Biking/ barge trip

Early departure from Amsterdam to Brugge where we are to board our boat and begin a week long trip that has us sleeping on a barge and biking through the country side during the day. 

We were going to cancel this section of the trip because we were worried about all the guests being older, making for a dull trip for the boys. We were so surprised when we found out that  there would be an 11 year old Dutch boy and his mother, the 11 & 13 year old nephew of the captain and owner and 12 year old son of the cook. No over 55 on the boat. But we're are a small group biking. Sometimes just us biking with the Dutch guide. Sometimes two or three more join us. The food is filling and delicious, the barge ( the Feniks) is comfortable and basic - but nothing fancy, the people (all Dutch) are very kind, warm and speak English, and the countryside is gorgeous!!!!

First four days brought perfect warm, sunny weather - great for biking. Wednesday has brought rain and lots of it. Not so fun to bike in and we found the boat early to shower, warm up and put on dry clothes.  

It's our Anniversary today (Aug 7) and we have celebrated Dutch style. They stood and sang us a song at breakfast. Everyone looks you in the eye and shakes your hand, we've been given a gift and a special dinner tonight. They have gone out of their way to make you feel special. So gracious. 

The little towns we have docked at so far are Brugge, Ghent, Goes, Willemstad, and Gorinchem ( all words with the letter G get an H sound that is way at the back of your throat - sort of like you are about to hack something up from the back of your throat.). Needless to say we are really getting a feel for the Netherlands and seeing sights and places that are way off the general tourist track.