Antwerp, Belgium.

Antwerp

Last night Paul's sister and mum came to visit us on the ship and stayed for dinner.  Although we had only left them 2 days ago, it was still good to see them again.  Paul gave them a tour of the ship before they headed back home across the border. 

Today I decided not to go out and just rested.  I am tired - possibly the slight rocking motion of the ship as we sail.  I also wanted to 'catch up with myself' a bit and have a bit of 'me time'.  It sounds selfish, perhaps, but sometimes I think it is good to have a bit of time to ones self.

The Belgian pilots are on strike so we didn't know if we would  be able to sail towards Rouen, France.  Eventually there was a slight change in plans and we sailed up the river, anchored near Vlissingen and picked up a Dutch pilot to take us out to sea.  So we are underway with the next stop - Rouen, France.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Antwerp

Vlissingen, Netherlands, and then Antwerp, Belgium.

Vlissingen

We were in Vlissingen until lunch time today and then sailed on to Antwerp for an overnight stay then leave tomorrow lunch time. I've been resting and trying to get my bearings a bit.

The Prinsendam is an old ship but she floats! Internal staff passages are a nightmare and seem like a rabbit warren.

Paul has been down to the tailors shop to get a work uniform made as well as coveralls made -  his clothes, except for one pair of uniform trousers and shirt, are all in a trunk which is still on the Maasdam.  And we may not see the trunk for quite a while.  Paul also had to be measured for a formal evening suit but needs to find a formal shirt as there are none on board.  A bow tie has been found for him, fortunately.  He also needs a black tie - which I will try to get at the shops as and when we dock and if I have time to go shopping.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Vlissingen