My blog is strictly a hobby. Nothing commercial on it as I haven’t got the time nor need to deal with advertisements or sponsors. With this post I am going to make one exception. For my husband Ron, the man who takes the best pictures of me for this blog and finds the best backgrounds. That is fair, don’t you think? A little barter deal? Holiday pictures next week.
Ron has a small business in the summer, cruising Amsterdam by boat with paying clients. He also teaches them how to manoevre the motor boat and let his clients steer. Of course only if they want to. Children are always eager to steer the boat, but he has had some keen and even quite good adult co-captains as well. You can read all the information, prices and way to reserve a tour on his website: www.amsterdamboatcompany.com
You are about to see many photos of a boat tour we went on last weekend. This time not with paying guests but with friends. It will give you an idea.
Usually Ron picks his guests up from a jetty in the centre of Amsterdam. There are several jetties he can use. Our friends came to the marina as that was on their way from home.
Below: the whole family came aboard.
First I will introduce you to the family, the star players in this story.
Below: Lisette…
Below: Lisette made a head-to-toe photo of me next to the boat. The idea behind the hat was to be cooler (hot weather that day). That doesn’t work for me. It was hotter with than without the hat.
Below: Lisette’s husband Erik
Below: and their two sons.
Below: over to captain Ron who is preparing our departure from the marina.
Another reason to pick up clients from a jetty in the city (apart from convenience) is the trip from the marina to the centre of town. That takes quite a while and isn’t that interesting.
Below: the wide, boring canal we go through from the marina to town. I am still wearing the hat.
Below: what you do get just outside Amsterdam, is modern architecture. Like this bridge.
Below: we headed towards a billabong (funny word) with houses which were custom-made. Unusual for a city in The Netherlands. Most of the houses here have a pontoon, a raft, serving as a terrace and a jetty.
Below: like this one.
We left at noon, so soon it was time to lunch. I had been clever and had asked our friends to bring their own food. I know… very tight and very Dutch. Nevertheless, I was redeemed from thinking what to get, shopping, etc. I don’t only hate cooking (did you know that about me?), I also hate anything to do with catering and events.
Below: our friends brought loads of nice stuff with them. We could also have opted to moor and have lunch ashore of course, but our time and theirs was limited.
Below: thank you Lisette. Good shot.
Below: first we passed the zoo. Being on the water, outside the zoo, means you don’t get to see much, but it is free haha. Giraffes.
Below: and zebras. The boys were excited.
Below: in town but on the outskirts.
Below: we passed the warehouses, now converted into houses. Where I saw this man taking off his shirt as we passed. Men with naked upper bodies seem to be a theme these days haha. (For those who don’t understand this: see my post of last week).
My impulses got the better of me… I started cheering (very loud) and shouting: “Go on!! More, more!! Strip some more! I am taking pictures!!”
Below: Daddy didn’t mind. Daddy was actually quite amused.
Below: Het Scheepvaartmuseum (the National Maritime Museum). If you want to read and see more about it, I wrote a blogpost on that museum here.
Below: behind the museum, the Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam. You can see the inside of the ship in my blogpost see here.
Below: across the water, opposite the East Indiaman Amsterdam, is science museum Nemo , built like a ship. A terrific museum. For kids but also for grown-ups. With many experiments to perform yourself.
Below: we were “Love Boat” for a moment (for those who remember the seventies).
Below: some of the crockery is specially made for the boat. With its name: ‘t Meindert (Meindert was the name of my father; he christened the ship).
We remained in quite open water as the boys had some wishes, like seeing a real (very old and battered) submarine. This is another side of Amsterdam, you don’t see often. If you want to see more of the canals in the centre, you have to either scroll down a bit or go to my blogpost about a boat trip with Kirk and Anne last year.
Below: this big building is the Amsterdam Toren (Amsterdam Tower). It hosts a.o. a hotel, a spectacular observation post over Amsterdam, and several cool bars and restaurants. Open 24/7. One restaurant is revolving.
