbRhNFnTkdFwhSKiGStX5LHp69Pkbva1LtS32N30rcuWofjcJhY5vl16Br5NdxNUuJr3KAgTOt2TNdE61nQmpn3NwmseJ0yFmTrVUU8_pOD07Sx3FPulOT4JbNjXmq8/s1600/DSCF2182.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>A block of 1900s houses on display</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLh4EFDYFOh5bZ9n9KIm89sR_4q-4wwsfr-HvQY_jz9A3_h5tfBc_xnNAVvrK7qPNTUtyQsdn4Xc4VRA-kt2QwOaBMQ2x8cwdut3yqbbcFCKUXu-YikDiwtInZuC34y4_C9zlqeShqC0/s1600/DSCF2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLh4EFDYFOh5bZ9n9KIm89sR_4q-4wwsfr-HvQY_jz9A3_h5tfBc_xnNAVvrK7qPNTUtyQsdn4Xc4VRA-kt2QwOaBMQ2x8cwdut3yqbbcFCKUXu-YikDiwtInZuC34y4_C9zlqeShqC0/s1600/DSCF2183.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Interior of one of the houses</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went
through the Museum in our groups, listening through headsets to the guide’s
narration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were doing fine until we
finally got to the first building, a typical house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house was so small that only one half of
the group could fit inside while the guide was explaining the design, floor
plan and furnishings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another Museum
worker, pretending to be a typical housewife preparing dinner, yelled at her
that there were too many people in her house and told her to get some of them
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our guide took the hint and started
out but stopped to answer questions and made no effort to hurry those inside
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we were toward the
back so that the guide was outside</span> before we got to see anything and the people
finally coming out stopped to talk their friends or rudely pushed past us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vRpR9PXqFRfz8WHuFkO6F80akLCpq_UX_97vs1IqcTVes4Vw0lwZDeLYM6rlHftr9jZMsXa98IMntBuSj4aqPm0ki2LVeIBBL9ByLExpBWxEixJ2pqQfhqppWXu70dZV4_ZZDOioV4A/s1600/DSCF2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vRpR9PXqFRfz8WHuFkO6F80akLCpq_UX_97vs1IqcTVes4Vw0lwZDeLYM6rlHftr9jZMsXa98IMntBuSj4aqPm0ki2LVeIBBL9ByLExpBWxEixJ2pqQfhqppWXu70dZV4_ZZDOioV4A/s1600/DSCF2187.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The broom maker at work</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We
decided to jump ship at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no way to catch up with the tour, the guide having continued
to something else before we could exit the first house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started wandering on our own, looking here
and there until the rain started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
sprinkling, but the forecast had held out the possibility of more serious rain
and MA had no rain gear [David had a hooded rain jacket].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Our
solution was to walk in the direction of the ferry which had brought us. On the
way, we saw the reconstructed shopping district, a windmill, sheep and a
swan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also saw a period play area
where the children were bowling, tossing and playing ring toss as if they were
at a county fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited about 9
minutes before boarding the ferry and going home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others stayed in their groups for the duration,
but some went off on their own before the official end of the tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many stayed and wandered through the little
town before back to the ship and some went shopping for waffles, ice cream or
beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">After
lunch, we assembled in our new groups for what we thought was one of the
highlights of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were to spend
time this afternoon with one of Enkhuizen’s residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three groups noted earlier designated
passengers who would ride to their hosts because of mobility issues; those who
said they could walk for 10 minutes [short walkers]; and those, like us, who
said we could walk 20 minutes [the long walkers].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXuOb3lT4fIq4eMXN9d_Jt1BB005axLeArqe_NzRnuwmGspHmPGkfdUsee3VJtOzMM-hSpUIOJzrB-4eqlOP1vDkPVcbnL-WqDWjZcguS49wdR-OAttrXfQW-hq0uvAmFy_f5t1oR8zM/s1600/DSCF2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXuOb3lT4fIq4eMXN9d_Jt1BB005axLeArqe_NzRnuwmGspHmPGkfdUsee3VJtOzMM-hSpUIOJzrB-4eqlOP1vDkPVcbnL-WqDWjZcguS49wdR-OAttrXfQW-hq0uvAmFy_f5t1oR8zM/s1600/DSCF2189.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Anna's backyard garden</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUzXZvn8qzPawsEfB1nfOXqfbrgB070XBipRMyxw67xc53Rxp29jcZ0eBXZwP0qQHS5hmU1c8zQ6Vq4AGKkROSqwAx3I2u4l-y0eDgZBMsMgfDoTfWBN9KRtmgymNZKuvxHgl2Q8ZeEM/s1600/DSCF2193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUzXZvn8qzPawsEfB1nfOXqfbrgB070XBipRMyxw67xc53Rxp29jcZ0eBXZwP0qQHS5hmU1c8zQ6Vq4AGKkROSqwAx3I2u4l-y0eDgZBMsMgfDoTfWBN9KRtmgymNZKuvxHgl2Q8ZeEM/s1600/DSCF2193.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Anna and part of Skip</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We were
lucky enough to be in the same group with our dinner companions and playmates,
Skip & Fran and Barry and Nancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once we realized that, we schemed to be sure we stayed together for the
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were 18 in the original
group and we were being delivered in packs of 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hung back to become the last group to
arrive at our host’s and we were glad we did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-lf2OY8P72t_NBb2vV8lzlnsolQoR0ipObkm4w8p35bPOnXklGeWSixOK-b6nVWxe_vC0P3Z76VMxsv2ZjvV1uzuXfm4xhACpk_7Y49OJRDLeSkPhb4ivQPKnEzVrkvsf8v_gp5AASg/s1600/DSCF2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-lf2OY8P72t_NBb2vV8lzlnsolQoR0ipObkm4w8p35bPOnXklGeWSixOK-b6nVWxe_vC0P3Z76VMxsv2ZjvV1uzuXfm4xhACpk_7Y49OJRDLeSkPhb4ivQPKnEzVrkvsf8v_gp5AASg/s1600/DSCF2192.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The feast set out by Anna</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Anna,
who did not proffer her last name, was our age, 65.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We began our visit by going outside to admire
her garden which was full of flowers and herbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we returned to the house, she inundated us with snacks [marinated
beef wrapped around egg, smoked salmon and eel, cheese, and herring [of
course!].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To go with that, there was a
variety of alcoholic beverages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MA and
the other 2 men had gineever, the precursor to vodka; its most famous brand is
Ketel One which did not sell well in the US until it called itself vodka.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later in the afternoon, Anna served an
orange-flavored concoction which was thick, almost like pudding, on which she
put whipped cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were stuffed by
the time we left and several in the group were very happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXk_-MUHRSQLhndC6BE2yDFFMPsaSosDDHTnilaFUbHY5CIHEPbQ63ngvmUa7-liSPq1mqU4HiJQ_eaGfM0q5hF4X06L5BeIwW5boYPYNcP6OutmnG9ZWG8jBTskLxAFFeu8h2U7Xxeo/s1600/DSCF2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXk_-MUHRSQLhndC6BE2yDFFMPsaSosDDHTnilaFUbHY5CIHEPbQ63ngvmUa7-liSPq1mqU4HiJQ_eaGfM0q5hF4X06L5BeIwW5boYPYNcP6OutmnG9ZWG8jBTskLxAFFeu8h2U7Xxeo/s1600/DSCF2191.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Tulips in Anna's backyard</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We asked
Anna lots of questions, mostly about herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is well-educated and said that at one point she studied to be a
geography teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, most of her
working life was spent with her husband operating a freight barge in the rivers
of Western Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told us about her
husband’s mini-strokes and its effect on her family and his employment; spoke
about her family both in the Netherlands [daughter] and in Canada [aunt and
cousins].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a discussion of a
trip she had taken to visit relatives in North America while she showed us on a
new map she had bought for the occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We
decided as a group that we were her first visitors from the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told us this was the first year she had
done it, but the map was brand new as was the book she asked us to sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the map, we each circled where we lived
and talked about where we were raised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">And then
it was 5 o’clock and we needed to return to the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She insisted on walking with us even though
we assured her we could find our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
made a beer stop for Barry and Nancy and arrived at the ship around 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Captain’s Reception was to start at 6:00
but we knew that no one would notice or care if we were late, which we were.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
reception [vodka for her, Diet Coke for him]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>was very low-key. We sat toward the back with Skip and Fran so we could
get to the dining room quickly and snag a table, but Barry and Nancy left
before the party was over and got there first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Dinner
tonight was the Captain’s Dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
as the drinks had been free at the reception, wine was “on the house” throughout
dinner [red for her, white for him].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
entrée was veal and dessert was crème brulee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afterwards, the chef himself brought a plate of assorted bonbons to the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had eaten so much today that
even David passed on chocolate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">And
suddenly it was 9:00 again, our regular dismissal time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Tomorrow
-- Hoorn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-13610992330680552752014-04-28T07:04:00.003-07:002014-04-28T12:54:56.047-07:00
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">April 28,
2014<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- Arnheim<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While many of the stops on our river cruise have brought us
to medieval towns with old buildings and lots of charm – think of Brugge –
today’s stop in Arnheim is different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is not to say that Arnheim and its environs are insignificant; on
the contrary, this area of the Netherlands played an important role in modern
history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the mid-1940s, German troops were occupying every piece
