Amsterdam Monday 1 September

Welcome to spring in the Netherlands. After a much needed sleep in we plan a leisurely morning. This is the view from our window.

We have a couple of hours to kill before we have to check out of the hotel (1pm) and aren't due to be picked up until 2 so decide to go for another wander. Plenty of shopping malls but a number aren't open yet (11am). Still don't understand the queues to get into the shop that has those ugly soft fur toys that are all the current rage.

We happen upon the flower market. Surprised that there aren't more fresh flowers for sale. Many of the stores are now relying on souvenirs.

Time to start heading back towards our hotel. Julie wanted to sit at one of the outdoor cafes for a cuppa but this is where many of the smokers are, I convince her to try elsewhere and we happen upon a cure little cafe near our hotel where we are able to have our coffee and Cafe in place and relatively smoke free, other than from the coffee shop on the opposite corner where one fellow stands in the doorway puffing away.

No way I could live here as I would have a constant headache from passive smoking dope! Back to our hotel and check out to then wait in the foyer for our pick up to the ship which will be our base for the next 2 weeks. Our driver is early and picks us up at 1.30 instead of the designated 2pm so just as well we are organised and ready. We end up collecting 6 other people so the van is jam packed and our luggage is squished in with a couple of the carry on cases between our feet! We eventually arrive at our boat/ship Vega and are told to go on board and our luggage will make it to our cabins a long as we have our names on them! We are then told to wait in the main lounge where we will eventually be asked to check in and escorted to our cabins. In the mean time there is complimentary drinks and a light meal.

Eventually it is our turn to check in and we are taken to our cabin 316 which is now our European home. Julie takes some convincing that she has all the cupboards on the left and I have those on the right. She then advises that she has a lot of dresses that will need more hanging space so confusion ensues on who has what. Eventually we come up with a compromise that seems to work... for now...

Once unpacked we take time to wander the boat/ship and get our bearings. Apparently we are in a motor boat....

Time to head to the lounge for the briefings from the Captain Martin, Hotel manager Nico and Tour director Andrew and then to the dining room for dinner. Tricia and Tony from Qld sit with us and turn out to be lovely company where we sort the issues of the 1st world. I have pea and ham soup, followed by a chicken dish. very fancy and great taste. No dessert for me.

We are eventually told that guests are asked to leave the dining room as staff need to prepare the room for breakfast. Some head to the lounge bar but we are ready for bed as it is 9.30 and we have a reasonably early start in the morning if we want to do the canal tour at 8.15. When we get back to our cabin there is a thankyou card on the bed from Andrew as we are repeat Travelmarvel clients. Julie and I agree that we would have preferred chocolates! Once the blog is up to date it is time for lights out.