Sunday, June 23, 2019
Day 1: Haarlem
Pre-Tour Walk
I started my day early because I wanted to have time to really explore the town before I was to meet with our tour guide at 3 pm. I had breakfast at the hotel, spent time recording yesterday's events in my journal, then headed out into the town. I walked along narrow streets, passed canals and parks and many cute store windows. I enjoyed looking at the shop signs and watching the people. I had time for a relaxing lunch and a rest before meeting the tour group.
Click on the picture below to expand the view.
After breakfast, I decided to tour Haarlem on my own-beginning at the town square with Grote Kerk in background.
Beautiful doorway of the Grote Kerk (15th century Gothic church).
Decorative stone work in the center of the town square.
After breakfast, I decided to tour Haarlem on my own-beginning at the town square with Grote Kerk in background.
Let the tour begin. . .
The tour group meeting started in the hotel breakfast room at 3 pm. We were introduced to our tour guide, Jody, then we all introduced ourselves and chose tour buddies. Tour buddies are responsible for making sure their "buddy" in present before we depart on a walking tour or bus. My buddy is Joy and she is a delight! Jody went over the tour expectations, we were given some free time, then we re-grouped to walk to our restaurant for dinner-a Polynesian dinner at De Lachende Javaan. After our dinner, we met our local guide, Ruby. She is Jody's twin sister! Ruby walked us around the oldest streets in Haarlem. We toured with her until 8 pm, then we were free for the rest of the evening. Tomorrow will be an early day. We will take the train to Amsterdam!
Click on image below to expand.
Filippos, Bill, Liz, Anne-Marie
Liam, Allen, Paulette, Ron
Detailed view above the door of the town hall.
Filippos, Bill, Liz, Anne-Marie