of Western Europe they could reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
they reached the Netherlands, they were met with little or no resistance
because the Dutch armed forces were, practically speaking, non-existent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the Netherlands had remained neutral
in WWI, the people and government had no experience with war or modern
armaments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soldiers rode on bicycles
and carried single-shot bolt action rifles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were no match for automatic weapons and tanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The country capitulated quickly to the Nazis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless, the country held a pivotal
position in Europe’s geography and became one of most important combat areas of
WWII.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our tour this morning was to the town of Groesbeek, home of
the National Liberation Museum 1944-1945.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The museum was founded with the mission of preserving the memories of
the war years in the area, especially the period leading up to the liberation
of the country in 1945.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The museum
honors not only the history of the place and period, but also the memory of the
thousands of Allied soldiers who died to free Holland from German control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps the most important battle, at least psychologically,
was the battle for the Arnheim bridge over the Waal River. One of Britain’s
military leaders, Montgomery, devised a plan to take control of the bridge in
order to weaken the German military; Arnheim and Groesbeek are scant kilometers
from the German border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other Allied
commanders agreed to Montgomery’s plan which failed primarily because British
forces did not get to their positions on schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>American and other troops were in place, but
the plan failed and he bridge remained in German hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story has been told, with more accuracy
to be sure, in the movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Bridge Too
Far.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the course of almost a year, the Allies attempted to
capture the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were finally
successful in April, 1945, when troops came from three directions to push
German troops back into Germany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Canadian forces were instrumental in liberating the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, the National Liberation Museum
attempts to tell the story of WWII as seen through Dutch eyes with a special
emphasis on Operation Market Garden, the assault by the Allies on Arnheim.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwdYcW_hyKJukYvwiTTw6Ub0CjQvJSOZ3amkooqiag4oNJeIxBCWQ_eYWT5iqV6UT3HHLh38VN-k5qhB2Bsj4Q6XvvqYVnuerCwa_5PU9BEcdsx2KLXJpJR1VClUinUJTgMyBdSfRRUg/s1600/DSCF2159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwdYcW_hyKJukYvwiTTw6Ub0CjQvJSOZ3amkooqiag4oNJeIxBCWQ_eYWT5iqV6UT3HHLh38VN-k5qhB2Bsj4Q6XvvqYVnuerCwa_5PU9BEcdsx2KLXJpJR1VClUinUJTgMyBdSfRRUg/s1600/DSCF2159.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Recreation of jail cell used by</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Germans to hold Dutch prisoners</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1ieVrcSKyZAv1Iz2sDkt-lwHSYH67COrbilHq-c31NHnbY6e_KLackKc9lUE93Iusqv1CaKHQtGS-AESpoxK0UYvSqAjjx7zPy-NBr0At5uxdaeNZEe3_tn8frXHQc4tXeaqLAPGT-U/s1600/DSCF2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1ieVrcSKyZAv1Iz2sDkt-lwHSYH67COrbilHq-c31NHnbY6e_KLackKc9lUE93Iusqv1CaKHQtGS-AESpoxK0UYvSqAjjx7zPy-NBr0At5uxdaeNZEe3_tn8frXHQc4tXeaqLAPGT-U/s1600/DSCF2160.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Artifacts from the war years</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Museum houses artifacts from the period, including a
baptismal gown made from a parachute and bread made from the same ingredients
and instructions the Dutch received in airdrops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were recreations of prison cells and
hidden closets where illegal radios were hidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dioramas recreated some of the action around
Arnheim and models of drones and their tow-planes gave an idea of how men and
equipment were delivered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the
Museum sits across the road from a drone landing area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkPcG87KKrgjtR5B4WJK3J6nXpOUusOq_7zXe0PLD3fFpE8ZsdI7IuPjiGYmpAxxWK8r59c81MM6f-50O7r0oKFWYAU2CxTdmlgDfARm6dLwj1q_sQ_5-dXPMljbZGfv8DdjP4f4IzZ4/s1600/DSCF2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkPcG87KKrgjtR5B4WJK3J6nXpOUusOq_7zXe0PLD3fFpE8ZsdI7IuPjiGYmpAxxWK8r59c81MM6f-50O7r0oKFWYAU2CxTdmlgDfARm6dLwj1q_sQ_5-dXPMljbZGfv8DdjP4f4IzZ4/s1600/DSCF2162.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Model of drone hanging from ceiling</strong></span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHltVDqTyTOkb54k94moiKIOORDcT6SoIjrhx5e6uodZ0bAo-4dyWgDJstOjZ9g_Kwg099Clw7-hsBoB17CcyozBwpHSfAe-n7nIbCJiubzaKhyphenhyphenSlWkNcKOiuveI0qNHMoszPGBO9eO98/s1600/DSCF2163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHltVDqTyTOkb54k94moiKIOORDcT6SoIjrhx5e6uodZ0bAo-4dyWgDJstOjZ9g_Kwg099Clw7-hsBoB17CcyozBwpHSfAe-n7nIbCJiubzaKhyphenhyphenSlWkNcKOiuveI0qNHMoszPGBO9eO98/s1600/DSCF2163.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Diorama -- Crossing the Waal</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our bus groups were each split into smaller groups to be
more manageable in the cramped Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were passed from docent to docent [all of whom are volunteers], so we
got more than one perspective on the history of Garden Market and its
effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several of the docents had been
children when the “invasion” occurred and remembered it vividly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did not hide their feelings of gratitude
to those responsible for their liberation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those who had lived through it spoke of the shortages which they
experienced during the War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after
Liberation, there was rationing of some products until 1952 when the final
rationing on tobacco was lifted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the end of our sojourn through the Museum, we assembled
in our small groups to see a short film about Operation Market Garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The film had narration but no other sound
containing, as it did, archival footage from the fighting itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmb5nBGWIIghijgVQWT6UgO93luS_7gW1F5pCyZ3MQx3Udh5I-eYvk1pUMFuxK0eA59wF0WDWovK2TV3socxAOIDlbfPHsHEsY-Vt4Y2s6Q4lUxIFnlfouqzrR26PAGdaLW_NAsDVlbc/s1600/DSCF2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmb5nBGWIIghijgVQWT6UgO93luS_7gW1F5pCyZ3MQx3Udh5I-eYvk1pUMFuxK0eA59wF0WDWovK2TV3socxAOIDlbfPHsHEsY-Vt4Y2s6Q4lUxIFnlfouqzrR26PAGdaLW_NAsDVlbc/s1600/DSCF2164.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking up at the "parachute"</strong></span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwbXpMM1ghSQ-5nv7j1BEDE7YrCMmu4bOLnLKZcNZyVxaCmQayRT59tc_jXe9E5Hc3LISIf3lEgxTZ-HETmX41n4eEYpJN5wiQdxA0NHbsGee2oOgDg4UFkhbCvYZ3PfemLTCPnrSQKw/s1600/DSCF2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwbXpMM1ghSQ-5nv7j1BEDE7YrCMmu4bOLnLKZcNZyVxaCmQayRT59tc_jXe9E5Hc3LISIf3lEgxTZ-HETmX41n4eEYpJN5wiQdxA0NHbsGee2oOgDg4UFkhbCvYZ3PfemLTCPnrSQKw/s1600/DSCF2167.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The "parachute" Memorial Hall</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the film, each group was led into an auditorium of
sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had seen this building from
the outside when we arrived and were told it was built to look like a parachute
to symbolize all of the paratroopers who had landed, many of whom died in the
fighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the docents gave a
short talk on the significance of the building and of the lists of names of the
those killed in action during the operation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As one of the survivors of the era, she told of asking her mother, years
later, what was the happiest time of her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She did not share what her expectations were but did tell us she was surprised
when her mother answered, “August, 1945.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Despite the privations of post-War living, she said, she was free once
again and that was most important to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In an irony unknown by most of our fellow passengers, today
is Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The thrusts of Yom Hashoah are “never forget” and “never again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The National Liberation Museum tells us the
same thing. [For more information, visit </span><a href="http://www.liberationmuseum.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.liberationmuseum.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULTTvHJExkG8b6c7SvnhrB_ChHQeTt3iLz6MRFzJVgpe0fhSqnHc62zMOFbMC_7ly3ZnoXphqn447feY_ErCkDXfYBwokQKQVUOLQ-iodCR4rQNhWB4ShGugI-ADbl3A9i58S4glYbTE/s1600/DSCF2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULTTvHJExkG8b6c7SvnhrB_ChHQeTt3iLz6MRFzJVgpe0fhSqnHc62zMOFbMC_7ly3ZnoXphqn447feY_ErCkDXfYBwokQKQVUOLQ-iodCR4rQNhWB4ShGugI-ADbl3A9i58S4glYbTE/s1600/DSCF2165.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We returned to the ship just before 1:00 and lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards we read/blogged rather than join
the walking tour of Arnheim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shame on
us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tonight, Tessa gave a sales pitch for future cruises with
Vantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were not so interested in
another cruise right now, but the drinks, such as they were, were free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow’s port talk was followed by dinner
[cous cous casserole/roast beef] and then more reading and game-playing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow -- Enkuizen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></u></b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-30748229755713627662014-04-27T12:54:00.000-07:002014-04-27T12:54:39.855-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 6, April 27,
2014<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Antwerp, Belgium<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a long day yesterday, it was nice to be able to relax
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we were up at the usual
time, there was no real pressure to “get out of the door.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After breakfast, passengers were invited to
attend a presentation in the lounge by a local chocolatier who talked about the
differences in chocolate; the process for making chocolate; and some of the
