Evening dinner cruise on Amsterdam's canals

Well, the day has arrived. The big birthday. And what a day it was too. After a good breakfast we set of to hire bikes with the intention of cycling into the countryside to the north of Amsterdam.

We hired bikes from one of the many smaller outfits which seemed to provide a better, cheaper service than Mac Bikes and the like. So, equipped with a sturdy, step though bike with plenty of gears (unusual for Dutch bikes) we boarded the ferry across the Ij bound for the Waterlands.

Not equiped with a proper map and relying on the information provided by the bike shop we took the first of three available ferries to the other side. This, in the end, proved a mistake as on the return journey we ended up at the second ferry along a much more pleasant route. Outwards was through the appartments that make up the suburbs of North Amsterdam.

Eventually we made it into the countryside and enjoyed a very pleasant ride through the polders and farmland mainly on dedicated cycle paths. Following our noses and a few signs we made it to Monnickendam, the first impressions of which were of a modern town on the shores of Ijselmeer. We decided to make for Volendam and Edam and soon came across the lovely town of Oulde Monnickendam just away from the main road. A great place for lunch.

We only had a short time in Volendam before turning back for Amsterdam. Which was a pity as it was a busy, colourful town, allbeit full of tourists and places to eat. But pleasant enough in the warm sunshine. The journey back proved easier with a gentle wind behind us and a better route through the Amsterdam suburbs. Probably travelled 45km on the day, with the only "hills" being the embankments over bridges!

Back to the hotel and shower and a bottle of champagne before another highlight of the day - a dinner cruise on the Amsterdam canals - the start of which is the subject of today's shot. And what a way to mark the day - 4 course meal with as much wine or beer or soft drink as you could manage. Good food and a memorable evening to mark the special day.