They also have a breathtaking surprise… see those red stripes right at the top???
Below: those “stripes”are swings and they go OVER THE EDGE. Frightening!
Below: we were back in the IJ (the port of Amsterdam). And saw this huge cruise ship.
Below: the boyes wanted a photo with the cruise ship in the background.
Below: and so did mum.
Below: we arrived at the submarine. One which will never dive again. Totally corroded. The boys didn’t even recognise it as a submarine.
Below: a “botel”. There are even rooms in the letters. With a view of the old submarine.
Below: the boat has a wheel down below and one on deck. Look at his proud face.
Below: don’t think that there is any danger… Captain Ron is in control with the on-deck wheel.
Below: of course both boys got their chance to steer the ship.
Below: in the meantime we were at Prinseneiland (Isle of the princes), a secluded and very lovely part of Amsterdam. Especially nice to view from the water.
Below: I was wondering whether this gentleman would dive into the water. And if so, how would he get back? (I know… another half naked man. Karma!)
Below: bridges, lovely houses, boats… the works.
Below: on our way to the canals in the centre of the city, we passed this modern building. See how clever the architect was? When you close the shutters, they form a solid wall.
Below: bridge and canal in the centre.
Below: it was a very sunny Sunday and it had been beautiful weather for weeks. Which means it is crowded on the main canals. No problem for Ron as he is very experienced (and has all the diplomas). He can handle the boat as if it was a car and believe me, it is NOT, far from it.
Below: Amsterdam offers a lot of things like great scenery, entertainment, beautiful houses, bicyles (everywhere) and… terraces (also everywhere).
Below: typically Amsterdam roofs/facades.
Below: the famous Westertoren. The crown on top of the church tower is the imperial crown of Austria, donated by emporer Maximilian II to the town of Amsterdam. If you want to read more: here is a link.
If you want to see more lovely pictures of the canals in the centre of town, have a look at this post of last year. Or this post from 2015.
Below: just in case you cannot be bothered to click the links, here are three sample photos….
Greetje
This would be the funnest trip ever, Greetje!! If we ever make it out there—we are definitely doing this!!
And as much as we love to eat at restaurants, I do think it’d be more fun to eat on the boat like this!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I hope you make to Amsterdam one day Jodie. And that the weather is good then. Be sure to let me know if that ever happens.
A day on the canals of Amsterdam would be most welcome today as it’s been very hot here in Portland, Oregon this weekend. My husband and I spent three weeks in your lovely city several years ago and hope to return. A trip with Ron on his boat would be a wonderful way to see all the sights we missed. Thanks for sharing:-)
You can always find the details by clicking on the tab Amsterdam (top of my page). Or contact me of course. It was hot here as well, but with the breeze on the boat, very nice.
Thank you for taking us along on this amazing boat tour. Ron has so many talents! I want one of these tours, as you continue to lure me to Amsterdam!
You look fabulous in your white ensemble and hat. I was thrilled to see you pop up on Hat Attack, looking so very stylish. Thank you for sharing and for your always lovely and appreciated comments. xo
And my compliments to you are always sincere dear Judith.
The boat trip looks amazing – you might think there are ordinary bits to get to the city but of course if it is a different country to wherever you live then everything is interesting. Lovely photos and such gorgeous weather
Yes, the weather is an important and unpredictable and determining factor. We had a wonderful day.
What a great post, Greetje! Your pictures are awesome, by the way.
Who made that crockery?
And I can confirm: taking a boat trip with Ron is fabulous!
I did pretty well with the photography right? Getting a little better every day. The crockery was made by the wife of my former boss at Fortis Bank (now friends).
What a great post Greetje, truly beautiful photos and great write-up! Ron’s sure to get lots of requests for tours! Well done!
What a fantastic surprise to see a your comment! I never even thought you ever saw one of my posts. Very pleasant surprise. And thank you for the compliments. Hope to see you this year.
