Tuesday 2 July 2013

Hurray for Holland

Tuesday 2 July 2013

We really like it on this Aire the view of the Canal is great. We watch all manner of boats sail past, from recreational speed boats towing some poor unfortunate behind on a tyre, to huge barges the size of football pitches. The restaurant is busy with comings and goings and they serve good coffee. So all in all a good spot.



View from the window of Bertie

Unfortunately, the sign said we can only stay for 24 hours, not that there was any rush for us to leave as we were the only Motorhome on the site and I am sure we could have stretched the rules and stayed another night if chose. But, rules are rules and Amsterdam is calling. 

Before we go though we thought it would be rude not to visit the local town Ode-Beijerland, so it was out with the Bromptons and off we went. We have yet to find a town in Holland we don't like and Ode-Beijerland is no exception - very beautiful with a canal splitting the high street in two. We rode all along the cycle paths and explored the outskirts of the town. We can't get over how neat and tidy it is here its just lovely to ride around and admire. No rubbish, no trollies in the canal and no graffiti. 
The people are lovely too, they all speak English even the ones that say they don't? Nothing is too much trouble and we really feel welcome. We looked at the Estate Agents window and the house prices were not bad €150,000 for a flat €250,000 for a 3 bed house. No idea how much a canal side house would cost. 


Hehe








On the way back to Bertie we looked in at the small marina filled with mostly motor boats large converted barges the marina has a lock gate entrance. Again it was very picturesque. We like it here at Ode-Beijerland.





After lunch we set off again this time for a proper campsite on the outskirts of Amsterdam. As we drove out of the town we couldn't get over the amount of bicycles on the roads. Mind you the Dutch have really got it sussed with mile after mile of cycle paths everywhere in the towns and countryside alike. We went past an infant's school and the play ground was full of bikes. Apparently three quarters of the population of holland have bikes the rest, one assumes are either too old or too young!  We love it.

The drive to Amsterdam was great mostly motorway but at one stage the TomTom said keep left and it really meant keep right. This meant we took a detour through Rotterdam. As we have never been there before and we had no intention to, it was a nice mistake and we enjoyed the ride. 

In all the journey took only one and a half hours and we arrived at the campsite at about 15.30. Petra leapt into action with the on site washing machine whilst Kev bedded in Bertie, ramps, electric and gas. We are going to be here for two days so might as well make ourselves comfortable and use the facilities to the full.

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