SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014 - LUGGAGE DROP, ZAANSE SCHANS WINDMILL VILLAGE, BOARD AVALON VISIONARY

When we first arrived at the Amsterdam apartment we discussed the experience with handling our luggage on trains and subways and decided that, if possible, we would use a taxi for all transportation involving suitcases.  So, this morning we called a taxi to pick us up in front of the apartment and take us to the Movenpick Hotel where Avalon had set up a hospitality room and luggage drop.  Arriving there about 9 a.m. we proceeded to check in and leave our luggage for it to be transported to our staterooms on Avalon's Visionary.  Then, we departed to get to the train station for our day's activity.  The route from the hotel to Centraal Station was not very conducive for walking so we again used a taxi for the transfer.  Once at Centraal Station we boarded the train that took us to the Windmill Village stop.  From there it was "a 10-15 minute walk" to the village. Most of us walked, but some (Tom & Walt) chose the best alternative.

Actually, there was a small motor in the rear of this vehicle that gave assistance to this poor girl as she pumped to move her heavy load!

 

The Windmill Village consists of 6 functional windmills and 6 craft houses/shops that are open to the public, along with 4 museums, and 2 restaurants.

 

 

 

 

We toured the windmills along with the shops; stopped for lunch where we had huge Dutch pancakes (the wait was long and Joy's order never came out; sorry for her!)  We had determined to depart from here in time to get back to Amsterdam and board the ship prior to 5 p.m.

The train ride back to the city was uneventful and after a short taxi ride we were boarding the Visionary for the night on board in Amsterdam before we begin a river cruise on the Rhine River to Basel, Switzerland.

 

Once onboard, we proceeded to our staterooms to get unpacked and then assembled on the Sky Deck at 6:00 p.m. for the Safety Exercise followed by the 6:15 p.m. Welcome Aboard Reception of champagne and canapés.  Embarkation Dinner was at 7:00 p.m.