My friend Frankie and I depart on the 13th of December for our next adventure.  We are taking an AMA Waterways cruise from Amsterdam to Basel.   Last time I missed seeing Budapest because our flight was delayed, so this time I decided to arrive in Amsterdam a day early.  I have never been there and probably will not get to see everything on my list, but I’m going to give it my best shot

I really enjoy seeing the various Christmas markets.  They are so different from the commercialization here that it is great to wander around and see all the handmade gifts that I am sure to bring home.  Last time I had to ship a box home, but maybe I will show more restraint this time.  Probably not, though.

The cruise ends in Basel, but we’re taking a train to Lucerne to spend two nights.  I am hoping to get up Mt. Pilatus.  I even bought a coat, which is unusual for me.  I hear it’s very cold in the Alps in December,

We are ending our trip in Paris, since that was the only way I could utilize my miles for a free ticket.  We fly home on Christmas Day, or at least as far as Philadelphia.  I couldn’t get a flight back to St. Louis until the next day, so hopefully there will be a decent restaurant at the hotel.  I would love to try an authentic Philly cheese steak, but probably won’t find anyone open.  I will just have to go back.

If anyone has been to Amsterdam or Lucerne and has suggestions for places to eat or things to do, let me know and I will pencil it in on my schedule.

Nancy