A Bridge too far........
We awoke a little late after last nights frivoloty, but not to worry - Holland and Arnhem was not far away. We left at 10am and got onto the Berlin ring road and found the motorway to Amsterdam. We blasted all the way at 80/90mph and was in Arnhem and looking for a hotel by 3pm. We exchanged some dollars in a bank and got some directions to a hotel, a best western about 300metres down the road, ( how lucky are we - the Dolby curse must be going !! ). At the hotel we asked about secure parking, and the receptionist gave us directions to get around to the back of the hotel to the parking. " By the way " she said as we walked off, " They are one way streets so if the Police stop you - tell them you're tourists and you didn't know". We looked at each other and burst out laughing, " And I never told you that" she added. The receptionist met us at the rear of the hotel, " Follow me" she said and directed us inside the hotel were the kitchen storeroom and potwash area was. " Put one there, and one there" she said and pointing with her finger. We both looked at each other, suprised and shocked but did as we were told. Bikes parked up and us showered and changed, we asked at the receptionist about " The Bridge Too Far ". As it happens, It turns out to be 10mins walk from the hotel. We got a small map and saw advertised on it - an Irish bar. Sightseeing and photos done and off we toddle to this Irish bar. Much of a muchness really but nice al the same. With the ferry port 90miles away - no need to wake early - we had a leisurely breakfast and walked to the Bridge too far. The receptionist was spot on, 10mins from the hotel. Photos and filming done, we walked back to the hotel. Once back at the hotel the receptionist mentiones to us about Osterbeek - the famous hotel where the Parachute regiment had there H.Q during the war and as featured in the film - A Bridge Too Far. We couldn't miss that and it would tie in nicely with Red Square and Aushwitz, so we get booted and spurred ( motorcycle gear on ) and set off to find Osterbeek. Its well signposted and took us only 30mins to get there. From the outside the hotel ( which is a museum now ) is immaculate. There's an American tank and artillery gun outside the entrance. Once inside , and the building is full of photos , medals, uniforms and memorabilia from people who actually fought the battle. The place is really interesting and worth seeing if you ever get the chance. We spent nearly 2 hours in the museum, but we would because of our military backgrounds. Tomorrow its on the ferry and home, and the end of a trip which has been amazing. I will update the page for the last time when we are home, with MY thoughts on the trip. Paul will do his no doubt, some time soon. Thanks for reading these and we hope you found them interesting. Mark Dolby - The Real Way Round.