'Tulips and Chocolates' - Exploring the Netherlands with Fred. Olsen's Braemar
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10am, the sun is shining from an azure blue sky, the River Amstel
is busy with ferries, river cruise boats and other commercial traffic, the city
of a million bicycles, Amsterdam, the first port of call for Fred Olsen Cruise
Lines ship Braemar on the ‘Tulips and Chocolates’ itinerary.
Heading through the rush hour traffic reminds me that all
large cities around the world suffer the same traffic problems with the
exception that in the Netherlands many of the inhabitants commute by bicycle,
thousands of them, at times causing as much congestion as the cars. There is
even a 3 level bicycle park for commuters alongside the main railway station!
Amsterdam has many canals and no visit is complete without
boarding one of the many glass topped river cruisers. Glide along canals whilst
your guide gives an interesting and at times witty commentary, pass numerous
house boats that began life as temporary accommodation for the Amsterdamers but
have since become a static feature and change hands for eye watering amounts. The
canals are busy waterways, used not just by tourists and locals but also as a
way of transporting goods from the sea and terminals to their final
destination. Passing the Anne Frank Museum there are queues of people who have
waited up to 3 hours to gain entrance, anyone wishing to visit should book in
advance to avoid the queues. Float by houses, old but elegant, previously owned
by wealthy shippers, ship owners and importers of the 18th and 19th centuries.
From the canals you obtain the best views of the photogenic buildings, the
Westerkerk, Rijksmuseum, Stopera and many more.
Back on dry land the city has much to offer. Visit a cheese
shop and sample cheeses with flavours of ginger, fruit, coconut and even
garlic. An education and a very tasty one. Liquor shops selling Vodka at 92%, a
mind blowing experience. Admire the warehouses that have been converted into
desirable residences for the rich, small restaurants with the aroma of seasoned
cooking wafting through the air as you wander the cobbled streets. Admire the
Royal Palace, Opera House, beautiful churches, there is even a Madame Tussauds
and a Sex Museum.
The Netherlands are renowned for their Tulips and other variety
of bulb, flowering each Spring to transform the windmill dotted landscape into
a fusion of colour. Keukenhof Gardens, an area famous for such beauty dates
back to the early 15th century but it was not until 1949 that 20 bulb producers
decided to make the park a regular attraction and finally opened their gates to
visitors the following year. Since then the numbers of visitors has steadily
grown and now the park each year is the show case for 100 companies displaying
live their product consisting of 7 million, yes million, spring bulbs.
The Netherlands has much to offer, far more than can be absorbed into two days. The village of Edam dating back to 1230 and given its city rights in 1357. Old buildings, The Carillon built in 1566, whose tower still rings out a melody every 15 minutes and the magnificent St Nicolas Church standing quietly by the main canal where herons can be seen watching from the trees.
The next port is Antwerp, over 60 miles inland along the
River Scheldt, where we berth almost in the town centre. Canals joining this
river connect to the Rhine, Seine and Meuse that in turn lead to Brussels,
Lille and Dunkirk.
Time to go ashore and explore Antwerp, the 2nd largest city
in Belgium a country famous for its chocolates and beers of which it is said
there are over 1,000 varieties produced by 180 breweries. Leave the ship, cross
the road and you are in the heart of Antwerp. Following the throng finds you in
Grote Markt, the main city square, flanked by many old well preserved
buildings, the City Hall built in the early 1650’s fronted by the colourful flags
of 80 different nations fluttering in the warm morning breeze, the Guild Houses
built in the 16th Century expressing the power and wealth of the different
craftsmen’s guilds. The square is dominated by the large ‘Brabo Statue’ and
fountain built in 1887 depicting the mythical hero Brabo. Folklore has us
believe that the giant, Antigoon, demanded very high fees for boats to use the
harbour and cut off the hand of anyone who refused to pay and threw it in the
river. Brabo, a Roman soldier, fought him, defeated him, cut off the giants’
right hand and threw it into the river, an act depicted in the statue.
Leaving the square by a small side street you arrive at the towering ‘Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal’ or in English ‘Cathedral of Our Lady’. This magnificent structure was started in the 14th century and completed in 1518. Inside are four works by Rubens, The Descent from the Cross, The Elevation of the Cross, The Resurrection of Christ and The Assumption. The main alter, ornate carved choir stalls, side chapels and statues have you lost in wonder at their beauty. Don’t miss the pulpit that was originally created for St. Bernard’s Abbey or the 18th century confessionals with their carved figures representing Repentance and Absolution. Entry charge to the cathedral is 6 Euros, 4 Euros if over 60, but the book and souvenir shop are free.
