The Hague Daily Photo

Rose festival 4

2008-07-05T10:00:00.002+02:00

Here is my last rose pic for the month, my favorite red rose! If you happen to be in The Hague in the coming days, you'll need to pay a visit to Westbroek park, where the 48th International rose competition will take place on 10th July this year.

The Hague Daily Photo is going on holidays for 2 weeks, so I'll hope to see you here by 21st July!!!

Rose festival 3

2008-07-04T18:45:00.003+02:00

Give it a try! Count the number of petals of those beautiful white roses! Check out how the white can be different!

Rose festival 2

2008-07-03T23:36:00.002+02:00

I loved the time I spent in the Rosarium yesterday, so I'll show you a couple of more shots. Together with deep red roses the pale rose and white are my favorites. You can actually vote for your favorite rose and deposit your vote in a glass box at the entrance of the park, and hope it will be chosen as the public's preferred choice.

Rose festival 1

2008-07-02T23:50:00.003+02:00

The Rosarium in Westbroek Park just looks wonderful now. Equipped with a new 100mm macro lens, I've been trying to catch in the earl morning some of the beautiful roses that strews the grounds with their lovely colors. First experience of macro photography, which was without counting on the permanent Dutch winds!!!!

Month theme : "No...." sign

2008-07-01T00:01:00.000+02:00

I wanted to post this sign for a while already, so when I got July month theme I knew exactly what I had to post!!! This dog sign stands in my street, chained to a tree! This is the only one of its kinds I found so far. I praised the person who had the clever idea to design it. My kids love it as well, as every time we walk by (and that is quite often), they feel obliged to explain again and again what it is meant for!!!!!

172 city blogs around the world are participating in this month's theme, and I'm very curious to get to discover other "no" signs!!!!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

2008-06-13T22:13:00.000+02:00

It was still raining when I made this picture this morning on Het Plein; all the cafes on this square are preparing for the soccer match of tonight of Netherlands v France... You can expect crowds tonight, and many more orange flags!!!

Detail of a door

2008-06-12T23:30:00.002+02:00

One of the nicest doorways in the city...

Best kept secret in town

2008-06-11T23:58:00.005+02:00

If you dared coming in the Pulchri studio to enjoy the latex wall I talked about yesterday, you'll discover one of the quietest outside cafes in town where you could have a rest. This is really a lucky find!

Latex wall

2008-06-10T19:56:00.003+02:00

I saw this massive latex wall (20 meters * 3m) today in the Pulchri Studio. This installation from the young Dutch artist Marisja Smit is made of three panels attached to each other, (each of them can be bought separately for €20,000 euros btw...) and is supposed to be a reflection of our society, naked. I immediately thought of the photographies of Spencer Tunick which I love, where bodies are really treated as a substance in our nature and landscape.

Go and have a look at this installation if you can, it was inaugurated last Friday and will only be displayed until the end of the month!!!

Berlage Kiosk

2008-06-09T23:24:00.003+02:00

With the renovation of the Buitenhof, the architect H.P. Berlage built this kiosk in 1924. This small building is made of a combination of concrete and bricks, two distinct materials used in his works. It housed originally a newspaper stand, as well as a ladies restroom underground.

Flag day 2008

2008-06-08T21:47:00.005+02:00

It was extremely busy yesterday in Scheveningen, when 250,000 visitors made it to the harbour to celebrate the 2008 edition of Vlaggetjesdag (Flag day), which celebrates the arrival of the "new" Dutch herring. Hollandse Nieuwe is the name given to young herring caught between mid-May and the end of June with a body fat of at least 16%. The fish are gutted and salted but the pancreas containing an enzyme which helps the fish to ripen is left in place. The first barrel of new herring was auctioned for charity last Tuesday, raising €55,000. The barrel was bought by online restaurant guide Iens.

Here one of the 100 fishes from the presentation of 100 kinds of fish caught in the North Sea. One had to evaluate the overall weight to win some prizes.

NYPD in The Hague

2008-06-06T23:41:00.004+02:00

I spotted those Smart cars in a Smart dealer in The Hague today and was wondering whether they actually were real cars or just an ad to promote the brand... as the Smart car was launched in the US not so long ago (see here).

See the answer on this forum (a sticker promotion!!!!!!)

Roots

2008-06-05T23:11:00.002+02:00

Tree roots have always had a fascinating impact on me, I can always see animal shapes or wild hands trying to get a grip on soil... They are also a fantastic playground for kids and a nice place for animals to hide!

Het torentje

2008-06-04T23:42:00.000+02:00

The stroll along the river opposite the Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament) is always a nice walk, especially when the weather is not too bad. You can see on the left the famous Mauritshuis museum, and next to it, the small tower, dubbed the "torentje" in Dutch which since 1982 is the work office of the Dutch Prime Minister.

Garbage tree

2008-06-03T23:42:00.000+02:00

I know this is common in parks around the world, but I'm always shocked when I see disclosed garbage in a natural environment. Obviously, this is the result of a nice afternoon break among youngsters: beers, crisps and sweets hanging in a tree...

Day of the building sector

2008-06-02T23:55:00.004+02:00

31st May was the "Day of the building sector" in The Netherlands, and a certain number of works were open to the public. This was the case of the Hubertus Tunnel, a 1600m long tunnel which is going under the Hague and should be inaugurated next September. 3400 people walked into the tunnel that day. It was quite impressive to see!

