Leiden
JULIO
Leiden was the epitome of charm and Dutch Renaissance sophistication. The home of painter Rembrandt, Leiden University, rich history and a perfect place to admire the ever perfect Dutch aesthetic. Leiden University was established in the late 1500's and is one of Europe's leading scientific and medical research centers boasting thirteen Nobel Prize winners. The university atmosphere gives Leiden a young, exciting and bustling feel constantly full of events, activities and weekly festivals. It is a welcome and much more relaxed atmosphere than the ever popular Amsterdam and gives a clearer view into everyday Dutch life. The town is replete with canals, stylish eateries, markets and beautiful squares to take in an unforgettable Dutch scene or sunset. The smokeable coffeeshop scene is a little more subdued and also available in Leiden if that is your cup of tea as well.
We used Airbnb and found a great houseboat to stay in which was memorable and perfectly located to explore the town and nearby points of interest. While exploring we came upon a sort of Science and Art festival near the university called Nacht van Kunst & Kennis featuring some incredible local bands including the Belgian band Intergalactic Lovers where we stayed and danced for hours. How excellent to have high Science, Tech and Art celebrated in a regional festival, quite the contrary to American chili cook offs, eating contests and weenie roasts. The Netherlands and Leiden in particular are just perfect places to visit and get a taste of the sophisticated Dutch charm that we have come to love. If you want to get away from the heavily saturated city of Amsterdam Leiden is the perfect place for a more quintessential and peaceful introduction to the Netherlands.
We were walking through the town and came across an incredible festival which featured one of the best live bands we have seen in a while the Intergalactic Lovers
Christina feeling cozy and enjoying a delicious mint tea at Waag
We stayed on a house boat! That white structure sitiing on the canal on the left is it.
The lovely view of the canal and houses from the house boat.
The inside of the house boat and the odd liquor spigots. The stairs lead to the bedroom.
The living room on board.
The ceiling was very low in the bedroom. But it was quite an experience!
FOOD FACTS: the Hogeschool Van Amsterdam reported that the Dutch diet consists of 17 percent protein, 50 percent carbohydrate and 33 percent fat. It is estimated that the average Dutch person consumes 3,320 calories per day.