Leiden (the Netherlands)
20 July - 23 July 2022
This part is always hard. I remember leaving Belgrade as a kid, there was always that inherent sadness from my mother who knew that it was going to be another long year before she'd see her family once more, there was me that felt emotional for leaving my cousins behind, and then there was my dad who had to deal with the tears. There's a degree of the emotional upheaval or turmoil when you come to that realisation that your time is up and you have to leave, for Inga, its the inevitable sadness of walking away from her family and an old life and moving forward once again to the new life that she has created in Australia. This part never gets easier but the small saving grace was that we were heading now heading to Leiden, a town situated approximately 35kms south-west of Amsterdam, where her sister lived, and where we would be kindly hosted for the next 3 nights.
Walking the halls of Amsterdam's Schipol international airport was like entering purgatory for suitcases. Rooms and halls were piled high with these temporary mobile storage units from the sea of travellers who had past through the airport in one way or another, but whose luggage had not been adequately tethered to their owners for ongoing legs of the journey.
In this new post-covid world where we were all trying to return to some sort of sense or normalcy, the misidentified, misplaced or simply lost luggage of thousands of travellers was simple testament to the impact that covid had had on all facets of our lives, and also, how far we needed to go before we actually arrived at 'normal', or in fact, the 'new normal'.
The stories that we had heard of the carnage at Schipol was all very true. Lost luggage overflowing through its corridors and extraordinarily long queues snaking their way both without and outside of all terminals. It was a scene.
Thankfully we managed to move relatively swiftly through the arrival / luggage pick-up process and was meant by the partner of Inga's sister, Wouter, who was kind enough to pick us up from the airport.
Leiden - the Netherlands
The next few days were spent predominantly in Leiden. Quite a picturesque, attractive and in some ways spellbinding town. A place that seems to effortlessly blend blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the birthplace of the renowned painter Rembrandt van Rijn, Leiden easily captivates visitors with its enchanting canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. In many ways it is the quintessential Dutch city, offering a serene escape from the bustling pace of nearby Amsterdam. Certainly the allure of Leiden lies in its serene canal networks adorned with graceful bridges, flanked by rows of elegant 17th-century buildings that boast an array of vibrant hues, reflecting the city's rich heritage. When the sun is shining and the weather is moderately warm, its hard not to find a more affable and relaxing setting than grabbing a drink or a meal on the canals in the centre of town, simply watching life move on by whilst occupying a place on the waters' edge.
Steeped in history, Leiden's past is a tapestry of significant events. It's famed as the site where the Pilgrims found refuge before sailing to the New World on the Mayflower. The city's prestigious Leiden University, one of the oldest in Europe, stands as a testament to its intellectual legacy. It's cobbled streets act as the perfect introduction to the imposing Hooglandse Kerk, a majestic church that dates back to the 15th century, which is both a prominent and much loved landmark of the won.
The essence of Leiden emerges not only from its iconic landmarks but also from its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts a myriad of festivals, art exhibitions, and events throughout the year, infusing the streets with an infectious energy.
Our time there was really very pleasant, and once again, we have to say a big thank you to our hosts, Veronika & Wouter, who saw it to make our stay both comfortable and thoroughly enriching.
I haven't seen much of the Netherlands, but from the places that I have seen, there is just a beautiful balance of history and beauty that to me makes it a very special place. Without question, I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
