The
ms Veendam arrived at the Black Falcon Terminal in South Boston just after 7:00
am --- neither of us could bear to eat breakfast this morning -- just
coffee. We are scheduled to leave the
ship at 7:45 am as independent travelers meaning we can carry our own luggage
from our room off the ship.
We
walk out on Deck Six just to be sure the walk way is on Deck Five --- then we
go to Deck Five to see whether they are set up for us to depart. We are not the only ones getting off as
independent travelers. Phil and I go
back to our room -- get our luggage and go down to Deck Five where we wait for
about 30 to 45 minutes -- we have plenty of company.
Apparently
the hold-up is coming from the US Customs Officers who conduct passenger
interviews with those who have purchased big ticket items -- the ship won't be
cleared till US Customs is satisfied that they are getting their duty fees.
Finally
-- we walk off the ship at 8:00 am -- go through the terminal -- hand in our
custom form -- get in a cab and walk in our front door at 8:20 am. This was one of the best parts of the
trip. We were at Shaw's by 8:45
stocking up on food.
This
trip was wonderful because of all the small ports that we would not otherwise have
been able to experience. Some of these places we were glad to visit but
wouldn't go back -- others we would like to revisit. We learned so much about the North Atlantic
area -- its history, its people and its landscape. Most of the views were spectacular and indescribable.
Holland
America is a good line --- although they do "nickel and dime" their
passengers if allowed. However we have
traveled with them a number of times because they have great itineraries and
really good food. We rarely take their
excursions -- and the shops leave a lot
to be desired -- especially the jewelry and the art work. They do have a very good library on board
with games as well as books.
Five
weeks is a long time to be on a ship -- I
didn't mind being away from home that long but I learned my limit onboard a
ship is about three weeks.
Thanks
to all my readers for coming along on this voyage -- I hope you enjoyed it as
much as we did.
Thanks
for Reading!
Pat
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