A hectic few days since we entered the English Channel and the North Sea. Ports came one after the other, so I am beginning to feel nocturnal as I write from Copenhagen, Denmark. We have had chilly weather most of the time and rain, however it hasn’t dimmed the enthusiasm. Again, with so many photos, this is going to be mainly visual.
Cherbourg lying on the north coast of France. A large Ferry port, taking freight, cars and passengers to and from the U.K. and Ireland. It is also close to the site of the D-Day landings of 1944 and many of the guests went to see the area. I had been there some years ago and was deeply moved, particularly with the cemeteries, beautifully kept, the row-upon -row of graves couldn’t help but bring you to tears. Karen and I decided to take a wander into the town itself this time.
The view from our dock
Scrumptious Patisserie, yes we succumbed!
Our means of travel
On then to Zeebrugge, Belgium, a port I visited countless times when working on the Channel Ferries. Despite this fact, I never had the opportunity to visit Brugge (or Bruges, as it is sometimes called); a beautiful city full of canals and ancient buildings, it is also known as the Venice of the North.
A commuter’s delight, empty carriages! The train takes us from Blankenburge to Brugge, (13 minutes)
Brugge, a city gate and the entrance to the town.
Belgium is famous for its chocolates and the streets were full of such shops
Carriage rides around the cobbled streets
One could take a boat trip, if one wished…
Then onto Amsterdam. A 4 a.m. pilot and a 4-hour transit to Amsterdam itself; through the Ijmuiden lock and thence south towards the city.
Light enough to take some photos, at last!
A river-cruiser
Passing cargo berths
Near the berth, the Centraal, (station)
Bicycles are a popular means of commute
The view from our berth, the Passenger Terminal
The sign says “Don’t pee in the street”!!
The East India Company’s historic headquarters
A Lock-keepers cottage, slightly leaning
Some of the houses are at odd angles too
Yes, you can smoke pot here, even have boats for it!
A special event was held for guests during the evening in Amsterdam, a private visit to the Rijksmuseum, where one could view paintings by Rembrandt and Dutch artists from the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, because I had been up for some time and was due to take the “Amsterdam” out at midnight, I opted for some sleep. A good time was had by all.
In 4 hours time, we leave for Oslo, Norway and then Flam before ‘going over the top’ of U.K. to the Isle of Skye and Ireland. More later…..
