The Canal Boat Ride

The previous 48 hours had been such a whirlwind that we needed a break on Monday. We just hung out at Bob & Miriam's home in Almere and visited their local shopping area, about a 10 minute walk. Resting and relaxing are part of the vision for being here.

The girls enjoyed the walk and seeing the area. Just visiting the shopping area was a delight for them. It was a hot and sunny day and in some ways it was a shame to waste it not doing a tourist thing but in the end it helped all of us unwind just a bit.

Bob & Miriam suggested a canal boat ride which was a great idea. Miriam thought that we would enjoy the ride at dusk when the lights of the city come on. Unfortunately that would be around 10:30 p.m. these summer days. But we headed down around 5 p.m. to hang out at a restaurant and meet Leslie, their daughter. The sun was at the height of its intensity making all who were out and about gradually wilt. It became apparent that we weren't going to make it to 10:30 so we took at canal boat ride in the sunshine at 8. It may have been evening but there was nothing dark about it.

The canal ride took us past the old houses from Holland's Golden Age to famous landmarks of yesterday and today. We enjoyed our time and arrived home late that night. It seems that every night we stay up late, can't help it. The light is out so late we can't sleep. Slowly our internal clocks are getting used to the change.