Neither Venice of the north nor Petersburg’s poor cousin, Amsterdam exists in its own right. For a traveler to restrict himself to this city alone would however be a mistake. For Netherland is much more.

Four to five days being enough I moved south making Rotterdam the base to further explore the country. Also because it was economical.

Barely 40 minutes from Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s a 15 – 30 minute ride into the little towns in its vicinity: Utrecht, Gouda, Delft, The Hague. And just an hour away from Brussels.

A vibrant university town that has striking architecture, the aesthetics of the place will bowl you. Completely destroyed during WW2 it has risen phoenix like from its ashes. Beautiful, modern, avant garde. Great art, architecture, infrastructure – the hallmarks of a great city – along with international cuisine & large, green, open spaces to roam & chill. Rotterdam came as such a surprise that planned trips to Haarlem, Zaanse Schans – Zaandam were left on the back burner. For another day & time, luck permitting.

Here’s a tribute to it’s spirit.

Witte Huis. Historical landmark (1890’s). One of Europe’s first tall buildings that survived the war.

Easily reachable via a vast & efficient rail network little towns dotting the Dutch countryside spell magic, quiet & charm.

Say Cheese to Gouda, the most authentic of Dutch cities. To its beautiful facades, canals, courtyards and antique shops.

Thursday’s market day at the historical Cheese market, in existence since 1395. Savour different varieties of a delicacy that is soul food. From Chilli to Fenugreek to Nettles. Name it. Have your fill. Every flavour conceivable. (Impossible though it be to imagine Nettle infused cheese)

Wandering around this exquisite town under a mild September sun was heaven. Past the well preserved Town Square, City Hall, two lovely old windmills – Slot Mill & De Roode Leeuw – along the old harbour and not to be missed Cheese Museum

Most picturesque of towns, Utrecht oozed atmosphere. A mere 20 minutes by train, the station’s a short walk to the city centre. Surrounded by a moat, 2 canals run through it. The pleasure of walking down streets spilling over with holiday makers. Of wafting down canals in the company of swans. Or guzzling beer at the many cafés lining the waterfront. A perfect example of ‘il dolce far niente’ (sweetness in doing nothing but watch the world go by).

After a surfeit of food & drink a little exercise will do. Walk up the 465 steps to the top of Dom tower to be rewarded by the most splendid of views. The belfry is said to be the tallest in the Netherlands. Tickets must be bought but heck, it’s worth it.

Keep Saturdays for Bloemenmarkt – the floating flower market. Just in case you are around.

Canal ringed Delft’s another charming town. Famous world over for Delftware – delicate, hand painted, blue & white pottery. Not only do ‘made in China’ fakes unfairly compete but sell for a song.

Delft too has atmosphere aplenty. Walking its lanes on a bright September day one felt a distinct chill in the air. Not autumn just yet but leaves were beginning to turn brown giving everything a sublime, unearthly look.

Den Haag /The Hague. Netherlands capital is located on the North Sea. Eleven kilometres of beach blessed coastline. Seat of parliament & International Court of Justice, Foreign Missions are headquartered here.

But what would you say if I told you that I visited The Hague yet saw nothing of it?

Here’s how it played out. Arrival by train, exit train station. To walk along a boulevard. Stopping for a bowl of hot Lentil soup, cheese – bread. Then strolling aimlessly along, chancing upon a park with a church. There were children playing, chasing kittens in the sun. And mothers wheeling their young. I settled upon a bench & fell easily asleep. Deep & peaceful – unmindful of the commotion around.

Catnapping in the afternoon sun. Waking up with a start in time to catch the train back to Rotterdam.

I did make it to Zaanse Schans in the end. With a ‘lil bit of luck. A ‘lil bit of luck’s all one ever needs. And pluck. The duo – luck & pluck.

I had overstayed Rotterdam quite certain it meant foregoing Zaandam. Until Lady Luck stepped in with a plan allowing time to spend half a day at will.

Flying back home I had 12 hours between hotel check out & flight check in. Ample time for that desired trip to Zaanse Schans. Time enough for a leisurely stroll through town, window shop, drink & eat at the cafés that abound. Lingering by the quiet flowing Zaan, taking in typical Dutch landscape. Old architecture – elegant green, wood houses sharing space with windmills, their giant arms slicing through the air.

An unforgettable last day of vacation.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in the world. Excellent rail connectivity links it to Zaanse Schans with frequent to & fro services covering the distance in less than 30 minutes.

Also, Schiphol has a 24×7 baggage deposit facility. Located in the basement between Arrivals 1 & 2. Costs € 7.60

Which is what I availed, making the most of a splendid opportunity. For ZS (Zaandam) is a must see. Definitely NOT the kind of place one should miss.