Month theme : "My corner local shop"

2008-06-01T20:25:00.003+02:00

Paagman is the perfect destination to go to on a grey Sunday like today. It combines a bookshop, office supplies, CDs and videos and a nice inside cafe. It is in the area one of the only leisure shops open on Sundays, so I've spent there many hours hanging around books and magazines!

Every month new cities are joining the CDP community and are activiely contributing to our theme days. Click on any of them to travel around local stores around the world.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey by afyonblog, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Cavite, Philippines by Steven Que, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Shantaram, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Evry, France by Olivier, Folkestone, UK by Clare Unsworth, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gainesville (FL), USA by Leah, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hangzhou, China by Chanin, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Knoxville (TN), USA by Knoxville Girl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Los Angeles (CA), USA by Martha Perez, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monroe (GA), USA by Tanya, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Perth, Australia by Elevation7, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Posadas, Argentina by Lega, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Reykjavik, Iceland by Vírgíll, Riga, Latvia by Fotos. Riga Photos, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, San Francisco (CA), USA by Louis la Vache, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sequim (WA), USA by Norma, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torino, Italy by Fabrizio, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Urayasu, Japan by Zono, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

Nice walk

2008-05-31T23:40:00.002+02:00

I discovered this small park located between Oostduinlaan and the Wassenaarseweg (close to Shell headquarters) yesterday and found it very nice and quiet. Well maintained, clean, quiet, it offers a nice environment to go for a walk (dogs allowed in certain areas) or for a picnic.

Banana in a park

2008-05-28T23:12:00.002+02:00

In the serie of realist pieces of "street" art, this banana placed in Zuiderpark.... Colorful!

Puzzling street scupture

2008-05-27T23:37:00.005+02:00

I am very puzzled by this teapot hanging in the Noordpolderkade in the Laakkwartier, I cannot find it very attractive to look at, and don't think I would like to see it from my windows... I managed to find on the internet that this piece was called "ECHTELIJKE RUZIE" (Marital fight), which I reckon is pretty creative. It is designed by Jo Klingers. It represents a coffepot and a broken chair.

Fishing ropes

2008-05-26T23:51:00.002+02:00

For some reasons, I always like the colors you can find around in the harbor, being the boats, or like here fishing ropes and nets.

Elegant shopping in the Bonneterie

2008-05-25T23:06:00.005+02:00

Maison de Bonneterie is an elegant store in the centre that carries exclusive men's and women's fashions and a cast of brand-name household goods and personal items. It is a multi brand fashion store with an accent on luxury and tradition. Until today, Bonneterie has remained a family business.

The main shop is located in Amsterdam. I found on a touristic Amsterdam website the history behind the name: "At its beginning in 1889, Bonneterie has been established in by a couple Joseph Cohen and Rosa Wittgenstein as shop with hosiery(mainly stockings), in the times when it must have been a crucial piece of ladies clothing. Bonneterie run personally by Rosa Wittgenstein, had an enormous success. In 1913, the present building of the Bonneterie has been built. Designed by a then known Dutch architect A.Jacot, with an interior in the style of Louis XVI, an imposing staircase and a glass roof. Soon after, the second Bonneterie shop in The Hague has been opened, again with an imitating the palace of Louvre interior".

Kids' little kitchen gardens

2008-05-23T23:16:00.002+02:00

My 5 year-old son was allocated a little piece of common garden for 2 months to go with his class gardening once a week during school time. aren't those gardens cute? They are just so proud of bringing home their harvesting! It is just a great idea!

Colorful flower pots

2008-05-22T20:50:00.003+02:00

You can notice everywhere in the city that Spring is definitely here with (too) colorful flower pots. I have spotted them in different places in the city like above on Het Plein, and the same flower arrangements in front of the Kurhaus below.

No feet please!!!!

2008-05-21T23:51:00.002+02:00

Do you have an idea where I found this post today, which reads: "Only wash your hands please, not your feet"....?

The passage

2008-05-20T23:03:00.004+02:00

The "Passage" in the city centre (just around the corner of the Buitenhof) is the oldest shopping arcade in the city (opened in 1885), and was then fully renovated in 2007. It is designed in a neo-Renaissance style and is a unique street as it lies under a roof of glass. It is now listed as a historical monument. There are a couple of very nice shops in it (including the Apple store and the great DOK cookware one), so you have a very elegant stroll in it, especially when the weather is not so nice. Click here for a panorama of the arcade.

Kinderdijk

2008-05-19T17:43:00.006+02:00

Kinderdijk is a great location to go to to show your friends and relatives a very typical corner of Holland. This place, located 50 kms North East of The Hague has been on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1997, when the 19 well preserved windmills built between 1738 and 1760 were recognised as being the symbol of the way The Netherlands managed their water ever since. Those mills were used to get the surrounding Alblasserwaard polder dry, as it was under sea level. The name Kinderdijk is Dutch for "Child's Dike". The Wiki entry on this explains the origin of the name as follows: "in 1421 during the Saint Elizabeth flood of 1421, the Grote Hollandse Waard flooded, but the Alblasserwaard polder stayed unflooded. It is said that when the terrible storm had subsided, someone went on to the dike between these two areas, to see what could be saved. He saw in the distance a wooden cradle floating. There was no hope that anything would be living in it, but when it approached, movement was seen. When the cradle came nearer, someone saw that a cat was in the cradle trying to keep it in balance by jumping back and forth so that no water could come into it. When the cradle eventually came near the dike, someone fished the cradle out and saw that in it a baby slept quiet and dry. In some of the stories the cat kept it balanced and afloat. This folktale and legend has been published as "The Cat and the Cradle" in English:.

