Day Seventeen - ms Veendam At Sea Monday 28 July 2014

Up about 7 am -- on Deck Six by 7:30 am -- walked two miles --- glad to be back walking -- then breakfasat in Lido.

Barbara, our location specialist, gave a talk at 10:00 am on things to do in Amsterdam.  I got a few tidbits  -- like pickpockets are everywhere so we need to be cautious.  She also mentioned a "Purses and Pocketbooks" Museum -- I'd love to find that.   Although, I would like to see the major museums while here -- I think the lines will be quite long and we are not willing to wait in line for anything.    We'll see what we can come up with -- it's a large vibrant city and this is our third visit.

Also -- in the Netherlands visitors are required to carry their passports with them at all times and at least in Amsterdam bicyclists have the right of way!  

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Day Sixteen - Stavanger, Norway Sunday 27 July 2014

Arrived in Stavanger about 7:30 am -- this town has a population of about 125,000 however we were told that nothing will be open today -- so I'm not sure why we stopped.

Pat in on Stavanger Waterfront!

 Stavanger dates back to the 17th and 18th Centuries -- most buildings date from 1820 to 1870.  The small buildings were workers' cottages -- this area was threatened with demolition after World War II.  The City Council and the Gamie Stavanger Society (Old Stavanger Society) initiated conservation and rehabilitation of the area.  By 1974 Protection Orders were in place for "Old Stavanger".

The Ship is docked right on the main street which is pretty nice.   Phil and I walk around -- looks like there was quite a party here over the last few days -- the clean-up is now taking place.   "Old Stavanger" is lovely with all white houses and  magnificent gardens.  

Pat in "old town" Stavanger!

We pass a beautiful medieval cathedral which is under renovation --- and another Church, St. Petri's, -- I think all of these are Lutheran.   So far we have not come across any Catholic Churches. 

A Private Garden in "old town" Stavanger!

 By 10:30 we've walked around the town -- and nothing is open so we go back to the ship with plans to come back out after lunch.

Here is a site we did not expect to see but we have seen several oil rigs in this part of the world.  Phil took this early this morning as we were getting close to town.

After lunch -- we take another walk --- it has gotten more humid and the only place open is the tourist shop with a Christmas shop on the second floor.  They have some very interesting decorations but --- that is the last thing I need

We're back on board in short order --- looking forward to our upcoming two days in Amsterdam.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat

Day Fifteen - Bergen, Norway Saturday 26 July 2014

 

Up about 6:30 am -- having breakfast in Lido as we dock right in the middle of everything -- we are off the ship and walking around by 8:30 am.   The Tall Ships are beautiful -- not many people around this early.  Bergen is a town with a population of about 260,000 people.  The Tall Ship Races are here every six years.

Pat on Deck of Zeendam!

 We find the Information Center and purchase funicular tickets to Mt. Floyen.  This funicular has been running daily up the steep hillside since 1918.    Once on top the view is spectacular and for those more energetic there are hiking trails and lots of activities for kids including a "Troll Forest" which we visited.     After about 30 minutes we're ready to go back down --- which we did.  It was amazing to see how long the lines are at the bottom -- I bet it's a two hour wait.   We called this one right!

Phil on Bergen Waterfront!

Back on terra firma -- we found St. Mary's Church but it is being renovated so we could not go in -- then we came across the Bergen Museum.   This is a small museum with a nice permanent exhibit.  It is situated just behind St. Mary's Church and has a section inside where foundations for the earliest Bergen buildings were discovered -- they are laid out in the exact original locations.  Most of the existing older buildings in Bergen were built after the 1702 fire which devastated the city.

View thru Roof of Finicular!

The crowds are building -- so we decide to go back to the ship for lunch.   It has also gotten quite hot and humid -- temperature is 86 degrees F.    After lunch we are on a mission -- a pharmacy for cough medicine and cough drops -- and a place that has

wifi. 

View from Mt. Floyen!

