That kind of experience is what makes traveling magical. Perhaps next Thanksgiving you might choose to celebrate in Leiden.
In the 1600s, the Pilgrims called the Dutch city of Leiden home for over a decade before sailing to America. To honor that history, each Thanksgiving a service is held at the Pieterskerk where the Pilgrims once worshipped. The NYT article below describes this connection and explains the charm of the town.
American ties to Leiden run even deeper. John Adams, the second U.S. president, and his son John Quincy Adams, the sixth, lived and studied there while working to secure funding for the Revolutionary War and strengthen diplomatic relations. Their efforts succeeded: the Netherlands became the first country to recognize American independence and provided crucial loans for the war effort.
Leiden...It’s another magical place to experience the American November holiday. And someday, if your travels bring you to there, pls stop by Brussels, you are warmly invited to stay with us. I feel like I know you a little more each time your messages pop up on my screen. 😊
Gentlemen I wish you bith a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are celebrating. I enjoyed your original post and learning about the hospitality of the Macedonians.
That was a wonderful story. Being invited to dinner while traveling is one of the best things that can happen. I enjoyed the detail you put into describing the meal and the village.
Memories are made of this!
Absolutely!
Great post and beautiful photos, Michael.
Thank you very much!
We enjoy the Balkan countries.
That kind of experience is what makes traveling magical. Perhaps next Thanksgiving you might choose to celebrate in Leiden.
In the 1600s, the Pilgrims called the Dutch city of Leiden home for over a decade before sailing to America. To honor that history, each Thanksgiving a service is held at the Pieterskerk where the Pilgrims once worshipped. The NYT article below describes this connection and explains the charm of the town.
American ties to Leiden run even deeper. John Adams, the second U.S. president, and his son John Quincy Adams, the sixth, lived and studied there while working to secure funding for the Revolutionary War and strengthen diplomatic relations. Their efforts succeeded: the Netherlands became the first country to recognize American independence and provided crucial loans for the war effort.
Leiden...It’s another magical place to experience the American November holiday. And someday, if your travels bring you to there, pls stop by Brussels, you are warmly invited to stay with us. I feel like I know you a little more each time your messages pop up on my screen. 😊
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/travel/leiden-netherlands-university.html?unlocked_article_code=1.0k8.kNwr.anssIfwjRnB7&smid=url-share&fbclid=IwY2xjawOVDPNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeDtKJ8Ft1OJQRBE_4ZfscejovP7j4rEs4nW_8MWOzNUG3ezXPaSRNK-gI8q8_aem_9GrPMjbagKjxekwt68PDZg
Thank you very much, Beth! Would love to visit Leiden. And I'm sure we'll pay through Brussels again one of these days!
Gentlemen I wish you bith a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are celebrating. I enjoyed your original post and learning about the hospitality of the Macedonians.
You as well, Jim. And thanks!
That was a wonderful story. Being invited to dinner while traveling is one of the best things that can happen. I enjoyed the detail you put into describing the meal and the village.
Thanks, Brad. It's one of the best meals we've had in eight years of travel.