With the musical feast of the jazz festival behind us, Monday, as well as being the day we flew home, was a day for exploring the non-musical areas of the city of Rotterdam, of which there are many.

Rotterdam is the largest port in europe and one doesn’t have to travel far to find evidence to support this. Huge marinas and harbours streaching as far as the eye can see on one side of the city, not to mention rivers and channels with banks on which you can sit and watch the huge container ships steam past. it was amazing to see the diversity of the city’s industry and innovation balance. On the one hand you have the means to transport vast quantities of goods and on the other an search and innovation capital no doubt producing some of the great ideas that go into the very products inside the containers.

The shipping links don’t just stop at the modern day vessles though. All along the banks of the harbours are pieces of evidence that do more than hint at Rotterdams sailing roots in the golden days of barges and other cargo vessles. A martime museum provided an ample insight into Rotterdams sailing past, not to mention a real traditional ship that you could walk around and inspect at close quarters. It was certainly a very worthwhile addition to the trip.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Rotterdam’s busy port are a collection of shops and restaurants not disimilar to those found in many other European cities and they provide ample relaxation for a jazz enthusiast who is all jazzed out. The relaxed atmosphere of the various bars is really nice, and with outisde seating provided us with a great place to recap on our feelings on the festival.

All in all, even without the festival, Rotterdam is a great place to visit and an enjoyable weekend break is sure to await all those who choose to pay it a visit.