Rotterdam

 Rotterdam is the Netherlands, second largest city of vibrant, energetic unique Dutch metropolis. Settled in 1270 when the river Rotte was first dammed the city has served as a historical pivotal thriving port for the low countries and still occupies a central role as the Dutch financial and logistical centre. Devastated during the Second World War Rotterdam’s subsequent regeneration has been transformative. The focus of the rebuilding works was innovation and contemporaneity and Rotterdam is now defined by the stunning, modern architecture, light, open canals, and a metropolitan vibe, unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands. Exclusive trendy bars to leading our institutions that spearhead to cities, rich, cultural life. Despite all it has to offer we hardly any of it. We wandered around the market looking at the beautiful produce on sale, particularly the cheese. We the went inside the Market Hall where Val and I had arranged a dear friend Jaap Visser, a former policeman from Leiden,. He turned up and we had lunch. The weather had closed in so our little bit of exploring went by the wayside. Jaap returned to Leiden and we returned to the ship. 

We met up with Sandra and David for cream tea then adjourned to our respective rooms to prepare ourselves for dinner. We went to the restaurant for another superb meal then f’wrd to the theatre for a show entitled “The Flylights” Afterwards we went to The Lido for a beverage before tuning in.

Sunday 10th December, still docked in Rotterdam. We had breakfast then Van and I went ashore to meet a dear friend Willem, a Dutch police officer we’ve known for years. We had a good catch up over a coffee then we returned to the  ship ready to witness the sail away. This will be the first time this cruise it is in daylight.

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