Utrecht

« 🌿📝 Strolling through the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, I found myself pleasantly lost in the halls adorned with golden frames showcasing classic Dutch landscapes. It felt like the same scene I see from the window, as trams swoosh by on their route from The Hague to Amsterdam; those streets have hardly changed over the centuries. Sure, the buildings have morphed from charming brick homes to more modern facades, but there’s still a delightful familiarity draped around the place. The well-manicured grass perfectly frames the quaint little gardens that strategically dot the area. Each neighborhood has its own unique charm, though they tend to lean toward a more contemporary style.

🌿 My surprise came when I read about the establishment of the Hague School of Art in 1870, where artists focused on depicting typical Dutch scenes with a keen eye for details that reflect the life of locals by the Northern Sea.

🌿 Interestingly, the school was initially named the "Grey School," a nod to the specific color palette they often used in their paintings.

🌿 Honestly, avoiding this particular shade is nearly impossible; your eyes start to notice various shades of grey all around. And there are more than fifty of them! 😉
Utrecht 📍The Netherlands »

« Utrecht — the largest railway hub in the Netherlands. From this station, it seems you can head to any point in Europe. In this regard, right in front of the station, there is such a charming indicator that attracts attention))) »

« I want to introduce you to such a remarkable Dutch character from children's books: Miffi the rabbit. Miffi is traditionally referred to as "nijntje" in Dutch. 🌼 He was created in 1955 by the well-known Dutch author Dick Bruna. This little rabbit has become the most beloved toy for children. And we often bring this cutie home to our little ones. 🐰

Miffi is relatable to kids because, although he's already in a cute age, he was originally conceived in a culture that values simplicity and charm. One can find Miffi's slight modifications in various cute products, such as adorable plush toys and colorful books, often costing around $20 each. The character's design beautifully reflects a playful essence, making it a favorite among families everywhere. Enjoying Miffi's adventures is a delightful experience, both for children and adults! 😊 »

« The most authentic functioning castle of the Haaer. The owners diligently keep an eye on the condition and come here every fall. During the rest of the year, the castle is open to tourists. It is surrounded by a moat, so the question of security is not an issue. And yes, they have their own park with seagulls :) »

« Every year, more and more prisons close down; previously, even neighboring countries would send their inmates here so that their prisons wouldn't become overcrowded. In the photo, you can see one of the former prisons in the center of Utrecht, which now houses a trendy café and co-working spaces. The building, with its charming windows, brings to mind the name of the square where it stands - Wave Square. 🌊✨ »

« "The thinking rabbit" - almost an exact copy of the famous sculpture by Rodin. 😄 It's located in the center of Utrecht and surprisingly attracts the locals who regularly bring it carrots to keep it cozy during winter. But what if it loses its mind all of a sudden? 😉 I wonder what it thinks about... By the way, every city in Europe seems to cherish their statues. I haven't seen anything like this back home. Apparently, we tend to be more practical and prefer to huddle together rather than focus on statues that don't even share snacks! 😅 »

« The view from the top of the Domtoren in Utrecht is simply breathtaking. The climb is definitely worth it, as it opens up a panorama that feels like you can see the whole city laid out like a beautiful tapestry. 🌆 »

« Utrecht delights with its diversity. We explored the city from the morning. Today we visited the railway museum. More photos coming soon... »

« Utrecht. Dom Tower.

"...Many Dutch cities look alike – canals, old houses, bike lanes… You can get a sense of the Netherlands by visiting just two or three cities, but each place undoubtedly has its own character. Utrecht is no exception – it shares similarities with its Dutch neighbors while boasting its unique charm. Few cities can compete with Utrecht’s historical roots.

Even Amsterdam can’t match the history of the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, which dates back nearly two thousand years. The first fort on the territory of modern Utrecht was built in the mid-1st century AD. Today, the Dom Tower stands on its site, its Gothic spire piercing the sky as the tallest in the Netherlands..." »

« I would love to live in such a cozy courtyard in Utrecht... Utrecht is a very beautiful city, one of my favorites! »