Interesting guests in June

Hi, I am John - Canal Hopper skipper. Cruising the Amsterdam Canals with an electric open sloop. It is my job to show Amsterdam visitors the picturesque canals and entertain them with typical stories. In this blog I would like to tell you some stories about various interesting guests I had on board in June.

Just married
An early morning encounter with two french speaking Belgian honeymooners on the Damrak. She (35) is still wearing her bridal gown and he (38) doesn't seem to be bothered by his necktie hanging loose. It's the day after the night before - they've partied all night long in Brussels and jumped on the first train to Amsterdam. Enjoying a bottle of pink bubbly wine and cheered by many bystanders I take them for a romantic tour through the oldest part of town.
 

Anastasia
When Anastasia (6) from Essen (Germany) boards with her mother Claudia (35) and mama's new lover Dieter (43), she seats next to me behind the wheel and doesn't seem to stop talking. Except for those moments when she sees Dieter passionately kissing her mother. I can almost read her thoughts: 'This Dieter is a nice guy, but where's this leading to and where do I come in?' But nature comes to rescue: tiny ducklings in the river Amstel cause distraction.


Pilgrims

Two white collared Roman Catholic priests (40) from Cologne (Germany) step down from their yellow rental bikes and curiously watch my boat. Business or pleasure or both? I offer to show them the virtues of the famous Red Light District, a tour along churches of great interest and accompanied by many inside stories. They gladly accept and don't waste a minute to buy their indulgence letters from the counter.  

Shaken, not stirred
'You're all expected at Birmingham Airport at 5h30 sharp. Be sure to wear a tuxedo, carry a toothbrush and take your passport with you.' That was the briefing for 16 young Englishmen out on a mystery weekend. A couple of hours later, after some heavy bargaining, one of Canal Company's Hopper XL boats was occupied by 16 certainly shaken but apparently not stirred James Bonds. Their hotel (quite unappropriate): the infamous backpackers hangout 'The Flying Pig'…

See you next blog!

John