Today is Leidens Ontzet which is a day of celebration in the town I was born, I’ve written a post two years ago about the siege of Leiden in 1574 by Spanish soldiers during the Eighty Year’s War. Oddly enough I do miss my herring and I was supposed to celebrate this Friday but had to cancel. I’ve joined the organisation for Dutch expats here in London and they will serve herring that day along with a typical traditional meal called ‘Hutspot’ which can be best described as a dish of boiled and mashed potatoes, carrots and onions with a long history in traditional Dutch cuisine.

I haven’t been well for weeks caused by the Chinese tea which is basically a total detox and because of that my body rejects any kind of food or liquid. So I’m afraid I won’t be eating any herring or Hutspot this year. I have to admit I was really looking forward to that evening of indulgence so yes I’m slightly disappointed. But I guess certain things happen for a reason, perhaps next year will be a better opportunity…