It’s nice, not having the pressure of sightseeing hanging over you. It’s a lazy morning for us, leading up to lunch with Lloyd, Chris’s friend from the Beefsteak and Burgundy wine club. His daughter lives in Amsterdam and he’s a regular visitor.
Despite the lazy morning, we manage to be late – a missed ferry, but get there in the end. We’ve chosen to eat at the Sea Palace on the water and, as luck would have it, they have yum cha on offer.
Tummies filled and travel stories told, we say our goodbyes and head out for a little more exploring. I stumble across Charlotte Tilbury’s cosmetic range and lose a happy hour whilst Chris watches patiently. Great range – wish we had it at home.
Other highlights are the cheese shops, which are everywhere, the Delft shop, shoe sales (I browse but resist), and a Spanish delicatessen which is a little like stepping back into Seville. Amsterdam is very international from a food point of view, it’s quite hard to find a true local restaurant bar a herring snack vendor.
We shop, stop for a coffee that proves to keep me up until 4am, and shop some more. We run into the world’s best salesman who talks us into a series of nail care and skincare products we don’t need, but it’s such an entertaining performance that I’m happy to oblige. Nice products too, of course.
It’s a glorious day, blue sky for miles, it’s very relaxing meandering about, but eventually it’s time to go home.
Our ferry pulls out alongside a massive cruise ship, the Costa Romantica, offering an excellent photo opportunity. We also make friends with Bella, a very sweet sausage dog.
Later that night, Lloyd’s text comes through, telling us he’s outside the restaurant. Ah technology, not quite there yet then.
Miss Baci Travels 