Starting the Return Trip Home

Today marks the turnaround portion of this adventure. Several hundred people left the ship and several hundred more got on. We now start to head mostly west although some north and south will be thrown in for good measure. As we head to the UK tonight our clocks turn back an hour to UK time which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time.

It was a gorgeous day in Amsterdam ,hot and sunny and these seem few and far between in this part of the world. But we enjoyed it! My philosophy on weather is simple - it is what it is !

I mentioned yesterday about all the bikes here. I' m told most residents have 2 bikes- one is the "beater bike" for going to work and theft seems to be a common issue. For bike riding at home they also have much nicer bikes. Nobody seems to wear a helmet.

Deen and I walked in to the centre of town again. On our way we passed about a half dozen river cruise ships parked further up the quai. As my brothers ,their wives, and ourselves are considering a river cruise in 2 years I thought I' d include some pictures. Deen and I immensely enjoy the ocean cruises but these seem like a great alternative.


In town we made it as far as Dam Square and I have some pix from there.



We went in to a shopping mall pictured here called de Bijenkorf which I believe is Dutch for "very expensive stores". Gucci, Hermes, Armani etc. Where is my Kirkland brand?Costco apparently isn't one of the stores featured there.

We left shortly after noon from Amsterdam and were cleared on board by UK Border Officials- makes life a lot easier for our Thursday arrival in Southampton. From the City the ship went up the North Sea Canal to a lock entrance to the North Sea. The water in the canal is a mix of fresh and salt water with the fresh water on the top half. Different types of fish top and bottom. I've included here some photos of the lock the ship went through. We're used to the much smaller operation of the Rideau Canal locks at home.


I've mentioned previously some of the many new friends we've made on board. But the members of the crew we have met are all special too. When you're on something like this for 5 weeks you get to be very friendly with some of the crew. This includes the room attendants, the guys in the main dining room and the Lido, the bar stewards, and some of the entertainment staff. They are all a real pleasure to talk to.

New adventures in England on Thursday!

From RCD's iPad

Location:Amsterdam, The Netherlands