We came through this lock in the morning to be let DOWN to river level …

The cruise along the river for a couple of hours was fascinating. This Mercedes dealership well below river level!

… and lots and lots of these all the way along … (need I say more, Mr Hockey!)

We docked next to the sister of Costa Concordia, called Costa Fortuna … (I wonder if the Italians realise how amusing that ship’s name is to us?)

… and there were literally dozens of these river cruise ships.

Amsterdam felt VERY crowded (almost stressful). With people, tourists … and bicycles … we were told the city has one million of them! (… and Holland 18 million of them!)

… with their own multi-story parking station near Central Railway …

We hopped on a canal cruise … let the pictures tell the story. Bridges, barges, house boats.

Past several classic canal lifting bridges …

… five bridges in a line …

… the oldest houseboat – now an historic relic that can’t be moved!

… and Central Station.

We got off near Anne Frank’s house where the queue of tourists to go in was at least 200+ metres long. We decided not, and had lunch right on the edge of a canal instead …

Then we walked …

… it looked here like new Uni students having a “day out” – in segregated boats???

… eventually to the floating flower market.

Jan got very excited …

So much walking we had to stop for another drink beside this lock.

On board for dinner, and a cruise along the river again …

Back through the 400 metre long lock, with two other small ships, to be lifted UP to sea level … and out to the North Sea.