Nicest square of the Hague

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.

Easter Bunnies!!!!

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!

Little storks of The Hague

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!