The amazing thing is that most of the mills are still inhabited!! One of them is open to the public and you can get an idea of what it can look like to live in one of those.

Try to get there on a windy day, when the mills are working, and if possible, bring your bikes with you (at least for the kids!) as you will need to walk around to get closer to the mills.

Two real wild Storks!

2008-05-18T20:49:00.005+02:00

I could finally catch today a nest housing a couple of young storks, in Ottoland, a small village in a wide farmers' countryside 50kms away from the Hague. A local person told us this couple had been coming on top of this church every year; the nest is growing bigger and bigger, and will soon need some (artificial) consolidation. You can see on the photo below how big it is now.

For those who are not familiar with my previous posts on storks, this is the symbol of the Hague, and I have been trying to catch a sight of them for months, with no success so far in the city!

Art in the streets of Scheveningen

2008-05-17T23:59:00.003+02:00

On 31 October 1995, a foundation supported by the local council was created in Scheveningen called Straatkunst op Scheveningen withe the aim of stopping and preventing any sort of pollution of our local environment (graffiti, paint, etc...). This special panel was inaugurated in 1997 and you can find in the Neptunustraat. They have used a lot of mosaic work to complete this work, as shown on the picture below.

Shopping tip

2008-05-15T23:58:00.003+02:00

The actual store of Woodleaf & Furn at the Haagsche Bluf 43 is closing down at the end of June. Rush there is you want to stock on beautiful Christmas (and fantastic Halloween) decoration as they are all discounted at 50%! Their miniatures lighted houses are beautiful and are now a real bargain!

The wonderful Japanese garden

2008-05-14T23:20:00.005+02:00

Don't miss the temporarily open Japanese garden in Clingendael. It can still be visited until 8th June. The garden was placed on the list of national historical monuments in 2001.
The Hague websites explains that "the Japanese Garden was created in the beginning of the 20th century by the former owner of the country estate of Clingendael, Marguérite M. Baroness van Brienen (1871-1939), also called Lady Daisy. Lady Daisy sailed off a number of times by ship to Japan and brought back to the Netherlands a number of lanterns, a water cask, sculptures, the pavilion, the little bridges and several plants. The original design with the serene pond, meandering brook and the winding pathways has remained intact all these years".

The garden is not big, but the entrance is free and if you can get before the crowds come in, you'll have a wonderful experience!

North Sea regatta 2008

2008-05-13T23:47:00.000+02:00

The edition of the North Sea Regatta 2008 ended yesterday. It was very busy in Scheveningen harbor in the last 4 days as nearly 400 boats competed in 24 classes along the Scheveningen coast. There was a very nice atmosphere, also due to the beautiful weather conditions over the week-end. Ver

Shocking!

2008-05-12T23:33:00.001+02:00

If sometimes you may think it's nice to live on the waterside, forget it when it is abnormally hot and sunny and when everybody in the city and around has decided to enjoy a day out on the beach.....

The worst experience was to see all the garbage left on the beach by uncivilized Dutch people...it was hard for me to believe I was in the Netherlands. What do they think? That because the beach is cleaned every night it gives them the right to throw away cans and plastic bottles where they sit? It reminded me of El Rodadero beach in the Colombian city of Santa Marta; when I then asked locals why their beach was so dirty at the end of the day, they then answered that they were not bothered because that would give some work to all the poor people who would during the evening gather and then sell the garbage...... This is not the case in Holland, and I suggest the Council to stop cleaning the beaches for a week to see whether they would be a reaction in the papers!

Memories

2008-05-09T23:43:00.002+02:00

Just to finish on posting on MuZee Scheveningen (see the last 2 days posts), here is a pic of the last exhibition they showed on the first floor: "Remembering is life", an art project developed for senior people when during 6 workshops senior people had to paint on textile their most vibrant memories (favorite food as a child, self portrait, favorite flower etc....).

I found it very interesting, especially the fact that you realize that kids' drawings are not far away from drawings made by senior people. What about us in between? We just do not take the time to draw!!!!!

2008-05-08T23:30:00.001+02:00

Still in Muzee (see yesterday's post), you'll find this strange bathing machine in use about 1830 to 1920.

The description reads:
"The bather would enter the bathing machine, undress and put on a bathing costume. A horse pulled the coach into the sea to a depth of 70cm, the bather then enjoyed a dip in the water and after bathing he re-entered the coach. Then the horse pulled hte coach back up on the beach. During the bathing there was always supervisin by a "bath man" attendant". In case of affluence, people had to get a number to get on the waiting list.

Any idea of how we will be having a bath in the sea over 150 years?

In the old days, ...

2008-05-07T23:16:00.000+02:00

I was pleasantly surprised by the MuZee in Scheveningen. This small museum offers a nice picture of what the activities in this popular bath resort and fishing harbor used to be around the beginning of the last century. It is also a nice place for the kids to celebrate their birthday, as they offer some activities like looking for shells (the museum owns a big collection of shells from around the world), as well as climbing to the top of the Scheveningen lighthouse.

