Pelikaanhof: in 1975, a brand new complex in the centre of Leiden and I was one of the first residents. At that time, it was difficult to find a room, and as Leiden local, I was surprised I still qualified for a room there. The rent was 73 guilders per month. It didn't bother me that I was given a small, secluded room. Pelikaanhof was a great place to live: the building was new, relatively quiet and safe, and it was cleaned daily.
The Tour de France started in Leiden in1978. From the flat, we watched Jan Raas, Gerrie Knetemann, and Joop Zoetemelk pass by during a time trial through the city centre. Since graduating, I rarely returned to Leiden. The last time I drove past Pelikaanhof, it looked less accessible than I remembered.
