Gajendra’s Journey Through Time: Discovering the Heart of the Netherlands
When my family and I decided to embark on a 13-day European adventure, we were eager to revisit places we had read about in our youth. Though the itinerary covered iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and Zurich, it was the Netherlands that captured something deeper—a sense of nostalgia for a time we had never actually lived but somehow felt connected to.
Arrival in Amsterdam: A City on Water
The moment we stepped out of Schiphol Airport, a crisp autumn breeze greeted us, carrying the faint aroma of fresh stroopwafels from a nearby café. Amsterdam welcomed us with its iconic canals, charming gabled houses, and the constant hum of bicycles. It was everything I had imagined and more.
Our first evening was spent on a canal cruise, an experience that slowed time in the best possible way. The boat glided through the water, passing centuries-old buildings that leaned ever so slightly forward as if whispering secrets from the past. The warm glow of streetlights reflected in the rippling water, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. I watched my family, lost in the beauty of it all, and realized that travel is as much about the places we visit as it is about the moments we share.
Bicycles, Apple Pie, and an Unexpected Connection
The next morning, we decided to embrace the city like true locals—on bicycles. It had been years since either of us had ridden, and the thought was both thrilling and intimidating. But once we were pedaling through Vondelpark, past golden autumn leaves and couples enjoying coffee on sun-dappled benches, my wife and I felt like children again.
Stopping at a cozy café, we ordered Dutch coffee and a slice of appeltaart. The first bite was a revelation—warm, spiced apples wrapped in a perfectly flaky crust. An elderly man sitting nearby noticed our delight and chuckled. “First time trying Dutch apple pie?” he asked. We nodded, and he leaned in conspiratorially. “The secret is the cinnamon,” he whispered with a wink. It was a small interaction, but it made me feel woven into the fabric of the city.
The Hague: A Glimpse of Dutch Elegance
Leaving Amsterdam, we took a short trip to The Hague. The city had a regal air, with grand buildings and a slower pace. We visited the Peace Palace, standing in quiet admiration of a place that symbolizes justice for the world. But it was the Mauritshuis Museum that left the biggest impression. Standing in front of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, I was struck by the way art transcends time. The girl’s gaze was so lifelike, it felt as if she might blink at any moment.
Later that afternoon, we explored Delft, a town famous for its blue-and-white pottery. Watching an artist carefully hand-paint intricate floral designs onto a delicate plate, I felt a deep appreciation for craftsmanship that refuses to be rushed. My daughter picked up a piece, tracing the patterns with her fingers. “This one,” she said, smiling. It wasn’t just a souvenir; it was a memory in the making.
Windmills and Wooden Shoes in Zaanse Schans
One of the most whimsical moments of our journey was in Zaanse Schans. The first sight of towering windmills, their sails moving gracefully in the breeze, took my breath away. We wandered into a cheese farm, where we sampled rich Gouda and nutty Edam, each bite a testament to centuries of tradition.
In a small wooden-clog workshop, we couldn’t resist trying on the oversized shoes. My wife laughed as I shuffled around awkwardly, the clogs clunking against the wooden floor. “Not exactly built for speed,” I admitted, grinning. The entire village felt like a fairy tale—peaceful, picturesque, and untouched by time.
Beyond the Netherlands: A Whirlwind of History and Beauty
From there, our journey took us through Germany, where Frankfurt’s skyline blended old and new in a way that felt uniquely European. Switzerland, with its snow-capped peaks, provided a breathtaking contrast. Atop Jungfraujoch and Mt. Titlis, the world seemed endless, the vastness of it all both humbling and exhilarating.
Italy was a feast for the senses. We marveled at the grand canals of Venice, wandered through the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, and stood in awe beneath Michelangelo’s David in Florence. Rome, with its ancient ruins, felt like walking through a living museum, while Vatican City’s spiritual grandeur left us silent in admiration.
And yet, despite all these breathtaking destinations, it was the Netherlands that held our hearts in the gentlest way.
A Night to Remember in Amsterdam
On our last night in Amsterdam, we decided to take one final canal ride. The city, illuminated by twinkling lights, had never looked more beautiful. Sitting beside my family, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Travel, I realised, wasn’t just about ticking destinations off a list. It was about the unexpected moments—a stranger’s friendly advice, the taste of cinnamon in apple pie, the laughter shared over ill-fitting wooden shoes.
The Netherlands had given us something invaluable—a reminder that adventure has no age, and that love, much like a well-traveled road, only deepens with time.
As we packed our bags the next morning, I looked at the Delftware plate my wife had carefully wrapped. It would sit on our shelf back home, a small but powerful symbol of a journey not just through places, but through moments that would live with us forever.
Read More: Thrillophilia Netherlands Reviews