Day 16 - Amsterdam - Day 3

Thursday 18^th June 2015 – Amsterdam – Day 16

Awake early and into the shower block, on my way out of the marina at 09.15.

Shelduck Family

Every day on our way to and from the ferry, we would see this family of Shelducks, who were not phased one bit, by the amount of pedestrians and cyclists passing by.

Here is dad showing us he can do tricks, by standing on one leg.

Central Station

Met Dave Kirkman, a friend from my days on the sailing ship ‘Stavros S. Niarchos’, he had travelled from his home in Suffolk, on the overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, then train to Amsterdam.

We were back on board for 10.15, to let Dave get settled in.

Dart

At 13.00, Dennis, whom I met yesterday came on board.  He also owns a Westerly Griffon Mark II, the same as ‘Selene’, my boat is build number 50, while Dennis’s boat called ‘Dart’ is build number 54.  I had been telling him about my aids to navigation (toys) and showed him how they all worked.

He seemed impressed and took all of the maker’s names and model numbers.

Flower Market Stall

At 14.00 ashore with Dave to show him the delights of Amsterdam after visiting a bank in Dam Square, we moved onto the Flower Market.  With it’s stalls, selling all kinds of plants, seeds, bulbs, from the easiest to grow, to the most exotic.  Could not resist this place, bought more tulip and callas bulbs.

Whacky Baccy Bargain

I know Holland is a very liberal country, but I do not think my local constabulary would be too pleased, if I planted any of this lot in the back garden.

As he had not been here before, I took Dave along to the ‘Old Sailor’ pub, where he was also enchanted by the place.

For something to eat, we moved into the next street, Zeedijk and enjoyed a mussel starter, then a pizza.

Wandering Minstrels

When we left the restaurant came across this small band doing an impromptu performance in the street.

Maybe, I can get the Seaton Sluice Ukulele Band interested in a Dutch concert tour.

We ended up in a bar at the end of Canal Street, before heading back home and would you believe it, in bed for 23.00.

Maybe, we can’t stand the pace, or maybe we are getting sensible?