steps involved in making chocolate candy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His assistant demonstrated how the liquid chocolate was molded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also a film which demonstrated some
of the techniques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to the local expert, the ratio of cocoa to cocoa butter
[both found in the cacao bean]determines both the darkness and flavor of chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The higher the cocoa content, the more bitter
the taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Milk chocolate is sweeter
because of the addition of powdered milk, and white chocolate contains no
cocoa, just the natural cocoa butter; the absence of cocoa leaves the resulting
mixture “white,” but not chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
milk chocolate at about 33% cocoa and dark chocolate at about 75% cocoa, he
uses a mixture that is 54% cocoa to achieve a balanced flavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He proved his point by giving audience
members samples of a dark chocolate candy filled with a milder ganache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not surprisingly, he had brought product to sell even though
his store was closed today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
surprisingly, we bought some along with many of the other addicts on
board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be mentioned that he
was touted by Cruise Director Tessa as one of only four true chocolatiers left
in Antwerp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his staff of seven
produce everything by hand and have just one retail location with no internet
presence yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because he uses no
preservatives in his candy, the shelf life for freshness varies from two to
four weeks depending on the type of chocolate used.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because we were on our own lunch yesterday, our guides
distributed euros for us to spend as we saw fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the passengers bought lunch, some
bought chocolate and some sampled Belgian beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Several times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not have
the time or need to buy lunch yesterday, thanks to Peter and Manu, so we
pocketed the money and spent it instead on chocolate today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good choice on our part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having bought the candy on Vantage’s money, we returned to
the cabin to gather our stuff for today’s expedition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our “stuff” includes our name cards on
lanyards; radio receivers and earpieces to hear the tour guides;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>jackets and David’s hat because it was only
55 degrees outside; and the camera and extra batteries [because the camera has
been tempermental even with fresh batteries].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrV6tj3WloxDXPMBhFBha_Njk99WWtoBvLAhAd-GuLMxOn4DKjfaHi9G988CFUlmjSrx5Tn5-O1JZI2vspZBKi8RuplSGIe8WqV81iPEPRuia5A1m04WIOTwswH0taY9j7LjmD-qgErY/s1600/DSCF2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrV6tj3WloxDXPMBhFBha_Njk99WWtoBvLAhAd-GuLMxOn4DKjfaHi9G988CFUlmjSrx5Tn5-O1JZI2vspZBKi8RuplSGIe8WqV81iPEPRuia5A1m04WIOTwswH0taY9j7LjmD-qgErY/s1600/DSCF2116.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The castle that's not a castle</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once outside, the groups came together again and started
walking; we were in the Green group once again with most of the same people
from the past several days including the two couples with whom we have been
eating dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UIGIiL6uTP0gDmYkcdjTCAfG75UH0ZlTghU-TzR_DsOTXyofKKhPbZLx7GHhyphenhyphene_P6uANa-ZwLQky4wqCoaQLYpvwSPAAlqCJthj7KD3Vi_AWO7QMsal4lPOixixciZxbYM3LrY1xTuI/s1600/DSCF2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UIGIiL6uTP0gDmYkcdjTCAfG75UH0ZlTghU-TzR_DsOTXyofKKhPbZLx7GHhyphenhyphene_P6uANa-ZwLQky4wqCoaQLYpvwSPAAlqCJthj7KD3Vi_AWO7QMsal4lPOixixciZxbYM3LrY1xTuI/s1600/DSCF2119.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Butchers' Guild Hall</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Antwerp is not so much a tourist town, like Brugge, as it is a
real city with old and interesting buildings scattered throughout the center of
downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped first at what
appeared to be a castle, based on its appearance, but discovered that it was
originally a private residence and was, surprisingly, the oldest building in
Antwerp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our guide shared some of the
local folklore before we moved on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next was the Butchers’ Guild Hall, coincidentally the second
oldest building in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An imposing
edifice, it was constructed of red brick with regular streaks of white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The effect was not unlike a slab of bacon or
the marbling of fat in meat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked
over the area where blood from the slaughtered animals ran down to the river
[where our boat is moored].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyL801TYpyvXLZpaF65KnB_YCWiwCkNoueLwSbcifuOXaadRHBZc4K2Dj06J25XRPjemeKKM5wp2urCwOX_2aQ0tNkLwfS0nuT5nkkifIIG4zuBeSnschSSqlD6ofopNuCcq7Vj9k0pjc/s1600/DSCF2123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyL801TYpyvXLZpaF65KnB_YCWiwCkNoueLwSbcifuOXaadRHBZc4K2Dj06J25XRPjemeKKM5wp2urCwOX_2aQ0tNkLwfS0nuT5nkkifIIG4zuBeSnschSSqlD6ofopNuCcq7Vj9k0pjc/s1600/DSCF2123.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Antwerp City Hall on marathon day</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EnTC5UDAR1uLlBjn9Kqi0jEQDKxHkFB6F0ntKxM_oXM4WX4s0H-o3GHCEvmMPS8A6hfoRutYeeXFfsO8xbj1t5W-U5weBuFpcssBIfWZ6qTdN9qUm73eF26-xPoN8tSNkPWbDmbOs2Q/s1600/DSCF2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EnTC5UDAR1uLlBjn9Kqi0jEQDKxHkFB6F0ntKxM_oXM4WX4s0H-o3GHCEvmMPS8A6hfoRutYeeXFfsO8xbj1t5W-U5weBuFpcssBIfWZ6qTdN9qUm73eF26-xPoN8tSNkPWbDmbOs2Q/s1600/DSCF2125.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Guild Halls at City Hall Plaza</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent some time in the City Hall plaza where we heard
explanations of some of the decorations on the City Hall but also of the
surrounding buildings, many of which had been Guild Halls originally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Archers’ hall was pointed out
specifically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The large plaza was filled
with tourists and marathon workers, Red Cross tents, ambulances and barriers to
keep the path clear for the runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was the finish line for the race and it was quite lively.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKGszqTcymIzj4xp63J4oUp0p1TqocHcg3IhYkwqu3_fqK8QpL-LTZ8U4pH4f5x3eLMRYmeVPXbCodCwl5QMZs3N-OcguSE_a_dooInTl38hpWQbrtgpItkpLEe4QjYf39d3A5VXP3Ck/s1600/DSCF2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKGszqTcymIzj4xp63J4oUp0p1TqocHcg3IhYkwqu3_fqK8QpL-LTZ8U4pH4f5x3eLMRYmeVPXbCodCwl5QMZs3N-OcguSE_a_dooInTl38hpWQbrtgpItkpLEe4QjYf39d3A5VXP3Ck/s1600/DSCF2148.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>A full-color Madonna </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>over a door in Arnheim</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another story dealt with the legendary thriftiness of the residents of Antwerp. Because the streets were dark many years ago, homeowners began placing lights over their doors so they could find their own houses, especially after a night at the pub. The government thought this was a good idea because they began taxing the owners who did this. In a parallel situation, the leaders of Bath, England, began taxing houses based on the number of windows they had so the owners bricked them up to avoid the taxes. In Antwerp, one enterprising homeowner placed a statue Mother Mary under the light and claimed he was fulfilling a religious obligation; he was not taxed and thus began a tradition of placing statues above the doors of houses. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guide told the story of a local hero who taught the general population to read, a skill formerly mastered only by the rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His statue sits in front of the Stadbibliotecht, the city library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Across the courtyard from the statue is a Catholic church but we did not enter because Sunday Mass was being celebrated and a group of camera-wielding tourists would not have been welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More meandering through streets and alleys brought us to the Cathedral.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRmULObD-UCL_39wdWE5W98iv_sCdEoqMqlpbGi9Vbyvbk48QTmPbEMl47OaBFK33GhQl82G74V5hyVmP1g1zQC2Pl8xyPcmij5Attk_76nC4R15mzy4GSWmY2dmMiIZ4tfOpuTC8hks/s1600/DSCF2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRmULObD-UCL_39wdWE5W98iv_sCdEoqMqlpbGi9Vbyvbk48QTmPbEMl47OaBFK33GhQl82G74V5hyVmP1g1zQC2Pl8xyPcmij5Attk_76nC4R15mzy4GSWmY2dmMiIZ4tfOpuTC8hks/s1600/DSCF2151.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>And here's the steeple</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNbu_Lt1rSS9kYRjLqh6L_6w5obFYARJvbkGv9Izo_UdVTwYC0U6JYCGnExyoFIWI5HmojEhYVEHYnrAHZmWRgE4WaMt1fUxwMvQbLjxbrHT6MGaJh3GvMaxe_k6Y_TmWx0kAS7R2TMk/s1600/DSCF2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNbu_Lt1rSS9kYRjLqh6L_6w5obFYARJvbkGv9Izo_UdVTwYC0U6JYCGnExyoFIWI5HmojEhYVEHYnrAHZmWRgE4WaMt1fUxwMvQbLjxbrHT6MGaJh3GvMaxe_k6Y_TmWx0kAS7R2TMk/s1600/DSCF2141.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">T</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Here's the church...</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This church is enormous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The top of the spire is 123 meters above the surrounding plaza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly, this is the same length as
Sint Janskirk in Gouda – a massive 403.5 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tower tapered and was covered by small carvings and reminded us of
the Sagrada Familia [the Gaudi Cathedral] in Barcelona because it had the
appearance of a dripping candle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost
everywhere we went, we could see the spire which did not surprise us because
the guide explained that local ordinances prohibit any building’s height from exceeding
that of the Cathedral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It literally
towers over everything in Antwerp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tour ended around 11:30 and we were free – and required –
to find our way back to the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six of
us decided to sample authentic Belgian waffles and asked the guide for a good
place to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following his directions,
we eventually found what we hoped was his choice and went in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ordered waffles and strawberries with
