We spent some quality time in central Amsterdam before shifting locations to a massive campground near Leiden (located just outside of “The Hague”). If Amsterdam is the heart of Holland then Leiden must be its soul. This is the home of many famous artists including Rembrandt himself and the school that taught him to draw. It’s also the actual epicentre of the iconic Dutch tulip bulb development and industry. It’s the location of the first University in Holland with a centre for physics that has given the world numerous important technological developments over the years. Leiden was the battleground that ultimately led to Dutch independence from Spain. It was the Pilgrim’s departure point when they sailed the Mayflower to the new world and it has the oldest operating theatre in the Netherlands. But, if that’s not enough, there’s much much more that makes this place so special including how beautiful Leiden and the neighbouring historic town of Delft are with such fantastic Dutch architecture and quaint channels to walk along. There’s only one thing that could come close to overshadowing the beauty of these places and that’s the beauty of the people who live here. And not surprisingly we’ve had first hand experience with the very best of them. Thank you so much Anneke, Els, Ad, Hedy, Kees, Jan, and Marija for driving us about and guiding us through your beautiful community, entertaining us, feeding us so well and generally taking such great care of us. We are really looking forward to the day that we have an opportunity to reciprocate your special treatment with some Western Canadian hospitality of our own. Margot and I cannot thank you enough for all your kindness.

We’re now crossing the channel and about to start our grand tour of Great Britain. Looking forward to everything except driving on the wrong side of the road.

Road Rage: Campgrounds that advertise there open and aren’t… really tick me off!