This week has flown by, and now we are down to the last day. After breakfast we head out to a farm and cheese factory and learn how the famous cheeses of Gouda are made. We had a tasting of the cheeses and they were so good that I bought a round which I’ll take home in my checked luggage.
It is sealed in wax and vacuum sealed in plastic, so it should be fine. I always like to bring home some of the specialties from places I visit.
We had a nice lunch back on board, as the boat sailed for Haarlem, but we all restrained ourselves. Tonight is the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, and if Sebastian runs true to form, this will be a dinner to remember.
There are several locks to negotiate and bridges, so the trip back is slow. We arrive in Haarlem later than we had hoped and have to rush to get in a quick half hour visit to the Frans Hals museum. That is a pity, as the museum is spectacular, with a beautiful collection of old masters in addition to the Frans Hals paintings, and a gorgeous formal garden .
Later, we have a drink with another couple in the square in front of St. Bravo church and talk about life, love and politics.
And then it’s is back to the boat and time to dress for dinner.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
