The picturesque Netherlands absolutely stole my heart, and if I were to pick a gem, of which there were many in this unique country with its pretty canals, historical buildings, vibrant modern cities, fertile farmlands scattered everywhere, and bicycles of course, my heart would choose Den Haag (The Hague) as my absolute favourite city; it simply had something that pulled at my heartstrings.
Den Haag is the largest city in the Netherlands and is home to the official residence of the Dutch royalty, the liberal Dutch Parliament, the Peace Palace which houses the UN International Court of Justice as well as the International Criminal Court. I shared a little about that in a previous post.
Walking through the bustling city centre brought many sights, smells, and sounds. Seeing the weaving of trams, buses, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians, without any mishaps, was quite something!
Of course, there were many coffeeshops, the kind that do not serve coffee!
Shoefiti - the art of getting one's trainers to hang on overhead electricity wires, definitely would be a late-night activity and I can just imagine the yells of triumph when the 'shoefiti artist' aims right ;) It could be a way that gangs mark their territory, or simply crazy fun between friends.
Den Haag is a beautiful city, with typical Dutch as well as ultra-modern buildings.
Arriving at the Buitenhof on a Saturday morning, there was a market day in progress, the same as in many Dutch towns and cities. Cheese, like only the Dutch can make, garden-fresh luscious fruit and vegetables, handcrafts, coffee, and the most delicious pure freshly pressed apple juice, are just some of the products on sale. The craft liqueur tasting table was very popular, we could not even get close enough to taste it, and had to be satisfied with 'Vers Appelsap.'
We were mesmerized by the talented young singer and guitarist, Babette Zwinkels, who captivated everyone with her French and Dutch singing. It was pure magic with the wide canal, the water fountain, and the gracious buildings of the Binnenhof as a backdrop.
Take a listen to one of the songs we listened to of Babette Zwinkels
I must add that I saw a ton of restoration work in progress in many of the cities, as is happening in the Binnehof. The Baroque-style Mauritshouse can be seen on the left, and I will tell you a little about that later.
This 1848 statue of the first Dutch King, William of Orange, who was an important Protestant figurehead, is opposite the Noordeinde Palace.
The next one is the 1852 statue of King William II, Supreme Commander of the army, and stands in the Buitenhof.
There was a major revamping of the Binnenhof in progress so we did not get to see everything, plus time was not on our side!
This obviously is a very popular attraction, and once through the arched entrance, we saw the square and the impressive buildings that accommodate the Dutch Parliament, as well as the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights).
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While strolling and taking everything in, my son asked whether I would be interested to see the Girl with a Pearl Earring. At the time of writing, this painting by Jan Vermeer, is said to be worth around 100 million USD!
My son duly bought tickets so it was off to the beautiful Mauritshouse, filled with stunning paintings from centuries ago.
I will share the famous and unknown Girl with the Pearl Earring, and some of my favourite paintings in the Mauritshuis in a more in-depth post next time.
We did not get a chance to have our photo taken in front of this priceless painting as it was far too crowded but managed to strike a pose in front of the largest 3D print of this painting, and my son bought me a fun T-shirt of the Cat with a Pearl Earring.
We left this city filled with history, charm and joy, with hearts full of memories. I was smiling like a Cheshire cat, happy to be taking such a fun piece of this stunning city with me!
Den Haag, I will be back!
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I have always loved lively and crowded cities. From what I can see in the photos, the buildings look very aesthetic and I think this is one of the most important details that make a big city beautiful. I read that hanging shoes on electric wires has many meanings. I have even heard that it is an activity used to emphasize the expectation of rain. I think here, as you said, it was done to mark the territory of the gangs.
I've been very surprised by some of the modern architecture in the Netherlands. Seeing those buildings towering above the older ones, really adds to the aesthetics.
My friend, you are so incredibly good at this. This post is a work of art in and of itself! I'm going to have to visit the Hague, I've never been. I'm so glad you had a good trip, it sounds like it'll be the first of many!
Awe thank you Eric, that's a big compliment coming from you. I do hope to go back and see more, it really was a whirlwind visit as the kids wanted me to see so much. The plans are that I go late May/June to finally see the tulips:)
You're welcome! We don't have any immediate travel plans made but hope to see Japan next. Tulip season would be the perfect time to go. We've wanted to see them too. I hope you're all settled in back home. There's always so much to catch up on when you get back!
It really looks like a wonderful place and so glad that you could visit Den Haag Lady Lizzie.
One would need at least a week there to explore the place and even a week will be too short.
I can see why you fell in love with it.
!PIZZA and !LUV
I would need to stay longer next time and spend more time in each town, we almost flew through them at times. Den Haag was really lovely! But so was Amsterdam, Utrecht, Gouda, Delft, Naarden...and...and...
Oh yes, we agree, as the quick visits only makes one to long for a return over a longer period. But, after all you had many delightful sights Lady Lizzie, and the bonus is that you absolutely needed that trip under the circumstances.
We think that your son is a hero for standing by you like that.
!PIZZA and !LUV
I'm so glad you enjoyed your travels so much my friend, the pictures are so beautiful and the way you explained them in your post, feels like I've traveled there with you.
The Netherlands is a beautiful part of the world.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Wish I could have taken you with my friend, it was absolutely awesome, and the pictures really don't do any justice to the place.
One day, I hope, we can all go together. Peter would love to experience where he's roots come from. In the mean time, we'll enjoy your pictures Lol.
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What a beautiful city! Thank you for sharing such nice images that let us know through your eyes and your experience. The t-shirt your son gave you is really nice 🤭.
Thank you @mdrguez, glad you enjoyed it, and yes, that T-shirt is my new favourite, just love it!
The way you describe this city is impressive. You make it irresistible not to visit. The images are amazing, I almost feel like I am present. Thank you for sharing with us this beautiful journey.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, the photos really don't do any justice to the city, but there's only so much a camera can do, not so.
That's right. But the photos are very beautiful. congratulations.
It is a beautiful place. The buildings are also unique and distinctive. I love seeing that place
It's a stunning city indeed.
Deen Haag is really a beautiful City in Netherlands.
So many Serene environment and lovely places
One should plan towards a visit someday.
I would love to go back and explore more of the city. It is stunning!
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It is a beautiful city, rich in culture, I'm glad you enjoyed it.