If you wonder what those wooden picks on the pic above are for, then think of smoked eels. The fishes were hung on the stick before being smoked. If you want to see how they used to do it, then you must pay a visit to the harbor next 7th June on "Vlaggetjesdag" or the day celebrating the new haring season.

The Hague, cultural capital...in 2018 (maybe)

2008-05-06T18:23:00.005+02:00

This was my intended post for the month theme on "Numbers".

The Hague has set its sights on becoming a European Capital of Culture for ...... 2018 with a new International Dance and Music Centre on the Spuiplein. The Netherlands and Malta will each have a turn in 2018 to supply a European Capital of Culture, which shows off the richness of European culture. Dutch cities wishing to make a bid for the title have to submit their plans to the national government by October 2012. If you want to know what it means for a city to be a European Capital of Culture, then click here. In 2009, Vilnius is the capital city.

Student house

2008-05-05T23:42:00.000+02:00

This is one of the main student houses in the Hague around the Haagse Hogeschool (The Hague Highschool), a tower with approximately 1100 student flats, managed by the Duwo organisation. I have not spotted many round buildings in the city, apart from that one.

There is a sharp shortage of student housing in the city, and there is at the moment a real boom in the design and building of new facilities for them.

the "Peperbus"

2008-05-04T22:39:00.001+02:00

When I saw this strange column I immediately thought of the Morris columns in Paris, those 4m2 cylindrical outdoor sidewalk structures with a characteristic style that are used for advertising and other purposes.

It is in fact an old electrical transformer column, the type of which is not in use anymore for more than 20 years. This one was re-designed as a piece of art by Griffinkommer. Behind, a modern office building.

Back from Zeeland

2008-05-03T08:07:00.002+02:00

Zeeland ("sea and land") is one of the 12 provinces of The Netherlands, and consists of islands. It is only one hour drive from The Hague and is a popular holiday destination. You can enjoy there very nice sand beaches, and mussels and oysters, the local specialty.

The region has a very rich history in the 16th and 17th century due to influent trade, hence beautiful town and villages like Middleburg, Veere and Zierikzee are worth a visit.

It is also known as being the symbol of flood fighting with the Deltaworks, since the disaster of the North sea flood in 1953 when nearly 2000 died in one night.

What's up doc?

2008-04-25T09:56:00.001+02:00

Isn't it nice to be able to pass by geese while walking in the park? This one was quietly following me, chewing its grass, and looking right into my camera.

By the way, if you want to enjoy Bugs Bunny in the original What's up doc? scenes, click here!

The Hague Daily Photo is taking one week off. See you next Friday!

The Hague logo

2008-04-24T09:30:00.004+02:00

I have not shown yet what the city logo looks like, maybe because I don't like it so much! So here it is, hanging inside our city hall. This new logo was released at the end of 2006, and provoked many hostile reactions as many people found it extremely ugly . It is designed by Anton Corbijn, a well-known artist, photographer (among others of musicians such as U2 band), videomaker, graphic designer.... Corbijn wanted his design to "express feelings of security, life, progress and playfulness." For the story, the project costs were €190k (!). The mayor wanted a logo that would reflect The Hague as the International City of Peace, Justice and Security.

But where is the stork, official symbol of the city?
Does your city also have a logo?

Travel building

2008-04-23T09:31:00.003+02:00

This nice building can be found right in the shopping part of the city. It is a good example of the local architecture built around the beginning of this century, typically in the style of all the buildings in the city centre. This one was probably one of the head offices of the Dutch Railways, as indicated on the front.

Realism in the city 2/2

2008-04-22T16:32:00.004+02:00

I find those street murals so nice I thought I shared them all with you! I only spotted four houses in total in this small neighborhood displaying the murals from Hermanus Berserik (see yesterday's post). Click on the photo to display it large.

Realism in the city

2008-04-21T20:16:00.005+02:00

Everybody in The Hague knows the wall paintings situated on the back of a couple of houses next to The Hague HS train station. They have been painted by Hermanus Berserik (1921-2002), a local artist, member of the Royal academy of Arts, who lived in this neighborhood as a child. His paintings were very realistic; still lifes with nostalgic subjects, selfportraits, landscapes.

Sick trees

2008-04-20T17:48:00.002+02:00

I spotted this open wound on this tree in the haagsche Bos the other day. Many trees in the city are suffering from this kind of haemorrhage caused by a new bacteria. The same sympoms have been reported around the country on chestnut trees, beech trees and maple trees. A specialised organisation is working on studying this bacteria and is trying to find a solution to this problem. So far, we regularly read in the local news that sick trees need to be cut down, a sad ending story.

2008-04-19T23:51:00.000+02:00

The dolfinarium in Harderwijk (110 kms from the Hague) is a nice place to go with kids to spend a day watching dolphins, walrus, seals, sea lions... Kids love it, especially because you can see them so close. The park would benefit from some renovation as it looks a bit oldish. And it's not cheap! But....what wouldn't we do for kids?!

Skyline III

2008-04-18T11:56:00.002+02:00

The "Iron Blade" (strijkijzer in Dutch) is the latest tower that has been completed in the Hague at the end of 2007. It is inspired by the Flat Iron building in New York (hence, the name).

