Amsterdam to Bruges Day 1
Day 1: Amsterdam to Utrecht 10klms
Arriving in Amsterdam the previous day, we were taken aback by all the interesting buildings and the cold. After checking into our hotel room, which was the worst room at the best address, we looked at getting out of it as quickly as possible, so settled on a walk followed by a canal cruise at 7.30 -That wouldn't be cold. We met an Australian girl on the cruise, who was killing time before catching a 10.30 train to Berlin. Once frozen on the cruise, we all retired to a restaurant to warm up and eat pizza.
The following morning, we strolled along the waterfront, walked up to the top of the amazing Science Museum, and found our boat moored nearby. We were greeted by the chef, Emile, with the words, "Fucking Australians, eh?" in a not bad interpretation of an Aussie accent. Turns out he is a much better chef.
We travelled down the river on our floating hotel to a little town outside Utrecht. This gave us time to meet our travelling companions which includes seven lively Brazilians, two of whom are celebrating birthdays this week, 4 Canadians ranging in age from late sixties to 86, and two American sisters who haven't ridden bikes in years.
They are all lovely people but it didn't bode well for burning calories. The route is flatter than flat and six of the group have opted for e-bikes. Ray has been appointed the sweep for the next couple of days, complete with clown horn and worker's vest. That means we have to go slower than the slowest person.
After a delicious three course meal, we met our bikes and went for a 10 km ride. It took an hour. Oh well, we had a good look at the country side. Tomorrow should be something.
Arrived in Amsterdam, and the first thing I experienced was mint tea. No mint tea tea bags here!
Amsterdam. Bikes, bikes, bikes, bikes and more bikes. Not sure if that is a sentence or not, but bikes and bike riders are ubiquitous, as are bike lanes and bike paths.
Amsterdam used to be a swamp, but they dug out channels by hand and built up the rest with the fill. They sunk timber piles into the ground to support the buildings on the channels. Not quite the same as Venice, but similar.
Many of the buildings in the old town are built with the facade leaning forward. It made it easier to haul up the bulk spices that were brought into the country by the Dutch East Indies Company. These are the same spices that made Holland the richest country in the world and the Company probably the biggest corporation that ever existed. The Netherland's current wealth was built on those foundations.
A typical scene in Amsterdam.
The Amsterdam Museum Of Science designed as a boat. On the right you can see a ramp which leads to the roof. Our barge was moored nearby, so whilst we waited to leave, we walked up the ramp to the bar on the top of the roof and had a drink. A nice spot to view the harbour. In the foreground you can see a lawn. That is actually the top of a houseboat with a deck on the roof.
This will be our home for the next week. Built in 1896 (not a misprint), the vessel can carry 20 passengers and crew. There are 15 passengers and 5 crew
AThis is a replica of the "East Indiaman Amsterdam" which got lost on its first voyage in 1749 whilst sailing to the East Indies. It was owned by the Dutch East Indies Company.
More old barges, all owned privately, which were built in the 19th century. Now restored.
A big and iconic bridge which I know nothing about, but which is one of very many. The Dutch must be the very best bridge builders as they are absolutely everywhere. It's not unusual to see 6 or 8 bridges across a river or canal from one vantage point.
Another common sight. Draw bridges are everywhere. This type, a bascule bridge, is the most common. You can see the counterweight, which requires very little energy to lift and drop as the bridge and the weight are in equalibrium.