Today was a day guided by Diane who has finished her teaching contract and willing to take me to some of her favourite places in Holland, The Peace Palace in The Hague being our first stop. This place is where international disputes are often negotiated – introducing peace as a preferable alternative to war.

One of Holland’s must see is Delph, a short train ride from The Hague. It is a mini Amsterdam with less people a smaller canals. I learned that most of Holland is very wet and the canals were necessary to provide land that was dry enough for agriculture and for building on. The fields are like grids with ditches delineating the sections much like the stone fences would do in Ireland.

Some 13th century buildings are situated in cobblestone streets lined with spectacular old homes and shops. Near the central square in Delph. We found an amazing organic restaurant and sat at a tiny table eating out lunch, watching the towns people ride by on their bikes equipped with big baskets for their groceries and often bouquets of flowers. The lunch was phenomenal and I wished that I had more time to watch and wander.

Next stop- train to Liester to meet Diane’s friends at a Japanese restaurant.

We had time to walk for about 45 minutes before we met for dinner. Yet another quaint Dutch village with many canals and stone bridges. People everywhere, walking, riding bikes and a few cars.