Well, we made it and finally have internet to update everyone. Here's a summary of the fist twodays of our trip.
Monday, April 1 - construction done, taxes were paid, last minute banking done, and we were packed and ready to go. I tend to be an anxious traveler, wanting everything perfectly organized and distracted by the what about's from others. Sheesh, wish I could relax and go with the flow. Anyways, we got to the airport, kissed Ben and Zachary goodbye and headed in to KLM. Check-in was smooth and we were through security in less than 30 minutes. Boarded KLM....first time we've ever seen a plane with stairs to an upstairs deck....course, this is for first class passengers, so not even a peak at their perks. Found our seats, and took deep breats to begin our relaxing vacation.
Tuesday, April 2 - arrived in Amsterdam (Schipol Airport) at 9:20 a.m. The ten hour fight provided very little sleep for both of us. I guess that's to be expected when the time difference is 9 hours. Naturally, our bodies had a hard time sleeping when it was only 4 p.m. Culli time. We took a shuttle to the hotel Estherea, dropped off our bas, and walked the canals. First rule .... watch out for bicycles and vespas....they are EVERYWHERE and take no prisoners....they run 40 mph on one way streets and nearly run pedestrians over. We have never seen more bicyles in our lives. Had lunch at an outdoor cafe across from the Rembrandt statute/plaza. We toured the Hermitage Museum, taking in Van Gough's at for a few hours. I fell in love with his red box and balls of wool yarn, but unfortunately, the shop did not have any postcards of it. You know I'm a yarn horder, but this was Van Gough's inspiration for colors that go together. Very pretty. Nice seafood dinner at Lucias, one block from the hotel. Almost didn't get seated .... we arrived at 7p.m., with no reservations, and about 8 people in the whole restaurant. The server hemmed for everal minutes and finally seated us. Turned out to be a very nice evening with good food and nice servers. Back to the hotel for what we hoped to be a god night sleep.
Wednesday, April 3 - Woke at 9:30, got coffee and walked to the red light district. Yup, they really do stand in the windows looking for business! Passed a few feel good coffee shops, but didn't stop in. Lunched at nice little german-influenced restaurant and relaxed. A little more walkin and dodging bicycles and vespas, and we returned to the hotel to pick up our luggage and take a taxi to the ship.
Boarded the AMAPrima a little after 3. It is beautiful and the staff are charming. We have been invited to have dinner with the Captain on the 3rd deck this evening. WOW!! Fire drill and welcome speech at 6. Jim's wanting to tour the ship so, I'll sign off for now. We will post pictures laters when we have a little more time.
BTW, have I mentioned the weather?.....brilliant sun, a little windy, and about 35 degrees F....... it is BRRRRRRRR cold. Thank goodness for layers and scarves. Cheers! xoxo (haven't found spell check on the comptuer in our room, so forgive the misspellings) We are also checking our emails ..... thanks for the updates.
