The ship arrived in Antwerp (Belgium) quite early this morning. Again, we docked next to another ship, and there were three docked in front of us (must be a popular place). Antwerp is close to the ocean, so the river is tidal, and we have been warned that if we return to the ship, and can't see it, the ship hasn't gone anywhere, but the tide is out, and the ship is below the level of the dock! Yet another walking tour this morning, of Antwerp, but we took the "late starters" option (missed the inside of the cathedral). Had a great guide, with a fabulous sense of humour (makes all the difference), and a very interesting tour. Again, European history is so complicated, and most of it happened before Australia even existed. But Antwerp was ... read more

The Amalea left Amsterdam this morning heading for Hoorn, in North Holland. The captain promised sunshine, hope he is a better captain than weather forecaster! We cruised across the IJsselmeer, the biggest lake in the Netherlands - used to be the Zuiderzee (South Sea), but was closed in by a man made dyke. Have to admit I was not expecting open water, thought all our cruising would be in canals. Big surprise at breakfast this morning, they have Vegemite! They also print a "newspaper" each day, with American & world news that you can grab from reception, but we had an Australian "newspaper" under our door when we woke up. When we came back to the cabin after lunch there were gits on the bed - a cap and a scarf - new fashion statement onboard. ... read more

Rest day today, still catching up with the washing. Pret for breakfast, lunch & dinner (not everybody, but it worked for me). Kate did go for a walk to Regents Park, but a day "in" was what we needed Saw Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre tonight, great show, pleasant walk through Covent Garden to get to the theatre.... read more

After a very nice breakfast, we left the castle this morning (in sunshine) for the short drive to Aerospace Bristol. They had lots of interesting exhibits, from both world wars, and also lots of modern things as well. But we came to see the Concorde - wow - the last actual Concorde that flew is in a hanger, and you get to walk round it, under it and inside. Very cool! Lots of people (standing guard) who are happy to talk about it as well. The we headed for London, via Oxford (because we haven't done enough random driving). Had to drijve through the streets of central London (including Picadilly Circus) to find our unit in Covent Garden (not the original one we booked, it had plumbing problems, but a substitute they arranged for us). Very ... read more

Set off this morning (in sunshine) for a driving tour of Cornwall (or the bits someone has decided we need to see), planning to be back in time to walk across the causeway to St Michael's Mount (open today from 12.30 to 3.30pm). First to Penzance, then a little further around the bay to Mousehole (because why wouldn't you visit a place called Mousehole!), lots of narrow streets in Mousehole! Then off to Land's End. I thought this was a sign at "the end of England" - but has been turned into a tourist park - shops, movie theatre, cafes, restaurants, hotel etc. Sign is still there, but you have to pay to get your photo taken with it! Seriously cold & windy by now (think Cornwall has the same weather as Melbourne - all things ... read more