It is located outside the Holland Spoor train Station. It is built on a very small piece of land (30*35m), but is 130m high (among the ten highest buildings in The Netherlands). Most of it is inhabited by young people (300 one-room units) as well as 51 luxury flats. Apparently there is a panoramic terrace on the 41st floor, but I still need to check whether it is open to the public.

Criss-cross of bikes

2008-04-17T20:56:00.002+02:00

When I stepped out of the train today, I couldn't help but take a picture of this tangling of bicycles! I always wondered how bike owners could easily and quickly find their bike! The likely trick: a distinctive plastic bag on the saddle, or red flowers on the handlebar!

Architect Olthuis

2008-04-16T23:21:00.000+02:00

I had to stop and park my car to make a picture when I saw this building fro the first time today. It is located Laan van Meerdervoort 215, and for a second I was transposed in Gaudi's world in Barcelona (Spain)! It is for me one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in The Hague. This house is one of the 13 houses built on that location by J. Olthuis (1851-1921) in 1900-01, and is typical of the French-Belgian Art Nouveau style. All the 13 houses are not in the same style.

This house of 375m2 was for sale last year for an approximate €0,9m.

Green beetle

2008-04-15T23:36:00.002+02:00

This is a new way of advertising for a boring product, ie carpets and other floor protections! Wouldn't you love to drive around in this sexy covered in synthetic carpet car? I guess it's also comfortable to sit on it.... on the hood!

Watertower

2008-04-14T19:30:00.000+02:00

The Haagse Duinwaterleiding company (DWL, now DZH) began to collect drinkable water from the dunes surrounding the Hague in 1874. The construction of this 49 meter high water tower dates back from that year. It was designed by L.A.Brouwer in the NeoRenaissance style. It stands on the list of national monuments and historical places.

It was renovated not long ago, and is still in use. The sign on top of the tower is still the landmark of DZH company.

If you've always wanted to know how a water tower works, then you must read this.

That's why!

2008-04-13T21:26:00.002+02:00

Yesterday a pic of a frog in a park, today the probable explanation : the yearly walk (between February and April) of amphibians after the winter towards the water, their breeding place! Because the asphalt pavement keeps the heat, frogs often stand still on surrounding roads, hence the traffic signs ("Drive Slowly, toad/frog track")!!! If you want to have a look at what it looks like, click here (don't forget the sound!), and if you want more details on the external fertilization of the frogs on this page.

Red frog

2008-04-12T23:33:00.003+02:00

Look at this pretty frog looking at me this morning in the Haagsche Bos. She was terrified as my kids were trying to touch it with... a leaf! Nice colors, and nice leg position! Enjoy your Sunday!

Safe coast

2008-04-11T12:07:00.001+02:00

Zirfaea is one of the ten ships owned by the Ministery of public works. The complete fleet of the north sea can be looked at on this page. She is a 63 meter long boat used to investigate the seabed, measure the waves, inspect pipelines, detect wrecks of the sea, etc... It is also used if containment in oil spills. It is also equipped with ROHP II, an underwater robot needed for all kinds of inspection ant taking of samples from the seabed. It must be very interesting to visit this kind of boat and understand how they work.

Duindorp

2008-04-10T22:05:00.000+02:00

Duindorp is another district of the Hague built between 1915 and 1930 for the fishermen population of Scheveningen. It was a milestone in the social history of the Hague as for the first time some houses were built for fishermen in accordance with the law. It counts around 2.700 houses built in the dunes South of the harbour of Scheveningen . Two thirds of the houses are so-called "social" houses and can offer low rents.

Eight years ago the city house started a renovation plan of this rather low-income neighborhood, with the rebuilding of old and small houses, as well as the construction of 1,000 new houses before 2010. Duindorp was labelled a couple of years ago as being one the problem districts of the city. One of the features is a very closed community, where new residents find it sometimes difficult to integrate.

Nice and warm terrace

2008-04-09T20:33:00.001+02:00

I found this terrace outside the Carlton Beach Hotel on the seaside of Scheveningen. It was in the middle of the afternoon, which is probably why there was nobody sitting there. Have a look at the terrace heaters placed on the wall, they are working and a proof that the weather keeps being very cold!

Reflection

2008-04-08T23:39:00.003+02:00

Just a nice reflection of trees in water in my favorite park in Clingendael. I can,t wait for the temporary Japanese garden to open at the end of this month to show you more natural beauty.

Leisure harbour

2008-04-07T20:41:00.002+02:00

Many pleasure boats are moored in Scheveningen port. This part of the harbour is at the moment the centre of much attention, due to further expansion plans from the Town Hall detailed here that are creating many discussions, especially related to the proposed construction of two high towers as a flagship to the port entrance. The overall objective is to combine commercial, residential and recreational activities to attract more inhabitants and more tourists. The flats seen on the photo are part of the Havenkwartier, development project detailed on this page.

Many horse carriages!

2008-04-06T20:52:00.003+02:00

Do you want one of those? Click here, and you can have a brand new one for an average €3,000! I'm sure you never thought of this kind of leisure time! In case you wonder, the horses were resting, and the owners were having a big pancake for lunch in the nearby pancake house. This is in Meijendel of course, a favorite week-end destination if you live in The Hague!