What a fantastic way to see Amsterdam! Amsterdam is on my “list” of places to visit. One day… And I’m definitely keeping Ron’s boat tour in mind! I love all the photos! What a beautiful and interesting place!
You look fabulous in your white outfit – perfect for a day on a boat!
I wanted to protect my body a bit from the hot sunshine while at the same time wear as little as possible. These were all very lightweight things.
This sure looks like fun! If I ever get to Amsterdam I wil be sure to take a tour. Your photos are fantastic!
Thanks Rosemary. It was of course my duty to present the business of my darling husband as good as I can.
Glad you enjoyed it.
What a lovely day for a boat ride. Great pictures and you look wonderful in your white outfit! Thanks for sharing. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Glad you enjoyed it. I chose the white shirt as it is very breezy but covers my neck and arms. It was so hot that day.
What a nice business. I visited Amsterdam a while ago and would have loved to do this.
You knew I live here. Why didn’t you ask me to give you some pointers?
Loved all your pictures, thank you for sharing! I would love to visit Amsterdam one day and take Ron’s boat tour!
So far all his clients were loving the tour. He does go out of his way to please them. Glad you liked the post.
Ok, I will have nightmares about those red swings that go over the edge of the building. WHY?!? I’m literally sick at my stomach thinking about it.
I didn’t know Ron did boat tours! I have friends with boats in Amsterdam and I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed our days out on the boat. I used to live on the Leidsegracht, so these photos brought back so many lovely memories for me.
Like you, I hate being in charge of food! I totally get that.
You look lovely and fresh in your white outfit. How are you so gorgeously tan??
A walk down memory lane, right. Not bad living on Leidsegracht! Those swings?? I feel exactly the same. NEVER. But there are thrill seekers in this world.
How do I get so tanned? Mostly by going to tan beds. Topped off with very moderate hours in the sunshine. Like from 15.00-17.00 hrs. And not often. I am aware of the dangers of skin cancer. And yes, it doesn’t do my skin much good. We all choose our own risks.
Hi Greetje. Amsterdam is such a fantastic city to visit and the canals are one of its many charming features. Well, your photos kind of tell it all. Your outfit is such a great choice for both the weather and the marina feeling that your photo diary brings across.
Lieske
Hope you enjoyed the post.
Hi Greetje, thanks for a lovely boat tour. I felt like I was back again. You had such beautiful weather too. This year is definitely the best summer for ages, and Spring too. I think in the South East we are getting the same weather as you. If we come back to Amsterdam, you can bet we’ll be in touch. You took some great photos!
What a nice comment. Thanks Trish. What do you mean with South East? South East of The Netherlands? Or South East of the world?
Sorry – South East of England. We are benefitting from your continental weather! Most surprisingly!
What breathtaking views. I salute Captain Ron! You say the trip to downtown is boring but only because you’re used to it. Just being on the water would be a treat! You got some great shots of the trip and there are good ones of you and Ron too. What a lovely way to spend a sunny day. You and the semi-naked men, Greetje. Hahaha!!!
You are probably right, but most people want to see the houses in the centre and the really pretty canals. For us it is indeed a trip we have made often. Being with friends is the thing I love most.
As always, lovely to see some more scenery of your wonderful country. Through your blog posts I have found another place to put on my ‘bucket list’! (I am in Melbourne, Australia so not exactly around the corner from Europe unfortunately…) Also good to see your outfits and your daily outings.
Thanks very much. Yes Holland is a lovely country. When the sun shines. Always a bit of a risk I am afraid. Ron and I met a lovely Australian couple in Amsterdam one day. With Dutch roots. She is still following my blog. So nice.
A cruise on the canals is a delightful way to enjoy the view of the city. A blogger’s husband surely deserves a thank you post for his kind support ( and of course for hundreds of other reasons! )
Despite the bad weather, I remember my cruise as one of the most charming moments of my visit there!
