The Netherlands - Leiden (draft)

Leiden is a canal town (Amsterdam is one) in the Western part of the Netherlands. It is also a university town with the University of Leiden, one of the oldest universities in Europe founded in 1575.

Leiden is also where the first tulip in Europe was grown. It was also the birthplace of Rembrandt 400 years ago this year. Etc, etc

The town itself is criss-crossed by canals where white water-lilies bloom during the summer months.

The day I was there was the first day of the herring season. The Dutch eat their herring raw, covered with onions. The herring is skinned, deboned and the head chopped off. One then may roll it in a bit of chopped onions then lift the fish by its tail, extend one's neck backwards and lowers the herring into one's gaping mouth. (Sorry no photos)