A Dutch Love Story: Gajendra’s 13-Day European Adventure
As Gajendra and his wife stepped off the plane in Amsterdam, the crisp autumn air welcomed them with a whisper of adventure. This wasn’t their first trip together, but something about this journey felt different. Maybe it was the excitement of discovering new places, or maybe it was the simple joy of traveling hand in hand once again.
Their 13-day European journey began with the grand allure of Paris, where the Eiffel Tower shimmered under the night sky, the halls of the Louvre whispered stories of history, and a quiet evening by the Seine with a glass of fine French wine felt almost poetic. From Paris, they moved to Brussels, indulging in the velvety richness of Belgian chocolate and marveling at the beauty of the Grand Place.
Their adventure continued through Germany’s Frankfurt, where modern skyscrapers stood beside medieval buildings. In Switzerland, they stood at the top of Jungfraujoch and Mt. Titlis, the icy air stealing their breath. The Rhine Falls roared with untamed beauty, while Innsbruck in Austria charmed them with its snow-capped peaks.
Italy swept them into its romance and Venice’s quiet canals, Florence’s artistic masterpieces and Rome’s eternal grandeur. At the Vatican, they stood in awe inside St. Peter’s Basilica, surrounded by centuries of history.
But it was the Netherlands that truly captivated them—not in a loud, extravagant way, but in a soft, lingering manner, like the way a beautiful song stays with you long after it ends.
A Love Affair with Amsterdam
Amsterdam welcomed them with its postcard-perfect charm—narrow, gabled houses leaning slightly forward as if whispering secrets to the canals below. The streets hummed with the rhythm of bicycles and the occasional laughter from a nearby café.
Their first experience in the city was a canal cruise. As their boat drifted through the waterways, the city seemed to slow down, allowing them to soak in every detail. The guide pointed out the Anne Frank House, its somber history contrasting the lively streets around it. There was something about the canals and bridges of Amsterdam—it held its past with respect while embracing the present with open arms.
The next day, they did something they hadn’t done in years—rented bicycles. At first, they wobbled awkwardly, laughing at themselves, but soon, they found their balance. They rode through Vondelpark, where golden leaves crunched beneath their tires. At a small café, a kind old Dutch man suggested they try appeltaart (Dutch apple pie). One bite, and they knew—it was the best they had ever tasted.
The Hague & Delft: Where Art and Tradition Meet
From Amsterdam, they took a short trip to The Hague, a city of elegance. The Peace Palace stood tall, a reminder of the world’s pursuit of justice. Inside the Mauritshuis Museum, the painting of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring held them captive—her mysterious gaze following them as they moved through the room.
Delft, a small town just outside The Hague, was an unexpected delight. Canals wove through charming streets, and the scent of fresh waffles filled the air. But what truly fascinated them was the Delftware pottery. Watching an artist paint delicate blue-and-white patterns onto a ceramic plate, Gajendra’s wife turned to him.
“We should take one home,” she said, eyes twinkling.
He nodded. “A piece of the Netherlands with us forever.”
Windmills, Wooden Clogs & A Slice of Dutch Countryside
Their journey wouldn’t have been complete without visiting Zaanse Schans, a village where the remnants of the past still breathed in every corner. Windmills turned lazily against the sky, their wooden frames standing strong as they had for centuries.
Inside a small cheese farm, a woman in traditional Dutch attire handed them samples of Gouda and Edam. The creamy richness melted in their mouths, and they couldn’t resist buying some to take home.
Trying on oversized wooden clogs, they stumbled around clumsily, laughing like children. It was in these small, unexpected moments that they found the greatest joy.
As the sun set over the windmills, casting long shadows over the river, Gajendra’s wife sighed.
“I could stay here forever,” she whispered.
He pulled her close. “Maybe we belonged here in another life.”
Amsterdam’s Twilight: A Promise of Forever
On their last evening in Amsterdam, they took one final canal cruise. The city shimmered in golden hues, its lights reflecting on the water like tiny dancing stars. The boat glided under a bridge adorned with fairy lights, and in that moment, everything felt timeless.
Gajendra’s wife squeezed his hand. “I’m glad we did this,” she whispered.
He looked at her, his eyes warm with unspoken words. “Me too. It feels like our first trip together all over again.”
She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. They had traveled the world in their youth, but this trip had taught them something even more precious—adventure has no age limit.
Europe had given them breathtaking sights, but the Netherlands had given them something more. It reminded them of the simple joys—the warmth of a fresh apple pie, the thrill of riding a bicycle, the charm of a handcrafted Delftware piece, and the magic of watching the sun set over a windmill.
As they walked back to their hotel, the lively sounds of Amsterdam surrounding them, they knew this wasn’t just a trip. It was a memory etched in their hearts.
And in the quiet spaces between their footsteps, they made a silent promise—this was just the beginning.
Read more: Thrillophilia Netherlands Reviews