3 Day Update

Hello Again, we are back on wifi in our lovely B&B in Bruges.  Will send more later - just wanted to get you all updated.  There are lots more pix.  Geoff and I rode every chance, rain or shine.  Great trip!

Note to self:  Yesterday's blog post was really Sept. 6

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Not sure what I wanted to do today - every part of my body was sore from fighting the wind yesterday.  It was a quick breakfast and then off to the Antwerp Harbor Information Center.  There is a great floor display that shows the total harbor.  It is quite a feat, this harbor.  We took the escalator up 10 floors for the panaoramic view. Raymond, our chef, met us at the top with a champagne toast.

After our photo op, we headed toward the Cathedral.  A quick tour and we split up -- those who didn't want to do the whole ride went back to the boat and the rest of us took off. The sun was out and it didn't feel too bad, so I decided to go along for the ride.  Thomas took us to the city pedestrian/biking tunnel.  This was really cool.  We took the evelator down to the tunnel and the escalator up. The city only has tunnels and no bridges.  Going through more towns with a few stops -- one at a street market. Went to the community castle which was once owned by a local family who donated it to the town.  We had lunch on the grounds and G & I walked into town to meet Thomas.  Geoff took one look at Thomas' eel soup and he quickly ordered his own.

Back on the bikes stopping at the Mercador (the map maker) statue, a privately owned castle, and the Queen of the Scheldt statue for sailors.  Our last stop left us as a great pub where, once again, we were extremely lucky with the weather.  It rained for a bit and when it was over we saddled up and went the last 5 miles over a winding dyke.  It was windy but nothing like yesterday.

We met the boat as soon as it docked.  Time for a quick shower. Played Banagrams with Louise until Thomas did a beer tasting.  Belgium is known for it's beer.  There were several to choose from, many were Trappist beers.  All were very tasty, and very potent.  It is soon time for dinner and tonight we go to an art gallery.

Dinner was coconut shrimp soup, beef on rice with vegetables with peanut sauce. After dinner and Thomas' talk, we headed out to the Sahara and Stone gallery.  The husband does stone sculpture, the wife paints and their home is the gallery.  Every year they spend the winter in Morocco collecting rocks and turning them into fabulous, outrageous, pieces of art. Much of the stone contains fossils over 350 million years old.  They are rough cut and then polished to a shiny, smooth finish by hand. 

Back on the boat, the few of us diehards talked politics until we decided that they all suck and we went to bed. Get to sleep late tomorrow.  Sailing to Ghent and then a short bike ride into the city.  This is one of Thomas' favorite cities.  As always, we go to sleep hoping for good weather in the morning.

Next time... Going to Ghent

Thursday, September 8 , 2011

Woke up to more gray skies.  Leisurely breakfast.  Won't be leaving the barge till after lunch.  It is cold and rainy.  Ugh! We really can't complain too much about the weather, we only got caught in the rain once and for the most part it is great biking weather - when the sun comes out it is way too strong.

Just an aside here -- for those who have read my previous blogs, you are aware of our Jerry B. moments.  He was a very dear friend, who passed a few years back.  Now when we travel, I make sure to spread a little bit of him everywhere we go.  Before leaving Amsterdam we had a little ceremony in the Amsterdam Harbor - Ijaven. I intend to do the same when we get to Bruges.

Thomas is getting ready to give his Ghent speech after which, Geoff will plug in the computer to the TV for a slideshow. The pix were a big hit.  Geoff does a great job of being able to shoot pictures whiles riding on his bike.

Arrived in Ghent and the weather was marginal.  Thomas took us for a walk around and then G & I decided to do a canal tour with Janet and Ted.  Today is her birthday by the way.  The tour was great but it started to rain.  Met up with the gang for a really tall beer at some famous local pub.  Geoff and I ducked out to try to buy a few little gifts for some folks.  It was really pouring now.  We ran into the chocolate factory where you can watch them stirring up the chocolate downstairs.  Picked up some for us and a nice bar of chocolate for Thomas.  Ran over to the tapestry store and we were able to get the rest of the gifts.  A pin for Mike's fishing hat.  Mike was our sweep for most of the trip and did a fantastic job of making sure no one was ever left behind.  Nobody got lost once!  Our next gift was for Alice, who made sure no one missed a turn.  Bought her a nice lavender lace sachet with a big A on it.  Janet had a pillowcase tapestry of Bruges for her birthday.  Handed these out at dinner with a little thank you speech.  The group was great and everyone really got along.

No walks or tours tonight.  Stayed in -- there was a hot game of Bananagrams going which I played for a bit.  Wound up staying up way too long.  Till tomorrow...

