Instagrammers Amsterdam...

Veronica enjoyed spending a Saturday in Amsterdam at an Instagram Meet-Up where she met folks that love photography as much as she does. They met at the Eye, a film museum across the Ij River from Amsterdam Centraal, and then wandered around the city. They had a contest and Veronica won! The above photo was published in the April issue of Mokum Magazine (see page 11). Here are a few more of my favorite shots from that day...

Birthday Dinner at Vessel II...

After our fantastic voyage, we dried off and settled down for a birthday dinner at Vessel 11, a British gastropub housed in a lightship which was built in 1951 and served as a lighthouse in England until 1988.

We loved the quirky design in the boat and thought the food was delicious. We were served by the owner, who happened to have studied at UNC-Chapel Hill--small world!

Loving the HotTug!

The HotTug seats eight, so the six of us had plenty of space.

We made use of the integrated ice bucket by bringing along a bottle of Prosecco.

The steam from the wood-burning stove interfered with taking photos, but no complaints as we were toasty warm during the entire two-hour journey around the old harbor. Carlin thought she’d want to take a dip in the canal, but decided to stay warm in the tug instead.

We didn’t see many people along the way, but we enjoyed waving to those we saw.

The only other boats on the water were a few water taxis. Since we didn’t have to worry about boat traffic, Jimmy let Ashlynn take over the driving for awhile. Kent’s job was to lower the stovepipe before going under low bridges and to keep the fire burning.

Surprise! It’s a Hot Tub that Sails...

When we arrived in Rotterdam, we went to the Markthall. Jimmy thought maybe we were eating dinner there, but we were only passing through. As soon as we neared the harbor, he figured out our destination.

Jimmy and I had seen the HotTug (the world’s first wood-fired hot tub that you can sail) while wondering around Rotterdam and months later I remembered about it and figured it would make the perfect 50th birthday cruise.

After getting some instructions, we changed into our bathing suits and got in. It was quite chilly outside, so it felt great to step into the warm water.

Journey to Jimmy’s 50th Birthday Surprise...

Ashlynn and I made it back to Voorschoten just in time to meet Jimmy, Veronica, Carlin and Kent for the train to Rotterdam. Jimmy had no idea what my plan was; I was thrilled that I actually managed to surprise him.

Carlin and Kent snuck some nibbles and bubbly on board so we could start the celebration early.

Even the girls joined us for a toast.

Make-Up Class...

Ashlynn and I spent a Saturday afternoon in March at the MAC Cosmetics store in The Hague taking a make-up class with the AWC. 

I learned a few interesting tips; however, I promptly forgot everything the second we left the classroom. At least it was a fun afternoon anyways.

Alternative Transportation...

After all these years of cycling to school, Veronica was excited to try something different.

Not only did she rollerblade to school several times, but she bladed during PE as well.