Hi
I am still adding text on blog.

Will post a few pics on Google +.

Steve

Friday 22 may       We have spent an extra day in Amsterdam, our boat needed repairs. Avalon has made alternative arrangements, which is fine as they have offered us some refunds plus accommodating all 140 of us in a 5 star hotel, the Barbizon Palace.
Our first room would have suited Bond, James Bond, as our room no. was 007, also when Maz opened the window she nealy fell into a canal. Also about 40m across was Molly Malones pub with a sign which stated "live band from 10pm, but Carmel saved the day and we were moved to a very quiet room.
Many interesting things to see, the famous Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank House and people being run over by bikes. The Dutch have more museums than any one else. People all speak english very good, not like us, and are very helpful and pleasant.

Tues 19 may,  we cruised down the Rhone river from Avinon to Arles, a place where the Romans built a mini Rome, with Arena (scaled version of the colloseum), theatre and forum.
The town looks like the Romans have just left, it was founded by Julius Caesar himself.

Wed 20 may,   Carmel's birthday. We started the day at train station in Avignon, hopped on at front of train instead of rear, so had to drag ourselves plus heavy baggage through  a mile of carriages in fast train going 300 km hour.
Arrived in Amstetdam about 3 pm . Zoe at hotel told us that many tourist get  lost, but did not warn us about the kamakase bike riders. However we survived and ended the day in an Italian restaurant.

We are now in beautiful Avignon, where the food, wine and atmosphere are perfect. Spent the morning inside the Palace of the Popes, which dates back to early 1300. This afternoon we will be travelling through Provence.

Our two full days in Barcelona are almost over. Spanish show tonight will be a highlight.

We spent a lot of time on hop on hop off buses to get to places, lots of people, a bloody lot.

Forget running with the bulls, we have been running with the mob, to catch a bus or avoid

being crushed. All a lot of fun.

Itinerary

We will be visiting 9 countries in Europe, starting in Spain and ending in Czech Republic.