Wanders The World

My previous post, Snapshots of Poland, was the second part of my spring trip to Europe. The first part was a brief, albeit wonderful visit, with my “Camino sister”. I met her early in my 2019 sojourn across northern Spain‘s Camino de Santiago. We have become good friends since, and a visit was definitely in order.

My flight was into Amsterdam yet I only flew in and out of the nation’s capital. My morning arrival was met with seeing my friend through the baggage claim area’s window, as it was still a secure area and my luggage was tardy in arriving after getting ensnared on one of the internal conveyor belts. Having an AirTag was handy in knowing my backpack arrived and was indeed in the airport. A brief conversation with staff had my belongings back to me as my friend and I waved to one another excitedly. Once out of the secure area, we shared big welcome hugs. After some tea/coffee and snacks at one of Schipol Aiport’s many food options, we headed via train and bus to visit Haarlem – an area I’d wanted to visit for some time. Plus, my friend knew I wanted to stay awake until evening to help adjust to the time zone. Once at the Haarlem Train Station, we stowed my bag in a locker and went wandering on foot.

As we entered the city centre, I chatted away to my friend — who I was so excited to see in person — that I didn’t even notice the lovely Dutch architecture around me. My friend literally had to physically turn me toward the grand stature of the Grote Kerk (St. Bavokerk). This Gothic-style Protestant church is easily the most noticeable building in Haarlem’s Market Square (Grote Markt). Although we didn’t enter the church it was certainly lovely to see, as it dates back to humble beginnings as a wooden church in the early 1300s CE and subsequently being rebuilt in the 1400s with stone. Along with the church and the Grote Markt, the areas we meandered through were full of recognizable Dutch gable architecture features.

We then made our way to the Netherlands’ oldest museum: the Teylers Museum which is located along the Spaarne River. The museum was a treat to visit, as it felt as though we had stepped back in time. As my friend commented, “the building itself is a museum”. Even most of the display cases are centuries old and worthy of being in a museum. Founded in 1778, the Oval Room was designed in 1779 with completion and opening in 1784. As a natural history, science, and art museum it expanded over the years. The Fossil Room was what intrigued me the most with its vast and varied collection of plant and insect fossils. Additionally, the museum houses works by numerous famed artists, as well as a library. It was a treat to see this place alongside hearing of my friend’s stories of her visits there when she was younger.

Soon it was time to head back to relax with some Dutch beer, and my friend’s wonderful hospitality. I was exhausted yet happy to be wandering once again.

The following day was spent in The Hague, visiting both the ” quieter local” and “busy” beaches, starting with the local one. We enjoyed breakfast at one of the beachside restaurants, which gave us not only a view but the walk to the establishment offered a stroll near the sands that were dotted with locals and their dogs. Afterwards we headed to a busier area to wander about numerous restaurants, a swanky hotel, and a ferris wheel. In the warmer months, this area is filled to the brim with people dining beachside and soaking up the sun. It was interesting to see how it was in low season, with only a few places open, while imagining how busy it can get.

We also stopped at a local grocery store to buy some tasty Dutch cheeses and set up our at-home charcuterie with more beers. It was a great way to ease into a new time zone and spend time with my good friend before heading off the following morning to make my way to Poland.

Sometimes trips aren’t simply about sightseeing and adventures but about spending time with good friends and making new memories. That’s what these few short days were — and they ended up being my favourite part of the trip.

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All photos taken and owned by Eeva Valiharju / Wanders the World

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