Colorful scaffolding

2008-04-05T23:55:00.002+02:00

Isn't it a good idea to bring colors to boring scaffolding? It looks like the panels were specially set up for some street mural. This is located along the harbour in Scheveningen , which is why you can see on the mural the pier, and fishes.

The Muzentoren

2008-04-04T16:58:00.000+02:00

This octagonal tower of 73 meters high is a design from Robert Krier, a Luxembourgian architect and urban designer. The use of black bricks gives a very special effect, especially because it is not very common in the city. It was completed in 2001 and is the entrance to the new Resident real estate compound. It is an office building.

Market day

2008-04-03T15:57:00.004+02:00

Thursday is market day in the Stevinstraat, a weekly small market that exists since 1975. On the picture, the typical Dutch vegetables: onions, , sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, leeks, green endives. Note that you cannot see any potatoes as they have a special stand on the market!

Handy bike (2)

2008-04-02T18:17:00.005+02:00

The only nice spring day of the week! I couldn't help talking this photo of this "bakfiets" again as I found the setting very colorful. Though those bikes are wonderful to carry more than one kiddy, they remain very expensive as they can easily top €1,500 depending on the brand and the options fitted on the bike...More photos of this kind of bike here.

Month theme : " Water"

2008-04-01T00:02:00.000+02:00

I could not choose this month between..........the foam from the sea and the reflection of the sky. Let me know which one you prefer!

Take some time to visit some of the 178 cities around the world who are posting today snapshots of what "Water" inspires to them:

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Paja, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix - Bostonscapes, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Cypress (TX), USA by Riniroo, Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), USA by A Wandering Soul, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lake Forest Park (WA), USA by Azure, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Nancy, France by yoshi, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norman (OK), USA by Chad & LaCresha, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Odense, Denmark by ania odense, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Gordio, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Pont-à-Mousson, France by Tintin-j, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portland (OR), USA by NWgal, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Shanghai, China by Jing, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Sydney, Australia by Nathalie, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Toruń, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

The Kurhaus

2008-03-31T18:52:00.004+02:00

This luxury hotel has a rich history that dates back to 1818. That year Jacob Pronk built a wooden building on a dune near the sea, from where people could bathe from 4 separate rooms. It marked the start of Scheveningen as a bathing place. Since then, Scheveningen has attracted numerous tourists from all over Europe, notably from Germany. Here you can read about all the development steps that mark the building of this monument. It now takes a central place on the promenade of Scheveningen.

More photos can be found on the hotel website, especially in the history section.

Italian feeling!

2008-03-30T18:11:00.000+02:00

There's an Italian side to some streets from the old city centre of The Hague, here the Hooistraat. De street derives its name from the "hooi" or hay that boats were allowed to unload. Many horse stables were located in the area, as well as the military barracks of the House of Orange.

At the end, the yellow building is the Hotel des Indes.

Walking in the sand....

2008-03-29T23:53:00.000+01:00

Nice song from a French singer "Marcher dans le sable".....

50 facts over the Hague

2008-03-28T13:58:00.004+01:00

I just found this book compiling 50 historical facts that occurred in the city of the Hague between 1234 and 1981, "50 stories that anyone who lives in the Hague should know". I have not found any English translation for our international residents.

I started to read it and realized how little I knew about my city....Think of your own city. Would you be able to name even 20 historical facts? For sure this book will inspire me to discover more about the Hague and share it with you.

Lighthouse

2008-03-27T14:23:00.004+01:00

How can I have this blog for over half a year, and not have shown the lighthouse of Scheveningen, one of the landmarks of the city!! This red 12-sided cast-iron tower is 49m high. It became operational in 1875. It is still in use now, and can also be visited on Wednesday's and Saturday's. More photos of the view you have from the top here.

Dog policy

2008-03-26T20:27:00.001+01:00

There are strict rules in The Hague one must follows regarding dogs:

* Dogs are only allowed on the beach from 1 October to 15 May (except two locations on the Zwarte pad and close to Kwartellaan).
* They must be kept on a leash at all times in the city except in some designated free-run areas.
* A new "clean up after your dog, everywhere, and take a bag with you” policy, in force for two years now, with potential fine for owners of up to €75 (€50 if a dog owner cannot present the mandatory “pooper-scooper”.

Has dog poop vanished from the city streets? Well not entirely, but it could be worse....

Kite jumping!

2008-03-25T17:10:00.000+01:00

Snow this morning, wind and sunshine this afternoon. Not many kite surfers dared to brave the waves and the cold waters (6,9ºc). I could only spot 2 of them. Do enlarge the picture by clicking on it, and enjoy the height of that jump, it was impressive to see, well nearly as impressive as on this video.

Nicest square of the Hague

2008-03-24T20:13:00.000+01:00

Jan P. Sweelinck (1562-1621), componist, organist of the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam. This is what can be read under this beautiful statue posted in Sweelinckplein, to me the nicest square of the city. It has a charateristic oval shape, and is the living centre of the Duinoord district. Around this square, many protected historical monuments (about 50!!), all built around the beginning of 1900. An association of residents was even created to ensure the conservation of this place. More photos can be found on their website.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T18:11:00.002+01:00

I have not seen many chocolate pictures today on CDP portal. Here is the chocolate bunny that was left by Mr Easter Bunny in our garden for the kids to celebrate Easter.

