We are waiting for the Maasdam to be cleared by the authorities then we'll wander ashore and take the bus up to Dover castle, had a light breakfast, caught the shuttle and we were at the castle by 0915h. It opened at 0930h so we formed a queue and waited. The ticket booth opened right on time, we were given our "dork dots" (stickers to say we paid) and we were free to wander until the 1100h tour of the wartime secret tunnels and underground hospital was due to commence.
The tour was really good and very informative, it must have been hellish living and working under those conditions. I wish I'd counted the stone steps we climbed, my legs are telling me that there were many more than I'm used to, when we weren't climbing stairs we were ascending steep inclines, I'm sure I've used up most of the decadent dessert calories that I've consumed so far.
After about 3 hours at the castle, the shuttle took us to down town. I found the library and used their internet, as visitors we were allowed a half hour, at no charge too. Back to the ship for a late lunch, I really should be taking a nap as I slept badly again last night. I don't know why I'm still having trouble sleeping, other than the frequency of time changes, I don't recall such difficulties in the past.
1640h.
Ahh that's better, a snooze and a shower, I'm feeling almost human again, we are about to slip our lines and head out into the English Channel, cruising first through English territorial waters, then French and Belgian before entering Dutch waters at about 0400h. tomorrow Wednesday. I'm aiming to be on deck at 0500h. As we enter the lock for Amsterdam. Now it's time for the sail away celebrations, catch you later.
300 passengers disembarked and were replaced by another 300, the sail away was fun though I didn't spend much time at the soiree, I was out on deck 6 taking photos. Sea traffic was busy with ferries coming and going, the channel was even busier with vessels moving in all directions. The white cliffs looked grey as we left so I'm glad I took photos this morning.
I almost chose the fruit plate at dinner but, at the last second I was coaxed into having the chocolate volcano it was delish. We are now well on our way to the Netherlands and the sea is unusually placid. We have not been to Amsterdam and look forward to spending two days there. Oh we get to set our clocks forward an hour tonight, yippee! and the tour leaves at 0830h :( so no show for Toe, I'll finish this then hit the shower. Oh no we've just been informed that all non Europeans on our deck must present themselves with passports, to Dutch immigration at 0700h, is there no peace for the wicked! Night night to all, where ever you are.
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