L'Avenir - cruising Europe's inland waterways

via Amsterdam and Singapore. They seem to have finished renovating Amsterdam Centraal Station and it now looks nothing like the old one. Confusion. New smart card ticketing system  for trams, trains and buses. And can you easily buy a ticket?   No. We eventually asked for help and were told, 'Look, just pay the tram driver.It's easier' Being in Holland the driver speaks perfect English and being in Amsterdam he's used to helpless foreigners and is most gracious. Once we get off the tram we have no clear idea of the direction of our hotel despite me printing out Google map instructions. Enough said about them. Let's just say that the next 30 minutes were the closest we have come to parting company - ever. Thank goodness for Dutch people who speak English and are keen to sort you out and set you on your way. You just need to swalllow your pride and ask. Anyway, we eventually find our hotel, which seems ok, park our bags and go out for dinner. I really like Amsterdam ...

O h to be clever enough to add a map. But I'm not, so pictures it is. We left from Leimuiden (not far from Schiphol airport) where we had left our boat over the winter and went first to Amsterdam Six Haven Marina opposite Central Station and next to one of the free ferries - consequently very popular. The marina isn't very big but the harbourmaster makes the most of every inch of available space. As you motor in he appears on his bike, blowing a whistle and gesticulating wildly directing you to a spot. As the day progresses more and more boats are squeezed in around you. First thing next morning it's musical chairs as everyone needs to move to let others out and then it's gloves off and a mad dash for the best vacant berths. Nemo building. Taken from our boat as we approach Central Station Amsterdam. Ferries to the left, ferries to the right, very fast ferries to the rear, barges ploughing down the middle. For the first time this year - but not the las...