Easter Bunnies!!!!

2008-03-22T14:58:00.000+01:00

The Easter Bunny is a rabbit who brings gifts and candy to children on the Easter holiday. It has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season. The children believed that if they were good the "Easter Bunny" would lay a nest of colored eggs.

I saw those ones this morning in the Reinkenstraat playing music for the kids and distributing tulips to the parents (!). They probably watched this video and tried to replicate the rhythm!

Mystery building

2008-03-21T16:08:00.002+01:00

I have not managed to find the story behind this building situated on the Kerkplein. Why are they coats of arms from countries, as well as a statue that looks like a symbol of death? Does anybody have an idea what it could relate to?

Little storks of The Hague

2008-03-20T13:19:00.006+01:00

If you remember my stork serie last month, you'll know that the stork is the symbol the Hague. I found yesterday in a pastry shop in the Reinkenstraat a very nice small paper box containing some small very buttery cookies, called the "littles storks of the Hague". This small pastry has been created by the Hessing family who happens to be very famous for having created and baked several bread and pastry specialties for the city!

Local Paper

2008-03-19T16:36:00.000+01:00

As its name indicates, the Scheveningshe Courant is the weekly paper of Scheveningen. Every Wednesday, 23.000 copies are freely distributed in one's mailbox in the local neighborhoods of Scheveningen, Belgisch Park, Duindorp, Duttendel, Geuzenkwartier, Renbaankwartier, Van Stolkpark, Wittebrug.

Local news, building permits, future developments of the harbour, any local news item finds its way into this paper which exists since 1887!

Puss in Boots in Westbroekpark

2008-03-18T13:38:00.001+01:00

If you live in Europe, you probably know the story of the "Puss in Boots". As a child, I could read the fairy tales from Charles Perrault or the Grimm brothers for hours. I wonder whether those fairy tales have also found their way to America and Asia... Among my favorites: Little Red Riding Hood, Bluebeard, Cinderella.

The photo shows one of the many statues you can find in Westbroekpark, here a bronze from Johan Keller. Isn't it very elegant?

What kind of duck is this bird?

2008-03-17T17:24:00.005+01:00

Given my non-existent knowledge in ornithology, could anyone tell me what the name of this duck is? It is a common view in the parks of The Hague, here in Zuiderpark.

Update: Thanks to Wassenaar DP, I can now tell you that this is an Egyptian goose!

Just married!

2008-03-16T23:01:00.002+01:00

Have you ever been so proud of your wedding day to have a go and paint your car to spread the word? Probably they are thinking of painting their car black afterwards, or is this the result of a "nice" joke from "good" friends?

Not summer yet

2008-03-15T17:29:00.002+01:00

Despite people working hard at the moment on the beach places so that they can open for Easter week end next week, the canal boats in the city centre are not so popular yet. The good weather has not arrived yet (provided it ever comes this year!).

Green zone

2008-03-14T23:27:00.000+01:00

This quiet park is situated in the Benoordenhout neighborhood (North-East of the city), on the Jozef Israëlsplein. At the end, a monument to Queen Emma designed in 1936 by the Belgian artist Toon Dupuis and the architect Co Brandes (1884-1955) On the sides some white benches unfortunately tagged with graffiti.

Wonderful colors!

2008-03-13T10:02:00.004+01:00

No, be reassured, this is not a stained glass window in a contemporary church, but one in the building of the "Bijenkorf" department store, designed by the famous Dutch architect Piet Kramer, and built in 1926. It is a perfect example of the "Amsterdam School" style of architecture. You can find those beautiful stained glass windows in the main staircase, a different one at each level. I found other photos for you on this blog.

Examples of new architecture

2008-03-12T12:47:00.000+01:00

On this picture, different examples of Dutch architecture found in the centre of The Hague in the Laakkade, Southside of the citycentre. Different levels of housing from flats to individual houses. Not the traditional picture of nice and romantic red brick houses! Note the number of dishes on the balconies of the flats, displaying the number of foreigners living in them.

Stormy weather

2008-03-11T12:21:00.003+01:00

This morning I went again to one of my favorites spots in the city, ie the beach, though the wind was blowing 80 km/h. All the shells are building small hillocks of sand, fighting not to get blown off. This blustering wind will be getting stronger tomorrow, and I'm thinking of all the beach places that are being built at the moment to be ready for the opening of the summer season. Let's hope for not too many damages in the coming hours!

Holiday feeling

2008-03-10T09:30:00.001+01:00

The lake from Annecy lays 950kms South of The Hague in the French Savoy Alps, and is easily reachable by plane from Geneva. It is the second largest lake in France (after the Bourget lake). It is said to be "Europe's cleanest lake" because of strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960s. It is a popular tourist destination known for its swimming and water sports.

It is a stunning setting that combines beautiful mountains views with the feeling of a seaside resort. I spent there a great week in a wooden chalet, reading (we had no TV and obviously no Internet), walking, and eating lots of tartiflette, a local favourite in all the restaurants. Kids enjoyed it a lot as well as the proximity of family ski resorts allowed them to go sledging and build snowmen.

