Christmas Eve

I caught the tram downtown to the Central stop as I want to tour the Binnenhof and the Knight's Hall. This is the place where the most important events in the nation's history took place.  I walk through the front entrance and all around but can't find an entrance.  I speak to a couple of men that are supplying information and am told that I need to go to another building and sign up for a tour.  After doing this I have some time to kill so I go to the Mauritshuis Museum.  This is the museum that houses Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring".  I had seen this painting in several places so had to see it at the museum.  This was a great museum and I really enjoyed it.

The Mauritshuis Museum



View from window in museum

This painting is quite famous. The Girl With The Pearl Earring

I then on my tour of the Binnenhof at 2 p.m. 

The Inner Court Yard

The Knight's Hall

Inside the Knight's Hall

We climbed up the tower in the Knight's Hall which was originally built as a hunting lodge.  A lot of history here.  The whole complex has had additions and renovations done over the years to create what it is today.  We then went into where the House of Representatives to see where all the politics go on.  I then walked about .5 km and came across the Christmas Market! 

I was so glad I found it.  It was huge and really nicely done.  I stopped for some hot mulled wine and then left.  I was pretty tired at this point.  It was a good day.  Took the tram home.

December 24/17
Went walking down at the beach.  Today there is a strong, cold wind blowing.  These people are so hardy.  Everyone just looks like they're out for a Sunday stroll...joggers in shorts!  A woman riding her bike in a short skirt and kids running around like it's a summer day.  No one seems to put the hood of their coat up.  I did for a while to keep the wind out and then felt like a jam tart so put it back down again.
Found the restaurant/seafood shop called Simonis.  Wow!  What a find.  Really popular and especially on Xmas eve with everyone picking up great seafood for their dinners.  Lobster, king crab, fish, etc.  Wonderful!  I decide to have something to eat so go over to the restaurant part and order a bowl of lobster soup.  So good....and such a large bowl for 6.5 euros.  I could barely finish it.  I then bought some clams and a shrimp quiche for dinner later.



Outside Simonis Restaurant



Lobster Soup



What a spread!

Stopped at the local supermarket and bought some garlic for my clams and headed home.
Cooked up my clams with lots of butter and garlic.  Yum!  Then decided since it was Christmas Eve I had to do something so caught the tram back in to town and went to a Christmas celebration at the theatre by the Christmas market.  It was supposed to be non denominational and we sang Christmas carols.  Wasn't really my thing but I did meet a couple from Vancouver who had just moved to Den Haag!  I left as soon as it was over and got home around 10 p.m.

Dec. 25/17
Merry Xmas to me.  Had a very relaxing morning watching old movies (on a rare English channel) in my PJ's until around noon.  Finally decided I'd better get some fresh air and exercise so thought I'd check out an area called Frederik Hendriklaan.  It's about a 20 minute walk and when I arrive there it's such a pretty street and neighbourhood.  Lots of great shops but of course it's all closed since it's Christmas day.

I walk along the water on the way back and decide that I'll visit the shopping street again when it's open.  Tonight I Face Time with family.  Christmas is over and now it's the New Year drawing near.

Moved in to my housesit

This morning I saw Marga off on her vacation.  I then went back to the hotel and had a wonderful breakfast before checking out.  Did I mention I saw Bono at the hotel?

While at breakfast I met a lovely woman by the name of Jenn.  She is originally from Chicago but living outside of Munich with her husband and 3 year old son.  She is a musician and is in Scheveningen performing.  She plays piano and sings.  She loves Sheveningen as she lived here for 2.5 years.  We chatted for a while and after sharing that I do housesitting she asked for one of my cards as they have a dog and two cats that sometimes she has trouble finding someone to take care of them.  I'd love to go there!  Perhaps in the future.
I pack up, check out and take the tram over to Marga's.  The tram system here is wonderful. 

The town is so clean and feels so safe.  I love it.  I've settled in now and will probably take a different tram this afternoon and see some sites.  The fog appears to be lifting so I look forward to seeing the beach finally.

Here is Kami.  A beautiful Siamese.  So friendly and affectionate.

I travel by tram in to Den Haag to look around.  Canals just like Amsterdam.

Lots of shopping in downtown Den Haag.  All dressed up for Xmas!

Bikes are definitely the way to go....nothing fancy...no 20 speeds...just plain old peddle power and no one wears helmets!  Most people don't even lock their bikes up.  Wow!

Beautiful doors....the department of Justice building.

Department of Justice building or Binnenhof (which means inner court).  This is the political heart of the Netherlands.

I have arrived!!

After a good night's sleep I awake to sunshine in Vancouver and a much more positive feel about the day.  I catch the Canada Line out to the airport and my flight is scheduled to go....and then the flights start being marked as delayed...my flight only has a 20 min. delay so far but the time is tight in Calgary to make the change to my KLM flight to Amsterdam.  I literally had to run most of the way to the gate and with a back pack that weighed too much this was really pushing it.  Made it in time however my seat that I had paid for was no longer there and I was assigned the dreaded middle seat!!  It was a full flight and I guess I was just lucky to get on the plane but sitting between two large men for almost 9 hours was not fun....however KLM is a great carrier.

Quite different weather from the day before.

Soothing the crowds with Christmas music...was really good!

Leaving Vancouver.

The Rockies look amazing!

We arrive at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.  It's so foggy we can't see anything.  My suitcase was one of the first ones off and I just about did a happy dance!  I really wasn't expecting it!  I then proceeded to get a ticket for the train to Den Haag and then hopped the Tram to Scheveningen.  Found the Ramada Hotel and checked in.  Did all that and it was just 10:30 a.m.

