Felt better this morning and headed downtown to explore some more. I also had 2 other goals-- A) buy train ticket for tomorrow's trip to Koblenz, and B) get a clear idea of how I'd get me, my bike and my gear downtown and on a morning train. Good thing I did that!
After buying the ticket I went out a did some more exploring. Same basic idea as Saturday-- no museums or paid attractions, just walk around and take in the city. I did book an evening canal boat tour to see the city from a different angle.
It wasn't a weekend-- city felt alive, but a little less crowded. I walked around for several hours, just looking and taking pictures. Visited the flower market-- tons of beautiful blooms there. Went into a store called Magic Mushrooms. Yes, they are legal here. No, I didn't buy any.
With time running short, I grabbed a doner wrap and ate it on the run. I made it to the boat in time for my evening cruise-- the other passengers didn't show, so it ended up as a private tour! My guide/captain was knowledgable, and I felt I understood the city and its history better afterwards.
With night falling, I headed back to the hotel to pack up and be ready for tomorrow!Read more
Joe CollettiIt was a beautiful day, so I brought BooDog and Bgrrrrr along to enjoy the outdoor air. After buying our ticket for the evening cruise, we did a time lapse in front of the Central Station. The folks you see on the left-- they're a family from Spain I met while recording this. Notice how animated they are? That's because they're from the Catalunya region-- near Barcelona-- and I asked them about the political situation there, and Catalunya's desire for independence. The conversation was terrific, and while it wasn't entirely in Spanish, probably 75% was (not bad for being out of practice) :) I learned a lot, and got to experience one of the best things about travel-- connecting with others, and broadening what I know
Joe CollettiBoo Dog and B'Grrrr at the National Monument. Fun aside, it's a significant structure, honoring Dutch suffering, resistance, and ultimate liberty during WW2.
Joe Colletti
It was a beautiful day, so I brought BooDog and Bgrrrrr along to enjoy the outdoor air. After buying our ticket for the evening cruise, we did a time lapse in front of the Central Station. The folks you see on the left-- they're a family from Spain I met while recording this. Notice how animated they are? That's because they're from the Catalunya region-- near Barcelona-- and I asked them about the political situation there, and Catalunya's desire for independence. The conversation was terrific, and while it wasn't entirely in Spanish, probably 75% was (not bad for being out of practice) :) I learned a lot, and got to experience one of the best things about travel-- connecting with others, and broadening what I know
Joe Colletti
Boo Dog and B'Grrrr at the National Monument. Fun aside, it's a significant structure, honoring Dutch suffering, resistance, and ultimate liberty during WW2.
Joe Colletti
I *didn't* eat the mushrooms-- this was real!