A Timeless Dutch Delight: Gajendra’s 13-Day European Odyssey
As the plane touched down in Paris, Gajendra and his family looked at each other and smiled. It had been years since they had traveled like this, exploring the wonders of the world.
Their 13-day European journey had begun Paris, where they had marveled at the Eiffel Tower, wandered through the halls of the Louvre, and sipped on fine French wine along the Seine. From there, they had made their way to Brussels, savouring the rich taste of Belgian chocolate and admiring the grandeur of the Grand Place. But as much as they loved these places, it was the Netherlands that stole their hearts.
A Dutch Dream Come to Life
Amsterdam greeted them with its signature charm— cobblestone streets lined with narrow, gabled houses, and canals that shimmered under the golden autumn sun. They had read about the city’s allure, but nothing could compare to experiencing it firsthand. As they stepped onto a boat for a canal cruise, the world around them seemed to slow down.
The gentle hum of the water, the bicycles whizzing by on the bridges, and the scent of fresh stroopwafels wafting from nearby cafés made it feel as though they had entered a painting. The boat glided past historic buildings, each one telling a story of the city's past. Their guide pointed out the Anne Frank House, its dark history a stark contrast to the lively streets around it. The couple exchanged a knowing glance—some places in the world carried emotions too deep to express in words.
The next morning, they rented bicycles. They hadn’t ridden in years, but Amsterdam had a way of making it seem effortless. As they pedaled through Vondelpark, the autumn leaves crunched under their wheels. They stopped at a cozy café, where an old Dutch man, with twinkling blue eyes, recommended they try a slice of appeltaart with a steaming cup of coffee. It was the best apple pie they had ever tasted.
The Hague & The Beauty of Delftware
From Amsterdam, they made their way to The Hague, a city of elegance and political significance. The Peace Palace stood tall, a symbol of diplomacy and justice. They took their time wandering through the Mauritshuis museum, where Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring captivated them.
But it was their visit to Delft that surprised them the most. The small town, with its tranquil canals and charming bridges, was home to the famous blue-and-white Delftware pottery. As they watched an artist meticulously hand-paint a delicate floral design onto a plate, Gajendra’s daughter turned to him and said, "We should take one home”.
He smiled. "Something to remind us of this perfect trip."
A Taste of Tradition in Zaanse Schans
Their Dutch adventure wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Zaanse Schans, the picturesque village of windmills and wooden clogs. The moment they arrived, it was like stepping back in time. The sight of giant windmills turning lazily in the breeze was mesmerising.
They wandered into a cheese farm, where a woman in traditional Dutch attire handed them samples of Gouda and Edam. The rich, creamy flavors melted in their mouths. They laughed as they tried on oversized wooden clogs, clumsily shuffling around like children playing dress-up.
As they stood by the river, watching the windmills against the setting sun, his wife sighed contentedly.
"I could stay here forever," she said softly.
Her husband wrapped an arm around her. "Maybe in another life, we were Dutch," he chuckled.
Beyond the Netherlands: A Journey Through Time
The rest of their trip took them through Germany’s Frankfurt, where they marveled at the contrast of old and new architecture. In Switzerland, they stood breathless at the top of Jungfraujoch and Mt. Titlis, where the snow-capped peaks stretched endlessly before them. The beauty of Schaffhausen’s Rhine Falls was another sight they would never forget.
Austria’s Innsbruck charmed them with its Alpine beauty, while Italy swept them away with its romance. From the Venetian canals to the Tuscan countryside, every place held a special moment. Florence’s artistic wonders, Rome’s timeless ruins, and the spiritual grandeur of Vatican City left them in awe.
But even with all these breathtaking experiences, it was the Netherlands that lingered in their hearts the longest.
A Love Rekindled in the Canals of Amsterdam
On their last evening in Amsterdam, they took one final canal cruise. The city lights reflected on the water, casting a golden glow around them.
Europe had been breathtaking, but the Netherlands had given them something more. It reminded them of the simple joys—the taste of fresh apple pie, the thrill of riding a bicycle, the beauty of a handcrafted piece of pottery, and the magic of watching the sun set over a windmill.
As they walked back to their hotel, the sounds of Amsterdam’s lively streets surrounding them, they knew that this wasn’t just a trip. It was a memory, one they would cherish forever.
Read More: Thrillophilia Netherlands Reviews