DAY 4 – Amsterdam to Rotterdam

 DAY 4 – Amsterdam to Rotterdam

This was a travel day, but the train trip was about 1.25 hours and was fast, comfortable and on time.  This part of Europe like most of the rest has very efficient and inexpensive public transit.  Any comparison with the transit systems leaves one feeling inferior and ill-used at home.

We decided to walk from the station in Rotterdam to our hotel near the cruise ship pier.  It seemed simple and only a bit more than a mile.  HOWEVER, pulling multiple suitcases on a sunny morning along busy streets was more than we bargained for.  We got to the hotel hot and tired – and realized as we arrived that both the metro and trams went directly between the station and our hotel!  Judy and Toni had researched the process and thought we had chosen wisely, but local knowledge wins out again!





Rotterdam is much that Amsterdam is not and vice versa.  It is much more modern, denser, and more efficient in most ways.  Relatively tall buildings abound and well planned streets, bikeways, and walkways are everywhere.  On the other hand, there is nothing quaint and little that is atmospheric.  Our hotel was in a spectacular location with views of the inner harbor and the cruise port and was immediately next to a maritime museum.  Ben and Judy got a wonderful room with large windows on two sides and a decadent bathroom suite.  The travel fairy godmother wakes up and wields her magic wand at times and in ways that are both wonderful and surprising! 

We had planned to do some touring in the City, but we were not up to serious walking around.  Instead we walked around the inner harbor where interesting displays of maritime boats and equipment were arrayed.  We ended up eating dinner on a converted lighthouse boat, which still had its light attached on poles above the cabins.  A pleasant experience as the sun set over the city buildings.

By now our jet lag was receding and we expected a good night’s sleep.  But before sleep we were treated to views of the bridge and harbor that were spectacular.  As an engineer, I am often struck by how some structures are suitable to their location and surroundings and others just “exist” with little connection to their setting.  This particular bridge was completely in tune with the harbor and had a grace which was both uplifting as well as clearly practical.

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