Monday, 13 May to Tuesday, 14 May 2019
We awoke to a beautiful if cool morning in Leiden.
We are starting to get into the boat routine, breakfast at 8 and on the bikes by 9 for the day’s adventure. We rode to the western gate to see where Rembrandt was born before riding again through the dunes to our morning tea stop on the North Sea.
From here more riding through dunes including a memorial to resistance fighters executed here during the second world war. The tracks are excellent with sections for bikes, pedestrians and horses.
Next stop was The Hague, with some beautiful riding through parks and a stop at the royal palace.
While we were looking at the parliament buildings, Rikko was excited to point out the Netherlands Prime Minister walking by. He said hello and we were surprised that there was no sign of security.
After a late lunch we headed for the Quo Vadis moored in Delft. 45 kms today. Another city tour after dinner saw us fall into bed exhausted yet again.
On Tuesday morning we left Delft and headed to Rotterdam, known for its architecture and bridges. Another scenic ride to the second largest city and the largest port in the Netherlands.
We had lunch in the Marketplace, an architectural wonder of apartments over the market area.
May 14 was the 79th anniversary of the bombing of Rotterdam when the city centre was flattened. Bells in all the churches started tolling at 1.20, the time the raid started. It was very moving.
After lunch we boarded a fast ferry to Kindersdijk to visit a windmill and hear how they were vital for water management in the country below sea level. 19 of the original 20 windmills remain.
Back on the Quo Vadis for a dinner cruise to Willemstad and another city walk. 38 kms today.