Next time... Cyclopaths hit Bruges

Friday, September 9, 2011

Slow to get going this morning.  We are sailing into Bruges.  Start biking at 11 to get into the city.  The ride to Bruges was pretty with a light drizzle.  If I haven't mentioned it yet, our group has named themselves the Cylcopaths!  We all took off for the ride to Bruges.  Lunch was in the middle of a forest at some cafeteria which let us eat our own lunches outside.   Two flat tires on the way, which is a pretty good average since we haven't had any incidents all week.  Very busy tourist city but extremely beautiful.  Got into Bruges at around 2:30 and it was off for a walking tour. We stayed with Thomas till the end of his tour and then Geoff and I went off to find our B&B which is situated in a quiet part of town by a park.  It should be a 20 minute walk from the boat but we might take a taxi considering all the cobblestones. 

We got back to the boat at around 5pm and Thomas was going on another ride. I was exhausted but not one for missing anything, I said what the heck and got back on the bike.  There were only 4 of us and all good riders so it was a nice ride around the outside of town and around the canals.  We made a stop at a local restaurant that Thomas recommended for our last dinner Sat night for those of us that are still in Bruges.  Stopped at a small town, Damme, for a quick beer and it was back to the barge.

A quick shower and dinner was served.  Lorna surprised me with a beautiful present of chocolates and a wonderful card signed by everyone.   Had a little Jerry B. ceremony out in the moonlight in the canals of Belgium.

All in all the trip was a great success despite some inclement weather.  Everyone remained happy and rewarded after a day's challenge. No injuries or major hassles.  Everyone was considerate of everyone else.  I will really miss this group moving on in our trip. The Magnifique is an excellent boat and the crew was great.  Thomas, our guide, was always extremely helpful and patient not to mention informative.  An excellent experience all around.

Next time ... B&B in Bruges

The Road to Antwerp

The wind was back with us again but we were lucky enough not to get any rain.  We took off immediately after breakfast and headed for the cover of forest. Out of the forest we stopped at a Canadian/British WWII memorial cemetary.   Had our coffee break at a local hostel.  The wind was fierce for the last 3 miles and we were all grateful when we saw our yellow smokestack of the Magnifique docked at Kreekratsluis. Lunch on board as we sailed into Antwerp, Belguim. After lunch, we were off again for a tour of the city of Antwerp.  It was pouring by now.  Thomas led us into the city.  Some went off to the Ruebin's museum, some went shopping, we opted for the printing museum, which turned out to be fabulous.

After, we headed to the local Madonna pub with Ted and Janet.We were due back at 7 for dinner.  Ted and Janet were going out to dinner so it was up to us to find out way back to the barge.  Fortunately, we ran into Louise and Mike on the way back and between the four of us we figured out the right route.

We were absolutely drenched by the time we got back.  Greeted with Belgium chocolate helped.  Changed clothes and came up for dinner.  A game of Bananagrams was going on at the bar. Dinner tonight was ribs and Belgium fries.

Tomorrow's weather promises to be more of the same, maybe better maybe not.  Twenty five miles.  We will see.   Wifi is problem in Belgium so the postings maybe late.

Next time... to ride or not to ride

Zeeland

It wasn't easy getting up this morning.  We managed to make it to breakfast - I admit to being a bit bleary eyed.  After breakfast Thomas gave a talk about water management in the Netherlands and then showed a cartoon (which was just about our level) and film about how the dykes were built.  Very interesting.  We sailed into Willamstaed and did a walking tour which included FDR's church.

It was back on the bikes by around 11:00 and off into a head wind which was pretty strong.  The group managed Ok and we made it to lunch with a special treat of the local croquettes.  Back on the bikes and into the wind we took off for our next stop - the golf course.  Here we had coffee and waited out the rainstorm - luckily we were under cover when this storm clouds came. Passed into Zeeland and got a picture with me and my New Zealand bike shirt. New Zealand was named by the Dutch.  Rode the last mile or so right into the wind.    Call it challenging, invigorating,  but basically you call it Holland.  Thomas picked up some herring for us - which is a Dutch delight!  I took a tour of the Iris and bought a couple of Jossie's bike shirts.  Very nice barge.  Dinner tonight was weinerschnitzel and Raymond did an excellent job as usual.

After dinner, Thomas took us on a walking tour through Tholen.  For special treat we had a tour of a working windmill used for grinding.  That was absolutely fabulous.  Got back to the boat at around 10:30.  I sit here now with a bowl of nuts and my nightcap beer.  There is some small chatter around the bar.  Everyone is tired and looking forward tomorrow.

Next time... Goodbye Holland, Hello Belgium

Windmills, Windmills

NOTE: Be sure to check out new pix in Barge 1 Photo Album


Last night lasted until around midnight.  Geoff and I took a go at the jacuzzi - which felt wonderful - and then we joined the after dinner discussion for a while.  When the topic turned to politics, we bowed out.  Don't feel like going there on vacation.

