Wandering around familiar old places.

Holiday Inn Express, Rotterdam Netherlands

Our first full day in Rotterdam. We took our first tram ride from the hotel at Hofplein down the Coolsingel to its end at Churchillplein. From there a short walk to the daily market (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and the Markthal next to it. That building is still a wonder to us (it was European Building of the Year a few years ago).

Hanneke told us that Rotterdam has residents from about 160 different ethnic backgrounds. It it is easy to see as you look at the large variety of restaurants and stores offering food from those ethnic areas.

We stopped to have lunch at the Erasmus Restaurant on the Coolsingel. Several hours and adult beverages later, we made our way via tram back to the hotel.

Public transit cannot get any easier. Tap your credit card as you step on the tram or train, and tap again as you leave the unit. So simple. The stops are many and are announced, the signage and announcement is explicit and easy to follow. The Markthal - as in Market Hall, is a grocery store, almost felt like our Superstore. English is spoken by all the younger generation and many of the elders, as they flip from one language to the other and chatter away. This is a very large and very old city.

Bicyles are the mode of transportation and you must look both ways crossing roads or paths if you want to survive - grin. My feet are tired after this day, much more walking than a trek through the forest path in Edmonton. We did spend a long time at the restaurant, and just enjoyed the energy. As I type now, sirens are indicating something has sent the emergency services out on a call.