 Back to the information center -- which is considerably more crowded than this morning --- and off we go with directions to the pharmacy and to an "off the beaten path" café.     The Pharmacists are very helpful over here -- no self-service.    We discover "Sirkus Escalon" -- a café during the day and a night club later on.   A nice table outside with a strong wifi signal is available.  The weather is unusually warm -- most places do not have air-conditioning -- our waiter told us he had to buy a pair of shorts yesterday to wear to work.   

Pat in the Wi Fi Zone!

We head back to the Veendam about 4:00 pm -- since we are in a non-tourist area we walk back seeing some local scenes --- a wedding procession, a private party with lots of singing going on -- Phil looks like a true paparazzi getting that photo.   We come to a shopping area with a very large plaza  and all sorts of activities for kids  -- Legos -- life-size games such as Chess and Scrabble.   




 

Phil as Paparazzi!

People are engaged and enjoying the beautiful day.  As we get closer to the ship we must fight the throngs of people in town for the tall ship festivities which will continue through the night including fireworks.   We've enjoyed our time in Bergen -- but are leaving at 6:30 pm.

What a spot!

On our way to dinner Phil and I stop off on Deck Six to enjoy the view as we head back out to sea -- enroute to Stavanger, Norway.

We passed a several lovely properties but

 this was one of the prettiest

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Day Fourteen - ms Veendam at Sea Friday 25 July 2014

Phil woke me about 8 am reminding me that we have an appointment with Holland America's cruise consultant at 9 am.   I rolled over, fell back to sleep and woke in a panic at 9 am.    I scrambled to get to the 8th floor -- arriving by about 9:10 am.   She wasn't even there -- just Phil.  She finally did show up -- but this appointment was not helpful for us at all except to realize that none of the future cruises were of any interest to us.

Next I reacquainted myself with Deck Six and went out for a 1.5 mile walk --- felt good !

As I write this it is about 3:45 pm -- I'm having tea with honey for my throat.   On the way back from Lido with my tea -- a couple got on the elevator  -- he in a tuxedo and she in a gown wearing a large bronze medal with Holland America on it around her neck.   Apparently they were on their way to some sort of party for high level previous cruisers.  It is amazing how many people on this ship have been on Holland America numerous times -- 4 and 5 star cruisers.  To achieve 4 star status takes a minimum of 200 days cruising.      

In the "Damper" Department -- we received a letter this afternoon from the Captain reporting that the Norwegian Government announced they have received credible information that it is possible an act of terrorism could take place in Norway over the next few days -- no indication of where.   We stop tomorrow in Bergen, Norway where they are hosting the Tall Ship Races for three days -- and then on to Stavanger, Norway the day after.  I guess we will just "be cautious" and carry on.

Tonight at dinner -- the dinining room was a like a ghost town -- apparently a lot of people have what I am now getting over.   We had a very nice dinner -- took a walk afterwards before going to bed.   Our arrival in Bergen is scheduled for 8:00 am tomorrow morning.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Day Thirteen - Torshavn, Faroe Islands Thursday 24 July 2014

 

I got up about 7:15 am -- Phil had been up and out for hours -- we had breakfast about 9:00 am --- expecting to arrive in Foggy Torshavn about Noon.

Torshavn is the capital and largest town (pop: 20,000) of the Faroe Islands which are part of Denmark.  

We dock in a very active commercial port so are required to take a shuttle bus to the port entrance where one of the information centers resides.  I pick up a map and find out that there is a bus that travels around Torshavn in a 30 minute loop.  The bus is free to all and is the route for the locals but also gives one a good overview of this port. 

Phil among the Parliament Buildings.

Phil and I head to the Parliament Buildings in the Tinganes section of old town Torshavn, These beautiful red buildings were built in 900 AD when this  parliament--thought to be the first in the world--began meeting.    These buildings are still active government buildings -- including the Prime Minister's Office.

More Parliament Buildings!

 Continuing on into the Reyn section of old town Torshavn -- are small black residential buildings dating back to the same period -- this is where the workers lived.   In both sections grass roofs are still in use --- wending our way through the small streets that wind around the houses we eventually find  The Cathedral Havnar kirkja -- established in 1788 -- completely rebuilt in 1865 when it got the look it has today.  