whipped cream and they were yummy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
couple left us early to attend Mass but the remaining four people stayed and
chatted for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we went to pay
our bill, we were told that the first couple had paid for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We now have a week to find a way to
reciprocate; we know she loves licorice and he loves Goetze’s candy, but only one
of those may be available to us before we get home.<o:p></o:p></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We parted ways after our early lunch and found our way back
to ship after looking for tchotchkes in souvenir shops without luck; we also
stopped in a chocolate shop and bought 2 pralines, the local term for filled
candies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another major purchase on
Vantage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With no plans until “happy hour” and tomorrow’s port talk,
MA read and then took a nap while David wrote the blog and tried to upload
photos to previous entries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process
continued to annoyingly slow all afternoon but was working well after dinner, so pictures may have been added to previous entries by the time readers get this far; go back and check if you want to.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow – Arnheim, Netherlands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></o:p></u></b></div>
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David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-88345551540624925852014-04-26T14:01:00.003-07:002014-04-27T14:35:37.001-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Saturday, April 26, 2014 –
Brugge, Belgium</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although we were docked in Terneuzen, we did not visit the
town today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, we broke into
groups and were bused to Brugge, Belgium, a medieval town about an hour
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our guide gave us some background
during the bus ride, but, as a Belgian, he seemed to take more time than he
needed to explain jokingly why Belgians were superior to the Dutch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may have been some valid points, but it
was an insistent theme in his remarks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once we were out of the buses, most of the group visited
the rest rooms adjacent to the drop-off point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The guide made a point of telling us that this first trip was free,
courtesy of Vantage Cruises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any
subsequent use of public toilets would cost one-half euro per person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After everyone had reassembled, we traipsed rather
haphazardly to the outer walls and then into the town itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To describe it as a madhouse would be a
slight understatement, but it was as crowded as it could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the throngs of tourists, who
had not been a factor when David visited in November, 1992, there were cyclists
to dodge, cars going too fast for the crowded roadway and horse-drawn
carriages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carriages posed the
greatest threat because the horses are almost programmed to follow a specific
route at a set speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any thing or person
who got in their path would certainly regret it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOvJAIqUouY_Xk5fsOmdAU2scfI5edazFme9RHTwO89BA9RqPRugFZyXCUfLtp2GF8MHzWXvJFBLTL6YUejv3ZaLbCBposASfsCafxkZv6vLKXzRaT-CYK7A5RqAKTG7ksvhcb_J5Yvs/s1600/DSCF2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOvJAIqUouY_Xk5fsOmdAU2scfI5edazFme9RHTwO89BA9RqPRugFZyXCUfLtp2GF8MHzWXvJFBLTL6YUejv3ZaLbCBposASfsCafxkZv6vLKXzRaT-CYK7A5RqAKTG7ksvhcb_J5Yvs/s1600/DSCF2069.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The yellow house is one </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>of </strong></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>the original houses.</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brugge itself is a delightful gingerbread town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2nawfo6Lvo6eVHFijceyFmK_OL2p2p7M7nI86QEGib87Elhk_VndVVDXkHrwgTH944qUoQdQt9yMcPjKe-6MNlmK8ClAysC6A3n2k9UQgWbdyZ1ht3AbFPGV-YwQ6T5ze1xbegETYo0/s1600/DSCF2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2nawfo6Lvo6eVHFijceyFmK_OL2p2p7M7nI86QEGib87Elhk_VndVVDXkHrwgTH944qUoQdQt9yMcPjKe-6MNlmK8ClAysC6A3n2k9UQgWbdyZ1ht3AbFPGV-YwQ6T5ze1xbegETYo0/s1600/DSCF2082.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red;">The Venice of the North</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many of the buildings date to the 16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
Century or even earlier and others are more recent but done in the same
architectural styles as the originals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The buildings must be maintained to look as they did hundreds of years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a mixture of styles but
many feature step-gables or other roof lines associated with the
Netherlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Note to self – remember to
call the country the Netherlands because only 2 of 12 provinces have Holland in
their names.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The various tour groups from our ship were joined by groups
who had motored in for day trips plus individual tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our little group of 30 followed our guide
through cobblestoned streets and alleys listening to the stories of the various
houses and churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also a
long story concerning a Holy Roman Emperor who decreed that the city must
maintain a flock of swans which were prominent as one entered the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhX-hw81dkjNZr3qqpKGlVugAsb0lsuJOLZhhhcPvq6TSagxznrcFLIoZgMKlZa7W1QR6ojxHd60mbGjWXf8rmcR175Lg8GERAmk4NfLbkqGsZJ0NjFWcB7ZUnYKqipDd96ojPrlx7GM/s1600/DSCF2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhX-hw81dkjNZr3qqpKGlVugAsb0lsuJOLZhhhcPvq6TSagxznrcFLIoZgMKlZa7W1QR6ojxHd60mbGjWXf8rmcR175Lg8GERAmk4NfLbkqGsZJ0NjFWcB7ZUnYKqipDd96ojPrlx7GM/s1600/DSCF2089.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Burg Square</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7KZNfMmFfjRDinWgBnZEHR73Ph9irVXz1T7szMhoYqYA6NWmFn3HOX9XrVwEwaKSbpNyw5R8yXOzm7LXIp3tQjMBFHu4HsTjY4OV0ICTGWo7sP2P60Q2bAtpunCwKjxO-0BQCbhDMgs/s1600/DSCF2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7KZNfMmFfjRDinWgBnZEHR73Ph9irVXz1T7szMhoYqYA6NWmFn3HOX9XrVwEwaKSbpNyw5R8yXOzm7LXIp3tQjMBFHu4HsTjY4OV0ICTGWo7sP2P60Q2bAtpunCwKjxO-0BQCbhDMgs/s1600/DSCF2086.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>This face on the Tanner's</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong> Guild Hall says it all.</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the walk from the bus to the morning’s final stop was
only a mile, it took us an hour-and-a-half to complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blame the crowds or blame the old people who could
not keep up on the uneven streets and sidewalks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed through several squares both inside
and outside the central section of the old city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among others, we saw Burg Square where the
oldest government buildings were [as well as a church], Fisherman’s Square and Tanner’s
Square. Fisherman’s Square and Tanner’s Square were outside the city walls so
their stench would not disturb the residents; The smell of fish is obvious but
it should be noted that the leather tanners used urine to soften the
hides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine the 2 adjacent squares on
a hot summer day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our final stop this
morning was the Bell Tower and Carillon at Market Square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Market Square, surprisingly, held no market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the plazas in old-town Prague and many
other </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_23IJxCfMNGTNx80iqWK0ic0FloYg-_XOIonAq1jAkceYPaixCpqxtGfs2j5KGKdqiKHCFeB6JmgtGCtZ9Tl_XSuUwsB3LS0gXjeTgFzIZoYlH2ADVhJpN6kW5bSYFNtLnimt7X2fJA/s1600/DSCF2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_23IJxCfMNGTNx80iqWK0ic0FloYg-_XOIonAq1jAkceYPaixCpqxtGfs2j5KGKdqiKHCFeB6JmgtGCtZ9Tl_XSuUwsB3LS0gXjeTgFzIZoYlH2ADVhJpN6kW5bSYFNtLnimt7X2fJA/s1600/DSCF2096.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>The Brugge Bell Tower</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
European cities, it is a large square surrounded by restaurants and
landmark buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One side of the
square had the Bell Tower; a second side contained government buildings and
offices; and the other 2 sides had an abundance of cafes and restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The group dispersed here at 11:25 with
instructions to return by 1:30 for the rest of the tour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We found our way to the Huis Craenenburg, one of the many
cafes on the square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We expected to meet
and have lunch with friends from our 2012 Amazon cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter and Manu live in Brugge and we had
arranged this meeting by email over the months leading up to the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter is a retired restaurant owner who
retired several years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we sat
next to them for dinner in December 2012, Manu spoke almost no English so most
of our conversations were with Peter who would then translate for his wife. Eighteen months later, Manu's English is good as a result of lessons both she and Peter have been taking; today, there was no need for Peter to translate for her.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQCdP1Ez4biOPjtld9enGOjXAEfQ49q3NfG8sL0STC0UcKgyCkWb9aioBHNqF0BH8AsYJyy_tCkEjnwkIYBaBfOshtxSS-6tXVvKcmESoLLjBOh9FVwPswugOxosz1DekWzk7eKwdHpA/s1600/DSCF2095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQCdP1Ez4biOPjtld9enGOjXAEfQ49q3NfG8sL0STC0UcKgyCkWb9aioBHNqF0BH8AsYJyy_tCkEjnwkIYBaBfOshtxSS-6tXVvKcmESoLLjBOh9FVwPswugOxosz1DekWzk7eKwdHpA/s1600/DSCF2095.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Market Square</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we approached the Huis Craenenburg, we found our
friends sitting outside in the cold and overcast, he drinking a beer and she
with bottled water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had expected to treat
them to lunch at the café, but they had other ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter had been cooking before coming to the café
and they insisted we return to their house for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no saying, “No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had ridden their bikes to the square but
Manu walked to their home while Peter pedaled; he now has difficulty walking
