The Netherlands and Kinderdijk

We had sailed during the night and were still sailing when we got up for breakfast in the morning. We sailed through some very pleasant countryside, but it was now very flat and we guessed we were now in the Netherlands.  After breakfast we went up onto the deck in an effort to sport the first windmill of the day, and there was a flurry of activity with cameras when we saw the first one!

Big wheel

First windmill spotted!

Second windmill spotted!

Small boat on still pond

Replica of Noah's Ark

Somewhere on the banks of the Rhine!

There was also plenty of free time during this sail to start getting the packing done as this was our last stop before arriving in Amsterdam. The weather was a little cloudy but, by the time we started sailing and then docking at Kinderdijk, the sun had come out, there was blue sky and it grew very hot indeed!  We docked around 2 p.m. and our shore excursion was scheduled for 3 p.m., however you could leave the boat if you wished to do some shopping at the tourist shop just a short walk from the mooring point.  I chose to leave to take a few photos but came back on board in time to leave with the main groups for the tour.

The reflections were wonderful

House close to where the boat was moored

Some of the windmills

It really was hot around this time and even the guide seemed to struggle in the heat!  In fact, I'm pretty sure that the tour was cut a little short as it did seem somewhat rushed with little time to stop to take in the views. However, it was an interesting visit to see the windmills, especially when you are allowed into one of them for a look around. I'll do a separate post with some photos taken inside the windmill. We also started to see lots and lots of bicycles around and learned that you have to be very vigilant in order to avoid being knocked down by one!! Here are some photos taken during our walking tour:

We left for the sail to Amsterdam around 5.30 p.m., due to arrive the following day to disembark around 9 a.m. Here are a couple of photos taken up on deck after dinner:

Sunset under the bridge

Not the most picturesque sunset, but the colours were nice!

We also learned about the tipping system on board.  They use the 'envelope' system so that you can place what you think is adequate into various envelopes and then hand them in to the reception. We did read somewhere that the suggested amount is 12 Euros per person per day, but I think that is rather high, so we placed what we thought was a reasonable amount into the envelopes (one for staff and one for the entertainment director) and handed them in to reception where we also paid our bill. After that, it was on to the Captain's Dinner which was very enjoyable. After dinner we had a drink in the bar and then went back to the cabin to finish off the packing.

Tomorrow would be the start of another adventure!!