Trip to Amsterdam and Belgium

Tulip Cruise Itinerary - Robin Wilfong March 28th - April 8th
A friend and I are flying to Amsterdam this Sunday Via KLM non-stop flight.
We are staying at the Nh Amsterdam Hotel for three nights and then boarding the
Avalon Waterways Artistry for a Seven Night Cruise.
We have purchased Tickets to the Anne Frank House and two Museums to avoid long
lines. I will take lots of pictures and share later.
Day 1 Amsterdam.
Day 2: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (D)

Day 3: Arnhem - Dordrecht. Excursion to Kinderdijk.
One of the major tragedies of World War II was the Battle of Arnhem, featured vividly in the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN and the inspiration for the movie A Bridge Too Far. Sitting between two branches of the Rhine, charming Dordrecht inspired many painters in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit nearby KINDERDIJK with its picturesque row of windmills. A special treat: after dinner on board, enjoy a DIAMOND PARTY. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and one of the world’s most important ancient seaports. Included sightseeing shows you its superb architecture, and the GROTE MARKT with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady make this city well worth a visit. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home of the European Union, is available. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ghent
In a unique way, Ghent, the “diamond” of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will proudly point out that the city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, and will take you into ST. BAAF’S CATHEDRAL. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Middelburg, Holland - Veere - Delta Works
It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and from enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. The eye-catching high tower of the town hall dominates the charming town of Veere, which was once an important wool-trading center. Take your photos before continuing to one of the world’s most complex engineering projects, the DELTA WORKS, located nearby. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Rotterdam. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens.
Rotterdam is a bustling port city that was leveled by German bombs in WWII. Now, it has a modern, high-tech look and it boasts the world’s busiest port. Today’s highlight: the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here that present a spectacular display of blooms every year. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Amsterdam–Volendam. Excursion to Edam.
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” An excursion takes you north of the city to Volendam on the IJsselmeer, a maze of fishermen’s houses built on poles and a unique open harbor. The small, timbered church dates back to 1658. Continue to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous worldwide and where cheese markets are still held in the summer months. The old town center, especially the Kwakelsteeg, still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Tour Map

Globus Tour Highlights
Amsterdam: Canal cruise
Arnhem: Guided sightseeing; visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein and War Cemetery
Dordrecht: Excursion to Kinderdijk; diamond party on board
Antwerp: Guided sightseeing
Ghent: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Baaf’s Cathedral
Middelburg: Guided sightseeing
Veere: Orientation; excursion to the Delta Works
Rotterdam: Guided sightseeing, visit Keukenhof Gardens
Volendam: Orientation; excursion to Edam
All This Included
Discover picturesque Holland and Belgium in the spring on this river cruise vacation! See the sights in Arnhem, Middelburg, and Rotterdam, as well as Antwerp and Ghent. Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam, take photos of the charming windmills at Kinderdijk, and learn about Holland’s complex flood controls at the fascinating Delta Works. Also, explore the quaint fishing village of Volendam; take an excursion to Edam, famous for its cheeses; and drink in the colorful blooming beauty of famous Keukenhof Gardens.

Connected, but are we really communicating?

Today as I was browsing through my AARP magazine I ran across this gem of an article by David Dudley who rightly states in his opening remarks... "We tweet, we text, we email. Everybody's chatting, but is anybody listening? Why America needs to revive the vanishing art of conversation. We need to talk."

Facebook posts are an easy target - most everyone will agree that clipped online conversations consisting of "intermittent volleys of confession, gossip and one-liners" are now replacing good old fashioned face to face conversation and "we're in danger of becoming a nation of hyperconnected hermits."

That became very evident to me this last weekend at my houseparty in Pajaro Dunes where we all chose to put away our computers and cell phones momentarily to engage, learn, interact and experience - making for a very memorable and fun time!

Velma

Las Vegas

I was in Las Vegas last week for the Garth Brooks show at the Wynn. We stayed at Bally's on the strip and because it was NASCAR week, there was a lot of NASCAR activities going on. We arrived Friday afternoon and after check in we walked to the new ARIA. We had tickets to see VIVA Elivis by Cirque Du Soleil. The productions was great and the ARIA has a very fresh/clean feel to it. After the show we had a bite to eat in the Sports Lounge. We tried several small entrees (macaroni and cheese, slidders, nachoes and chicken soup). Food was pretty good and the sports coverage was great.

On Saturday, we visited Toby Keith's I love this American Bar and Grill in Harrah's. More NASCAR events (you really should send your sports car clients to this event!) and we walked to the Paris for lunch. With the tall ceilings and great air circulation you couldn't even smell the smoke, and the outdoor cafe where we had lunch, felt like Paris!

We left for the Wynn at about 6 PM to see Garth Brooks. I could not believe that every seat was taken on the showroom. The show was great and all of the new shows announced thru August 2010 are sold out. A great deal for the Wynn! They offered special room rates and dinner packages with the show tickets.

I look forward to telling all my country western clients about this opportunity.