Last Wednesday morning we boarded a plane for The Netherlands, landing midday on Thursday, Amsterdam time. After figuring out our e-sims and the trains, we trundled our luggage through the cobblestone streets of Leiden to find our lodgings, situated in the medieval part of the city alongside a canal.
Although it was 2 am according to our bodies, and we hadn't slept much on the flight (me not at all), we felt pretty good and managed to stay up until 9:30 pm by wandering through the town. Such a pretty place. I loved the irises growing in a park.
We visited the Hortus Botanicus at the university (Botanical Garden) and saw bees buzzing about the old-fashioned bee skeps. There has been an apiary in this very spot for several hundred years.
Narrow cobblestone streets with canals criss-crossing the city make for very charming places to wander. This morning, in another canal, we watched a swimming competition - the larger canals do not have the water plants in them. It's been a bit wet and windy, but we came prepared with rain jackets and just pull up the hoods when the showers descend.
Canal houses big and small. Each has its own character. I'm collecting stories to tell when we get home - there are so many things to see and do here.
What an exciting trip!
ReplyDeleteA little trip away is always so refreshing, seeing so many different buildings, places, people. Hope you continue to find lovely places.
ReplyDeleteA little trip away is always so refreshing, seeing so many different buildings, places, people. Hope you continue to find lovely places.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful country! And such tall people!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your photos and stories from the Netherlands.
ReplyDeleteLorrie, thank you for sharing your trip with us—vicarious travel is my favorite travel these days! My cousin was in the Netherlands in May and another will be going in August, so this post really jumped out at me. I always love your photography and poetic descriptions!
ReplyDeleteAmsterdam is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt has so many beautiful sights to see!
Thanks for the trip, have a great time and we look forward to the next one!!
Leiden looks beautiful. A mini Amsterdam. I’m looking forward to you stories. B x
ReplyDeleteHow fun! Enjoy yourselves. I look forward to hearing more about your trip.
ReplyDeleteDearest Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my birth country!
We once enjoyed a wedding in Leiden and had a boat tour on the canals, so enjoyable.
It is one of the oldest and most historic cities indeed.
Oh sure, rain is typically Dutch but you came well prepared!
Hugs and enjoy,
Mariette
Well done on staying up till 9:30 on arrival day. That flight into another time zone is a tough one. Looks like you'll have plenty to see and enjoy on your trip!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to visit. Have lots of adventures!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip away.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy these photographs and look forward to more.
All the best Jan
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Enjoy your time in the Netherlands! I have always loved the canals (and the cheese!).
ReplyDeleteHappy and safe travels in the Netherlands! Looking forward to your travelogs.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a dream vacation! I hope you have good weather and a fabulous trip! WOW! What a gorgeous place to spend time...with a camera! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHave a magical adventure. Just this little glimpse is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI do love the Netherlands but have never been to Leiden. This looks absolutely stunning. I hope your trip continues to be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteNetherlands is a country I would love to visit! A beautiful trip! Have a lovely time...
ReplyDeleteTitti
Great pictures -- and brings back memories -- the beautiful canals and homes and history. Even schlepping luggage over the cobblestones in the rain (more fun to look back on than it was at the time, but we laughed at ourselves even then.)
ReplyDeleteA getaway is always rejuvenating, experiencing diverse architecture, locales, and people.
ReplyDeleteLove the gorgeous photos.
May you discover more beautiful places along the way, Lorrie!
We went and slept in Lieden during our road tour two summers ago and spent the evening in a restaurant along the canal such a nice place! Enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful, the Netherlands. I was in Zeeland, it was beautiful, and saw Rotterdam, but I've never been to Amsterdam... it's on the wish list :-))
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your photos of your trip and I hope you had sunny days too... we have such wonderful weather here... I hope the same for you too.
A hug goes to you.
Happy Travels!
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of the scenery is well represented in your pictures
What a lovely tree. Enjoy every moment. Love the bee skep being in the same place for all those years.
ReplyDeleteI am so envious - we have cancelled a planned trip to the Netherlands three times because of family issues this last year. My wife, Jane, so wants to go - hopefully this autumn. I want to visit Rotterdam and Ghent and Brugge as well as Amsterdam - I hope you enjoy every minute.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteIt's all so beautiful. I enjoyed looking through your photos. Thanks for sharing.
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