It has been some time since I last shared a motorbike journey, and I’m eager to recount this latest adventure. In the early days of my blogging escapades, I was thrilled to write about my many motorbike experiences, and today is no different.

It’s been some time since I last shared a motorbike journey, and I’m thrilled to recount one today. Just a few weeks ago, I made the exhilarating decision to purchase my second Harley Davidson—a bike I never imagined I would own. Viewing this beauty as a reliable workhorse, I can confidently say it has exceeded my wildest dreams. I opted for the magnificent Harley Davidson Street Glide Ultra, the ultimate ride for adventures with a companion.

To date, I’ve covered over 3,000 kilometers, and I must confess, I am completely smitten. Despite its impressive weight of over 400 kilograms, it handles with the grace and ease of a bicycle, turning every ride into an unforgettable experience.

 

 

Today is not just about the bike; it’s a journey towards the enchanting Netherlands, where history breathes through the streets of Den Haag, the sun-kissed sands of Scheveningen await, and the picturesque charm of Delft beckons. I gathered my daughter, and together we set off towards the border, anticipation bubbling inside us. Even amid the heavy Dutch traffic, riding my motorbike filled me with a sense of freedom as I deftly weaved through the gridlock.

After two exhilarating hours on the road, we finally arrived in the vibrant heart of the Netherlands—Den Haag.

 

The Hague stands as the proud seat of the Cabinet, the States General, the Supreme Court, and the Council of State of the Netherlands. King Willem-Alexander makes his official residence in the enchanting Huis ten Bosch, while he carries out his royal duties at the historic Noordeinde Palace alongside the gracious Queen Máxima.

In this vibrant city, you’ll find most of the foreign embassies representing their nations in the Netherlands.

Our journey began at the majestic royal castle of the Netherlands, a place where history drinks in every corner, leaving us spellbound. Adjacent to this grand castle stands a striking monument featuring the poignant inscription: “Lonely but not alone.” This thought-provoking quote is famously linked to the statue of Queen Wilhelmina, which resides proudly opposite Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. Unveiled in 1987, the statue captures the spirit of a determined woman, perfectly reflecting the sentiment of being resolute yet connected.

Behind the statue, the quote serves as a powerful reminder of Queen Wilhelmina’s personal struggles in her role as a monarch, emphasizing her enduring bond with the people she served.

The Hague is truly enchanting! We even packed delightful cookies adorned with pink roses to savor during our journey, and they were simply exquisite. I was captivated by the charming little shops that lined the streets and the delightful Italian street brimming with authentic restaurants; it had an undeniable allure.

Riding through the main capital, especially in a zero-emission zone, felt extraordinary. Even when we found ourselves waiting at the traffic lights, momentarily paused by the royal palace’s official vehicles, we still had our “cherry on the cake” moment. The experience was particularly memorable as we later strode past the regal royal palace, which was impeccably guarded, leaving us unable to capture a photograph. It was a day filled with magic and unforgettable moments!

And so, we set off for the enchanting shores of Scheveningen Beach!

I had no desire to visit Scheveningen beach; my heart was set on the enchanting Scheveningen Fish Harbor instead. This vibrant hub is not only the epicenter of the fish trade but also boasts a delightful array of restaurants and cafes. The picturesque views of the marina, the lively buzz of the fish auction, and the invigorating sea air create an unforgettable dining atmosphere in the Netherlands.

The fish restaurants that line the harbor offer seafood that is nothing short of exceptional, brought directly from the sea to your plate. Among them, the renowned Simonis on Visafslagweg stands out as a beloved destination, where guests of all ages can revel in a delightful array of fish dishes. We had the pleasure of dining at the exquisite Simonis restaurant, where the ambiance is as enchanting as the menu. Here, you can indulge in the finest oysters and succulent lobster while basking in a breathtaking view of the sailing boats gliding over the shimmering sea. I must say, the experience was simply mesmerizing!

The herring I tasted was among the best I have ever had!

We couldn’t linger in Scheveningen because my heart was set on Delft. Renowned for its exquisite Delft pottery, this charming city has a rich history tied to the imported Chinese porcelain of the 17th century. With its roots as a bustling home port of the Dutch East India Company, Delft proudly showcases its heritage at the iconic pottery factories, such as De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles (Royal Delft) and De Delftse Pauw.

What truly drew me to Delft was its treasure trove of vintage camera gear nestled in Delftshaven. This delightful haven was brimming with an impressive array of classic camera equipment, all waiting to find a new owner! I was completely enchanted by the atmosphere and the abundance of history in this wonderful place!

Typically, I relied on the latest digital technology, but as I stepped into that store, a powerful realization washed over me: I was ready to embark on a journey into the enchanting world of film photography—without a moment’s hesitation. Goosebumps surged through me, and in that instant, I knew I was being guided in the right direction.

Inside the shop, every sensation came alive. I understood why I was there, why the allure of those analog cameras had captivated my heart! They called to me, reigniting a passion I had longed for and cherished. With clarity, I envisioned my next project unfolding with these wonderful products. As I made my selections, I felt the thrill of my new adventure beginning!

In Delft, I rediscovered my deep-seated love for photography. For a while, I had lost that spark—overwhelmed by the digital age. But then Leica revealed a new realm to me. While working with Hasselblad’s digital offerings felt flat, the experience with analog was nothing short of paradise! What I capture now embodies my true aspirations, and while it may not resonate with everyone, I know it touches some deeply, and that’s perfectly okay.

I am committed to staying true to my passion; after all, authenticity is essential.

 

The only path to fulfilling my dreams and creating magic is to follow my heart!

Thank you