and uses an electric bike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were at the house in 20 minutes, almost 12 noon on the
dot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew from our previous
conversations that it was an old 1-bedroom house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we did not expect was the renovations
which they had made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first floor was
completely open – living room to dining room to kitchen table and a modern
galley kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rear of the first
floor had a partial glass roof and glass walls making the area seem much bigger
and brighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area opened to a
beautifully landscaped back yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
enchanting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After meeting their dog, a Spanish water dog, we sat down at
the kitchen table – a converted ship’s wheel -- to asparagus soup which Pater
had made from the skins or peelings of fresh white asparagus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What followed next was the rest of the
asparagus – six big fat stalks for each of us – served with hard- boiled egg
and parsley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched Manu to learn
how to eat this; the egg and parsley were mashed together at the table, placed on
top of the asparagus and then the whole was topped with melted butter. There
was white wine accompanying the meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We talked and ate until we realized that it was time to go,
almost 1:10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter drove MA back to the
center of town although he was not allowed to drive in the square itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manu and David walked back to meet MA outside
the Bell Tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manu, MA and David all
arrived at 1:30 by our watches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then MA discovered that the guide had left without
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, 2 other groups had not
started on the second part of the tour, so we hitched ourselves to the Blue Group
for the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t
much to it, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went as a group
to a little boat slip where we boarded a motor boat for a 30 minute ride in the
canals which are the other defining feature of Brugge <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which is often called “the Venice of the
North.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because the boat held only 25 people, we had to split into 2
groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the second group returned,
we made preparations to walk back to the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some people opted to ride a city bus back to the meeting place, but the
rest of us started to back-track the tour we had taken as part of the Green
Group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guides had taken different
routes to the Bell Tower, so we missed some things by having to switch groups
and repeating the walk backwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a stop at the public toilets, not free this time, we
found our bus, had a few cross words with the guide and climbed on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were back in Terneuzen around 4:30 for a 5
pm departure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we found out that
the Blue bus was missing 3 people and left late; the MIA’s had to take a taxi
from Brugge to Terneuzen and we did not set out until after 5:30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow – Antwerp, Belgium <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-4159631946521823522014-04-25T14:53:00.000-07:002014-04-27T14:33:29.858-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday, April 25,
2014 – Schoonhaven and Kinderdijk<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today started out busy and ended the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the first day in which we spent time
in 2 different places, cruising between them while we ate lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, we started and ended the day
with lectures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The morning lecture preceded our visit to Schoonhaven and
was an overview of the Rhine River system as it impacts Holland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Rhine breaks into 3 branches when it
crosses into the Netherlands and then these branches continue to branch out
into smaller and smaller rivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
river system is dependent on the snowfall and rainfall in Switzerland, France
and Germany which feed it before it enters the Netherlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flooding from too much rain or snow-melt can
be as much of a problem to shipping and river cruisers as drought from too
little rain or snow. [One of our fellow passengers recounted a cruise last year
where the river level was too high for any boats to navigate safely and the
river cruise was accomplished on buses and in hotels.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An even bigger problem for the Dutch is the incursion of the
North Sea from the north and west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Following a disastrous flood in 1952, in which 2000 people died, the
government embarked on what became a 30-year project to make the country
essentially waterproof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key part of
the plan is called the Delta Works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Large barriers have been built to effectively seal the coast line with a
series of gates which fit securely not only with each other but also with the
sea bottom; thus, the water cannot breach the coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two unguarded areas were left, however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, Belgium,
still have unimpeded access to the North Sea so they can continue their
pre-eminence as commercial ports; Rotterdam is the second largest port in the
world, only recently surpassed only by Shanghai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The flooding the Delta Works now prevents had several
disastrous results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, of course,
was the loss of both human and animal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Second, and perhaps even more important, was the ruin of thousands of acres
of farmland by the salt in the ocean water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Flooding resulted in the loss of life and livelihoods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A generation earlier, the Zuider Zee was turned from a large
tidal lake which was fed by a Rhine tributary but opened directly into the
North Sea into a strictly land-locked lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With time, the salt levels decreased, to the joy of farmers, but without
access to the North Sea, the fishermen were out of work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep the importance and danger of water in mind for later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_LF25QUh5pRwKEbNzkcqYcsUJak7xlM_E-x4RJCAdmedYOw7NpGoOUCA3B2o4u-RztkZ3m_OiFfLAsDlMIjd9KAd5ejYfiBLp-mbeDvLDXRVVRWUnjOGv5KChbCFyzA_Slr2XYsg7Ks/s1600/DSCF2044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_LF25QUh5pRwKEbNzkcqYcsUJak7xlM_E-x4RJCAdmedYOw7NpGoOUCA3B2o4u-RztkZ3m_OiFfLAsDlMIjd9KAd5ejYfiBLp-mbeDvLDXRVVRWUnjOGv5KChbCFyzA_Slr2XYsg7Ks/s1600/DSCF2044.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>The wedding chariot</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the lecture about the river and canal system which is
the lifeblood of the country, we walked off of the ship and directly into the
town of Schoonhaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
distractions, of course, the best of which was the arrival of newlyweds in an
old Volvo strewn with flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
stopped right at the old gate to the city, which dated to 1603[?], to have wedding
photos taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw them later having
more pictures taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our group waved and
applauded and the couple smiled and waved back at us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The town of Schoonhaven sits above and behind the dike, and
the gate we entered, the last one left, has its own barrier doors which can be
closed to seal out encroaching water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The town itself has quite small canals and locks which seem now to be
more decorative than functional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw
floral displays floating on the in preparation for King’s Day which will be
celebrated while we are in Belgium tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We wandered through the small downtown area but did not
enter any of the buildings during the tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We saw the old, now disused, synagogue across the street but, again, did
not go in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, the building now
houses a jewelry and silver museum but we were told that the mikvah [ritual
bath] is still in place even though the Jewish population disappeared permanently
in the 1940s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH1rP0UfN7j2jaMsA-nhqYjLjAT7QNfGapoOFRoL8XdXQgflMCWXNOSgSNOzDNXHwuFG__VMUgy01DBHd6Z8eHAgQf4I9Qy1rY_p9n_-Xl1kYNxXUZDkJrOASRVF_C1P5opAhEC24gdo/s1600/DSCF2046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH1rP0UfN7j2jaMsA-nhqYjLjAT7QNfGapoOFRoL8XdXQgflMCWXNOSgSNOzDNXHwuFG__VMUgy01DBHd6Z8eHAgQf4I9Qy1rY_p9n_-Xl1kYNxXUZDkJrOASRVF_C1P5opAhEC24gdo/s1600/DSCF2046.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: red;">A Random Act of Art</span> </strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Kkbl20aK-BSutSY_AGR8aTlkNW1ck1Dnd4lIKLWd-EJBRjvlcq22rEzLSMuzR9-o9w13jwf1AfplLxmGIAgRlpM-D3eF0UM1mlkFaIyJNmVZ-PUZLTS0JH8dAbwHGUYV1q21MhiVQhc/s1600/DSCF2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Kkbl20aK-BSutSY_AGR8aTlkNW1ck1Dnd4lIKLWd-EJBRjvlcq22rEzLSMuzR9-o9w13jwf1AfplLxmGIAgRlpM-D3eF0UM1mlkFaIyJNmVZ-PUZLTS0JH8dAbwHGUYV1q21MhiVQhc/s1600/DSCF2045.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>And another</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We passed the old church but kept going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also paused at what had been ground zero
for the Schoonhaven Witch Trials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a
special cobbled circle and a metal plaque, the place was commemorated as the
spot where witches were executed; our guide said they were either hanged or
burned or both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this may be
Schoonhaven’s one real claim to fame, the witch motif was on display, at least
in the areas where tourists might be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Market Square was also being prepared for King’s Day and
there were no stalls or vendors as there had been in Gouda yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wandered a bit more and then the group disbanded.
