Day One - St Andrews to Haarlem, Netherlands:
After a bus ride and a plane ride, we walked through the Amsterdam airport and picked up our wee shiny red Citroen:
Can you believe there are four doors? After plugging in our hotel address to our GPS, we enjoyed the beautiful drive to Haarlem. We explored the Grote Markt (Market Square) and ended up at a local restaurant to relax and people watch. Everyone cycles, often with a friend sitting on the front or back of the bike!
Days Two & Three - Haarlem, Netherlands to Bruges, Belgium:
Breakfast at Anne & Max included lattes, pastries, meats, cheeses, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and juice. Not to mention delicious jams and chocolate spreads. After a brief peek in the Grote Kerk (Church), we were back in the car to Bruges!
With canals, chocolate shops, frites, and the best beer in the world, this town is not shy of tourists. We immediately realised that it would be a crowded two days. A highlight was our cycle through the Belgian countryside to nearby Damme, and a tour of a working windmill. Also noteworthy, the Groeninge Museum, home to fine collection of Flemish art.
Day Four - Bruges, Belgium to Brussels, Belgium:
We found Brussels intriguing. The city centre was not a place we'd like spend a significant amount of time as it is, big, loud, and at times, seedy. The surrounding areas, however, were great! We stayed in the Art Nouveau neighborhood, and the architecture and restaurants exceeded our expectations. We sampled a chocolate shop, toured the Grand Place, stumbled upon a peaceful protest, explored the Margritte Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum, and concluded the day with dinner out and cribbage on the patio at our hotel.
Day Five - Brussels, Belgium to Bacharach, Germany via Luxembourg:
Another early morning, and we made good time to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. After a brief stop and photo shoot, we eagerly continued to Germany, specifically, the beautiful Rhine River Valley. Mid-afternoon, we hiked to our hostel, an old castle overlooking the Rhine. The outside was better than the inside. Our room consisted of four bunk beds and a sink. We dropped our backpacks and enjoyed exploring the quaint Bavarian village, Bacharach. Garrick even had a short conversation in German while making our dinner reservation.
Day Six - Bacharach, Germany to Cologne, Germany:
Honestly, we could have stayed an extra night in Bacharach and will definitely be back. As we dove through the valley to Cologne, we noticed many robber-baron castles, built by rich 'kings' to charge tolls to passing boats. We even stopped and took a closer look at Rheinfels Castle. Once in Cologne and Starbucks in hand, we sat on the steps leading up to the cathedral and enjoyed the city. After spending about an hour touring the massive cathedral that took over 600 years to build, we strolled through the city and had an early night at our B&B. Our fast pace caught up with us!
Another early morning, and we made good time to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. After a brief stop and photo shoot, we eagerly continued to Germany, specifically, the beautiful Rhine River Valley. Mid-afternoon, we hiked to our hostel, an old castle overlooking the Rhine. The outside was better than the inside. Our room consisted of four bunk beds and a sink. We dropped our backpacks and enjoyed exploring the quaint Bavarian village, Bacharach. Garrick even had a short conversation in German while making our dinner reservation.
Day Six - Bacharach, Germany to Cologne, Germany:
Honestly, we could have stayed an extra night in Bacharach and will definitely be back. As we dove through the valley to Cologne, we noticed many robber-baron castles, built by rich 'kings' to charge tolls to passing boats. We even stopped and took a closer look at Rheinfels Castle. Once in Cologne and Starbucks in hand, we sat on the steps leading up to the cathedral and enjoyed the city. After spending about an hour touring the massive cathedral that took over 600 years to build, we strolled through the city and had an early night at our B&B. Our fast pace caught up with us!
Day 7 - Cologne, Germany to Amsterdam, Netherlands:
Last stop of our adventure, Amsterdam! A cycling and pedestrian city, we dropped our champ of a rental car at the airport and took the bus to our hotel. The Jordaan District, an easy favorite, is where lovely cafes and shops are surrounded by canals and colorful, picturesque houses. We toured the Anne Frank House and Rijks Museum, and also took a canal cruise throughout most of the city. We'll fondly remember the extremely rainy and long walk to our B&B carrying a stack of Stroopwaffels and milk to enjoy that evening.
Day 9 - Home to St Andrews:
After a fast-paced, adventurous, and fun trip, we were ready to get home. Walking down the lane to our flat, we were practically giddy. There is nothing better than plopping down on your couch in a clean room after crowded flights and touristy areas. We're so thankful for the opportunity to travel and also experiencing new places together. Teamwork is a must!
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