We’ve landed in Rotterdam on Saturday! And they were celebrating Summer Carnival. It reminded me of my New Orleans Mardi Gras experiences – big floats, crazy costumes. You couldn’t ask for better weather – sunshine! Sadly I didn’t have much free time to catch beads because today was a day full of two tours. We began the day with a walking tour of Rotterdam that concluded with a visit to their Market Hall. Randomly some worker was removing a giant sign from the side of the building, which caught my eye. This building apparently was used by Jackie Chan in one of his movies, where he slid down the side of it. EEK. The other big claim to fame is the funky cube apartment complex. They’re artsy…but sounds like they’re not the ideal living space. Rotterdam this summer blocked one of their canals and created a surfing spot that was AWESOME! The other big claim to fame is that Erasmus is from here. Obligatory picture taken.

Now the food market was delicious — we got to sample cheeses, some fried meat thingy that is a typical Dutch treat and freshly made stroopfwafels, which put to shame the store-bought ones that you can buy in the US.

If I had known, I would have stuck around for carnival, but my afternoon was set aside for a tour of the Royal Delft factory as well as the town of Delft. If I could wave my magic wand, I would have spent the entire day in Delft because I just felt really rushed. The statue is of William the Orange. We caught a bridal party, so I snuck a couple of pictures. At the risk of sounding boy crazy, the tour guide for this trip was a dreamboat. I contemplated asking him out. Sadly I did not, so I’ll never know if he was being a flirt for me or for my tip.

I dutifully came home with cheese and a Delft piece. No one from home responded to my texts, so the souvenir was just for me! Two tours in one day was exhausting.

Tonight was our big Farewell dinner. It wasn’t our last night, but I’m wondering if they give the crew Sunday off because Monday is the big switcheroo (we leave, next group comes on board). Speaking of food, I haven’t written a lot about the meals, but I must say the meals have been outstanding! And the service has been impeccable. Uniworld knows how to deliver.