Worker Cottages!

The Cathedral

Leaving the Church on our way to the harbor --- what do I see but a Red Cross Thrift Store -- I was so excited -- this is the first thrift store I have seen on our trip.   I went in and browsed around a bit -- but since I don't have any Danish Kroner I just enjoyed looking.   I did notice that a young mother was in the shop -- but had left her baby outside the shop in a carriage in front of the shop.    As we walked around -- I saw clusters of baby carriages outside shops with babies in them -- apparently common practice on this island. 

Inside the Cathedral!

Thrift Shop w/Baby in Carriage outside.

Phil and I continued on to the pedestrian street with all the shops -- even an antique mall and another thrift shop.   I spotted the free bus and took it --- planning to meet Phil at The Irish Pub on the waterfront after my tour.    The driver was Orloff -- I hope I have spelled that correctly.   I sat up front and for most of the ride I was his only passenger so we had a nice chat.  

 I mentioned to Orloff the baby carriages left outside shops -- he said, "Oh, yes, we have no stolen babies here."   He said he never locks his doors or his car --- it is a very safe and friendly community.   Orloff grew up in Torshavn, but moved to Copenhagen for 4 years -- but came back because his grown children live in Torshavn as does his Dad.   Orloff looks to be in his mid- 40's.    When we got to the highest point outside town, he stopped the bus for his seven minute break -- he had a cigarette.  I took a couple of photos -- but the fog limited what I could see.

View of Torshavn from highest point -- too bad about the fog!

 Orloff told me about the upcoming holiday on Monday (28 July) -- St. Olaf's Day -- a huge celebration all over the Faroe Islands.   Back in town -- I thanked Orloff for my "tour" -- and headed to the waterfront to find The Irish Pub -- noticing all the preparations being made for the St. Olaf's Day celebrations.   I found the pub and Phil and was pleasantly surprised to see that they had wi fi -- Phil stayed for another beer --- I was able to get my postings up on the blog.

As we walked back to the port area -- we observed more lights going up -- and staging areas being erected.   It will be quite the party.

Pat at the Harbor in Torshavn.

 Not to let a good wifi signal pass me by -- I stayed in the port area to finish up the blog postings before boarding the shuttle bus back to the ship.

Torshavn was my favorite port so far -- it had a nice feel to it -- reminding me of Cape Cod -- a comfortable low-key atmosphere.   Or -- maybe it was all those thrift stores and the antique mail.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat

Day Twelve - Seydisfjordur, Iceland Wednesday 23 July 2014

 

Zeendam coming into Seydisfjordur!

Coming into Seydisfjordur is spectacular -- Phil got some great shots.   This small town with a population of 700 is a destination for hikers, kayakers, and participants in other outdoor activities during the summer months.   Visitors arrive by ferry from the Faroe Islands and by driving from other parts of Iceland.  In addition to small hotels and B & B's we spot an RV park.   

Seydisfjordur nestled among the Mountains!

Not to sound like a broken record but the vistas are breathtaking everywhere!

Nobody is up when we get off the ship about 8:00 am.  The Zeendam  is here until 2:30 pm -- one would think that some of the cafes would open early but they don't open till 11:30 am.

The Blue Church.

We visit the Blue Church -- a lovely Church with a blue ceiling -- very pretty.  We continue walking admiring the waterfalls of which there are several of varying sizes.  These hills are either snowcapped or very green -- nothing in between.   We wander through a residential neighborhood --- back to Main Street where there is a Craft Market.  The items --- mostly hand-knit -- are lovely but the wood is very scratchy---I don't think would be comfortable to wear -- they're not giving this stuff away -- it is very expensive.

The supermarket is open so in we go --- it is very nice and has a good selection of food and other items ---- we just buy Kleenex packets.  By the time I exit the supermarket Phil has discovered a wifi hot spot across the street at the Aldan Hotel.  Their café is serving ---- I settle at a picnic table outside (the weather is gorgeous) -- and start posting this blog.

