Thursday, April 26, 2012

Last Day in Leiden with the kids.

This is Diana's and my last night in Holland with Cole and Judith.  I hope you have enjoyed the blog.  I have always been a night owl so I have enjoyed staying up late and just updating the blog for us.  My Jeans and shirts are finishing drying in the dryer which is about the size of a shoe box.  This will be my last post.  The town  is beautiful and everyone should experience a place like Leiden for one or two weeks in their life.  Add it to your bucket list.  Trust me.


Most all the buildings have hoists out the front of the buildings.  You didn't think you can get your table, furniture  and appliances  up those tight stairs did you ?



One last view out our bedroom window to the cathedral.  Hooglandse Kerk is a Gothic church in Leiden dating from the fifteenth century. The brick church is dedicated to St. Pancras and today serves parishioners of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands.




the Girls are out shopping and Cole and I discover the Pilgrims Museum 100 meters from our flat.  "Are you kidding me!"
The pilgrim museum is just around from the clock tower that rings on the hour.   The clock tower was a temporary wooden structure when they built the cathedral  but the population never moved into the center as expected so it was never finished in brick.

The Front door to the Pilgrims Museum.


these small artifacts were found in the sewers dumped by the pilgrims as they fled.

Stairs to the cellar.  The building is from 1370.


This banner is from 1530 and was only used during special ceremonials.   It is  all about the crucifixion  of Christ.  Symbols are everywhere.
The trunk is from the 14th century
items in the museum


This chair is from the 12 the Century.  Wow.



Judith's Law School

 The very old Church now gym where Cole and Judith work out.
 Cole and his friend K'irk at the Owl Pub just across the alley from their Apartment.
 Judith and Diana return triumphant from their shopping trip.

 Dave and Cole spend some Dad and Son time playing pinball
One last picture with our 14th century alarm clock.  The Bishop of Utrecht ordered the construction of a wooden chapel on December 20, 1314. By 1377 the population and economic prosperity of Leiden called for a larger structure, and construction began on the current structure. The sanctuary was finished in 1391 and the ambulatory in 1415.
 out last dinner in Leiden at the best Greek Restaurant

 we are actually indoors but it does not  look like it.
 First course of spreads and bread

 cheers
 a final group shot.  What a trip!
 Diana and Cole
 Diana and Dave
 Two Keys are the City symbol for Leiden and on many buildings

 Cole and Klaus one last night
 Cole shows  Mom how to use Spotify...and she is hooked
 And Judith finishes the night as  as the next Mrs. Robinson.  Simply Gorgeous!


Good night.  Can't wait to get home and cut some grass!  I will leave you all with my lessons learned from our trip to Leiden

  • bikes and bike lanes everywhere
  • Drinking beer is good
  • olive oil is the only oil.
  • we all quit work at 4pm
  • no work in August- everyone
  • everyone has a shop - for most anything
  • no preservatives in the food
  • walk around to truly enjoy the world
  • casual clothes are all you need
  • a pub on every corner
  • a church on every other corner
  • nice to visit John Robinson's town at last
  • fresh flowers every other day
  • toilets and bathrooms are not made to spend any more time then necessary.
  • 500 years is not old
  • if you cant walk to it - you don't need it
  • no car - no problem
  • Do you know what gas costs?  see above - who cares
  • the train beats a plane on most days
  • don't bring a car - you cant park it here.
  • diet coke tastes bad in EU
  • bread, cheese, and salami makes a fine breakfast
  • the church will let you know what time it is
  • don't like the weather - give it an hour
  • Steve Jobs has these folks hooked too
  • wine bottles here ave real corks.














Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Last Day in Paris and Back Home to Leiden

Our final morning in Paris.  We have lots of time before our train back to Holland.  It is raining lightly again but we eat what is left over for breakfast and we play cards to pass the time.  I think Cole had too much wine last night.

 Bags are packed and ready
 One last photo opportunity with Diana in Paris before we get on the Metro

 Our last sights on the surface in Paris.
 On the subway to the Paris Station
 Our gracious and beautiful hosts once more
 Paris Station




We arrive at the Paris Station and decide to get a bite before the three hour ride back to Leiden.


Heading back to Leiden.  Hey it not not First Class back but no one seems to mind

 Back in Leiden and this looks like a mega Bicycle parking garage area
 4.99 Euros and Domino's will scooter it to you!
 walking back home from the station
 Isn't  this picturesque
 The Leiden Plaza
 I decided I was tired of taking photos from behind so I ran ahead and got this shot

 A nice dinner before we watch Madrid play at the "Church"

 And some delicious ribs after a long day
 Post dinner shot


 This is where we had dinner tonight.  Diana never found that perfect purse but Judith and her are shopping tomorrow for one last try in Leiden.
 This is the Cathedral across  from the apartment.  The pub is close by for anyone needing immediate reconciliation.
 The "Church" we have visited multiple times.
 Watching the Madrid game on big screen.   Not a good outcome according to Cole!

 It was promising in the beginning but not to be.  Madrid loses in overtime after a shoot out.




The Cathedral on our way home all lite up.  Good Night!