We wandered back toward the ship, stopping in a bakery to buy more stroopwafels
and in a silversmith’s just to look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once everyone was back on board, the ship continued toward Kiderdijk,
our next stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sailed during the
lunch hour so we were able to see traditional windmills as we went
downstream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were just the
precursors of what we would discover in Kinderdijk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIeOLTU-wbFf6TdK9No3YqfvEnuiSDsx2nYNTR8y4ZfBA_FRXBAmdydVyGLtVWg9DsULTuj5GeblPJNNm_4d3sMueOxyxeRk0ZNSdnGhX1IjpylRygVEOHI8sM0LYNtTyf7hzVtvrXBM/s1600/DSCF2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIeOLTU-wbFf6TdK9No3YqfvEnuiSDsx2nYNTR8y4ZfBA_FRXBAmdydVyGLtVWg9DsULTuj5GeblPJNNm_4d3sMueOxyxeRk0ZNSdnGhX1IjpylRygVEOHI8sM0LYNtTyf7hzVtvrXBM/s1600/DSCF2061.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>A field of windmills in Kinderdijk</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kinderdijk translates as “children’s dike.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there were several equally plausible explanations
for the name, no one is sure of the real reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kinderdijk is now a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, like Angkor Wat, which means that the exterior of the buildings cannot be
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place is Windmill Central.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We traversed a bit of one of the canals which with the
rivers, surround Kinderdijk on all four sides, and saw windmills upon windmills,
perhaps 20 in close proximity with the assurance that there more we would not
see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wondered why there were so many
in this one spot and discovered that they had been built, along with two
canals, to manage the water level of the area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Much if not most of the Netherlands is below sea level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This topographical oddity is another driving
force in holding back the North Sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since so much of the country was subject to the North Sea and its tides,
the water level would rise and fall with the Sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The windmills were designed to pump water
from the flooded land and dump it into the canals which carried it to the
adjacent rivers and out to sea when the tide was low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guide compared this area to a bath tub
with the land in the center being lower and wetter; the windmills, which have
been replaced by electric pumps, kept the land dry and arable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were astonished because we had associated
windmills with the grinding of grain and had no idea of their importance in the
survival of the Netherlands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR54i7XRSE0yMClXEJGc7AA_eA-cIHL1kvRCvPkdI6-CFh6b8fXZ70IJYN5Ya-NNOWM5kc7UuA0ErTlZm_9V4drtJ1YwnrFDtPqJy0vwvXPoQaIlpK50RwUn1PD-4QxJWfhEoQufVHIY/s1600/DSCF2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR54i7XRSE0yMClXEJGc7AA_eA-cIHL1kvRCvPkdI6-CFh6b8fXZ70IJYN5Ya-NNOWM5kc7UuA0ErTlZm_9V4drtJ1YwnrFDtPqJy0vwvXPoQaIlpK50RwUn1PD-4QxJWfhEoQufVHIY/s1600/DSCF2060.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Windmill with covered </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"><strong>vanes, ready to turn</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5hzgBjaei5vr7F0T2m2Jj4ttCN1C8_6QHljq8QvxqDLoRZd8E2p9tF4uYzziC3yT_ynPZQIMYLb6ot18ztD-zoWG8SLvheYhs9NkD1FB56uOSV9it0ap1Bl7Nhh6sYv2BMjpd7rC2vA/s1600/DSCF2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5hzgBjaei5vr7F0T2m2Jj4ttCN1C8_6QHljq8QvxqDLoRZd8E2p9tF4uYzziC3yT_ynPZQIMYLb6ot18ztD-zoWG8SLvheYhs9NkD1FB56uOSV9it0ap1Bl7Nhh6sYv2BMjpd7rC2vA/s1600/DSCF2063.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Windmill with uncovered</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>vanes, not ready to spin</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the windmills is still open to the public, so we had
the opportunity to see the giant wooden gears and see the vanes up close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David climbed the interior stairs but MA
stayed outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The giant propeller was
spinning at a leisurely pace, covered in canvas sails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sails are attached to the honey-combed
vanes [or arms] to catch the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
the miller did not want them to turn, the canvas was removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Windmill Authority” really controlled
the operation of the windmills and told the operators, through a signal relay
system, when to power up the windmills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were told that the entire Kinderdijk system could be operational in
15 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the direction of the
wind could change [duh], there was a system of gears which allowed the miller
to rotate the top of the windmill to change the direction the vanes faced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG5Atm69OGLLdak2COdgS08ZnLBLwDP9-i1Wn_yHTwoNRV16EIjMa8_81Ppc2-LAzD1cpHDz_KsKDBZ3qkaHn6sbhcKSkWWRDtyaIePnztRJYUuI_KcGSdR6JUBNo9A_bbojE35C-BEI/s1600/DSCF2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG5Atm69OGLLdak2COdgS08ZnLBLwDP9-i1Wn_yHTwoNRV16EIjMa8_81Ppc2-LAzD1cpHDz_KsKDBZ3qkaHn6sbhcKSkWWRDtyaIePnztRJYUuI_KcGSdR6JUBNo9A_bbojE35C-BEI/s1600/DSCF2062.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The demonstration windmill</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The millers never owned the windmills; the “Authority”
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even today, this holds true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The remaining windmills are rented out to
families who actually work elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
could see people outside doing gardening; there were toys and bicycles in front
of several; and some of the residents waved to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the rent is low – about 200 euros a
month – it must be difficult being on display all day for tourists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One more fact about the windmills:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the original mills were made of stone but
were so heavy that they began to sink in the soft soil [remember Sint Janskirk
in Gouda?], so later ones were made of thatch which is much lighter but still
sturdy enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now it was nap time, so we left the group and walked back to
the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a meeting to hear about
tomorrow’s trip to Brugge at 6:45, so we went early for a drink and munchies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner followed [Vegetarian risotto/turkey
and stuffing].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shared a table with
folks we had eaten with before and had an enjoyable meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barry, one of the other men grew up in
Baltimore [a Poly grad!], so we talked about nostalgic Baltimore and favorite
brands unique to the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barry’s eyes
lit up at the mention of Goetze’s Caramel Cremes, so David shared his stash
when we went from dinner to the lounge for a presentation on Dutch phrases and
pronunciation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow – Terneuzen, Brugge and friends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-44618104433657633692014-04-24T13:34:00.000-07:002014-04-27T14:33:05.130-07:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday, April 24,
2014 – Rotterdam and Gouda<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good aspect of having a cabin right next to the dining
room is that it is a short walk to and from meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bad aspect is that people gathered right
outside our door beginning at 6:45 this morning and were happily chatting away,
unconcerned with our sleep patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had planned to rise at 7 anyway for today promised to be a busy one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Among the less obvious differences between river and ocean
cruising is that almost all of the shore excursions are included in the cost of
a river cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are choices to be
had – today we got to choose between visits to Delft and Gouda – as well as
several optional tours later which will carry an extra charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we visited Vienna in 2008, we paid the
surcharge to attend a mostly-Mozart concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We opted for the tour of Gouda today since we will visit
Delft with our friends Marcel and Jeanet who live there right before we fly
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were to meet the bus at 9:00 in
order to depart by 9:10, so we were up at 7 to get breakfast and get ready to
tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast is buffet-style which
was no surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tables were laden
with cheese, fresh fruit, pastries, scrambled eggs, sausage, assorted breads,
potatoes and waffles; there was also an omelet station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all, it was “quite satisfactory.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_HoKRoeEq_1l0WoJEh_zvTKGSyLe0u_dpte4E5ZndDvz6LLw5OTcnfSPywzuwU4UGR72_g-MVwDX4ijQL2dBaUA6-Dq6On2wZsfavDzcWl1eJ21u18DDidYDQx24ee_jZzD_vtqWbDo/s1600/DSCF2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_HoKRoeEq_1l0WoJEh_zvTKGSyLe0u_dpte4E5ZndDvz6LLw5OTcnfSPywzuwU4UGR72_g-MVwDX4ijQL2dBaUA6-Dq6On2wZsfavDzcWl1eJ21u18DDidYDQx24ee_jZzD_vtqWbDo/s1600/DSCF2016.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>How do you say "cheese?"</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a security measure, we had to turn in our room keycards
before disembarking the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Navigator.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were issued ID cards with phone numbers in
case we got lost somewhere as well as colored cards which indicated our bus for
today [We were yellow].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even this system
has loopholes as the blue bus left early before everyone boarded so we had a
half-dozen refugees who stayed with us for the tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon returning to the ship, we turned in the
ID and bus cards and received our room keys and passports.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, our bus was late arriving to pick us up but at
least we didn’t have a 3-hour delay today and, in fact, left the ship only a
few minutes behind schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We traveled
through Rotterdam to Gouda, best known in the US as a type of cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discovered a similarity between the Dutch
and British when the pronunciation of the town was explained to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as the British have areas where “H” is
pronounced softly [“aitch”], there are others where it is hard and pronounced
as “haitch.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a north/south
division with “haitch” being the northern version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Netherlands, there is also a
north/south difference with the letter “G” which is pronounced as an “H” for
some reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Gouda can be pronounced
as “How-da” with the soft G or with a guttural sound like the “ch” in
Channukah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nowhere is it pronounced with
a “G.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus endeth the lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We de-bussed near the center of the old town after having
passed much of the newer construction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many areas of Holland have been or are still being rebuilt to repair
damage caused by the Germans in 1940 and later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>[Almost all of Rotterdam was obliterated by fire after Luftwaffe
attacks; the officials there decided to rebuild in a modern style rather than
trying to replicate the older architecture as other cities did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result is a large city which dates to
1945 – 1960]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gouda had not suffered such
devastation but the natural influx to the city demanded new housing and
commercial space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEFpk6YD93IkiYCZO5L9Hn1W-Xz9J1YHdcFlAFmTOc5EIYtfz7ZSMqJ8sS2NaOrSxkmGzu_tpVmnqidsquUnELF0NU_HkXkshMpdrCMBuB95yZt_TTmRdogtZ93XEynX6jwGBf2Aj8as/s1600/DSCF2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEFpk6YD93IkiYCZO5L9Hn1W-Xz9J1YHdcFlAFmTOc5EIYtfz7ZSMqJ8sS2NaOrSxkmGzu_tpVmnqidsquUnELF0NU_HkXkshMpdrCMBuB95yZt_TTmRdogtZ93XEynX6jwGBf2Aj8as/s1600/DSCF2019.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The memorial to Gouda's</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Jews lost to the Nazis</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2s151mwEM4KxfrqfWrPe8wN5CMPL0OCjN8_soUI-1Bcf0Hhh9PtgeAgib2hWiLmwPnb9L0BAnDICQW7hyphenhyphendNkFoV5GdQJrTZb01rrvpFP8-SFAE5uOxKLOU_FYq2TT5wIBBPhNTjqyn0/s1600/DSCF2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2s151mwEM4KxfrqfWrPe8wN5CMPL0OCjN8_soUI-1Bcf0Hhh9PtgeAgib2hWiLmwPnb9L0BAnDICQW7hyphenhyphendNkFoV5GdQJrTZb01rrvpFP8-SFAE5uOxKLOU_FYq2TT5wIBBPhNTjqyn0/s1600/DSCF2030.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Detail of the entry arch to the </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>convent </strong></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>hospital</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first stop today was Sint Janskirk [St. John’s Church]. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the walk from the bus, we passed many old
