Visit a while this city from my experience of sight through my Iphone, and hearing with speech marks.
It is mid morning we are sitting at a tram stop waiting for number 10 to the sea! There is the voice of a man, does he need help? The words become more distinct.
‘ Woe ye, Woe ye, Woe ye…
How is he going to finish his sentence when will it come?
Will it be ‘ Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who put darkness for light,and light for darkness.’
Or
‘Woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the voices of the trumpet of the three angels which are yet to sound.’
No
It was ‘ Woe to those who stone the prophets…’
Woe indicates imminent judgement, profound sorrow, and a warning against self- indulgence or rejecting God’s truth.
Well, this city where his strong voice echoed is home to the UN’s International Court of Justice ( The Peace Palace) , the Dutch Parliament and The Palace for King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and their daughters.
First, the Peace Palace known for housing the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, this serves as an icon of peace.
It is a Neo- Renaissance style building which was the winning design of an architecture competition in the early nineteen hundreds. Since 18th April 2002 A Peace Flame has been burning with the words ” May all beings find peace.” Since 2004 this monument has been surrounded by the World Peace Path, which consists of small stones from 196 countries.
A building that is one of the oldest parliament buildings in the world still in use is next. It has been the center of Dutch political power for 800 years. The Hall of Knights built around 1280 is used for the annual ” Speech from the Throne” delivered by the King.
Binnenhof is currently undergoing a major, multi- year renovation to address issues like wood rot, leaking roofs, and outdated plumbing. The Hofvijver, Court Pond is in the foreground.
But what of some of the streets?
Near the large area of water is this scene. An artist, a tree and a surround of buildings. I watched and was fascinated by his straight confident strokes as he put in upright walls. His concentration with all that a street gives was immense. I don’t think he even knew I was there.
Another street where coffee shops and art nestle in together invites us to enjoy and then…
notice the crown hanging above the centre of the street. We will soon see one of the palaces of King Willem- Alexander, Queen Maxima, and their daughters. It is the palace garden that we appreciated. Its trees, relaxed planting and a fascinating play area for the children.
Formal placement of lavender shrubs all in bud with the palace behind. Then the gardens with a fine play area, encouraging balance.
Relaxed planting with plenty of Green Alkenet in blue bloom with ferns. A relaxing place to sit under mature trees.
Oh, where were we when I started? At the tram stop catching the number 10 to the sea. Here it is a this way then look opposite…
…the North Sea.
and this. A sculpture by Tom Otterness.
A father takes a young child off a part I would like to photograph. It is a fat child with its legs and arms in chains.
There is a lot of sadness here. A place for children to play?
The sculptor is known for his “Shot dog film.” I researched his work but I leave you to do the same.
Den Haag/ The Hague
” Stad op het zand, dorp op het veen.” City on the sand, village on the peat.
And the most iconic nickname, often used in songs and loving references to the city:
” Mooie stad achyer de duinen.” Beautiful city behind the dunes.
And here is a little Dutch boy and a person he constantly addresses as “oupa “as the one trudges and the other pedals in his care.
Take care,
Sandy 🙂