I do miss the Amsterdam markets since I moved away from the big city, but Leiden's bi-weekly market is a great substitute. This market, held on the banks of the Rhine, has been around for 900 years. That's quite a thought to ponder as I wander the stalls and practice my Dutch.

What do I look forward to? Well, the tomatoes are always worth the wait. Cheese samples abound so I always make sure I manage to try a few. By the time I've made the rounds I always find myself clutching a few bunches of tulips. Then I'm hard-pressed (but willing!) to juggle a steaming hot stroopwafel as I head home.