Joan and Gunther join us as we enjoy the atmosphere of this small town and watch all the young people emerge with their breakfasts -- they all look very outdoorsy.

Phil took this photo from inside the Aldan Hotel.

Gunther, Joan and Phil at the wifi hotspot!

We are back on the ship for lunch -- then Phil goes out for a walk and I take my iPad down to the Ferry Building wifi hot spot to update it.  Phil passes through and joins me checking his e-mail again.

Back on board for a 2:30 pm departure to Torshavn, Faroe Islands.    I am exhausted so I sleep for a good part of the afternoon --- just wish I could shake this cold or whatever it is that I have.

Dinner at 8:00 pm --- back in the room by 8:45pm --- Phil falls asleep -- I'm still writing.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Day Eleven - Akureyri, Iceland Tuesday 22 July 2014

View of Port from Akureyri Church!

Phil and I both slept till 7:15 am -- late for us.   Phil's fever has broken but he still has the cough -- I still have everything (except the fever).  So --- we will soldier on into Akureyri.

This town has a population of about 18,000 -- it is spotless, neat and pretty.  The  combination of:   mountains with snow -- mountains with deep greenery -- colorful flowers -- and the sea all coming together in one vista is something to behold -- all of this is 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Phil and Friends -- on the dock!

We wandered to the downtown area -- coming to the  Lutheran Akureyri Church,  consecrated in 1940.    The Church is a contemporary design and sits 108 steps above the town.  Several of this Church's components have come from other buildings such as: the centre window in the choir is from the old Coventry Cathedral in England which was destroyed in WWII; the altar piece above the baptismal font  came from the first church built in Akureyri in 1863.   It is a lovely place and from this vantage point you can see the enire town and harbor.   Back down the 108 steps -- we're moving on toward "old town".   

Pat approaching the 108 steps!

Akureyri was first mentioned in 1602 as a trading center -- but did not become an official township with 294 inhabitants until 1862.    Although the first house was built here in 1778 -- the oldest surviving house was built in 1795 -- at the time it was right on the water.   This house originally used as residences -- also was the library and used to house homeless people -- it has been "protected" since 1978  and after extensive renovations reopened in 1984 -- and is used for various functions.      

Akureyri's Oldest House - 1795

The gray house with red trim was built in 1900 with the caveat that townspeople could use its veranda as a walkway.  The yellow house to the right was the first two story house built in 1835.   In 1874 the owner donated it to the town for use as a hospital -- on Wednesdays people could also book a shower here.

Gray/Red-built 1900 and Yellow built 1835

There is a lot of history in this town and it is well documented.  There are plaques all over the "old town" in different languages and with photos of what used be in a particular location.   This area was about a 45 minute walk outside the downtown area -- it was a good walk.

We also passed a local carnival just getting set up -- I had a nice conversation with one of the women who spoke perfect English with a British accent.

Back downtown -- we stopped into a bistro at the Ikea Hotel -- to use their wifi and so Phil could have a beer.   The wifi was terrible so I never did get through.  Actually the wifi -- near the dock was terrible as well.  So I decided to wait till tomorrow.

Back on board -- we had a lite lunch and I went to a movie at 1:00 pm. -- "Winter's Tale" -- a fable with a time travel dimension.   I enjoyed it -- and it kept me still for two hours -- no coughing.

I took a short nap -- Phil is feeling not so great either.   But we managed to have dinner at 8:00 pm. -- bringing our dessert back to the room.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat with her new Troll Friends!

Pat

Day Ten - Isafjordur, Iceland Monday 21 July 2014

Typical Metal House in Isafjordur, Iceland

I forced myself to get up --- had a light breakfast in the Lido -- still feeing woozy with a cough -- not a good combination.

We arrived in Isafjordur about Noon -- by the time we get into town it is 2:30.  The town is spotless with a higher level of sophistication than we have experienced so far on this trip .

