Europe2013: Day 10 Monday 24th June - Avalon Artistry II Day 2

Well, after struggling with the Internet so much yesterday I'm not very optimistic about this blog. I have a signal at the moment but its still very slow to upload photos
We woke this morning after a good nights sleep in our 'to die for' memory foam mattress bed. We had a delicious breakfast and then went on a canal boat cruise all around the canals of Amsterdam. Following that we went through a diamond factory where I think the principal activity was to get us to buy their diamonds. Unfortunately we don't have the sort of money required for such purchases. One diamond they were selling was 45.000 euros!!!
We went back to the ship for lunch and then wandered back into Amsterdam for a final browse and to get some EXERCISE after all the food we had eaten once again.
At 5 pm we were finally on our way down the Amsterdam / Rhine canal through two locks and then turned left into the Rhine River. We are meeting some really nice people. Not many Aussie's on board at all. We heard only 18 and most from Sydney and a few from QLD. We all get along well and there is a lot of bantering going on (particularly between the men!!!!!)
There is a big group from Turkey on board. The ladies were dancing last night and dragged Lorraine & I on to the dance floor much to Murray & Paul's embarrassment. It just proves language is no barrier. They though we were American and when I said we came from Australia there were big smiles and hugs for us.
Off to bed now for another blissful nights sleep.
PS Weather still very cool. Winter woollies needed. Luckily we brought some as we are going to the snow in Switzerland.