buildings including a convent hospital which used to specialize in treating
incurables such as victims of leprosy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was also a street named after Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish
architect credited with saving many Jews from the Budapest ghetto and sure
extermination by the Nazis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around the
corner was a memorial to the Jews who had died in Gouda at the hands of the
Nazis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may have been a mass grave
at the site, but it was difficult to hear the guide.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oyj1oXYmAMpF0QL_HIHNU38nZ-ac1SZZVifuO227aO9Wrql4bI01k30tlJ_ONO7iAJHtJt4yRGwOQOMMYbOP3kYty8TgLhT_Zun6T1kTIcEMdnyHs9MMP1xsjNaIOCy8pJIQQmknugs/s1600/DSCF2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oyj1oXYmAMpF0QL_HIHNU38nZ-ac1SZZVifuO227aO9Wrql4bI01k30tlJ_ONO7iAJHtJt4yRGwOQOMMYbOP3kYty8TgLhT_Zun6T1kTIcEMdnyHs9MMP1xsjNaIOCy8pJIQQmknugs/s1600/DSCF2021.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The former Gouda synagogue</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is no accident
that Sint Janskirk is called The Long Church: it is 123 meters [403.5 feet] from
end to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a homerun in any ball
park in the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church is currently
in the midst of renovations to save it from itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gouda is 2 meters below sea level and the
soil is not so stable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past 20
years, the building has sunk 1 millimeter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By itself, that is not so much, but it portends a trend which could
eventually see the collapse of the structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Crews are working now to replace the wooden pilings supporting the choir
end of the church with steel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other
end has already been reinforced, so Sint Janskirk should last another 400
years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYGaKyGGs7eKZBFOJyKlvpLEEu6wzW1GLoqwzje3-UWq_XQ-L8mjzmUOoymbtlUiycWabv9w41LJhOZs9mzvOBVFiPSs1ZL250S7LXE_vFcS52bw8FC2TWzGwXdLkXf208rWAx_kkRu0/s1600/DSCF2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYGaKyGGs7eKZBFOJyKlvpLEEu6wzW1GLoqwzje3-UWq_XQ-L8mjzmUOoymbtlUiycWabv9w41LJhOZs9mzvOBVFiPSs1ZL250S7LXE_vFcS52bw8FC2TWzGwXdLkXf208rWAx_kkRu0/s1600/DSCF2028.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>A stained glass window sponsored by</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Maria Theresa [in blue gown]</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The construction has caused a shift in furniture to
accommodate the large number of parishioners who attend Sunday services [1000
according to the church historian/sexton who acted as our guide
in the church].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Undisturbed so far are
the 70 large stained glass windows which are the real highlight of the
edifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do they portray scenes
from the New Testament, but many also served as editorials commenting, in
effect, on the politics of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Spanish and especially King Phillip came in for lots of illuminated criticism.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="color: red;"></span></strong> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many, perhaps all, of the windows actually had sponsors who,
over the years, have paid for them and, perhaps, dictated their contents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sponsors’ names are displayed in the
bottom third of the windows [many of which are 20 feet tall].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The signature panel may also contain a
likeness of the sponsor, a motto or some other scene with Scriptural
references.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The middle sections of the
windows contain the editorial content as it were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one [window 23], Phillip of Spain is
pictured as a participant at the Last Supper where he is seen kneeling before
the empty chair just vacated by Judas who is shown leaving the room; although
only his shoulder is visible, the artist left no doubt as to his identity by
placing the word “traitor” as graffiti on the wall next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, Phillip is shown as being in league
with Judas, the traitor, rather than with Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of the windows has its own story and
taken as a whole, the give a picture of the history of the Church [both
Protestant and Catholic] in Holland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our docent had a wonderfully entertaining style to his
presentation and we were disappointed when our time was up and we had to
leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it has taken him 30 years
to decode some of the hidden messages in the stained glass windows, so our 45
minutes was way too short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
most fascinating aspects of the windows is that the original drawings – what he
referred to as cartoons – still exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said this is true of no other church of the period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having the drawings makes it much easier to
repair any damage and many have been restored over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When our visit was over, our guide led us to the Market
Square a few blocks away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today there
was a real market in operation with vendors selling everything from ribbon to
baked goods to hardware.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost all of
the customers were locals doing their shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The square was surrounded by shops and cafes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cafes were busy with both locals and
tourists including us; our last bit of business in Gouda was to purchase cappuccinos
and drink them at an outdoor café.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc4E69t3AsjNmpQrD_I3-mwhPCXvzTOwiAgevVDB7qJnwa0ihZK0hgTOQt-OA4w9YikK8sh8jFbALglWs1pKsBhG8meHfPUpHZkd2mq06lVNeKpOfyPIn1w4mHJn6wCX62a1rIA3n0aM/s1600/DSCF2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc4E69t3AsjNmpQrD_I3-mwhPCXvzTOwiAgevVDB7qJnwa0ihZK0hgTOQt-OA4w9YikK8sh8jFbALglWs1pKsBhG8meHfPUpHZkd2mq06lVNeKpOfyPIn1w4mHJn6wCX62a1rIA3n0aM/s1600/DSCF2039.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>More cheese for the tourists</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qvUVB5nPiZpMXmCpZXur-NPfZ62YJbsWjKTXUxveDvP_Wjlo6dmR4w7979MeBNeyZwMW4zzbAnUqukMT-74HS11OX6gyffsBWmLm5gzu_vHq3JFfq2RdFKDJvOMfuz77qTNFJ4iUOKY/s1600/DSCF2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qvUVB5nPiZpMXmCpZXur-NPfZ62YJbsWjKTXUxveDvP_Wjlo6dmR4w7979MeBNeyZwMW4zzbAnUqukMT-74HS11OX6gyffsBWmLm5gzu_vHq3JFfq2RdFKDJvOMfuz77qTNFJ4iUOKY/s1600/DSCF2040.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Cheese wheels on display at the </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>"tourist" cheese shop</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before that, however, we went in search of a “favorite”
bakery of the guide to sample and purchase the local cookie called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stroopwafel</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are sandwiches with 2 thin waffle
wafers [like pizzelles] and a center of sugar and syrup, ideal for partnering
with coffee or tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wandered through
part of the market but didn’t see what we wanted at the bakery stall [although
that might have been our fault] and then went a bit further into town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the first cross-street we found a cheese
shop, one not geared to tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
went in and talked to the young women behind the counter about the different
cheeses and she graciously offered us samples of about a half-dozen different
versions of “Gouda” cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
all different in taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could see and
taste the difference between </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> the handmade cheese and the factory cheeses as
well as young cheeses versus older cheeses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A 2-year-old cheese is sharper and shopkeeper about a nearby bakery and
explained our mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had
pre-packaged <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stroopwafels</i> for sale
for about 1.5 euros [$2.50] so we bought them out of self-inflicted guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are sure they will not be as good as the
samples the guide passed out on the trip back to the ship, but we will enjoy
them regardless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stopped in a tourist cheese shop on the way back to the
square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: red;"><strong>[See pictures above]</strong></span> </span>It was crowded with gawkers who
came to see the stacks of cheese wheels and to gobble up the cheese samples
which were on the displays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided
that the first shop must have a loyal following because it certainly did not
have a good location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conversely, it was
probably a better store with a more knowledgeable clerk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXC1PtmYR3986Z7oRPOlkmDqKExCPeuYnrJs2fMqprrkZt9dUqvI4qUozSJxkCnJCUju-KOXmpC9GJ2fJc36ixp_7HrsMHKkOYQZFO36_jDSdQdKdWOac4RT3SFmpezqkKbhU5kV2B2G4/s1600/DSCF2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Va5AgrqSW7Y6VW96R5SNMl9aLTwwEqp8bfzSVHwyAVfp9n4e-jmMd1hr2OkxUI9WuUfyVPA3JJQT3iTnvNpxyLiWG6Wy7BGxdCRgCrWVrsRrhs3TdggVypRKm2IRntdGN2oAr_yedo/s1600/DSCF2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Va5AgrqSW7Y6VW96R5SNMl9aLTwwEqp8bfzSVHwyAVfp9n4e-jmMd1hr2OkxUI9WuUfyVPA3JJQT3iTnvNpxyLiWG6Wy7BGxdCRgCrWVrsRrhs3TdggVypRKm2IRntdGN2oAr_yedo/s1600/DSCF2017.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Girls in traditional costumes heading</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>to the Cheese Festival</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrINt7xbrBz2tay9ufl7ULJCYA0q5ipo8Ea43RmwFZ8XSoN5vJmTP5qZbJ6oHZTFKltx59bj-84yv8Q7e4nSKMd3yo49QXYeVZCNSLnbyW7SacwVHXzl8kVGtW2vl-BK-FW_XCUIH7794/s1600/DSCF2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrINt7xbrBz2tay9ufl7ULJCYA0q5ipo8Ea43RmwFZ8XSoN5vJmTP5qZbJ6oHZTFKltx59bj-84yv8Q7e4nSKMd3yo49QXYeVZCNSLnbyW7SacwVHXzl8kVGtW2vl-BK-FW_XCUIH7794/s1600/DSCF2037.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The old milk truck at Gouda</strong></span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the tourist cheese shop, we stopped at one of the many
cafes surrounding the square and listened to a men’s chorus who were part of
today’s Cheese Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
young people dressed in traditional Dutch costumes, old milk trucks with metal
jugs used to hold the raw milk and piles of cheese wheels around the
square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These townspeople are the
original Cheeseheads!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYTZooyL9Jp20J8EM5AWDBOCGT22qaYOACAaIIRmJtrBgVHb-yg2J42JQp0HS3wlyHuW_-fswpbkEnyt37yLXt4Cfrd-P9rJCLLJhuKwwa71JdvYO7Dpx4lzPl0Mp2ddv0nJhWs5wprk/s1600/DSCF2035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYTZooyL9Jp20J8EM5AWDBOCGT22qaYOACAaIIRmJtrBgVHb-yg2J42JQp0HS3wlyHuW_-fswpbkEnyt37yLXt4Cfrd-P9rJCLLJhuKwwa71JdvYO7Dpx4lzPl0Mp2ddv0nJhWs5wprk/s1600/DSCF2035.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The men's chorus at the cheese festival</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back on the bus, we sampled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stroopwafels</i> as we rode back to Rotterdam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took the indirect route because the driver
and the guide saw traffic at a standstill but still got “home” on
schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our route through the center
of town included the 2 major bridges, the Swan and the Red Bridges, and the
Cube Houses and the Pencil next to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Cube houses and the Pencil have come to symbolize Rotterdam’s place
as a city with new architecture and while they are visually arresting, the Cube
houses are small and impractical [David visited them when in Rotterdam in
1992].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived just as lunch was being served, so we dropped our
cookies and camera in the cabin and went next door for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today it was a Dutch lunch and we had mustard
soup and then meatballs and mashed potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We caught up on games and email before MA took a nap and David wrote
everything down before he forgot it [and there is no guarantee of accuracy even
so].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of the 130 passengers assembled in the lounge at 6 pm for
drinks and munchies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 6:20, the
captain began to introduce the ships staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each department was presented by the head of the department
