"Decades later, Protestants fleeing persecution elsewhere in the Low Countries, France and England arrived in Leiden to a somewhat warmer welcome. Most notable was the group led by John Robinson, who would sail to America and into history as the pilgrims aboard the Mayflower." ~ Lonely Planet

Another picturesque town in Holland is located conveniently between The Hague and Amsterdam.

Leiden (pronounced Lay-den) has been home to the oldest university in The Netherlands since 1575.

The worlds oldest operating University observatory stands proudly on its campus.

With canals throughout...

 and two branches of the Old Rhine meeting in the center of town....

boats are a way of life...

and a lovely way to meander your way around...

the liquid streets.

Life seems to slow down on these canals...

and the warmer weather has awaken...

the bulbs for their yearly return to the stage.

If you are lucky enough to be in Leiden on a Saturday...

you must go...

 for an event all in itself.

A lovely day...

to be introduced to this quaint town.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.