And that was such a short ride!!! Try and come over when you know the sun is shining. Of course check in advance whether Ron is available.
I loved the virtual tour on Ron’s boat. Very nice photos. The animals had very nice prints. LOL. These decks are indeed interesting.
This time the prints of the animals were real haha. And fortunately still on their body.
I love the business of your husband, someday I will have to require your services to visit your city. And I love your sailor look, all white, all delicate, so youthful and beautiful. The hat looks very nice and the shorts look beautiful on you. I love the detail of the scarf used as a belt, it is very pretty. As always beautiful photos of your city.
I thought the scarf would add colour and bring down the masculin vibe which shorts always give me. Amsterdam is worth a visit my friend. Someday?
This brings back so many memories of our wonderful boat trip with Ron. That was such a great day!
BTW…your hat looks awesome! The whole outfit it : )
bisous
Suzanne
It was indeed a great day. Remember climbing on and off the boat at the market? Over that other boat haha. And the dinner at the harbour restaurant?
You look fabulous!
Love
Lizer Pearl
You are very kind. This is certainly not my best outfit. Shorts make me look very masculin and emphasize parts I don’t want to put in the spotlight. But I tried my best.
“Billabong” is an Australian word meaning a bit of the river that has been cut off and left like a small lake!
I did mean a sort of side arm of the river which is a dead-end. Was I right?
This was really delightful. If I was bound for Amsterdam I would absolutely book a tour with Captain Ron, Of course I’d have to insist that the darling lady in white join in the fun. It looks like you had a great day and were able to thoroughly entertain your friends and those two cute boys. So much to see! Such amazing architecture! I’ll bet Ron just loves the summer months when he can help visitors have a memorable voyage on the canals of Amsterdam. Thank you for sharing such a great personal adventure. Once again it felt like being there for the fun!
It was a personal adventure and a blatent advertisement haha. Have to help Ron with his business right? And yes, he does enjoy it a lot. Which is reflected in the rating. For me, it has become less interesting but being with friends is always a joy.
What a great post, Greetje! Your pictures are awesome, by the way.
Who made that crockery?
And I can confirm: taking a boat trip with Ron is fabulous!
I did pretty well with the photography right? Getting a little better every day. The crockery was made by the wife of my former boss at Fortis Bank (now friends).
The boat trip looks amazing – you might think there are ordinary bits to get to the city but of course if it is a different country to wherever you live then everything is interesting. Lovely photos and such gorgeous weather
Yes, the weather is an important and unpredictable and determining factor. We had a wonderful day.
Thank you for taking us along on this amazing boat tour. Ron has so many talents! I want one of these tours, as you continue to lure me to Amsterdam!
You look fabulous in your white ensemble and hat. I was thrilled to see you pop up on Hat Attack, looking so very stylish. Thank you for sharing and for your always lovely and appreciated comments. xo
And my compliments to you are always sincere dear Judith.
What a great post Greetje, truly beautiful photos and great write-up! Ron’s sure to get lots of requests for tours! Well done!
What a fantastic surprise to see a your comment! I never even thought you ever saw one of my posts. Very pleasant surprise. And thank you for the compliments. Hope to see you this year.
A cruise on the canals is a delightful way to enjoy the view of the city. A blogger’s husband surely deserves a thank you post for his kind support ( and of course for hundreds of other reasons! )
Despite the bad weather, I remember my cruise as one of the most charming moments of my visit there!
And that was such a short ride!!! Try and come over when you know the sun is shining. Of course check in advance whether Ron is available.
Great post Greetje, and as you say it’s surely got to be ok to give some free advertising to your lovely husband. Your tour of Amsterdam was so interesting and very tempting. If we ever came to visit I could see my husband enjoying this trip as he has his own boat here and is very at home on the water too. I love a day out with a picnic as it saves everyone having to cook and cater all day long. It’s all about the company for me rather than fancy dining.
