Holland to the UK

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We spent a day in Hoek van Holland returning the van and organizing all our luggage. We have way more than we need. Brought several things like bedding for the RV and bicycle helmets that we haven't needed and have bought some things along the way plus have a few non-perishable food items we are taking with us to the canal boat. It is a good thing we didn't bring the bikes to England with us. We would never be able to manage train changes. The ferry ride to Harwich, UK was very enjoyable. Beautiful weather, a smooth ride, and a new ferry that was very very nice. We arrived in Harwich around 8:00 PM and then needed to take a train to Norwich (about a 1 ½ hour train ride with one train change). Luckily an English lady who was also on the ferry was going the same direction through our first train change and helped us find the right platform, etc. The train change was very short and we had to take the stairs under the tracks and up the other side to get to the 2nd train. Not easy with 5 bags and unfamiliarity of the system and the station, but we made it thanks to her assistance. Fortunately David had made hotel reservations at a small hotel less than a block from the train station so got there easily.

We spent our first day in Norwich seeing the city which is very old with great history. Took a bus tour of the city which gave us a lot of information and then wandered some of the old streets and visited the cathedral on our own. We then found a pub where we could get something to eat and watch the England/Germany soccer match. Not England's best game by any means. They lost 4-1. Should have been 4-2, but one goal was incorrectly disallowed. The press has been pretty scathing especially toward Rooney their key player. Not much press about the disallowed goal since it wouldn't have changed the outcome.

Monday we had an absolutely wonderful day with Michael and Freda and Penny (Michael's sister) and Pete. We did a day cruise on the waterways in the Norwich area. We couldn't have asked for better weather or better company. Very relaxing day on the canal, stopping along the way to see the remains of an old abbey, having lunch in a pub and then climbing the tower in an old church for a fantastic view of the countryside before heading back. It also gave us a chance to see what our time on the canal boat will be like. We ended the day with dinner at Penny and Pete's home and then took an evening walk along Michael's favorite country lane.

On Tuesday, we got up early for the train ride to Liverpool. After much research on the internet and a walk to the train station, David found us a train to Liverpool with no train changes. Great work! Originally thought the trip would involve 3 changes so what a relief. Was an easy trip with a great opportunity to see the beautiful and changing country as we moved north and west across the country.

We are now in Liverpool, land of the Beatles, for 2 days.

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