Day 13 (July 18, 2018):
For the next few days, we’re on a “two city per day” regime. There are a dozen Dutch cities within an hour’s train ride of our Rotterdam base. We’ve chosen seven that we want to take in - at least to see the highlights - between now and flight departure time on Sunday. Hence, no more sleep-ins! To paraphrase a sign I saw in a cafe recently, “Drink coffee! Sightsee! You can sleep when you’re dead.”
On the train to The Hague: Not too often one sees such a perfect intersection of three airplane trails.
The Dutch parliamentary buildings reflected in the Hofvijver.
“Trees” of geraniums along the Hofvijver.
Statue of Johan De Witt, across from the Hofvijver.
Paleis Noordeinde:The king’s and queen’s official quarters.
The Oude Raadhuis (“Old Town Hall”) from 1565 is considered an excellent example of Dutch Renaissance architecture.
Willem II (1792 – 1849) was King of the Netherlands, grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Duke of Limburg.
This is the Binnenhof, as the Parliament buildings are called. Its courtyard used to be the site of public executions.
A highlight of the Binnenhof is the restored 13th-century Ridderzaal (“Knights’ Hall”).
The large public square adjacent to the Parliament buildings. Note the gleaming high-rises of The Hague in the background.
The United Nations international Court of Justice. The grand building was donated by American steelmaker Andrew Carnegie for use by the International Court of Arbitra tion, an early international body whose goal was the prevention of war, which proved elusive, as WWI broke out the year after it opened.
The UN flag flying on the grounds. Such high profile cases as Serbian war criminals were tried here.
The world peace flame, created in 1999 at the UN International Court.
Delft: if there was a disappointment in today, it was this canal tour.
The view from the top of Nieuwe Kerk.
The view from the top of Nieuwe Kerk.
Delft’s famous blue and white pottery originally duplicated from Chinese porcelain by 17 th-century artisans.
Delft
Delft
And to close, here are a few goofier shots from today!
Not only does the Bilderberg Parkhotel serve a good breakfast buffet, it’s also next to a Metro station and a tram stop, so Rotterdam Central Station is just three minutes away, if we time it right. By 9AM, we were on a train to The Hague, which is just half an hour from Rotterdam. Being the seat of government for the Netherlands, the sight of the UN World Court, and the third largest city in the country, it was on our “must-see” list. The Hague is a brilliant mix of exquisite historic buildings and modern high-rises.
Following a quick lunch at a terrasse, we got a train to the second city of the day: Delft. The exquisite medieval centre of Delft is a hugely popular day-trip destination, with visitors flocking to stroll its narrow, canal-lined streets, gazing at the remarkable architecture. Delft is synonymous with its famous Delftware, the distinctive blue-and-white pottery originally duplicated from Chinese porcelain by 17th-century artisans. Founded around 1100, Delft grew rich from weaving and trade in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Following a nice Italian dinner on the main square in Delft, we took a 6:30 PM train back to Rotterdam. If there was ever a vacation day where the sights were simply drippy with richness, history, and perfection, today was it.
If you like Gouda cheese, check in for tomorrow’s blog!
On the train to The Hague: Not too often one sees such a perfect intersection of three airplane trails.
The Dutch parliamentary buildings reflected in the Hofvijver.
“Trees” of geraniums along the Hofvijver.
Statue of Johan De Witt, across from the Hofvijver.
Paleis Noordeinde:The king’s and queen’s official quarters.
The Grote Kerk (“Big Church”) dating from 1450, Is indeed quite massive. At 93m tall, its tower is one of the highest in the Netherlands.
The Oude Raadhuis (“Old Town Hall”) from 1565 is considered an excellent example of Dutch Renaissance architecture.
Willem II (1792 – 1849) was King of the Netherlands, grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Duke of Limburg.
This is the Binnenhof, as the Parliament buildings are called. Its courtyard used to be the site of public executions.
A highlight of the Binnenhof is the restored 13th-century Ridderzaal (“Knights’ Hall”).
For a comprehensive introduction to Dutch and Flemish Art, the Mauritshuis (in the background behind Pam) is a jewel-box of a museum in an old palace. Almost every work is a masterpiece, including famous works by Vermeer and Rembrandt.
Perhaps the most famous painting in the Mauritshuis is “Girl with a pearl earring”, by Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer.
The large public square adjacent to the Parliament buildings. Note the gleaming high-rises of The Hague in the background.
The United Nations international Court of Justice. The grand building was donated by American steelmaker Andrew Carnegie for use by the International Court of Arbitra tion, an early international body whose goal was the prevention of war, which proved elusive, as WWI broke out the year after it opened.
The UN flag flying on the grounds. Such high profile cases as Serbian war criminals were tried here.
The world peace flame, created in 1999 at the UN International Court.
Delft: if there was a disappointment in today, it was this canal tour.
Construction on Delft’s “Nieuwe Kerk” (“New Church”) began in 1381; it was finally completed in 1655. Amazing views extend from the 109m-high tower: after climbing its 376 narrow, spiralling steps we could see as far as Rotterdam and The Hague.
The view from the top of Nieuwe Kerk.
The view from the top of Nieuwe Kerk.
Located on Delft’s pedestrianised city square, the town hall has an unusual combination of Renaissance construction surrounding a 13th-century tower.
Delft’s famous blue and white pottery originally duplicated from Chinese porcelain by 17 th-century artisans.
Delft
Canal in Delft.
Delft
And to close, here are a few goofier shots from today!
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