Our first stop was the Information Center where we were told that the café next door had free wifi if you bought a coffee or something to eat -- so we did staying for about an hour.

We extracted ourselves from the café to explore this lovely small town with a population of 2600.   The houses are colorful -- with metal exteriors -- roof and siding.   The views are incredible and different depending on which direction one is facing.

View from Downtown

We strolled down the Main Street -- stopping at the Cemetery -- then on to the Old Hospital, a beautiful structure built in 1925 which is now the library, cultural center and small museum.  

Old Hospital Building

Phil enjoying his Fish Stew!

We are both a little hungry so decide on "Husid"-- meaning The House.   Phil ordered a fish soup -- which was really a stew -- he loved it.   I having a less sophisticated palate so ordered a cheese pizza -- it hit the spot.    Don, a passenger also from Boston, joined us for a chat.

 Again -- we extracted ourselves from Husid -- and headed back to the ship stopping at the Pharmacy on the way to stock up on lozenges, cough syrup and anything that might make us feel better -- yes Phil has come down with whatever it is that I have.

Pat by an old Bakery Truck - it's a Ford!

We love this little town and we love Iceland.   We've had fabulous weather -- just right for traveling.   

Note:  This evening at 10:32 pm the ms Veendam crossed the Arctic Circle.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Day Nine - ms Veeendam at Sea Sunday 20 July 2014

I have come down with "something" -- I have a fever, no appetite and am totally exhausted.   I slept all day.  Phil attended the Mariner's Luncheon solo -- this was for previous cruisers.

Here is hoping I'll get better tomorrow!

Pat

Day Eight - Nanortalik, Greenland Saturday 19 July 201

 

Icebergs and Mountains --

Woke early and walked about 6:00 am -- chilly, windy and crowded on Deck Six --not with walkers but with photographers.  As we approach Nanortalik -- all we see are icebergs and mountains --but the combination is spectacular.  Ony the southern part of Greenland is inhabited with a population of about 55,000 -- Nanortalik has a population of 1400.

Iceberg and Mountains in Greenland

As Phil and I eat breakfast -- we are mesmerized by all the icebergs  so close by.

The Zeendam anchors  -- is cleared -- and we are walking through Nanortalik by 7:30 am.    We pop into the Visitors' Center which is also a shop selling everything:  sweaters, shoes, postcards, souvenirs, internet for $10 for the day.    We decide to come back after touring the area.

Tender Dock with Veendam and Mountains

 We move in the direction of the Church -- which is closed -- so we keep going to the Nanortalik Museum -- a folklore museum consisting of sixteen old buildings with exhibits inside them.  These buildings are in their original locations clustered near the harbor.  Admission:  $10 per person.

After going through the museum, we keep walking around town in and out of the various neighborhoods -- single family houses are painted in bright colors.  We pass the cemetery which is just behind the school building painted red --  which is in the same area as several apartment buildings.  Actually Nanortalik is just one great big neighborhood.

Church in Nanortalik

Pretty soon we are back in the dock area -- and decide to check out the supermarket -- which is quite nice.  As one would expect they also carry clothing and household items -- we were told there were two supermarkets -- we only found one.  Other than the Visitor Center shop -- the supermarkets seem to be the only places for locals to get what they need.  

Pat with all the colorful houses.

By the time we went back to the Visitor Center for the internet -- the place was a mob scene -- which means that the signal would have too many people on it --- and there was no place to sit down.  So we decided to wait for Iceland.    I also feel like I'm coming down with something -- so just wanted to get back to the ship.

After lunch -- I slept off and on all afternoon --- got up had a small dinner in Lido and went back to bed --  I have a fever.

Nanortalik Museum -- Doctor's House 

We had a wonderful day in Nanortalik, Greenland -- I do not know how anybody can live here all the time.   I asked a young man working at the coffee shop about having darkness all day during the winter.  He said "Oh we have light in the winter" -- when I asked how many hours, he responded "Three".  

It's always an education ---

Thanks for Reading!

Pat