This morning we awoke to some drizzily skies.  Breakfast consisted of the usual granola, breads, cheeses and even an egg with Dutch bacon if desired.  By the time we were ready to roll out, it was down right pouring. Ted, Janet (who slept in), Richard, and Lucille stayed behind to enjoy a barge ride, while the rest of us geared up and went for it in the rain.  Once you're wet, you're wet, and then there pretty much isn't anything else more that can happen.  We were actually pretty lucky, since it did eventually stop raining and we were able to get blown dry as we rode.  We biked through some beautiful countryside.  Our first stop was at some pub type establishment where some of the guys played darts.  After a cafe and a rest it was on to our next stop which was some farm that ran a little shop for coffee and such.  Lots of animals running around but the big attraction here were the emu.  Very cool.  From here it was onto Neuwport and back to the barge for lunch.  By now the sun had come out and we were able to enjoy ourselves out on the deck.

Some folks who stayed on the barge in the morning came for the afternoon ride and others stayed behind.  The afternoon ride was windmills, windmills, and more windmills. All tolled, we biked around 33 miles today which really wasn't bad at all.  It is a very flat country. After boarding the barge, we sailed for about an hour until We docked in Dordrecht - we call it Dorchester.  Cora and I took a walk around the neighborhood.  It is like walking through a storybook town.

Dinner was served at 6:30 and it was to die for.  Salmon on pasta over a salad of greens and marinated tomatoes.  Dessert was even better - I can't even describe that.  After dinner, Thomas gave a quick talk of tomorrow's events and then we all headed out into town.  I stopped to talk to a woman on one of the large houseboats and she was a hoot.  She informed us that there was a big Indonesian festival going on in town.  Apparently, there is a big community here.  We passed through the festival and continued on our tour through town to the mint, the square where William of Orange started the rebellion against King Philip of Spain and declared their independence.

Heading back to the ship, Mike and Ted came out of a bar with beers saying that Elvis is in the building.  Well it didn't take long before, Geoff, myself, Joan, Mark, Louise, Mike, Ted and Janet were all in the bar on the dance floor.  The place was wild - with babes on the bar stools.  I was so very tempted, but I still have a few more weeks on this trip - can't hurt myself too much.  A very good time was had by all.

So far, so good.  Everyone is getting along great and this trip is turning out great and everyone we pass wants to know who organized it!  We are being shadowed by the barge the Iris which is occupied by VBT'ers.  They weren't pleased when I told them what we were paying. They are paying exactly double, in fact a little more than double what we paid.  Of course, they do have their own sag van that stops with them and provides them with water!

Next time...  Zeeland

Meeting the Magnifique

Well we were up at 7:50 to make our 8:15 breakfast, only to find out we really didn't have to.  The girls upstairs decided to have their breakfast in the room.  Oh well, we did manage to get to the Van Gogh at 10 when it opened.  Great museum.  Picked up some wine for the barge trip on the way back to the B&B and then collected our luggage.  Met Lois on our way out and we all took off together.  Got on the tram OK, but Lois soon realized that her wallet was gone - either picked or dropped.  Either way, it was gone.  Not to mention, we missed our tram stop and started going back to where we came from.  After realizing this, we quickly jumped off the tram and ran across the street to get another tram going the way we wanted.  Finally made it down to the barge.  Phew!

This barge is everything it says and more.  Our suite is absolutely amazing.  Everyone seems to be happy with their accommodations and I am greatly relieved that my duties are done.  We set sail for about an hour or so and then we docked got our bikes and took off for a ten mile introductory bike ride.  It was a wonderful ride going through towns that look like a Disney set.  Got back to the boat and we set sail again while everyone got ready for dinner.  Dinner was some sort of chicken with peanut sauce - very tasty.

After dinner, Thomas, our guide, gave a briefing of today and what to expect tomorrow.  A good time was had by all. For myself, I am on my way to the jacuzzi!

Next time... Windmills!

Museums, Museums

Please Note:  Photo Albums now appear in the left hand column.  Click on a link to get to my Picasa Album site - no sign in required.  The Amsterdam album has been updated to include today's photos.

Of course we slept right through our breakfast time -  we told Jannake that we would make it down by 8:15 and we barely made it downstairs by 9:30.  Had a traditional croissant, cheese, yogurt, fruit breakfast with some very strong, delicious coffee.  Said good morning to Lois and made plans to meet up here to go to the dinner meet-up together later on.

Armed with our trusty tram passes, we headed out for a day of museum tours.  First stop was a quick walk over to the Rijksmuseum which happens to be under construction.  There was still plenty to see - a few Vermeer, Degas', and of course, Rembrandt - with the biggy being "The Night Watch".

