My Passport’s Travels

YEA!!! Mom is feeling better!! Still not 100%, but ready to get out and about a bit. Just in time for a lovely lazy morning. We had breakfast in the Aquavit Terrace (arriving to the sounds of Sir David Wilcox’s “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”), while enjoying the scenic cruising through The Netherlands.

Camels!!

My first traditional windmill! Which was juxtaposed with modern windmills on the other side of the river.

As we finished breakfast, Emilie started the debarkation talk. The sold out ship has 183 guests, who start leaving as early as 5:45 tomorrow morning. It’s really strange – the Viking Daily for today has everyone’s room numbers listed, along with what time they need to put their luggage out and if they are flying, the flight numbers they will be catching (when they booked their air travel through Viking). Because we booked our own air travel, we are “Independent Travelers” (which I believe is one step below being a World Traveler) – our bags have to be outside the room 90 minutes before our planned departure at 9am. It’s nice having the staggered times for placing bags out – we’ll be able to pack everything except our coats and carryons before putting them out tomorrow morning!

Lovely stitch work on the barstools!

We went down to our stateroom and started working on the survey – which is done on paper and turned in before leaving the ship. Mostly great marks, although we did have some constructive criticism around meal times. Especially like now – it’s noon and if we want to eat something on board before dinner at 7pm tonight, we have to have lunch, even though it’s only been an hour and half since we finished breakfast. Otherwise the only option is to find something ashore or to have cookies (which have been really good all week). We intended to have a nice light lunch – but it was really good – and we both ate a lot. Mom had the chicken consommé and I started with a salad. We both had the Fish and Chips for lunch – and our server said to me, “You are a younger guest, would you like ketchup?” I’ll take being a younger guest any day – even if it does mean he thinks I want ketchup for my fried fish. LOL! Dessert was Eiscafé (vanilla ice cream with espresso poured over and whipped cream on top).

I was intrigued by the street signs? River signs?

As we finished dining, we docked in Dordrecht. It was really interesting to watch – who knew we had two mini-cranes on board? We watched them use the cranes to lift the gangplank from the Sun deck into place.

Mom went back to the room to take a nap and I headed ashore to explore on my own. It’s still strange to me – no one was there to tag me off the ship – I just scanned my card and headed out. The same when I came back – no security scans, just up the gangplank, into the lobby and scan my card.

The town is charming – almost more the feel of an English fishing village.

The port is in a primarily residential area.

The city gate is almost 600 years old!

The Christmas markets don’t open in the Netherlands until much closer to Christmas, but I found some decorations!

We had docked right next to a Water Bus stop! I thought about taking a ride, but when I realized at least one route ended up 40+ km away in Rotterdam, decided it was better not to tempt fate.  I could see me getting on the wrong one… (More river street signs on the second picture!)

Back on board, I curled up in a corner of the lounge and worked on editing my pictures, putting off the sad task of packing. When the time came, I went downstairs and found Mom was almost done – with her stuff. Actually the room is so tight, it made much more sense to pack one at a time. Fingers crossed the mugs and wine glass make it home! If they don’t, at least they’re in ziplocks so hopefully glass will be contained.

Mom decided against dinner this evening, but I went for one last meal with the family of ladies. I started with the Bitterballen (the menu said it was a beef meatball with a spicy mustard sauce – and it was, but the texture was almost like uncooked sausage. Thankfully, it was rolled in panko and fried!); my entree was Grilled Veal Rump with Parmesan crusted polenta and baby vegetables; and vanilla and cherry ice cream rounded out the meal. I said my goodbye’s to the family – they are all leaving around 5am tomorrow morning. We’ve really enjoyed sitting with them and getting to know them this week.

With that – I grabbed a coffee with Bailey’s and made my way downstairs to finish packing. We’re lucky – we don’t have to be out at the crack of dawn – just getting up a little early.