It is funny how every new city we go to winds up being my favorite place in the Netherlands. It happened here in Amsterdam, then in Haarlem, again in Utrecht, then again in Leiden. Amsterdam I liked for its atmosphere, Haarlem for its tranquility, Utrecht for its history and diversity, and now Leiden for the combination and balance between all of the characteristics above. Leiden allows for a pleasant enjoyment of beauty, significance, and socializing. Although it may be possible that the lovely weather and extended free time we spent in Leiden attributed to the heightened sense of enjoyment, I do believe Leiden to be my honest choice in favorite cities here (or at least for now…).
Coming from an Urban Studies background, I found this trip particularly exciting as we were granted a guided tour of the city, complete with historic, geographic, political and diplomatic influences that each shaped the city layout and design. For example, they integrated the Rhine River and an old defensive moat in shaping several canals. Additionally, as much of the city remained intact since the medieval times, many of the old buildings had been annexed over to Leiden University campus as room for university expansion diminished. The final point on city layout I wished to touch upon about city design is of the method in which buildings are engineered to lean slightly toward the street to both protect the façades from weather and facilitate drainage as well. It is nice to observe these small details firsthand.
To sum up, I believe it was in lecture that we first heard the saying that “God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands.” Leiden truly exhibited how such a philosophy is implemented as the many features and designs throughout the city attempt to confront the natural elements and political sways that could threaten the city. Overall, our trip to Leiden was quite the treat.