Month theme : " Graffiti or street mural"

2008-03-01T00:01:00.004+01:00

This is actually not a street mural, but rather street art. It reflects what is happening in the city a lot, that I already mentioned in earlier posts: use the kids to draw and paint some art on wooden panels sometimes to prevent squatters and other unwanted people to hang around in an empty place, or like here in the Tasmanstraat, to have them show their own vision on things. On this waste ground (former school site), behind a parking lot, kids from three primary schools of the neighborhood have been asked to paint their representation of a tree on 40 wooden panels. This "kunstbos" or "artwoods" will remain until 2009 when a new real estate development will start.

More photos here.

The Hague Daily Photo is heading South for a week in the Alps, so I'll see you again next Sunday. Have a great week enjoying photos from around the world.

144 cities will participate this month in this Theme Day, so please please, take some time to visit some of the following cities listed below:

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Detroit (MI), USA by Taittems, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Jsaltao, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montréal, Canada by Douber, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by MumbaiIteanu, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK by Cassie & Chris, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Radonvilliers, France by Deslilas, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rome, Italy by Giovanni, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation by Lark, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Terre Haute (IN), USA by Zann, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Wrocław, Poland by Loompi, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

2008-02-29T08:50:00.000+01:00

Let's finish off February on an optimistic touch, and the birth of the first lambs this year in this wonderful kids' farm in Zoeterwoude "Het Geertje". This dynamic cheese farm opens its doors the all year around to kids. It is the most fun when lambs are born, as then you can buy small bottles of goat milk and feed the baby goats directly. Just be prepared to spend there a couple of hours there, as once in, the kids do not want to leave anymore!!

Romantic rowboats

2008-02-28T16:10:00.003+01:00

When is the last time you rented such a rowboat and dreamt of stopping the clock? Very picturesque setting for this post I shot in.......a kids' farm yesterday in Zoeterwoude, 20kms outside The Hague. At the end of the day, only the ducks were drifting away, everything else was quiet.

Typical Dutch sky

2008-02-27T18:07:00.002+01:00

This is a characteristic Dutch landscape (a polder outside The Hague) with a typical looming cloud-filled sky. Enjoy it!

Cut trees

2008-02-26T19:18:00.000+01:00

Walking in the rose garden of Westbroek Park... I cant wait for June when 20.000 roses from 300 varieties will be blooming.... Expect some nice flowery posts then! I just also read that an international rose competition is occurring in July with rose growers from all over the world gathering here, hoping to win the coveted "Golden Rose of The Hague" for their roses!

As you can see looking at those trees, there is still a long way to go before the garden gets its full shape. In the background, you can see one of the two WWII bunkers I was looking for last time when I posted this.

Exceptional Gouda (2)

2008-02-25T18:17:00.000+01:00

Until 1832, some (supposedly) wealthy citizens of Gouda could be buried in the St Johan's church, and you can still walk on very old graves (not on the one pictured above, as it dates back nearly 4 centuries...). This one is particularly beautiful.

Exceptional Gouda

2008-02-24T17:19:00.002+01:00

Gouda, the cheese city lays 35kms from The Hague. It is famous for its Gouda cheese, and for housing the longest church of the country (123m), the St. Johns church. This is a beautiful church, already pictured by Wassenaar Daily Photo. I visited it today for the first time, and was struck by the beauty of some stained glasses from the XVIth century.

Couperus versus Couperin

2008-02-23T19:40:00.003+01:00

When I saw this bust, I immediately thought of Louis Couperin the French baroque composer from the 17th century. Obviously, I mixed him up with Louis Marie-Anne Couperus, the Dutch famous novelist....

Piling up

2008-02-22T14:21:00.004+01:00

I liked the colours of this pile of wooden pallets in the fish harbour of Scheveningen, reference to the tons of fish and shrimps sold here everyday. As a link to yesterday's post, you can watch here (in Dutch) a 10mn film from 1941 over the fishing activity in the Northsea.

Like in the old days

2008-02-21T15:59:00.002+01:00

This is an old photograph that has been placed on the wall of a side street of the Keizerstraat in Scheveningen. It must have been placed in the last two weeks, as this was the first time I noticed it (when it measures approximately 3m*5m!). It pictures two traditionally dressed women in the style of fishermen's wives looking at sea when their husbands are sailing back. It probably recalls the symbol of Scheveningen I posted here.

Skyline II

2008-02-20T17:53:00.000+01:00

Here is a photo of the skyline of The Hague from the beach. In the foreground an old (still in use) water tower built in 1874, when the water company began exploiting fresh water from the dunes surrounding Scheveningen. In the middle distance, some of the new high-rise office buildings in the city centre.

Low tide

2008-02-19T12:01:00.004+01:00

It was still nice weather on the beach yesterday to walk when the water was low. I can't wait for the new summer season to start. Beach places are allowed to start building their pavilions as from March 3rd, and it is in the news today that meteorologists expect one of the hottest summers ever in The Netherlands this year... Forget the French Riviera, and plan your summer holidays in The Hague!!!!

If you want to read more about climate expectations for The Netherlands, just read the new "State of the Climate 2007 (in Dutch)" that was published today.

Colorful garage door!

2008-02-18T18:13:00.003+01:00

I found this garage door in the Van Loostraat, and still wonder how you can come up with the idea of painting this outside door so colorful in this very traditional street....or am I too traditional myself? I think it pictures the Orient Express train. Maybe the owner had some very nice memories of this exceptional train?