We set off on Friday evening straight after work and arrived in Harwich at about 9pm. I can't begin to tell you what a breeze getting into the boat is. No hanging around queuing, no extensive passport and luggage control, no one trying to fine you for luggage size and weight. Pure joy, in 10-15 minutes you have your cabin key and are free to relax.
Here is a sneak peak for any Ferry virgins. :)
The rooms are compact but have all you need for an over night stay; bed, tv, shower and loo.
The rest I brought with me...Hali. :)
And to make the trip just that bit more fun......... some snacks...
Gosh we are too into food.
After this we had a coffee and hit the sack. I don't recommend sharing one bunk bed for 2. I hardly slept, I was right on the edge of the bed most of the night. I didn't go to the top bunk bed because it was pitch black and too high to jump and I was yet to discover the ladder behind the door. I did lay in bed wondering how the heck they expected people to get up there.
We arrived in chilly Hoek Van Holland at approx. 7am and took a 40 minute train journey to Delft. Where I was hoping to have breakfast and spend a few hours enjoying some time walking and shopping as well as having a coffee with Hali's friend. But, once there Hali's friend gave us only enough time to get to the supermarket purchase some tea and enter Dille & Kamile. Shopping was over! We went for a sandwich and coffee, followed by walking to his house to grab the car and go to Hali's family home. I don't want to appear ungrateful in any way as I am sure in his mind this was a massive favor (which it was) but that meant my dreams of strolling with Hali and eating Hollands tiny pancakes was over before it got a chance to start. :(
So here is our walk to his friends house..... Oh, and to break your hearts that bit more...it was market day. MARKET DAY!!! For goodness sake... I could have had tiny fish portions and chips. I can't bare even thinking about what I missed out on.
It may seem a lot but I literally took a picture every step I took. In total 15 minutes walk. :(
The little lamp above and the cat on the window seal cheered me up a bit.
We arrived to the Yildirim's residence nice and early which is more than can be said about the other expected arrivals. Hali's bro and his family strolled in at 8:30pm and the family friends we were expecting arrived at a shocking 10:30pm!!!!! Do you know how many hours that would have given me in Delft AND still would have had to wait around! Well this just tore me up inside but I made the best of it and tried to relax and enjoy the food. I eat enough for a whole family and it was delicious.
We finally went to bed after midnight and I swear I don't do that for just anyone. 11pm is staying up very late for the likes of me.
After a goodnight sleep and renewed hope of finally having our short stroll together in Rotterdam, I woke up in high spirits. This view from the family home made me even more anxious to get out there for a bit of fresh air....
Add to it this pick-me-up breakfast and the formula seemed prefect.
The morning passed followed by midday and then 1,2 and 3 o'clock and I was yet to go out. I played with Hali's niece made a puzzle with his dad and later with the other family members and still no fresh air.
When hope had just but vanished we were taken to Rotterdam centre only to go around with his Bro's family who again were doing us a favour by taking us there and back.
If anyone has experienced shopping with an audience of non shoppers and feeling that every minute is an hour to them you will know that this completely vanishes all hope of enjoying the shops and it's better to let go and give up. Which I did and then it was time to go...
Here are a few happy pics on the way back..... I can assure that despite appearances I did not have a bad time at all. Hali's family were very sweet and attentive my hope of going out was no reflection on them it was simply a desire to have a bit of holiday time with my husband as the trip out there was not cheap and it will be a while before we can stop by again. We made the most of the trip to and from Holland and had a few giggles on the ferry.
