Cologne and Amsterdam

Koln ( Cologne) 7th May
After the fun of yesterday Cologne was a bit disappointing. We had arrived in the early hours and awoke to find a foggy day with persistent drizzle . We were fortunate that we were berthed within less than 10 minutes walk from the famous cathedral .

By the time we had breakfast the rain had cleared somewhat so armed with umbrellas and wrapped up against the elements off we went. The cathedral is currently under repair and there is some scaffolding attached to one of the spires in an interesting but precarious way. We found the inside is rather depressing but the stained glass windows are some of the best we have seen .

We walked the streets and found that the buildings were rather nondescript. This is possibly due to the fact that Cologne was virtually wiped out during the war. Some window shopping and then we returned to the boat only to find the boat was where Crackers said it was and not where keenmolly claimed to have left it (men cant read maps)!!!!

Crackers and the hen had a little nap in the arvo while Keenmollys went walking to a nearby chocolate museum only to find that all museums in Cologne are shut on Monday.
So a brief walk through the nearby area found them in a rather seedy district with some interesting goings on to be seen.
The rest of the day was spent watching the crew reprovision the boat from the vantage point of our cabin and the time was spent finishing of a few unwanted bourbons.

Amsterdam 8 th May
Arrived at around 8 AM in the morning with steady rain falling grey and overcast we tied up next to the" Scenic Pearl" and when we went ashore to go on a canal boat tour we actually walked right through their reception area.

The canal boat tour was good but constant rain made viewing difficult through the glass roof and when the guides microphone broke down it made for a different type of experience all together . In the afternoon the sun came out and we walked into town to try and locate our B& B and checkout wether we could wheel our suitcases the next morning, or if we would require a Taxi .

We found the B& B with no trouble and ascertained that we could walk with our cases and we then proceeded to Dam Square, this place is "mad "the cyclists race at breakneck speed ignoring all traffic signals and other traffic. The disregard for human life including their own needs to be seen to be believed ( exciting all the same )
We wandered around and browsed in small shops, one presented us with a range of cheeses so big that we were all drooling at the sight, the choice of meats is outstanding one would need to live here for some time to be able to try them all ?
By the time we were ready to head back for dinner on the boat it had become quite warm
People were enjoying the day at canal side eateries and coffee shops with strange aromas emanating. In fact it was so hot that some of the window dressers working in the shop windows found it necessary to remove some items of clothing .
One of these window dressers seemed to want Crackers to come and help her in the window as she beckoned him with a very nice smile But he graciously declined and started rather swiftly back toward the boat and our Last supper.

We enjoyed the last dinner with two nice couples from WA one of whom " Laureen " was celebrating her birthday .
When there is a birthday onboard the head waiter, hotel manager , waiting staff and some times even the captain and cruise director present a birthday cake accompanied by Stevie Wonders "Happy Bithday to ya " played over the boats speakers.
We returned to our cabin for the disheartening job of packing. For after breakfast tomorrow our wonderful cruise is over. We recommend everyone should do a river cruise sometime in the future as it really was an amazing adventure. Now the delights of Europe and England await.