Our next day

30 May, Sunday

A bit of a late start... it was decided to avoid motorways and toll. The route took us through farming area's and small but modern towns. It was lovely at first but the streets were only really lined with houses. It was pouring with rain and this hazed up your view, so we thought not to waste time and take the motorway.

First stop – the UNESCO World Heritage Sight – the Kinderdijk. A group of 16 windmills built in the 1740's. It was to solve a high rain water content in a low lying country. Nick and I hopped on our bicycles and did our own little tour. Fortunately, the rain stopped as we left the van. People still inhabit the windmills which are placed next to the waterways. It is really beautiful and truly makes you feel that you are in Holland.

Arriving in Rotterdam at around 16h30, we new today would be very much of a travel day. As mentioned before, we have visited Bruges before and did not think that anywhere else in Belgium would give us more. The weather was not very good either – so it was a good travel day.

Again, the rain cleared up when we climbed out the van at our campsite. We stayed in the Stadscamping, Rotterdam. It cost us £27.00 for one night originally. The reason for this expense was we booked in as a mini camper with pop-up 2 man tent (to cover bikes), electricity, water and 2 persons. They charge you for everything. Having discussed that the bikes could rather live outside for the night and we would go to town for dinner and tour Nick and I decided we will have to learn to ask for some moneyback! We should get used to this over the next 3 months. It saved us 9 euro's. A muncipal campsite with a 10 minute bus trip to the city. The evening was still light and a long evening in the city was enjoyed. In most books it says that Rotterdam is a new city – trying to get out of WW2 past. This is true. There are a few buildings of interest and a monument or two re the war. It is said that eastern cuisine is great in the Netherlands. We tried a doner sandwich and it was great! At 3.50 euro's it was well worth it and incredibly tasty!

Off the a very traditional little pub with much 2010 soccer hype paraphynalia and a group of dutch folk chatting up a storm. It was around 20.00 and I suspect they had been there for most of the day. Definite feeling of old times past in a very busy city. Most people seem to drink half a pint of beer. We were the only people with “large” Jupiler Blonde beers! It should be said that the Dutch are incredibly friendly and welcoming – everywhere you go. The pub was a great end to a lovely day.

At camp – we finished off Guy and Guin's previous camping trip – Old Brown Sherry! Thanks guys! And that was it – we were done!

Highlight of the day – Kinderdijk.