Travelogues – Beautiful Haarlem and Beachy Zandvoort

September 4, 2019

Friday, August 23rd

T and I decided to take a quick trip to Haarlem and Zandvoort since he was going to be out of town on business for 13 days.  T, The Littles, and I took a 20 minute train ride to Haarlem.  T said that the city of Haarlem in New York is named after Haarlem in The Netherlands.  While we waited to receive the key for our Airbnb we enjoyed a beer at the Coach House Inn which was across the street from our Airbnb.

We stayed at an Airbnb, GOG A Cozy Lofts Haarlem.  The place was clean and had towels and bedding, but hand soap was nowhere to be found.  I improvised and used my face wash as hand soap.  Also, we were charged extra since brought the dogs.  The owners put out dog bowls with pink place-mats underneath them, which was a nice gesture.  A great view from our loft was of a bookstore.  I also took a picture of the paintbrush because I thought it was colorful. 

 

Who knew that The Netherlands had a BEACH?  We went to Zandvoort and walked along the beautiful, clean beach.  We also put our feet into the cold water of the North Sea.  I cannot wait to hangout on the beach next summer!  

We ate fresh fish and chips at De Haven Van Zandvoort for dinner.  Also, we spotted Miffy.  Miffy is a small female rabbit in a series of picture books drawn and written by a Dutch artist, Dick Bruna. The first Miffy book was written in 1955.   It was the author’s birthday while we were at Zandvoort, so we asked the waitress if that is why Miffy was on the beach.  I found it odd that the waitress never noticed Miffy on the beach and did not know who Miffy was.  Throughout Amsterdam, I have seen Miffy stuffed animals available for purchase at various stores.

T and I watched the beautiful sunset while we enjoyed our dinner and wine.

I also was beyond excited when I found an anchor on the beach!

In the photo above I am wearing the Baggallini Everywhere Bag in the color portobello.  If you are looking for a smaller crossbody bag, I suggest the smaller version of the Baggallini Everyday Crossbody Bag. The bag is lighter and smaller in size compared to the Baggallini Everywhere Bag.  

T and I also went to a nearby casino for a bit.  I played the slot machines and lost all of my money in a matter of minutes – ha, ha!

 

Saturday, August 24th

Tom and I ate breakfast at De Volkslust.  I ordered a vegetable omelette, whereas T ordered the entire menu – ha, ha!  He was very hungry!

We had a great time in Haarlem and Zandvoort!  For some strange reason, I felt like I was in a scene from Beauty and the Beast while in Haarlem, maybe it was the bookstore…who knows?

When we arrived back to Amsterdam, T packed his bags and left for Africa.

Later that Week…

A neighbor drew a picture of Miffy on the dry-erase board in our apartment lobby and it brought a smile to my face…