We left Cologne on an on-time busy German train which - contrary to expectations - arrived on time too.
Cologne Station is a marvel of organised chaos, so many trains and travellers arriving, departing and passing through.
We spent a while waiting in one of subterranean passages, where there are shops selling things you don't need and food you don't want - but we were sitting almost opposite the €1.50 loos, which wasn't interesting in a scatalogical sort of way, but we observed that more people went into the loos than ever came out - one man was desperately trying to find his wife!
In order to investigate this phenomenon - and at great personal risk - I invested some of my pension in a loo ticket.
The loos were incredibly clean, very high tech, worth every cent, and revealed the answer to the mystery - there was a second exit. (Sorry it wasn't more interesting but it really was the highlight of our visit to Cologne).
Deutsch Bahn might have run a punctual train but they did let me down.
I ordered some currywurst, ice cream and coffee using the at seat ordering service on their portal.
When it hadn't arrived I went to the restaurant car and was informed that the portal wasn't working, but it only threw up the error if you ordered in German! If you order in English or Dutch it accepts it. Of course it does!
The change to a pretty blue&yellow Dutch train at Utrecht was pain-free, as was the transfer onto Rotterdam Metro at Alexander Station.
The whole range of Dutch life was on display in the metro, but we made it to the ferry terminal. We while away the time with some of the inexpensive machine hot chocolate and sorting out Sacha's assistance.
She got an electric buggy ride. I got a 5 mile walk (but they did take our suitcase on it).
The cabin is a little bit smaller than our usual, but still extremely nice and el hopefully give us a decent night before the early wake up call.
Tomorrow morning we're attempting to get home by way of Stratford, Farringdon and St Pancras - wish us luck!