Arriving in the Netherlands

Day 7 sadly has arrived.  Three European countries on this trip, each different and special in their own way, sharing so many qualities in common and yet still so individual in other ways.  Our last full day on the Kara brings more educational and interesting experiences. This morning early we left Germany and passed into the Netherlands, one of the most fascinating and amazing places we will visit on this trip. Perhaps not as beautiful as the scenic Rhine River with its castles  and fortresses guarding our way, or the cathedral spires we could see coming for miles, or the quaint towns with their winding cobbled streets.  But nonetheless Holland is fascinating and beautiful as well.  Because of its geography and the fact that it is peninsula sticking out into often troubled waters, life here hasn't always been the easiest for the Dutch people and requires still today constant awareness of potential hazards.  Much of the landmass is well below sea level, and everyone knows about the series of dikes built in the 18th century to protect the people and their way of life from the sea.   But to see these structures up close, to see how far below sea level the land actually is, and to see how much water is above the land -- the situation almost beyond comprehension. But with sheer perseverance the Dutch have managed to conquer the oft angry sea.  This morning we sailed through the maze of canals so important to life in Holland. Truly beautiful. We cruised for most of the day and occupied ourselves with ready, watching the scenery through the at times pouring rain, playing bridge or booray.  In the afternoon we passed through Rotterdam which surprised many of us how modern and lovely it was.  Rene again did our guiding for us, and we're all thankful for his knowledge, his enthusiasm, and his wit we've enjoyed these seven days.  Later, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site (has any one counted how many sites we've seen this trip?).  We traveled to the Kinderdijk Windmills Site. Many crossed the highway and, after just a short walk, were able to clime inside one of this remarkable structures and see first hand how a windmill works. Often we've seen pictures of them in paintings or children's books, but up close they are altogether more impressive. Life inside the windmill must have been hard--and noisy.  The sights are really remarkable.

Must be the Netherlands

This evening the Captain hosted a farewell reception before dinner for us. And as he bids us farewell, we in turn must begin to say goodbye to some our fellow travelers and friends. (Joyful ones, I mean.)

Ms. Madison and the Captain

After dinner we gathered in the Aquifit and had a special memorial to Jim Perkins. Lee lead us in an affirmation of faith from Romans. We sang together "It is Well With My Soul".  Stanford read a New Testament scripture and Dick read an Old Testament scripture which focused on the hope and assurance of God's place of rest for us. Gloria read a letter given to her by Rosemary with her special remembrances of Jim and Gail and their times together.  Ernie shared some fond memories of Jim and their years as friends and choir practices.  We closed with "When We All Get to Heaven" and a prayer for comfort for Jim's family and loved ones, who are in our thoughts.


Tonight we finish repacking our bags in preparation for embarking after breakfast.  The old saying "parting is such sweet sorrow etc. etc. etc" rings true.  We've grown fonder and closer to each other through our time spent together on this trip, and we're not even off the ship before we're wondering where will we go next? ? ?