From there we walked down to the Jewish History Museum passing through Rembrandtplein.  This museum is the original old Great Temple along with the new temple combined with lots of information on the history of the Dutch Jews, who happened to immigrate mostly from Portugal and Spain during the inquisitions. A free audio tour is included in admission which is very helpful.  There are also wonderful exhibits of the Jewish religion and culture.  Wanting more of the history of the Holocaust, we walked down to the Dutch Theater.  This is where they rounded up all the Jews and took them to the camps.  It is a small museum with a nice memorial and a wall of names of everyone who died with an eternal flame.

Hopped on a tram and got off at the Heineken Brewery.  Took the obligatory tourist shot, walked in - saw that admission was 16 euros.  Since Geoff wasn't all that keen on going in and I was there once before, we opted for a sidewalk cafe.  I got my brew for 2euros and saved about 30!  Still had some time to kill before heading back.  Grabbed another tram and went down to the flower market.,  Lots of flowers, lots of people.  The "high" light was a head shot that we found.  Poked around in there - looked over the menu for the various drugs ..maybe some other time...

I am now lounging back in our suite, cozy in the supplied bathrobes, drinking some very wonderful cafe. Shower time and off to meet the group. 

Made it down  for dinner with most of the barge gang.  Basically had the place to ourselves.  It was a pretty small establishment.  In fact, the chef had to do a special shopping for our unexpected group!  Good food, conversation, and lots of confusion about where to get the barge and when to get there.  I think I have it all sorted out and have sent out an email with directions.  Hopefully, we will all get there for the 1:30 departure.  Wrapped up dinner at around 8:30ish.  Geoff and I took a leisurely stroll back to the B&B and decided to stop and have a dessert at the corner cafe.  It was a beautiful night out and we didn't feel like turning in just yet.

Our plan tomorrow is to head out to the Van Gogh museum, which is right down the street, after breakfast.  Pick up our luggage on the way back and head down to the barge via tram.   For now, it is definitely time to crawl into bed.  It has been a busy couple of days.  We are getting excited about exploring more of this country from our bicycles.


Next time.... Meeting the Magnifique

Hot Dam, Amsterdam!

I am pretty sure today is still yesterday.  We are now sitting in Zurich airport waiting for our connecting flight to Amsterdam.  Had a nice afternoon with the grandkids in Cambridge.  Danny  treated us to a delicious grilled salmon dinner before driving us to the airport.  Tried to get the exit row with no luck.  However, I have to say that Swiss Air was pretty comfortable.  Watched a ridiculous movie, Thor, took some drugs and slept straight through until it was time for coffee and croissants.  We have another hour before boarding our flight to Amsterdam.  Zurich airport is a bit more civilized than Logan so we are not complaining.  We have just met a wonderful gay couple from Gramercy Park, NY. and are passing the time exchanging travel stories.  Till later.

Got into Amsterdam right on time.  After walking about a mile to the baggage claim (felt like we were in Miami airport there for a while), we headed to Tourist Information to pick up our GVB metro ticket.  Found the 197 bus that stops at the Musuemplein. Getting off the bus, we tried swiping our cards with no luck.  The bus driver informed us that those cards were no good for that bus.  Great, why didn't the women at the counter tell us that - she knew where we were going.  Well, the driver said, "looks like you just got a free ride from the airport." Welcome to Amsterdam.

We found our B&B with no problem.  Lois (one of our barge mates) was there to greet us.  She was headed out to the Van Gogh museum.  The B&B is wonderful.  We have a huge room in a quiet part of town with easy access to transportation.  Rested up a bit, took a shower, and started out to see what we could see.  Met Jannake (the owner) on our way out.  Not quite sure where to go and not having gotten our bearings yet, we walked across the museumplein to the Rijksmuseum which looked like it was going to close soon.  Decided that since we spent the money on these bus passes maybe we should use them.  So we hopped on a bus going towards Anne Frank's house.  Got off in about 2 stops and walked the rest of the way by the canals.  Everyone warned us of long lines, but we got there around 5:30 and walked right in.  I was totally shocked to see how they changed the whole place.  When I was there, dare I say, 40 years ago, you went into the actual house.  Now it is something of a hybrid modern exhibit with some of the original building still there.  Still in all, I am glad we went.  It is something to experience.

It was chilly and hungry when we emerged from the museum.  So we walked around looking for food.  Wound up at De Admirals, which is a charming 400 year old building that was originally a stable turned stillery turned restaurant.  Had a Dutch pupu platter filled with herring, cheeses, nuts, liverwerst, bratwerst and a bowl of french onion soup.  I had my first truly tasty, original Amstel beer.  Sated, we took off down towards Dam Square, again using our trusty tram pass.  Hunted in vein for the Red Light district.  It appears that Dam Sq. is now a big shopping plaza and it was too dark to hunt through the maze of people to find our way.  Eventually it got too cold and tired - we were still working on Massachusetts time.  Hopped on the tram and got back to B&B Alexander by around 9:30.

It has been a very long day - G is already snoring.

Next time.... The Museums