Noordwijk Nightlife (18/08)

Used my OV card for the first time to get to Noordwijk! It turns out I can function on public transport and arrive places not looking really red and sweaty, always good when meeting new people! Not sure how much use that was though as after a couple of hours on a packed out beach that was my predicament. Needless to say it was scorching. Anyway after refreshments and food we headed to the first Full Moon Party to be held in Noordwijk, at the Beachclub De Klink. Basically an outdoor beach party. There we were 4 au pairs: a German, a Canadian, an American and me in a Dutch club at 10pm.

It wasn’t too surprising to find that the various rooms were filled to bursting with people dancing, talking and drinking but since most of it was in open air, and some of it actually on the beach, I didn’t actually find myself feeling too claustrophobic. Regardless there was techno music, much like that which they play in Berlin clubs, but also the more typically Dutch house music, pounding out of the speakers to keep me from thoughts of heat and space! All in all I thought it was pretty awesome! Next morning, a little bit of post party relaxation on the beach: the life.

Seeing Scheveningen (17/08)

Next on my list, Scheveningen. An area north of Den Haag it is in the opposite direction to Noordwijk but still along the beloved Dutch coast. Once more I took a beautiful coastal path through the dunes of around 15km. To reach the cycle path I cut through perhaps one of the richest areas of Wassenaar and felt like an intruder as I gazed upon large imposing facades and pearly gates with lawns humongous in size and style.

The view along Scheveningen was a different story! On my right the sand was occupied almost completely by rickety beach bars and quirky clubs and, on my left, the road was coated with tiered hotels, restaurants and museums. A real Dutch seaside resort. Nothing like the vastness of the Wassenaar elite. The boulevard itself was sprinkled with seating areas and intriguing sculptures, a series by an American sculptor along the theme of fairytales particularly caught my eye. The hustle and bustle continued all the way up to the harbours where boats, great and small, were moored tip to tip. Bikes a plenty.

In search of tranquility I settled in the nearby Westbroekpark. An area of true natural beauty. Reminiscient of Monet’s garden in the bridges that crossed the streams. From there I headed to the area of Scheveningen beach known for being a bit quieter, the Zwarte Pad, for a spot of sunbathing before I tackled the ride back.

Sun, sand, sea... flowers and history! (11-12/08)

Nothing quite like the sea breeze running through your hair as you cycle on the sand-clad paths that pave the way through the dunes of the Dutch coastline. I had time to think this on my travels since the way to Noordwijk was so exquisitely signposted for all 18km I didn’t really need to think about where I was going! The undulating nature of the dunes did however take its toll and a rest at the beach was much needed, it seemed a lot of people had a similar idea! As I lay on my now somewhat overused beach towel photographs of me, from childhood, on that beach emerged only to fade in front of my eyes. Kind of in the way the waves gently tussled with the shore. I was actually surprised at how much I recollected of the town as I took a 4.5km walking tour to see some of Noordwijk’s historic pockets before heading back to the beach.

I had timed my visit to coincide with the Blomenfestival held annually in Noordwijk so the Oude Jereonskerk was adorned with beautiful bouquets of flowers and floral displays. In the evening, as part of the festivities, I watched a succession of elaborately decorated cars, differently themed floats and of course ridiculously happy people! As they travelled slowly through the streets the colourful and inventive displays were admired, sweets were given out, music blared, the sun set and many photos were taken! Having stayed the night with family friends I was able to further explore Noordwijk the following morning and see the floats stationary along the Koningin Wilhelmina Boulevard which runs parallel to the beach.

A visit to the Atlantikwall Museum, the Museum Noordwijk and the special tourist market held by the lighthouse on some Sundays was a lovely way to end an interesting weekend. As a cycled back I stopped off at Katwijk beach to enjoy yet more relaxation this Dutch summer.