August 2022

The Netherlands: Delft

Ah, Delft, a city so charming and picturesque, it's like a fairytale come to life. And what better way to experience its magic than with a dear friend by your side? Let me take you on a journey through the cobbled streets of this idyllic Dutch town, where every turn feels like a step back in time.

29 August 2022

As Margot and I strolled through the streets, the sun casted a warm glow over the old brick buildings. The sights, sounds, and smells of Delft envelop you, transported me to a world where time seems to stand still.

Our Airbnb hosts, Marten and Martin, greeted us with open arms and showed us our cozy room. It was a room full of character and warmth, just like the rest of the house. We settled in and felt grateful for this little oasis in the heart of the city.

And so our adventure in Delft began. We started with a stroll through a garden bursting with life, the air perfumed with the scent of fresh blooms. A sleepy cat lazed in the sun, unfazed by the hustle and bustle around it. We crossed small bridges, marveling at the sparkling water below, and took in the beauty of the old buildings.

As we wandered through the streets, it felt like I was in a storybook. The gabled roofs, colorful shutters, and quaint storefronts are like something out of a painting.

Bridges, oh, bridges! They beckoned us with their captivating allure, each one boasting its own unique personality. Adorned with a profusion of red and pink flowers, they seemed to float gracefully above the tranquil waters below. And what a sight it was! The water shimmered with a delicate layer of algae, a whimsical carpet that tempted us to take a step and dance upon its surface, as if we were in a dream.

As I marveled at the bridges, my eyes were drawn to the waterway that flowed beneath them. Little boats, like tiny jewels, bobbed gently along the current, lending an artistic touch to the scenery. Yet amidst this idyllic scene, a hint of melancholy whispered in the wind, for the water held a secret—a collection of fallen bicycles, a testament to a city where cycling is a way of life.

We found ourselves at a charming coffee bar, a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. With impeccable timing, we secured two seats decorated with yellow cushions, providing the perfect point to witness the ebb and flow of life passing by. From there, we observed the livelihood of Delft and the stories of the people shortly interweaving with ours, like the threads of a richly woven fabric. When my bittersweet latte arrived, the taste of every sip danced upon my tongue. It was truly a symphony of flavors.

Our footsteps carried us further towards a prominent area, where the grand buildings awaited our arrival. Time seemed to pause as we stood there, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring presence of these towering structures. They stood tall and proud, casting shadows that whispered tales of history and legacy.

Amidst this landscape, a vibrant shopping district unfolded before our eyes, adorned with a delightful array of souvenir shops. Each storefront had a vibrant display, showcasing the iconic Delft blue and white colors, tulips, and wooden clogs that are typical for the Dutch culture.

Our curiosity piqued when we walked into the Dille & Kamille. Within its cozy confines, a treasure trove of decorative baskets and vases awaited, each one whispering stories of craftsmanship and artistry. The shop exuded an old-world charm, invoking a sense of warmth and familiarity that embraced us like an old friend.

Our appetites awakened, signaling the arrival of a delightful dinner. Margot's commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle, rooted in the pursuit of health and well-being, always left me in awe and inspired me to make conscious choices for my own body.

We decided to create a culinary masterpiece, crafting a simple yet exquisite pasta dish. With love and care, we combined the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes with al dente pasta. And to elevate the dish, we adorned it with the leaves of fresh basil, graciously bestowed upon us by our hospitable hosts.

Margot, with her contagious enthusiasm, engaged in conversation, her hands gracefully garnishing the dishes. In that moment, she truly embodied the role of the chef. With each forkful, our taste buds were transported to a realm of pure bliss.

A wise philosopher once said "Girls just want to have fun" (my brother). Just like young girls do, we wanted to go out and party. With a bottle of cava in hand, we triumphantly conquered its stubborn cork, greeted by the celebratory pop that echoed the excitement within us. The terrace became our stage, where laughter and music intertwined, as we joyously prepared for the evening ahead.

Our playlist, named "Passoa Vibes," served as our melodic guide, with upbeat tunes that fueled our spirits. With each catchy rhythm, we couldn't help but surrender to the infectious beats, our bodies swaying in sync to the rhythm of the night. Relaxed and carefree, we embraced the moment, raising our glasses to the beauty of friendship and the magic of the night. In a heartwarming gesture, Margot surprised me with a handcrafted necklace adorned with delicate pink stones. It was a precious token of her affection, perfectly complementing her own necklace.

However, fate had other plans for our evening revelries. The realization struck us that Delft's weekday nightlife was more low-spirited than we had envisioned. The clubs remained closed, and the city streets wore a deserted cloak as the night deepened. Yet, undeterred by this unforeseen twist, we stumbled upon a lively hub with cafes, where students gathered to unwind and enjoy the company of friends.

30 August 2022

It turned out to be a blessing that we didn't spend the entire night out, as the following day promised countless sights to behold and kilometers to conquer on our bikes. Graciously, our Airbnb hosts lent us two bicycles, a gesture that set the tone for a day filled with adventure.

Our first stop led us to the banks of the grand canal, where boats glided by with an air of casual elegance. After quenching our thirst with refreshing sips of water, we hopped back on our bikes, ready for the unknown that lay ahead. The beauty of it all was not knowing what awaited us along the way, for every twist and turn held the promise of discovery. And indeed, we stumbled upon a small children's petting zoo teeming with life. Chickens strutted about, guinea pigs nestled in their cozy homes, and goats captured our attention.

