Rotterdam, Netherlands

Second Stop, Rotterdam. My campsite was definately better than the first with a nice green field and power hook-up. It also meant I could get the awning up for the first time on the trip. I have added a third pole, extra metal ringlet and another guy-line to help it keep its shape better in the wind. It all works great.

Rotterdam is a cultural city with beautiful areas of canals, artwork and sculptures (although the one below with Santa holding a rather suspicious gift might give the children nightmares). The roads are a dangerous mix with cycle lanes, trams and trains disecting the roads at all angles and giving plenty for any crossing pedestrians to think about. The financial district is made up of huge modern buildings which light up the skyline at night. The central shopping area is a little delapidated and in need of redevopment though.

I spent a large portion of my one full day in Rotterdam in the excellent Boijmans van Beuningen Museum which has some great art installations and an impressive gallery. Later on, I was able to watch the Man United v Shalke game in an Irish pub before heading to the nearest bar for a quiet drink. Little did I know it was a student night and a huge thanks goes to the two dutch guys studying medicine and the lady behind the bar at "Bed" for being massively welcoming and giving me a great night out until the small hours.

Amsterdam is next up, and I hope the people are as friendly as they are here.