We think of swans as graceful birds, floating ornaments on many ponds in our parks. And for many years, the swan was the symbol of the Royal Dutch Airlines. Peacocks are more colourful, particularly when displaying their beautiful, lavish tail feathers. During the Middle Ages, however, both swans and peacocks were put on the table …
At the end of the Utrechtse Baan you can see one of The Hague’s most iconic buildings. It catches the eye of every driver who enters The Hague from the A12. I was lucky to get the opportunity to spend a month in this building. Of course I’m talking about the Red Elephant, once the …
Let’s suppose you are the son of a rich American businessman and politician and you are travelling through Europe. You visit The Netherlands and you want to stay the night at The Hague. In which hotel would you make a reservation? Des Indes? The Kurhaus? At the very least, you would book yourself into a …
In the 17th century there were no mindfulness courses or yoga retreats. So people had to find other ways to relax. Those who had money, built country houses on beautiful estates. Their gardens provided the fresh air and open space needed to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities. Jacob Cats …
The Hague has everything that you can wish for, apart from a Zoo. That was not the case in the years 1863-1943. The inhabitants of The Hague could enjoy themselves in the Royal Zoological Botanical Garden, which was situated on the spot where you now see the Provinciehuis. The start It was Dr. L.H. Verwey, …
A most interesting man lived until his death in Parkflat Marlot, a beautiful building in The Hague. His name is Piet de Jong, and he reached the venerable age of 101. I want to present him to you as a great example to politicians and managers.As a young child, Piet de Jong wanted to become …
I was born in a canal house, although not in The Hague. Although The Hague does have canals (grachten), this city is not known for its waterways. That used to be different and you become aware of this fact when you see certain street names. Take, for instance, the Prinsengracht. Apart from the tram tunnel …
January 20 is the saint’s day of Saint Sebastian. Paintings of this saint show an almost naked young man, pierced with arrows. He received this punishment in the third century AD by order of his boss, the Roman Emperor Diocletianus. Sebastian was the commanding officer of the imperial guard and had secretly converted to Christianity. …
I was born in a house with a stepped gable, a fact I’m immensely proud of. But my birthplace presents a serious complication for a tour guide in The Hague: is was situated in another city! It seems sensible to make this confession. So yes, I’m not a citizen of The Hague by birth. I …
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