What a wild trip thus far. It feels like there have been four mini trips. Never have I ever done more than one location before heading home. I liked and disliked this idea. Having to repack every 2-3 days gets old though I’ve been able to see a ton of Europe this way in a fairly short period of time.
Today it’s boarding time to the ship. Before boarding, one last morning exploring the city.
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| So delicious. No syrup is needed |
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| A pretty morning for a send off |
Today there are several river cruise ships in port. My ship is there on the far right (13 decks) while the typical river cruise ship is there on the left (2 decks).
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| Shame the beds don’t face out the window |
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| Time to board |
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| I’m so glad to not need to stand in that line |
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| Casual dining is outside on the rear of the ship. Looking back to those river boats and the train station in the far distance |
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| Well someone had fun making this guy |
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| Um… |
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| Another river ship coming. This makes #7 |
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| Center of the ship. It’s an older boat so no giant center like other ships |
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| Comfy, spacious cabin |
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| Of course I picked out the abnormally large balcony |
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| Need the extra space for my hammock |
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| My room is on the chandler deck |
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| Rough map where we’re headed |
6pm, time to set sail. An hour to reach the river locks.
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| That Delft figurine looks familiar |
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| Some of the giant windmills I saw when first landing |
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| Poor guy. Someone must guard the pool when it’s open, even if no one is in it |
The tidal locks help keep Amsterdam from being flooded by the sea. There is a roughly 10-foot difference that the lock keeps in check. To start the trip we need to get into the lock and get to the high side of the water.
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| We just fit into the channel |
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| Rear door beginning to slide out and close |
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| Channel filled, time to open the front gate so we can proceed. |
Uneventful rest of the evening. Unpack, eat, walk around, sleep.
Tomorrow – at sea.