Nov 11

Nov 11 Leiden

When I was living in the Netherlands, there were no shortage of options for a day trip from Amsterdam. As it is a small country, many interesting cities are only a quick train ride away. On one beautiful fall day, I chose to visit Leiden.

Walking around Leiden felt cozy, with the brick pathways peaking out from beneath the fallen leaves. There are plenty of open spaces to sit and enjoy the scenery, and of course being in the Netherlands, many bridges to cross over the canals.

While Leiden may feel like a small town, with its warm ambiance and friendly people, it is a major city. Like Amsterdam, and owing to its renowned university, it is home to people of many nationalities. You can find cuisine from all over the world. Also, there are many bookshops that cater to the intellectual spirit of the city. I was intrigued by the window display at Atleest, which offers books on and from diverse countries and cultures around the world.

*A stroll through the Hortus bontanicus Leiden*

I went to Leiden on a pilgrimage, really, to visit the botanical garden, the Hortus botanicus Leiden. I love botanical gardens, flowers, and plants in general. I love that in botanical gardens you can find species from all over the world, and I especially love when I see a new plant for the first time! They are all so beautiful and unique.

Pretty flowers found at the Horus botanicus Leiden — *Pretty flowers found at the Hortus botanicus Leiden*

Though I did not see any tulips, it was in this city that they were first cultivated in the Netherlands after a long journey from the Ottoman Empire. In addition to the outdoor gardens, there are also glasshouses, in one of which you will find the Victoria amazonia, the giant water lilies. These lilies are so special, as the lily pads are truly giant, and their flowers only bloom for a day or two at a time.

*Inside one of the glasshouses of the Hortus botanicus Leiden*

I also took my time in the gardens to film my first YouTube video! You can watch it here if you haven’t seen it already :)

*The view from above the Burcht van Leiden*

Although there is a lot to do in Leiden, it is small city so you can take your time. I went for a leisurely stroll around the Burcht van Leiden, a former fortress. A walk atop the circular ramparts gives you a complete view of city from above, as well as a natural serenity, as you are walking among the tree tops.

*A walk along the ramparts of the Burcht van Leiden*

*A poem by e e cummings on a wall in Leiden, part of De Muurgedichten Leiden project*

My favorite surprise when in Leiden were the poems you can find written on the walls of buildings. Part of a project called De Muurgedichten Leiden, these murals bring poetry to everyone, and only enhance the charm of this city. I found them very beautiful and moving, especially when you just happen upon them. You have a moment to read and reflect, and I think that is a rare and special experience. The poems are written in their original language; some of them are also translated into Dutch or English. I only saw a few of them - according to the website, there are over 100! This reminds me of one of the things I love about the Netherlands. This is such a diverse country with an open mind, welcoming people from all over the world.

*A delicious brie melt from Barista Cafe Leiden was the perfect lunch on a cozy fall day*

Before catching my train back home to Amsterdam, I had a quick lunch at Barista Cafe Leiden. Matching the theme of the day, cozy, this is a great place to have a coffee and take your time. Featuring old wooden beams and exposed brick, it has a very welcoming atmosphere. All said, Leiden was the perfect way to spend a fall day out.