Sailing from Rotterdam

Last weekend I visited the World port days in my home town Rotterdam. My daughters and parents joined me. Days like this are a highlight for my father. At seventeen he started working for the Holland America Line (HAL) as a bellboy. Ending his career at sea in his early twenties, after having seen great part of the world. It was a very pretty lady, my mother, who managed to keep him at home in the end :-)

Before my father sailed, he used to have his book stamped in the old building with the green copper turret. For a long time this was the main office of the HAL. Nowadays it's a popular hotel/restaurant, called Hotel New York. My dad still enjoys visiting it.

So when I mentioned the words 'harbour', 'boats', 'Hotel New York', he was enthusiastic straight away! We watched demonstrations by the Royal Navy and life guards, enjoyed the lively atmosphere and walked through Katendrecht, which was once a dubious part of town. Nowadays it's hip and upcoming.  It's the place where you can meet for a cup of tea or coffee, have a delicious meal and buy something old or new. It's quirky. It's old warehouses versus skyscrapers. It's really HOT!

Besides watching the boats, we had lunch at Posse espresso bar, a vintage cafe in one of the old warehouses. After that we bought some freshly baked bread at Jordan's bakery, which you can find at the Fenix Food factory. 

Next time you are looking for a city trip, take Rotterdam in mind. It's worth it! I did an earlier post on Rotterdam and Katendrecht. Please have a look if you would like to see some more photo's.

Have a great week! I am off to Zeeland. A friend, who is from the islands, is going to show me around!

Love,

Madelief x