8-10 Jun 2017
Leiden
A university city since 1575, Leiden houses Leiden University, the oldest university of the Netherlands. The city has been one of Europe's most prominent scientific centres for more than four centuries. Modern scientific medical research and teaching started in the early 18th century in Leiden. Many important scientific discoveries have been made here, giving rise to Leiden’s motto: ‘City of Discoveries’. Leiden University boasts thirteen Nobel Prize winners.
Also, Rembrandt was born and educated in Leiden. The photo below was taken from the grounds of Rembrandt's family's home (the home no longer exists).
Leiden
A university city since 1575, Leiden houses Leiden University, the oldest university of the Netherlands. The city has been one of Europe's most prominent scientific centres for more than four centuries. Modern scientific medical research and teaching started in the early 18th century in Leiden. Many important scientific discoveries have been made here, giving rise to Leiden’s motto: ‘City of Discoveries’. Leiden University boasts thirteen Nobel Prize winners.
Also, Rembrandt was born and educated in Leiden. The photo below was taken from the grounds of Rembrandt's family's home (the home no longer exists).
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Leiden University buildings are spread throughout the picturesque city.
  |  The garden where Tulips were first cultivated in Holland, an export from Turkey. Unfortunately Spring is sprung, so no Tulips blossoming around today.  |
Here was a surprise to us, or maybe we have long forgotten some "ancient" American history - the "Pilgrims" first left their English homeland and took residence and refuge in Leiden. Their religious freedoms waned in Holland, so in 1620 they departed from Leiden aboard the Speedwell, and met up with the Mayflower back in England. Both ships departed for America, but the Speedwell didn't get far when they decided it was not ocean worthy - after reducing numbers for this first voyage, the Pilgrims successfully crossed on the Mayflower.
John Robinson, the Pilgrim's pastor up to the 1620 voyage, lived in this house.
John Robinson, the Pilgrim's pastor up to the 1620 voyage, lived in this house.
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And now a silly video...(click the play triangle)
Amsterdam
Our neighborhood for the next 7 nights (we're in that apartment complex) - "living like locals huh."
For the first full day in Amsterdam, we were supposed to drive out to a huge cheese market, but it rained all day - so we just stayed in and relaxed. On day two we headed out in the car to the north of Amsterdam on a day trip to three towns. We want to save the Amsterdam sights for when Hanna arrives again to join us for the third time on this European tour, and will travel with us for a couple of weeks.
Edam
Left photo below - it's Jacob last name Boat, and Cooper first name Mini, and a friend who's Bluish/Green today.
Right, Gerri on the square in Edam, which is dominated by a large humped bridge over the canal.
Edam
Left photo below - it's Jacob last name Boat, and Cooper first name Mini, and a friend who's Bluish/Green today.
Right, Gerri on the square in Edam, which is dominated by a large humped bridge over the canal.
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More narrow streets. Gerri eyeballing a cafe/tavern, which we circled back to and had lunch on the table just in front of her. They featured toasted cheese sandwiches, made from cheese specialties of the area.
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Everyone is heading to the cheese market - actually today just the little showcase shop is open - other days, this open area is filled with open air cheese market stands. Our cheese panini's at that tavern from above.
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St Nicholas Church - early 15th century - the ground here isn't exactly solid, what with the typical marshy land of Holland. So the structure's base sits on pilings, and the weight had to be minimized, so the ceiling arches and vaults are wood imitations of stone. The underside of the vaulted ceiling almost has the appearance of the interior of a ship's hull. // To the right, cheese balls in all the windows of this cheese house.
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Volendam
This town was all about the harbor, with many eateries, taverns, and recreational boats. Sailboats outnumbered most everything else, and especially those 100 years old and more, with the occasional modern copies of the same. We were here on the weekend so many boaters were doing their thing.
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Even the water birds were out and about enjoying the weather (and the handouts from tourists).
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Marken
- a well preserved traditional fishing village on an island connected by a causeway.
Modern interpretation of a canal cruiser and live-aboard. The tractor is pulling a wagon of juiced up revelers - we weren't sure what was going on, but it was some sports related rally.
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After Marken, we returned to Amsterdam, picking up Hanna from the airport on our way. Tomorrow we begin touring Amsterdam itself with Hanna in tow.
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