I recently posted “Paradise and a U turn” which explains my change of heart re advertising. We’re all on our own journey and this seems to be mine currently. I have no idea how much longer I’ll attract readers and sponsors so am making the most of it now.
Have a great week x
Anna
Agreed, it is all about the company and not the fancy dining. I am over to your blog to see your post about Paradise and a U turn…
Great post Greetje, and as you say it’s surely got to be ok to give some free advertising to your lovely husband. Your tour of Amsterdam was so interesting and very tempting. If we ever came to visit I could see my husband enjoying this trip as he has his own boat here and is very at home on the water too. I love a day out with a picnic as it saves everyone having to cook and cater all day long. It’s all about the company for me rather than fancy dining.
I recently posted “Paradise and a U turn” which explains my change of heart re advertising. We’re all on our own journey and this seems to be mine currently. I have no idea how much longer I’ll attract readers and sponsors so am making the most of it now.
Have a great week x
Anna
Agreed, it is all about the company and not the fancy dining. I am over to your blog to see your post about Paradise and a U turn…
As always, lovely to see some more scenery of your wonderful country. Through your blog posts I have found another place to put on my ‘bucket list’! (I am in Melbourne, Australia so not exactly around the corner from Europe unfortunately…) Also good to see your outfits and your daily outings.
Thanks very much. Yes Holland is a lovely country. When the sun shines. Always a bit of a risk I am afraid. Ron and I met a lovely Australian couple in Amsterdam one day. With Dutch roots. She is still following my blog. So nice.
Hi Greetje, thanks for a lovely boat tour. I felt like I was back again. You had such beautiful weather too. This year is definitely the best summer for ages, and Spring too. I think in the South East we are getting the same weather as you. If we come back to Amsterdam, you can bet we’ll be in touch. You took some great photos!
What a nice comment. Thanks Trish. What do you mean with South East? South East of The Netherlands? Or South East of the world?
Sorry – South East of England. We are benefitting from your continental weather! Most surprisingly!
“Billabong” is an Australian word meaning a bit of the river that has been cut off and left like a small lake!
I did mean a sort of side arm of the river which is a dead-end. Was I right?
You look fabulous!
Love
Lizer Pearl
You are very kind. This is certainly not my best outfit. Shorts make me look very masculin and emphasize parts I don’t want to put in the spotlight. But I tried my best.
I love the business of your husband, someday I will have to require your services to visit your city. And I love your sailor look, all white, all delicate, so youthful and beautiful. The hat looks very nice and the shorts look beautiful on you. I love the detail of the scarf used as a belt, it is very pretty. As always beautiful photos of your city.
I thought the scarf would add colour and bring down the masculin vibe which shorts always give me. Amsterdam is worth a visit my friend. Someday?
I loved the virtual tour on Ron’s boat. Very nice photos. The animals had very nice prints. LOL. These decks are indeed interesting.
This time the prints of the animals were real haha. And fortunately still on their body.
This was really delightful. If I was bound for Amsterdam I would absolutely book a tour with Captain Ron, Of course I’d have to insist that the darling lady in white join in the fun. It looks like you had a great day and were able to thoroughly entertain your friends and those two cute boys. So much to see! Such amazing architecture! I’ll bet Ron just loves the summer months when he can help visitors have a memorable voyage on the canals of Amsterdam. Thank you for sharing such a great personal adventure. Once again it felt like being there for the fun!
It was a personal adventure and a blatent advertisement haha. Have to help Ron with his business right? And yes, he does enjoy it a lot. Which is reflected in the rating. For me, it has become less interesting but being with friends is always a joy.
What breathtaking views. I salute Captain Ron! You say the trip to downtown is boring but only because you’re used to it. Just being on the water would be a treat! You got some great shots of the trip and there are good ones of you and Ron too. What a lovely way to spend a sunny day. You and the semi-naked men, Greetje. Hahaha!!!
