19/24 Leiden Our next stop was Leiden. This is delightful city with many canals. In fact more canals than any other city in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam. Originally we were going to spend 4 nights here and then go to Katwijk to meet with friends. Unfortunately our friends had mechanical issues and had to cancel so we decided to stay in Leiden a couple of extra days. I was also able to see a physiotherapist about my shoulder. I have a lot of movement in my shoulder after the fracture back in April, except that I am unable to put my hand high behind my back (e.g. to do up my bra), so I decided to see if I could address that. Our mooring was alonside a park near a disused flour mill, that is going to be converted into apartments. It was a great spot to watch the boats go by. There were many small (and large) motor boats and slopes cruising around the canals. These are low boats that can get under the many bridges. On Friday, as part of our tour of the town we visited the windmill museum. On Saturday we went to the market which was alongside the canal. On Sunday we did a guided boat trip. How is this for a way to move the kids around. A bike with 4 seat, three sets of pedals, and three handlebars. Only the rear handlebars work so mum or dad are steering. We thought it was great. On Monday we took a picnic lunch to Hortus Botanicus - the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and part of the Leiden University. It was through this garden that tulips were introduced into the Netherlands. On Tuesday we went to Katwijk. The weather has been very hot by the Netherlands standards for a number of weeks, so it was very busy down there on the strand. We also visited the museum which had a lot of paintings from Katwijk from late 19th and early 20th century. Many showing the large flat bottomed fishing boats pulled up on the sand. After a pleasant lunch we went to the lighthouse, before heading to the beach and a swim in the North Sea. By the time we left preparations are underway for Sail Leiden, a major festival which starts on Friday. We may go back by train to take a look. By the way, the Rijn (Rhine) flows into the North Sea at Katwijk. Not so big here.
2 Comments
Richard Switzky
25/7/2018 04:52:25 pm
What an adventure! Such unique buildings and architecture, captured by your excellent artist's eye. Very much enjoy following your exploits. I hope your shoulder gets sorted out.
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Steve Hugo
26/7/2018 12:55:59 am
Hi Deb It looks wonderful, what a beautiful place. Just a couple of comments - I'm sure Howard won't mind doing up and undoing your bra for you, and secondly get the old bugger to let me know what fish he's catching,etc.
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