Spend time exploring the cobbled streets, bars selling
various brands of those famous beers, shops displaying those delightfully
mouth-watering chocolates, ordered by both weight and selection. Select dark,
milk or white chocolate with plain or decorated tops and numerous fillings,
you’re spoilt for choice but the result is the same, fabulous chocolates to eat
and enjoy and worry about your weight later. Visit The Botanical Gardens with
their many species of plants and shrubs, the Museum Aan de Stroom, 60 metres
high and built of Indian red sandstone and glass panel construction standing
out against the older buildings. The Rubenshuis where the famous painter,
Rubens lived for 29 hears from 1611 together with St. James church where he is
buried. There is even the obligatory Irish Pub. Have you ever been to a city in
the world where there isn’t one? Answers on a postcard please.
Take the ships tour 36 miles south west of Antwerp to Belgium’s
4th largest city, Ghent, standing on the River Leie and home to world famous Chocolatier
Luc van Hoorebeke. A visit to his shop at Sint-Baafsplein 15, 9000 Gent is not
to be missed. Watching a Master Chocolatier making, filling and decorating
chocolates of every flavour imaginable is something seldom seen and never
forgotten. Tasting freshly made chocolates is a treat indeed and will excite
the taste buds for more. How can such delicate little chocolates make you put
on so much weight, oh, all right, just one more then.
The final port is Honfleur. This picturesque town situated
at the mouth of the River Seine in the Calvados Region of Normandy is a delight,
its harbour busy with small boats flying various forms of decorations, artists
with their easels recording the scene in oils and water colours. Quayside cafes
and restaurants sporting colourful table cloths and awnings that have few spare
seats so no surprise the owners and waiters are wearing smiles as large as
their aprons. The mouthwatering aroma
comes from bowls of ‘Moules’ and freshly grilled fish that adorn the tables where
diners are washing down these delectable dishes with copious amounts of white
wine. Step away from the harbour into the side streets and find the church of
St. Catherine built from wood in the early 1400’s on the model of a market
hall, which, using naval construction techniques gives the impression of an
upside-down ship's hull.
The church bells housed in a separate wooden structure
across the square are equally impressive. Entering the main doors, you’re
greeted by what appears to be two main altars and a smaller side chapel where
flags, pendants and paintings from a bygone age hang from the walls and wooden
pillars. A church that is simply furnished but beautiful, models and statues
reminding the visitor that this is a church associated with the sea, candles
burn slowly at various locations providing an air of peace and tranquility.
Make your way back towards the ‘Cafe Society’ around the
harbour, see the ‘Merry Go Round’ being enjoyed by children and an ‘Organ
Grinder’ performing complete with a toy monkey.
Honfleur is a hidden gem, a place to sit in the sun, become part of the
atmosphere, watch the world go by and dream as you sip from a large glass of
chilled Rose wine.
Back on Braemar the passengers are joyous with what they
have done and experienced but a little sad that it is now over. They have
enjoyed being transported to the ports of three different countries in 6 days
and only unpacking once, enjoyed the tours arranged by Fred Olsen enabling them
to see the very best of the areas visited. A high percentage of them are
regulars with Fred Olsen coming back trip after trip but what is it they like? Braemar by today’s standards is a small ship
but this is one of her attractions, being able to reach those ports that the
large ships can’t. A promenade deck that circumnavigates the ship, two swimming
pools and large sunbathing area. A horseshoe shaped tiered stern allowing
passengers to sit and admire the views whilst being in easy reach of refreshments.
Three excellent restaurants providing food that is up there with the best.
Comfortable lounge areas, the Morning Light Pub with large leather chairs and settees,
Observatory Lounge giving 180 degree views over the ships bow, the well stocked
Library, Shops, Gymnasium, a variety of entertainment and much more. The staff
have a can do attitude and are always smiling and friendly, the cabins are
comfortable with comfy beds and duvets and of course tea making facilities for
that early morning ‘Cuppa’.
For me, Captain Robert Bamberg sums it up, “From the bridge,
all is well” and it certainly is as I sit in the Observatory Lounge enjoying a
wonderful afternoon tea, another scone anyone.
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