Hello from Leiden

Leiden... city of canals, and lots and lots of bicycles... was home to the Mayflower Pilgrims from 1609-1620, and for longer for those who followed after on the Little James, the Ann and the Fortune. Richard wonders why they ever left Leiden. I reminded him that they were, in fact, expecting the Spanish inquisition. (I know, all you Python fans are thinking, No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!) I have kissed the bronze plaque marking the site of the first Pilgrim Press, I have strolled through the garden of Rev. John Robinson's house, I have visited with Jeremy Bangs at the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum. And from time to time, since we arrived on Tuesday, I have stopped and said "oh, my goodness," this is so beautiful. The light is like no other. No wonder the Dutch Masters painted as they did.
Leiden is also the home of the oldest University in the Netherlands, and I think the average age of the residents of the city might make it the "youngest" city in the Netherlands. We are staying just a few minute's walk from the Leiden Campus of Webster University, Webster Groves, Mo, where I went to ask for help translating a message from a local ATM ("Out of Order" was what it said. I should have guessed). That's all for now, but I promise, more photos & more stories to come. Love to you all. You are in my heart and in my prayers. Emily Hadland should definitely think about applying for grad school here. Jack, this is the place for your next bike trip.