End of one adventure and the beginning of yet another.

Our Rhine cruise concluded on Sunday morning with our docking in Amsterdam. It was certainly a time of mixed blessings as we bid farewell to people whose company and friendship we had truly enjoyed; and a lifestyle we had easily adapted to over 7 days!
Saturday, our final day of cruising saw us visit Kinderdijk, where we were able to see our fair share of windmills - and were able to go inside and see what it is like to live inside one of these. The reality is that people are able to live rent free, on the condition that they repair and maintain these remaining 1000 operational windmills ( there used to be over 3000).
I managed to climb to the top inner side of the windmill, but then promptly had a full on panic attack at the thought of going down again.....needless to say I descended the staircase backwards, sobbing and with nose running, step by freakin' step, as all those above and below me sounded words of encouragement and empathy. To say that I was an emotional wreck at the base of the windmill, is in no way an over dramatization of events!!!!!
A beautiful soothing of the nervous system was naturally achieved by finishing this visit with a canal ride, which provided a close up look at the beauty of these surroundings.
And so the new adventure of exploring Amsterdam arrived and has not disappointed. Our accommodation is basic to say the least, but given that all we do is sleep the sleep of the dead each night, we are not at all worried by this.
We have spent two days thus far hopping on and off city buses visiting the major sites and taking photos and more photos. The canals here are beautiful; the public transport system incredible and the number of bikes simply gob smacking! Amsterdam has 16 million living here, and bike travel is the way of things here; and bike riders have the right of way, what's more! Imagine multiple story carparks.....now imagine them filled by parked bikes - this is Amsterdam!!!!!!! No wearing of bike helmets, riding whilst drinking coffee, mobile texting, phoning, etc.....all happens whilst traveling. It is truly amazing.
Another tick occurred yesterday on my bucket list, with a visit to Anne Frank's house. Amazing and emotional visit........no words really..... But so honored and grateful to be able to be there.
Also visited yesterday was Gassan Diamond company and NO Nanny, nothing purchased!!!!
Our final day in Amsterdam will see us visit Van Gough Museum and we still have our canal sightseeing trip to complete this afternoon. We are also expecting to hear from DES and Mern today; and hoping to have the chance to catch up with them at some stage before flying out early tomorrow am for Warsaw, where another new and exciting adventure awaits us.
Also, this week, Nicholas has particularly been in our thoughts and prayers as he celebrates his 1st anniversary of ordination to the Priesthood. Where has that year flown to???????????? Hope retreat is going well Nicholas, and we look forward to catching up with you in a few weeks in Rome.

Love to all and hope you are all well and happy.

Jul's and Spike xxxxx




Last night of the cruise dining with our NSW friends Anne and Patricia.




View from our hotel window, in Amsterdam Central.




Self explanatory, me thinks!!!!!




Again, no words needed!




Amsterdam taken at sunset.




Floating flower market, and examples of bike parking.




Pictures say more than a thousand words!







Cuddling under the one brolly during a rainy patch in Amsterdam.





Sign on the gents in a pub in Amsterdam.........tickled my fancy.

Location:Amsterdam