Amadeus Princess and the Raaddraaiers

We ate an incredible breakfast yesterday October 30th at the little store across from our hotel. The pancake we ordered was actually a crepe and was covered in cheese and ham. We then headed over to the port to find our boat and see if we could drop off our luggage which we did.

Once we were allowed to check in we found our cabin and then unpacked. Gate 1 travel who we purchased this cruise from, has an onboard tour guide to assist us and our every need. He is most helpful and we know that he has already earned a nice tip from us.

Our dinner was wonderful. We had sliced duck breast with fruit for a starter, followed by cream of asparagus soup, followed by prawns and risotto, and then we got to choose our main course. I chose beef and Jim chose fish. All of this is served with unlimited wine. In our case unlimited water!

We are segregated in sections depending on whom we booked our cruise through. Not sure if I am liking this part of it since we had already met a couple from Australia and they had to sit elsewhere. There are only about 150 people on board but I guess 8 different groups so they have to do it this way for logistics.

We sat at a table with a Canadian couple and then another couple sat down who had been moved from another area (they sat at a wrong table). I asked them where they were from and he answered brusquely "America". I said oh okay we are too and so and so are from Canada (letting him know that I wasn't being nosey just wondering what a diverse group we had). He certainly had a chip on his shoulder and we soon learned that he was from Russia, his wife was from Russia but they have lived in Miami for 20 years. He wanted NO connection to Russia though he had a very, very strong accent. So Tony, our guide from Gate 1 and from Transylvania, came over to meet them since he was trying to meet all the Gate 1 people. He picked up right away that they were from Ukraine???? No Russia, said Joe. It was all a little awkward and uncomfortable. I am sure they were put off by having to move from one table to another because of what company they used to book their trip but I am sure it goes much deeper than that.

We mentioned to our Montreal folks that we had tried their poutine when we were there. Joe from Russia said he would have Putin anyway he could have him! We then understood they mistook our poutine (a French Canadian dish of fries, gravy, cheese  curds and bacon) for Putin! All very awkward.

After dinner the local Shanty choir "De Raaddraaiers" performed for us. There were 16 in the group and all were former seamen. Two played the accordion, one the drums, one the banjo, one the drums and all sang for 45 minutes different songs of the sea. At the end they got a little rough around the edges but they were a fun, lively group of over 50! They wore white pants, blue shirts, and a captains hat and sang their hearts out.

That is the nice thing with river cruises. They are able to bring on local talent and it makes for a better immersion into the culture.

We slept pretty well and today our ship pulls out of dock around 2:30. We have to stop in Utrecht to pick up some excursion folk and then on to Germany.

Internet is sketchy so I will try and post from Facebook if possible. All is well here.
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