Day 45 - Thu 24 Jul 14, Leiden to Haarlem (the Netherlands)

July 23, 2014

Forecast: 16-25 deg C, mostly sunny; Listed distance: 33km; Actual distance: 40km; Cumulative distance: 1811km; Av speed: 13.2 km/h; Max speed: 26.3 km/h; Leiden: 20 deg C; Haarlem: 26 deg C; Start time: 9:15am; Stop time: 1:30pm; Ride time: 3h02m

Another fine day in the Netherlands. We spent a while having breakfast this morning in order to kill some time before leaving for Haarlem. We then packed up and checked out after 9am, which was a record late time for us! We found our way quickly and easily through town to the outskirts and really took our time as evidenced by the slow average speed. We also had a fairly strong side to head-on wind which was quite blustery and if you weren't on the ball kinda blew you sideways for a bit.

We stopped often to take photos and stopped for mornos in the town/village of Lisse (we purposely went via this place to see a castle and tulips; the castle was closed and the tulips had been reduced to bulbs - bugger!). We did find what we thought to be a rather large bronze dog though, so took some photos of that instead. We were having a nice relaxing time when some smoker decided to sit upwind of us and proceed to blow all her smoke in our direction. Funny how they can't stand the smoke blowing in their own face but expect others, especially non-smokers, to enjoy it!!?? Idiots!
A little further down the road, in Hillegom, we stopped for lunch and took our time. We found a small park with a fountain and sat beside that and it was quite peaceful. No smokers this time.
From there it was still another 16km to the hotel. We arrived early again, but our room was ready this time. Being in Haarlem, the price is quite expensive but it is a 4* (Golden Tulip Lion D’Or), and breakfast is included and we do have a kettle, but no fridge! You don't get real milk here in Europe; it's either the little things of UHT milk/cream or powdered creamer. That's ok, but when you only get 2/day, only one person can have a cuppa. Wendy has been hoarding them for the last week or so, so we now have a few, but we may have to ask for more soon. After unpacking, washing and a nap, we strolled through the streets keeping an eye open for possible restaurants. We went back to the hotel to freshen up and then had dinner at Pippa's - an Italian type restaurant and yes, we had pasta with beer, again. But it was good. As the restaurant is opposite the hotel, we went for another short stroll before completing the evening routine.

Haarlem is a satellite city of Amsterdam, 20km towards the coast. Last time we were in Amsterdam we found it very interesting but a bit busy/touristy and the hotel rooms there are minuscule. So this time we elected to stay out-of-town. This city dates back to pre-medieval times. It was extremely prosperous until Amsterdam became more prominent and 'stole' a large percentage of its shipping business and trade. However, the lack of development has helped Haarlem retain its old-world charm and buildings.

It is a very pleasant place to wander around; not many cars although you do have to keep a look out for the thousands of bicycles that whiz around the extensive bike path system. If you step onto a bike path without looking you are in trouble with the locals who seem like they are always on a mission.