When we started traveling in 2010, we used to post our travel diary with pictures on a commercial website. Unfortunately, we lost all the posted content as this website shut down without notice, leaving us scrambling to come up with a more permanent alternative.
Now that we have our own travel website, we’re working to recreate some of our lost blogs using notes, itineraries, Wikipedia, and good old-fashioned memory. For this specific trip, however, we lack the notes and itineraries, so this recreation relies solely on memory and photos from the trip. As a result, the sequence and dates of visits to some places may not be in the correct order
Reunion in Amsterdam – April 14, 2013
Our flight from Newark to Amsterdam was smooth and uneventful. After landing, we took a cab to our centrally located hotel, just a short walk from key attractions. In the evening, we met up with our cousin Livia, who came from The Hague to see us, and enjoyed a lovely Indonesian dinner together at a nearby restaurant.
An Unforgettable Visit to Rijksmuseum – April 15, 2013
We were in Amsterdam previously in 2006 but didn’t visit the Rijksmuseum, as it was closed for major renovations at the time. This trip, we made sure to book tickets to see the newly reopened museum. The renovation, which began in 2003, transformed the Rijksmuseum into a stunning blend of historical grandeur and modern design. We spent hours exploring its vast collection, covering over 800 years of Dutch and global history, with highlights like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s masterpieces.
Later in the afternoon, we took a cab to the Port of Amsterdam to board our river ship, the M/S AmaCerto, and begin our 7-night cruise through the waterways of Holland and Belgium.
A Day of Dutch Delights: Exploring Jordaan and Edam – April 16, 2013
After breakfast, we opted for a guided tour of Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. As we walked through its picturesque streets, we saw the 17th-century canal houses, each with its own unique facade and story. Once a working-class area, the Jordaan has transformed into a vibrant district known for its art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafés. We passed the iconic Noorderkerk, a fine example of Dutch Renaissance architecture, and explored the lively markets at Lindengracht and Noordermarkt. We stopped to appreciate the peaceful canals, lined with willow trees, and the quirky houseboats that give the neighborhood its unique charm. We sampled a Dutch apple cake in one of the cafés.
In the afternoon, we left Amsterdam and soon arrived in Edam where we disembarked to visit the charming town. While Christabel opted for a guided tour to explore the picturesque canals, quaint squares, and historic buildings, Albert chose a bicycle tour. His ride took him past the iconic cheese market and out into the scenic countryside, offering a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Volendam & Willemstad – April 17, 2013
We docked at Volendam this morning, but the details of our visit to this charming little town are a bit hazy. What we do remember is strolling through the quaint fishing village, admiring the picturesque houses with their brightly colored facades. The narrow streets were filled with shops offering local cheese, traditional Dutch clothing, and souvenirs. We also recall stopping by the bustling harbor, where fishing boats swayed gently on the water.
We took a bus to Willemstad as the water level was a bit high for the ship to dock. Our memories of the visit are unclear, so we don’t have much to recount about the town. Driving to the town and then back to where the ship was docked took up much of the afternoon.
Enchanting Journeys: Exploring Bruges and Ghent – April 18, 2013
We’re in Belgium for the next three nights. This morning, we decided to take an optional tour from Ghent to Bruges, a city we had heard much about but had never visited. After a short bus ride of less than an hour, we arrived in Bruges, often dubbed the “Venice of the North.” Visiting this medieval city felt like stepping into a fairy tale, with its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and picturesque canals. Following a brief city orientation by our local guide, we explored key sites, including the Belfry of Bruges, a towering medieval bell tower offering panoramic views, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, home to a revered relic, the lively Market Square, lined with colorful guild houses, and the serene Beguinage, a tranquil convent garden. We concluded our visit with a leisurely boat ride along the winding canals, gliding through the heart of this enchanting city.
Later in the afternoon, we toured Ghent to see the city’s key landmarks, including the medieval Gravensteen Castle, the stunning Saint Bavo’s Cathedral—home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece (which was undergoing restoration, so we admired a replica)—the picturesque canals, and the bustling local markets.
Returning to Brussels & Discovering Antwerp – April 19, 2013
Docked in Antwerp, we decided to take a guided tour of Brussels, a city we had last visited with our young son Evan in 2006. On this return visit, we revisited some of the same iconic sites, including the stunning Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the charming Manneken Pis, a small statue known for its playful spirit, the Atomium, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the city from its futuristic structure, and the Royal Palace of Brussels, where we admired its elegant architecture.
In the afternoon, we toured the city of Antwerp, visiting its key attractions, including the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, which houses stunning works by the renowned painter Rubens. We also explored the historic Grote Markt, with its ornate guildhalls and the iconic Brabo Fountain, as well as Het Steen (Stone Castle), a medieval fortress on the banks of the River Scheldt. Christabel enjoyed visiting the Ruebenshuis, home of the artist Peter Paul Rubens and where he had a studio, and then seeing some of his works in the cathedral.
Later in the evening, the ship set sail on its return journey to Amsterdam.
A Memorable Stop at Het Loot Palace & Kinderdijk Windmills – April 20, 2013
Earlier today, we docked at Arnhem on our way back to Amsterdam to visit the stunning Het Loo Palace, a magnificent estate renowned for its elegant architecture and expansive gardens and the summer residence of the Dutch royal family. The palace, with its grand façade and intricate detailing, offered a glimpse into the opulence of historical Dutch nobility. We explored the beautifully landscaped grounds, taking in the serene environment and picturesque views. Inside, the ornate rooms and historical artifacts provided a fascinating look into the past.
Later in the afternoon, we made a memorable stop at the iconic Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bright, clear day was perfect for exploring the 19 historic windmills that line the canals. We disembarked and wandered along the scenic paths, marveling at the towering structures, some of which date back to the 18th century, their massive sails turning slowly in the breeze. A guided tour inside one of the windmills revealed the intricate mechanisms and the lives of the millers who once called these engineering marvels home. After concluding our visit, we continued our journey back to Amsterdam.
A Visit to Keukenhof Gardens: Garden of Europe – April 21, 2013
We are back and docked in Amsterdam. After a leisurely breakfast on the ship, we boarded a bus and enjoyed a scenic drive to Lisse to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is one of the world’s most famous and breathtaking flower gardens. Spanning 79 acres, it displays over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in vibrant, meticulously curated displays. Each spring, visitors are treated to a spectacular array of colors and fragrances, along with themed gardens, flower shows, and art installations. It was the perfect way to spend the morning before returning to the city, a fitting finale to our river cruise.
Disembark & Fly Home – April 22, 2013
Early this morning, we disembarked and headed to the airport. Our journey home, however, had its share of hiccups. After checking in, we learned that our plane was grounded due to mechanical issues, and we’d be rebooked on the next available flight. A few hours later, we were finally enroute to Newark. Yet, somewhere over the state of New York, the captain announced that we needed to land at a nearby airport to refuel. After an hour on the ground, we resumed our flight and landed in Newark approximately an hour later. Ah, the joys of travel!