Our exploration continued from Amsterdam with a delightful day trip to Haarlem, a town with a rich history that once thrived as a major North Sea trading port, its perimeter protected by a formidable defensive wall. The town's medieval essence remains intact, as we strolled along its cobblestone streets and admired the charming gabled houses that line them. Haarlem is renowned for being at the heart of a significant flower-bulb-growing region, famous for its picturesque tulip fields that stretch beyond the town's borders. The town also boasts a collection of art museums and hofjes, almshouses set amidst serene leafy courtyards. One of the highlights of this visit was the opportunity to see a windmill up close, an iconic symbol of Dutch culture and heritage.