Day 44 – Wed 23 Jul 14, The Hague to Leiden (the Netherlands)

July 22, 2014

Forecast: 16-26 deg C, sunny; Listed distance: 21km; Actual distance: 30km; Cumulative distance: 1771km; Av speed: 12.5 km/h; Max speed: 31.1 km/h; The Hague: 20 deg C; Leiden: 28 deg C; Start time: 8:45am; Stop time: 12:20pm; Ride time: 2h19m

Woke a little earlier than usual, probably due to the easier than usual day we had yesterday? Nice blue skies were behind the curtains and Wendy had to hold Greg back from leaving ASAP. As it was another low km day we didn't want to leave too early as check-in was 3pm. After breakfast, we packed our remaining clothes, etc and were checked-out and on the road earlier than we hoped. Never mind.
We soon found the way out to Leiden without getting lost this time. However, in one of the forests we decided to ride through, we came to a sign that didn't have our designated numbers on it. Whilst we were debating whether to go back to find the more correct path, a female police officer on a bicycle came to offer assistance. She was very helpful, interesting (she and her husband had just returned from a cycle trip to Rome) and interested (in where we were going and from where we'd come). She said she loved her job as she got to be on the bike. She informed us that to get to Leiden all we needed to do was keep going straight. We did that for a while then got bored with the highway traffic so headed inland into a forested area and then to Wassenaar, an upmarket village bordering the forest, to kill some time. Whilst we didn't get 'lost' we did get to Leiden via the more scenic route which did take a little more time. Which was just as well.

Taking the scenic route was a smart move on our part because when we arrived at the Best Western City Hotel Leiden, we were promptly told that our room was not ready. We were pleased we did not arrive even earlier. It would have been interesting to sit in the lobby for 2.5 hrs to see if he said that to all the customers, but we dumped the bikes and the bags and headed off to explore Leiden with its narrow cobbled streets, old buildings, canals and boats.

There was much of the same as what we had already seen so many times before (shopping malls and canals), and some more interesting things (markets and pretty canal harbours. It was market day so it was a good chance to see the local fresh produce. These markets are always interesting events for us visitors. The amount and variety of cheeses on display reflect the Dutch love of the stuff. What we initially thought was a smallish village turned out to be a medium size city.
When we did eventually check in, at 3pm on the dot, we had a wash and then a nap. We had a bit of a head wind today and although it was not a huge distance, Wendy said she felt washed out, just like that feeling we used to get before cars had aircon in them.

At 4pm today the Netherlands observed a minute silence as the aircraft carrying 40 victims of Flight MH17 touched down south of here at Eindhoven Airport. They telecast this live on TV. It was a very sad occasion, but good to see that the Dutch treated all the caskets with the dignity and respect they deserved. It was also good to see the RAAF helping with the repatriation.

It was then time to eat and we had seen a pub/restaurant about 100m up the road on our afternoon wander so we ate there. Wendy had a steak and Greg ordered saddle of lamb and got 2½ thin chops. He said they were quite tasty though. We then had a short stroll around a couple of blocks and then settled in for the night.