We recently headed over to Amsterdam. The city of tulips, canals, dykes, windmills, weed, and prostitutes. We took an overnight ferry from New Castle to the port city of Ijumuiden and then a bus into the heart of Amsterdam in the Canal district.
We took a 3-4 hour train ride over to Newcastle. Which is always pretty relaxing.
The Ferry ride over was quite pleasant. It was a fifteen hour journey. We had a simple cabin with an ensuite bathroom and shower on DFDS ferry. We were able to experience both of their ships. It was like a mini cruise almost. There was live entertainment. The restaurants and service were great. We had dinner and breakfast on board and a few cocktails. It was quite civilized way to travel. It was cheaper than flying and no hassle at the airport. In the future I would consider adding and overnight ferry again to a trip.
The city was pretty amazing. The canals made the city feel less dense. We did not part take in any of the debauchery that goes on but we did walk through the red light district. The highlight was visiting the Van Gogh museum. Thankfully we got there before it got busy and the queue (line) spilled out the door. We were able to enjoy about half of the museum in relative peace and quiet.
On the way back into the UK, we were stopped for the second time entering the UK and they really put through the paces. Something that we are saying is raising a red flag. On the way back from Athens and now Amsterdam we were really put through the paces. We were not prepared for it. Seems like it would be a good idea to travel with all of my bank statement and copies of my entire journey. Both times the Border Force Agent took extensive notes as to what I was telling her. Although I was let in, it left us with an uneasy feeling. In the future I will be traveling with more documentation. We think it is combination of the duration of my stay, the fact that I am associated with UK national and have no legal status in the country. Seems as though it raises a red flag about whether I will leave or not. It might also have been an issue, that as we got off the boat in the Netherlands, they were not checking passports. They started just after me. There was no record of me leaving. Port security, Immigration and customs was pretty light compared to an airport.