The goats wandered towards us. We found ourselves amidst a group of expectant mothers, their round bellies with life blooming within. Margot, her love for animals radiating from her every pore, couldn't resist the opportunity to connect on a deeper level. With utmost gentleness, she approached a trusting momma goat, her hand tenderly feeling the delicate curve of her belly. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as we marveled at the miracle unfolding before us.

Our bike path continued, weaving through picturesque landscapes that seemed plucked from a painter's canvas. Lush green pastures whispered secrets to the wind, their whispers reaching our ears and hearts. The wind caressed our faces, carrying with it a sense of freedom and the exhilarating rush of being truly alive. While Maasland and Maassluis were on our list of stops, the rest of the day unfolded with spontaneity and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Maasland, a hidden gem nestled in tranquility, unfolded before us like a page from a storybook. Its streets, adorned with picturesque houses, emanated a charm that was impossible to resist. The roofs of the houses, gracefully sloping down, mirrored the surrounding landscape's beauty.

Canals, decorated in green moss, meandered through the town, their gentle waters whispering tales of serenity. Bridges, like delicate strokes of an artist's brush, arched over the water.

Our journey led us to Maassluis, where the town revealed its dual personality. The cute part captivated us with its picturesque houses and charming architecture, while the haven area unfolded with a blend of boats and industrial structures, creating a unique contrast.

After a delightful lunch by the water's edge, we settled down at Monsieur Paul, a terrace on a stationary boat. As we sipped on lattes, the sun embraced us warmly.

As our day in Maassluis drew to a close, we reluctantly hopped back on our bikes, embarking on the journey back to Delft. And there it was, a delightful corner decorated with mosaic stones.

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden hue over the city, we knew it was cocktail o'clock, a time for relaxation.

We strolled through the streets of Delft, pondering where we could find the perfect spot to quench our thirst. Then, fate led us to a seemingly ordinary restaurant, but little did we know, a secret awaited us in the back.

And there it was, a hidden gem - a secret garden nestled in the restaurant's embrace. The air was perfumed with a sweet scent and the soft melody of birdsong danced in our ears. It was a tranquil oasis, far removed from the bustling city streets.

31 August 2022

The final day of our adventure had arrived, but the excitement in my heart was anything but diminished. I was brimming with anticipation, eager to embark on our journey to Rotterdam.

Before our afternoon escapade to Rotterdam, we had an appointment to meet with another dear friend who happened to be residing in Delft at that time. It was a delightful catching up and enjoying the warmth of the sun at a cozy coffee shop.

Along the route towards the train station, we came across more cute bridges that added to the charm of our journey. We found a peaceful spot by a big canal and sat down by the water, watching boats pass by as we talked about life. The calming atmosphere and the gentle waves created a soothing backdrop.

My impression of Rotterdam was that it was a big city, and to be honest, it felt a bit overwhelming. Walking around with Margot and catching up was enjoyable, but we found ourselves wandering without a clear sense of direction or knowledge of what to see. We even admitted to each other that we might have missed out on some cool things simply because we didn't know what they were. Nevertheless, we made our way towards the iconic Erasmus Bridge. We spent some time there, watching boats go by and having heartfelt conversations about everything from childhood memories to our future plans.

After satisfying our hunger with delicious hamburgers and fries, we unexpectedly came across the vibrant Markthal in Rotterdam. It was a sight to behold, especially as the sun began to set.

The architectural beauty of the Markthal, with its colorful and intricate designs, captured our attention. As we stood there, taking in the breathtaking view, we noticed a roller skating event taking place just outside.

It was a joyful coincidence, as we witnessed the sun setting in the sky while being surrounded by the lively atmosphere of hundreds of roller skaters gliding by.

We couldn't resist exploring the famous yellow cube houses in Rotterdam. They were truly a sight to behold. The unique architectural design, with their tilted angles and vibrant yellow color, stood out against the backdrop of the city.

As we wandered through the narrow streets and staircases, I couldn't help but admire the golden hour casting its warm and gentle glow upon the yellow houses. The combination of the soft sunlight and the yellow hues created a magical ambiance, making the cube houses even more captivating.

After savoring some wine with its poetic flavors, we were eager to dance the night away. We headed to the renowned street in Rotterdam, known for its lively cafés and dance spots.

However, to our disappointment, we discovered that weekday partying wasn't a common occurrence in this city either. Even the café staff confirmed it. Undeterred, Margot and I decided to create our own party at café De Witte Aap. We found a small area upstairs with a few tables and some space to move. We started dancing, vibing. Surprisingly, more people joined in, and soon the entire room was filled with energy. We had managed to turn the café into our own late-night dance haven, just as we had wished.

As we made our way back to Delft, the journey became slightly nerve-wracking. We had lost track of time, and there were no more trains available, only a bus that drove once every hour. We walked back slowly, and as we neared the bus stop, a realization hit us—the bus was scheduled to depart in just two minutes. I can't begin to describe the adrenaline rush that surged through us. We sprinted with all our might. Miraculously, we made it just in time, panting but relieved. Back in Delft, a statue of a blue heart greeted us, seemingly expressing gratitude for our visit.