Leiden, Netherlands

Karlijn came with us to Leiden, our next destination and the location of our friend Julie. It is about an hour and a half from Arnhem by train. We met Julie at the train station, she went to a glass fusing class, and we were off to explore the city.

By the end of the 15th century Leiden was the largest city in the county of Holland.  It doesn't have a big city vibe like Amsterdam. It is quaint, with ancient alleyways, canals and moats.

Currently Leiden has a low unemployment rate and one of the most highly educated populations in the Netherlands.  This is where Julie is getting her PhD, FREE of charge. 

A gingerbread house!

Gourmet pancakes. I LOVE IT! Fred and I shared a salmon pancake and a caprese pancake. SOOO good!

We went 'disco bowling' with Julie, Litten, and Jenny. (Jenny is also obtaining a PhD at the university.)

Unlike night bowling in the States this place was not packed with people.

PS I won.

Julie took us to a 'locals only spot', Brasserie Park restaurant. The food was wonderful, and afterwards we rode bikes in the adjacent park.

Julie's house is amazing. She lives right on the main canal. We spent many nights on the dock, eating and drinking.

Riding bikes in Leiden is mandatory.  There are sidewalks, separate bike lanes, and roads; all with their own traffic lights.  Even motorcyclists can ride in the bike lanes, it is too dangerous for them on the roads with cars.  Makes sense to me!

Australian makes the best ice cream! Orange is spectacular.

We rode bikes outside Leiden the last morning we were in town. As soon as you are outside of the main city the scenery is a typical Dutch countryside.

Julie's house is just behind this bridge, a perfect place to stay in Leiden.  Thanks Julie!