Always be a tourist…
The jet lag was real, but that didn’t stop the adventures (and there were so many) in this rich, bold, beautiful, and historic country of the Netherlands.
The morning sparkled with light rain drizzles and sounds of footsteps amongst the cobblestone as a man kissed his sweet lady off to her day as she rode off in her motorbike. Smells of hot expresspo and fresh buttery croissants left a tantalizing aroma as my alarm clock went off at 6:30am CEST (11:30pm CT). “It is time to rise and shine,” I said to myself as I slowly shuffled my jet lag body out of the soft hugging hotel bed.
The Netherlands is unlike any other country I have visited. I felt very safe and at peace. In terms of COVID-19, 95% of the population is vaccinated. Full of charm cascading throughout every inch of each city I visited, and I dreaded the day I had to go back to the States.
What brought me to this beautiful country was for a work trip which I am ever so grateful for. I had the opportunity to meet and connect with colleagues and experience their hospitable ways. Everyone was so nice and pleasant. The opportunity to connect mission to purpose and the “why” of the company I work for, and gained hands-on experience with the rescue equipment used to save many lives left a special place in my heart. Hearing fulfilling stories, observing the culture, trying the foods, and having unlimited expresso or hot tea was something else I could have never imagined, and I was so appreciative. The most special part, I convinced my mom to join the adventure and what a a great travel companion she was! Her brave and curious heart toured the city like a local solo during the week I had to work, and I am so beyond proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone. That is the beauty of comfort zones, you never really know what you will experience, learn, gain, and blossom unless you unleash those “fears” or boundaries that are trying to protect you.
The history of the Netherlands is quite interesting. The Dutch culture is rich through and through. The locals speak with much pride and enthusiasm for this beautiful and historic country while maintaining and honoring some of the original architecture dated back in the Golden Age era.
While I will try my darnest to capture what I experienced during our week long adventure, you will just have to take a trip to Europe to experience the breathtaking country of the Netherlands yourself- and bring me along with you!
Breda, Netherlands
As our 10 hour travels landed us at the Amsterdam Airport, you could tell we were not “in Kansas anymore”. The airport is by far one of the cleanist airports I’ve been to, and HUGE. We stepped out of our comfort zone and attempted to take the train to Breda, but that was unbarking on unfamiliar territory our tired eyes were just not ready for. The hour and half taxi ride throughout the countryside was one to explore. My big eyes were alert and my head swiveled back and forth to not miss anything, although there was hardly anything to miss. The countryside drive was filled grassy land and villages with cattle, and a few windmills along the way.
When we arrived in Breda I was marvled by its charm. Breda is a quaint city captivated with history and local towns people enjoying the pleasantry of the simple life. Our hotel, Hotel Nassau, is located in the center of Breda and is a unique historic hotel to explore. Old architecture coupled with new design makes for a unique place to stay as the hotel is a restored Catholic church.
Breda’s vibrant city has a gorgeous town sqaure with the streets lined with boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, books stores, and a church where you hear the bells chime every hour. There is a sense of romance in this city and also free independence. Every store smelt amazingly inviting. We tasted the most fresh and creamy foods in this city, one in particular (De Colonie) was by far my favorite. Dutch is the official language of the country, however it is a requirement in schooling that everyone learns English. The menus at some of the restaurants catered to both Dutch and English translation. A traditional Dutch meal is boiled potatoes, cabbage or vegatables, and some meat. Neighboring the North Sea, I got my fill on fresh seafood throughout my trip.
As we walked the cobblestone roads and gazed at the homes nestled away in the alleys, we walked through a beautiful sunlit park where roosters and chickens roamed free-if you watched my Insta Stories one can say my mom met a friend. :)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
We did it! We took the train like the locals do. That is one thing I am intentional with on my travles is to take any form of public transportation and bike, and we did just that. My heart was beaming.
Arriving in Amsterdam you could tell the difference between the quaint city of Breda and the bustling city of Amsterdam. I would compare it to a suburb in IL, NY, or Dallas to their cities. The train station was massive and magnificent. I am telling you the historic Dutch architecture in this country is one to see with your own eyes. My mouth was in awe and my eyes just glistened as I explored the wonderful canals and homes that were small but mighty.
If you are looking to explore Amsterdam and want to stay central, I would suggest the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton. Although the beds are not comfortable at all, the hotel has impressive hospitality and is centrally, located to everything. It is also a destination known for the SkyLounge which gives you a picture perfect view of the city on the 11th floor. What I most enjoyed about this hotel is the free bike rentals of course, and the Starbucks on the ground floor.
Every restaurant we tried from the fancy steak and seafood restaurants to the local pubs had fresh bread as an appitizer. The bread was served with warm and fresh olive oil, olive tapenade, and butter that just melts in your mouth. The butter tasted creamy, silky, and smooth and has a hint of salt. I absolutely induldged in the bread and didn’t feel bloated really after eating. That may go to show the difference in our foods in the states vs. in Europe. The only fast food places I saw, and there were not many, were KFC, McDonalds, and Subway. Fun Fact- I have terrible allergies, and during this trip I experienced no allergies at all. Going out to eat is a delicacy and is appreicated. You are not rushed and truly makes you appreicate quality time and conversations (I never saw anyone on their phones). Servers will not bring out your main entree until you are finished with your appetizer or you kindly ask.
My most memoriable experiences of this darling trip were biking through the city, the canal tour, and passing by the Anne Frank House. Biking is the number one form of transportation in the city with nearly 20,000 bikes pulled out of the canal each year. There are bike paths with red and green lights, walking paths with red and green lights, car and bus paths which makes for safer travel (although watch out the bikers have the right away and will zoom by quickly).
Adventures and All the Things
Anyone that I talked to expressed passionatley how the Netherlands is their favorite places to visit on holiday. I felt a sense of my Grandma’s spirit with me throughout the trip and I know we made her proud.
If you’ve been following and reading up, you have a taste for my love of travel, adventures, and trying new things. I learn and soak in so much during my adventures, and all the things God has created. Life is meant to be explored and cherished, and what I learned during my time in the Netherlands will never be replaced. I am going back for sure and getting another stamp on my passport!
The value of quality time and being present is priceless
Slowing down, patience, and being one with your space is important
Honor yourself, give grace for yourself, and appreciate the small and might moments
Step out of your comfort zone and experience something along the way, you can dislike it after, but at least you tried
Appreciate and honor history
Fresh air, warm sun, and rain keep us growing and blooming
Share quality moments and tell the people you love you love them often
Be a tourist. Take all the pictures. Try all the things, and do not appologize for it
Ask questions
Laugh at yourself along the way