Went for a walk along the beach but really couldn't see anything...found this lovely street with lots of interesting shops.  Will have to come back when I'm more rested and hopefully the fog lifts.  Lots to see here.  Glad I have time.

Best plans sometimes go sideways!

Well I was so organized this morning.  My son, Paul drove me to the airport and I was an hour early.  Wow!  Perfect!  However it started to snow....kind of unusual for Vancouver especially out in Richmond but heh!  It's only a little bit and surely they can fly in this??

 Well, I'm just going through security and having a leisurely coffee when the security person says "Your flight's been cancelled".  I thought she was joking (not that a security person would be joking).
So she says bundle up your things and go back to WestJet.  I scurry back to WestJet to find this on the departure board....

Notice the 12:00 flight to Calgary....cancelled.  And by this time there is a huge line waiting for a WestJet agent to rebook you.  As I'm trying to get organized I realize I have left my laptop in the security area as it was between two trays and I was so flustered by what was happening!  Gave up my place in line to run back to security....thank heaven it was still there!!!  Whew!!!

While waiting in line for 3 hours (yes! 3 hours) I try phoning FlightNetwork who I booked through for assistance....I'm told read the fine print...if the airline cancels the flight within 24 hours it is their responsibility to rebook you....sorry....good bye!

I then try to call WestJet...takes me 15 minutes but I do get a very nice agent who is willing to help but then she discovers that I have checked my bag....she can't do anything since I have checked my bag....I just have to wait and talk to an agent....she says she will send me positive energy though!  I need all the help I can get.  Continue to wait in line.  Interesting talking to other people in line...most people are pretty patient and polite....well Heck.....WE ARE CANADIAN, EH?

I finally get to the WestJet clerk and she is very nice but the best she can do is book me on the same flights tomorrow...I'm a little nervous about this though as it might snow more but it's my only option.  Now should I go back to White Rock?  What if it snows and it's impossible to get back to the airport?  I decide to get a hotel in downtown Vancouver because I can take the Canada Line direct from the airport and return in the morning.  Of course I don't have my suitcase as they say they are redirecting my bag for my new flight tomorrow....yikes!...let's lay bets on whether it arrives in Amsterdam when I do!!

I check in to the Burrard Hotel...not bad but I had to walk about 8 blocks in the pouring rain (of course it's rain now, not snow) in my Sketcher shoes because my boots are in my suitcase!  I can wring them out now but hopefully they will be dry by morning.  I get a free toothbrush from the desk because all my toiletries are in my suitcase....I did bring my contact stuff with me though...thank heaven for small mercies. 

The up side to all this?  I get to see the Xmas lights on St. Paul's Hospital right across the street.

I also met an interesting man trying to fly to Amsterdam as well on his way to Kuwait...he was pretty upset but we ran into each other after getting rebooked and he bought me a beer (to cry into) and a burger then went on his way.  He was given a flight to Toronto at 5 pm and then he was going to spend all the next day in the airport in Toronto until his flight left for Amsterdam that evening.  Red eye to Amsterdam.  He will arrive in Amsterdam about 30 minutes before I do.  If I get out tomorrow it will be worth it as I will have a good sleep at my hotel in Vancouver....oh yeah...did I mention they included dinner?

 

Instead I went two doors down to a wonderful little restaurant and had some comfort food.  Just what I needed.

 

 

Stayed tuned for more....hopefully from Amsterdam!!

Getting ready for my next adventure

It's a  busy time of year with Christmas fast approaching.  I will be leaving on my next adventure on December 19th so I have been busy organizing a Christmas brunch with family and thinking about what I need to pack.  Since I will be covering several climates packing is a challenge but I'm up for it.
Enjoying all the Christmas music and the weather in Vancouver right now is perfect.  Sunny today and just above freezing so it's easy to get around.

Went for a walk downtown to enjoy the views...this looking out at Stanley Park.  It's a quick bus ride from the place I am currently housesitting until December 14th.
 

Lovely Airie...the cat I have looked after for years...she is getting old and suffering from kidney disease.  I was so pleased to spend time with her before I leave as I'm afraid she might not be with us much longer. :(

Lovely Christmas display out side of my workplace.  I still love going to work on a casual basis and it allows me to continuing travelling.  My employer is so flexible...the best win, win situation!

Don't those eyes just say I'm dreaming of sugar plums!  My grandson Jamie loving Christmas!

Another grandson, Harper at the Firefighter's Christmas pancake breakfast...all dressed up!

 

 

And this is my oldest grandson, Landon....having fun at the Firefighter's Christmas pancake breakfast.

The lights are spectacular at this time of year...I love this heritage home!
 

The next post will be the start of my next adventure....stay tuned!

 

Road Trip to Tacoma and Halloween

On Sunday my sister and I drove down to Tacoma to the Tacoma Dome to see Garth Brooks and Tricia Yearwood.  We've been wanting to see Garth for some time but he doesn't usually come close to Vancouver.  Tacoma is approximately 3 hours away and when they put on an afternoon concert it all worked out.  It was a long day but we enjoyed ourselves.

We were sitting up in the nosebleeds but the venue is small and the acoustics were good.  Garth is the wee figure below in the white pants and black hat! :)

and then I never posted anything about Halloween and the costumes for my grandkids were great.

 

Landon and Harper as Super Heroes!

 

Jamie so excited to be Skytrain or in his case J Train - costume courtesy of mommy..

 

And daddy was such a good sport...dressed as a pickle!!!  Trick or treating in White Rock...