[housekeeping, hotel staff, dining room servers, food prep, etc.].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the staff originates in Eastern
Europe [read: former Communist countries] plus a few from places such as the
Philippines, Gambia and Indonesia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Altogether, there may have been 25 crew scattered among the staff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Following the crew introductions, Tessa, the Cruise
Director, talked about tomorrow’s program and schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have 2 stops tomorrow, 2 tours and a
lecture, but let’s not jump ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ate with new people tonight and had the most enjoyable
conversation we have had since boarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can only hope our luck continues and that we don’t share a table with
some of our previous companions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
food continues to be surprisingly good [MA, cauliflower au gratin; D, fish with
olives and capers and curry rice].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch
and dinner have a set menu in which everyone gets the same appetizer and soup;
the only choice comes with the entrée and dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch also includes a salad bar and pasta
station [at least today’s did], so no one is going home hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also an afternoon tea time with
cookies, but we have not tried that yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After dinner tonight, a jazz group was scheduled to play in
the lounge, but we returned to our room to read and type.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing new under the sun<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow – Schoonhaven and Kinderdijk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday, April
23, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Actually, The Longest Day continued until we finally took
off from Dulles at 11:45 pm, three hours late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>MA was asleep before the wheels cleared the tarmac.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David was unwillingly awake until around 2 am “body
time” but finally caught a few hours of fitful sleep before we landed at
Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik at 5:30 am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every other Icelandic plane was landing at about the same
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For reasons which were never given
to the passengers, the planes could not land before 9 am Iceland time [4 hours
ahead of Baltimore].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do the math and you
will see that our flight was 5 hours and thirty minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had another 90 minutes to wait until the
plane to Amsterdam departed, so we hung out near the boarding gate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we were last in Reykjavik, it was a sleepy little
airport with fewer than 10 gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now,
there appear to be in excess of 35 gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The little waiting area we remembered has transformed into a shopping
mall complete with Brookstone and Starbucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are several sit-down restaurants as well as fast-food
outlets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where once it was a silent
airport – no announcements were made for anything -- now there are last-minute
calls for missing passengers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
flights themselves are still not announced; passengers are expected to watch the
electronic signs telling them gate numbers and times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our flight went from “report to gate” 9:45 to
“last call” at 10:30 with no “boarding” announcement in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[As a result of this policy, there were quite a few
individuals and even families making a mad dash to board because they had not
paid attention.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The onward flight was, fortunately, uneventful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The delayed flight was posted for 11 am and
we were in the air by 11:15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
served lunch [veal chop for her, fish for him] shortly after take-off and then
spent the rest of the 3+ hours reading or playing games on our
electronics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were wheels down at 4:05
local time [10:05 am in Baltimore].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
wandered like nomads through the Schipol Airport desert [the place is huge] to
the baggage claim area and then had to wait even longer for our 3 suitcases to
appear on the luggage belt; they were among the last to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined the queue to stroll through Customs
since we had nothing to declare and walked to the Arrivals Hall, as it is
known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to our relief, there was a
man holding a Vantage sign waiting for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The three of us walked to his waiting van and he whisked us away to the
ship which is docked near Centraal Station in old Amsterdam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on board at 5:30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were shown to our cabin and waited for the luggage to be
brought to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once everything had been
delivered, we headed to the lounge where there was an informational meeting already
in progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though we were the
last of the 130 passengers to board the ship, we were not the last ones to
appear at the meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The captain,
cruise director and concierge all spoke about the services they provide for the
“guests.” It was pretty standard stuff as river cruises go – we will meet each
night before dinner to hear about the next day’s activities and any options
which are available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, the
concierge, a licensed guide, will conduct walking tours of some of the towns we
will visit including one tomorrow afternoon in Rotterdam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He calls them “2 euro tours” because that is
the cash price.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Vantage Navigator is luxurious compared to the Avalon
ship we had in 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems longer,
wider and more plush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, length
and breadth are limited by the size of the canals and locks the boat traverses, so it
might not really be longer or wider but it is definitely more extravagant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the 2-storey atrium to the hair-dresser,
this is not the previous generation of river boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2008, we had to choose dinner entrees the
night before so the staff knew what to order; here, we will be given a printed
menu at lunch and dinner and be able to order from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Service tonight was impeccable and the food
drew praise from everyone at our table [her, vegetable paella; him, roast
pork].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we did not particularly
like our dinner companions, we had no major problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since there is one "open" seating – no reserved
tables – we will look for new people tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow’s activities include trips either to Delft or Gouda
in the morning followed by free time in Rotterdam in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be the previously mentioned 90-minute 2 euro tour, but we
plan to rest and relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have spent
time in Rotterdam with our friend Edwin who will figure prominently in this
journal beginning May 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because other
Dutch friends are spending the day with us in Delft the day before we return to
Reality, we have opted to visit Gouda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In other developments, there is only one US style outlet in
the room to keep our computer, tablets, Kindle and tablets charged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, David brought a multi-outlet strip
anticipating this kind of problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, the wall outlet does not accommodate a 3-prong grounded
plug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, again, David has a universal
adapter which allowed him to plug in the strip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At this writing, there have been neither sparks nor flames, but it’s
only Day 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the best news of all is
that wi-fi is free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The down side is
that it may not always work well as we travel the rivers between Amsterdam and
Antwerp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow – Gouda and Goofing Off <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></i></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1223200798488194508.post-87874565225721172352014-04-22T15:34:00.000-07:002014-04-27T14:32:04.486-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Tuesday, April 22, 2014<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- Dulles Airport outside of Washington, D.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once upon a time, there were two cautious travelers who
decided to arrive at Dulles airport 4 hours before their flight was to
depart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were worried about traffic,
weather and the vagaries of Western civilization, so the found themselves in
the check-in line at 4:30 pm for an 8:40 pm departure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While standing in that line, they discovered
an email sent two hours earlier – at 2:30 – alerting them to the fact that
their plane would not lift off until 11:30 that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was no joke, but it did offer an
explanation of sorts for an earlier mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our heroes were flying on Icelandic Air which meant that
they had to change planes in Reykjavik.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Icelandic brings passengers from across the US to Reykjavik and then redistributes
them on their planes to assorted European cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why choose Icelandic rather than a direct
flight, you ask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Affordability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At about 2:00 pm, the airline had sent an email to inform
them that their connecting flight would arrive in Amsterdam 3-1/2 hours later
than scheduled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no explanation
given, just the new times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the
intrepid explorers learned of the delay getting out of Dulles, they understood
why they were leaving Reykjavik so late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The official explanation cited “industrial action,” but what they really
meant was “labor strike.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Intrepids are flying business class [see affordability
above], so they were able to wait for boarding to start [at 10:30 pm] in the
Air France lounge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chairs are
comfortable, the snacks are plentiful and the wi-fi is free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, by 10:30 it is going to be really
tedious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As one of the other Amsterdam
passengers said, he would rather eat sandwiches in the lounge at 6 pm than a
fish dinner at midnight over the Atlantic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so begins part 2 of this year The Longest Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been visiting Emily and Harper for
Harper’s first birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a delight
all week [except for the cake incident at her party].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed, talked and danced constantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for the past two nights, she had the
Screaming Mimi’s – up all night, inconsolable and not just crying but
screaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of the adults has had a good night’s
sleep and the Harpster has been cranky in the mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to be told that our long day, which had an
estimated arrival at 6:40 am Eastern time [basically a 24-hour day] would now
become The Longest Day was not welcome news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">David notified the river boat company as soon as he knew
about the delay in arrival in Amsterdam and was assured that we would still be
met and taken to the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might be
late for dinner, but sailaway is scheduled for 11 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we miss that, they will get us to
Rotterdam to meet the ship on Thursday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are not too worried about that happening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here we sit Air France lounge, just two hours into a 6 -7
hour wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be nap time soon if we
can get comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow – Amsterdam and the ship<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
David and Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747160653729530164noreply@blogger.com0