On this other side of the world (America), those cities come to me through literature or philosophy, or cinema. Erasmus of Rotterdam, the famous promoter of Renaissance humanism. Or Amsterdam, and I think of one of my beloved philosophers, Baruch Spinoza. The Haarlem you show us seems to have little resemblance in people with American Harlem, although perhaps this continued the vitality of its people. That is what is interesting about places and travel, to know the particularities, similarities and differences.
The houses and internal spaces where they stayed are truly beautiful, elegant, cozy and comfortable. The church attracted me a lot. And to have a folding bridge, something fascinating.
Thank you for your post, @lufcija, with so illustrative and good photos. We continue to travel with you...