You are probably right, but most people want to see the houses in the centre and the really pretty canals. For us it is indeed a trip we have made often. Being with friends is the thing I love most.
What a nice business. I visited Amsterdam a while ago and would have loved to do this.
You knew I live here. Why didn’t you ask me to give you some pointers?
This brings back so many memories of our wonderful boat trip with Ron. That was such a great day!
BTW…your hat looks awesome! The whole outfit it : )
bisous
Suzanne
It was indeed a great day. Remember climbing on and off the boat at the market? Over that other boat haha. And the dinner at the harbour restaurant?
What a lovely day for a boat ride. Great pictures and you look wonderful in your white outfit! Thanks for sharing. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Glad you enjoyed it. I chose the white shirt as it is very breezy but covers my neck and arms. It was so hot that day.
Ok, I will have nightmares about those red swings that go over the edge of the building. WHY?!? I’m literally sick at my stomach thinking about it.
I didn’t know Ron did boat tours! I have friends with boats in Amsterdam and I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed our days out on the boat. I used to live on the Leidsegracht, so these photos brought back so many lovely memories for me.
Like you, I hate being in charge of food! I totally get that.
You look lovely and fresh in your white outfit. How are you so gorgeously tan??
A walk down memory lane, right. Not bad living on Leidsegracht! Those swings?? I feel exactly the same. NEVER. But there are thrill seekers in this world.
How do I get so tanned? Mostly by going to tan beds. Topped off with very moderate hours in the sunshine. Like from 15.00-17.00 hrs. And not often. I am aware of the dangers of skin cancer. And yes, it doesn’t do my skin much good. We all choose our own risks.
This would be the funnest trip ever, Greetje!! If we ever make it out there—we are definitely doing this!!
And as much as we love to eat at restaurants, I do think it’d be more fun to eat on the boat like this!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I hope you make to Amsterdam one day Jodie. And that the weather is good then. Be sure to let me know if that ever happens.
Loved all your pictures, thank you for sharing! I would love to visit Amsterdam one day and take Ron’s boat tour!
So far all his clients were loving the tour. He does go out of his way to please them. Glad you liked the post.
This sure looks like fun! If I ever get to Amsterdam I wil be sure to take a tour. Your photos are fantastic!
Thanks Rosemary. It was of course my duty to present the business of my darling husband as good as I can.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Greetje. Amsterdam is such a fantastic city to visit and the canals are one of its many charming features. Well, your photos kind of tell it all. Your outfit is such a great choice for both the weather and the marina feeling that your photo diary brings across.
Lieske
Hope you enjoyed the post.
It looks like such fun! I wish we’d had better weather when we’d visited and been able to get out on the water. Next time… 🙂
Yes, wasn’t that bad luck. It could have been so nice. Hope you return to Amsterdam soon. You have a rain check (haha, pun intended).
A day on the canals of Amsterdam would be most welcome today as it’s been very hot here in Portland, Oregon this weekend. My husband and I spent three weeks in your lovely city several years ago and hope to return. A trip with Ron on his boat would be a wonderful way to see all the sights we missed. Thanks for sharing:-)
You can always find the details by clicking on the tab Amsterdam (top of my page). Or contact me of course. It was hot here as well, but with the breeze on the boat, very nice.
What a fantastic way to see Amsterdam! Amsterdam is on my “list” of places to visit. One day… And I’m definitely keeping Ron’s boat tour in mind! I love all the photos! What a beautiful and interesting place!
You look fabulous in your white outfit – perfect for a day on a boat!
I wanted to protect my body a bit from the hot sunshine while at the same time wear as little as possible. These were all very lightweight things.
It looks like such fun! I wish we’d had better weather when we’d visited and been able to get out on the water. Next time… 🙂
Yes, wasn’t that bad luck. It could have been so nice. Hope you return to Amsterdam soon. You have a rain check (haha, pun intended).