*Post written by Vlad*

Welkom in Den Haag

After 9 relaxing days in Luxembourg we decided that we would make one last visit with friends before leaving the continent of Europe. We both joked that it would be the last time in a while where we would be able to talk to people other than ourselves and see familiar faces. 

The stop: Den Haag (aka The Hague), Netherlands to visit JP and Erica

JP is originally from Winnipeg (actually born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan...yes a town literally called Moose Jaw) but I had gotten to know him from the mean streets of Bermuda when I worked there from 2004-06. He currently works for Bacardi and got transferred to Den Haag three years ago. We both had the pleasure of meeting Erica for the first time when the lovely couple attended our wedding exactly one year ago (more on that below). 

We took a relatively relaxing train ride (~5.5 hrs) from Luxembourg to Den Haag via Brussels, Belgium. Upon exiting Holland Spoor train station, we both commented how we immediately liked the general vibe and that we were glad to be back in the Netherlands (we visited Amsterdam just over two years ago right after getting engaged). JP and Erica graciously picked us up at the train station. Erica thought she spotted us when she mentioned to JP, 'I think that's them, is Vlad wearing a pink t-shirt?', to which JP shamefully admitted, 'Yup that's Vladdy alright'.

We were happy to get to their 'apartment' or as what most of us would call it, a home for a family of four. It had the typical Dutch narrow and steep staircase, which led to our beautiful bedroom with high, vaulted ceilings, a sky light, and a jacuzzi tub. The house was adorn with some stained glass, typical to local architecture and was very charming in general. A dinner with JP & Erica at a local restaurant across the street capped off a nice day one in Den Haag. 

The next day we ventured out around the neighborhood and grabbed brunch at a cool and healthy spot suggested by Erica. We noticed how the pedestrian, bike and car culture intertwined and coexisted in harmony on the city streets. Later that day, JP's friend Kirk arrived from London for the weekend. How's this for a small world; Kirk is also from Winnipeg but has spent most of his adult life in Calgary. JP and Kirk have known each other since the fourth grade. I met Kirk a few years ago on a boys trip to Philly. Lastly, Kirk was in London for work and decidated to skip across for a visit. What company does he work for you ask? Royal Bank of Canada, Edyta's old company. How's that for nth degree of separation?

That evening we headed to the beach in the Scheveningen neighborhood to grab dinner at one of the many hip, outdoor restaurants. Of course we had to choose the one whose kitchen was set up in an old school bus. We had dinner of seafood and meat and tasty mojitos by the small bonfire/coffee table (scroll down for photo). It was the perfect setting for an early fall evening. 

On Saturday, Edyta and I woke up as husband and wife of one year! During our trip planning we always wondered where we would be for our first anniversary. We weren't bothered about making a huge fuss about it as we are basically on our very extended honeymoon, so what could we complain about? But we did want to escape for a bit, just the two of us. We did manage a quick walk, delicious brunch and we were serenaded by a traditional Dutch traveling music show (by chance). We even managed to get each other similar one year anniversary gifts in the traditional theme of paper: travel notebooks. 

In the afternoon JP reserved an indoor court so the boys could play beach volleyball for a few hours (just like 8 years ago in Bermuda) while the ladies opted for a bit of shopping. JP's friends Ben (from Amsterdam by way of Calgary) and Bas (local dude) joined us to play. It was a great two hours of beach and extra cool that we were able to play where the Netherlands national team trains. We finished the evening with some drinks and dinner at a local spot. We had such a great time that 3am caught us completely by surprise. 

On Sunday afternoon we all grabbed lunch at Rolling Kitchens, a food truck festival where you could sample cuisines, both foreign and local, in a quaint, outdoor setting. The evening was filled with the glorious viewing of NFL football. This was my first, and probably last, opportunity to watch live NFL during this entire trip. We even made it more authentic by ordering pizza and snacking on nachos and cheese. 

All in all it was a great visit up to Den Haag, and that was made possible by our excellent hosts JP and Erica. Thank you both for such an awesome stay. See you guys sometime soon and best of luck in Geneva!

Stay tuned, as we bid adieu to Europe and embark on the next leg of our journey. Well it's actually a leg, half torso and three quarters of a ankle. It's a doozy!

Geography: Netherlands is located in the Western Europe, bordered by the North Sea, Belgium, and Germany. The Hague (Den Haag) is situated on the North Sea, about 65 km from Amsterdam. 

Population: 16.8 million in the Netherlands,  495,000 in the Hague. 

Demographics: In the Netherlands: 81% Dutch, 5% EU, remaining include Turkish, Moroccan, Indonesian, Surinamese, Caribbean Dutch. In The Hague only 50% is Dutch. 

Currency: Euro €  where 1 Euro = 1.35 USD

Religion: over half of the Dutch are irreligious, 25% Roman Catholic, 15% Protestant; 5% Muslim. 

Language: Dutch

Best Known for: Netherlands is the 27th most densely populated country in the world;  tallest people in the world, large ex-pat community; legalized "soft drugs"; bicycle culture; tulips; wooden clogs; first stock exchange;  Netherlands Antilles (Dutch islands in the Caribbean, Aruba is one of them). 

What We Noticed: Fashionable & tall people; laid back locals; lively restaurant and bar scene; bike culture; stained glass windows in houses; extensive tram system; lots of expats.

View from our train window (either Belgium or the Netherlands).  View from our window at JP & Erica's.  On our first morning we discovered this amazing fresh mint leaf tea. It was delicious and refreshing. Thanks for the suggestion Erica.  Netherlands is full of expats (people from other countries living and working in the Netherlands like JP and Erica). They even have their own newspaper.  On Friday evening we went to Scheveningen neighborhood in the Hague where there are lots of seaside restaurants as well as the 1885 Kurhaus hotel pictured above.  There were so many restaurants by the beach that we had a hard time picking the best one.  While everyone was focused on picking a restaurant, Edyta enjoyed taking photos of the sunset.  We finally settled on restaurant Bora. Above is Erica, JP and Kirk. Sipping drinks by the bonfire was a fun experience.  One of the store fronts in the Hague. Edyta and I both agreed that the Dutch are stylish in a very effortless and laid back way. 

Our 1 year anniversary brunch.  Dutch traveling music box.  And our gifts. Looks like we really know each other. 

 At the bus station in the Hague; solar powered screens that notify of the next bus. We have seen similar ones in other European countries.  Edyta & Erica spotted this band as well as these elaborate sand structures when they went to explore the town while we were sweating on the volleyball court.  Streets of The Hague.  Ceiling at a shopping center, looks like a work of art.  These pigs are made of marzipan. So normal (not).  Writing potscards. Group shot before going out in the evening.  Drinks in the evening. Always a pleasure hanging out with JP in various cities around the world.

Sunday we ventured out to get some lunch at an outdoor event with various food trucks and stands called the Rolling Kitchens.  Sunday lunch at the Rolling Kitchens event. Mint tea became our daily indulgence. We also tried these tiny dutch pancakes. 

This is how they are made. 

 A Dutch favorite: The Big Green Egg grill. Seeing this charcoal grill all over The Hague we figured it must be a Dutch invention; it's actually American. Aside from food there was also a flea market with some crapolla of this kind. 

  We tried making the mint tea at home but we bought the wrong mint. I think they use spearmint for it.