NETHERLANDS NUGGETS

Delve Deep to Describe Delft

The city may be famous for its iconic blue pottery. However, it also teaches a lesson or two about living life in its simplest form

She was busy making dinner for the family. I happened to pass by the window of that house when the aroma made me stop for a moment. I did not want to be intrusive, but before I could begin walking, she looked up and smiled at me. I smiled back and moved on, letting her do what she was doing.

An elderly woman cooking would have passed off as just another thing had it not been for the fact I was walking in the lane adjacent to the main square of the city that is anything but low profile.

Delft had hitherto been a stopover for me. It was either stopping by for a cup of coffee or for lunch, and the maximum time I spent was maybe a little more than an hour. Despite preferring to make Rotterdam my base on every elaborate visit to the Netherlands, I never really managed to make the time out to explore the city.

On the only previous occasion when something was being planned, inclement weather necessitated a change of itinerary. As such, a possible trip to Delft had to be postponed, and ensured I missed out again. However, on this occasion, I made it a point to delve deep, explore and understand this beautiful little city.

It was her home town

On this occasion things started falling into place. The weather was also favorable. It was a sunny day to begin with, and the forecast was encouraging to say the least. As such, there was no going back on the original plan.

I was quick to finish my breakfast and head to the Centraal. Fortune was on my side again. The lady at the ticket counter became super excited when she became aware that I was visiting Delft. It was her hometown. She was born in Delft, and palpably knew a lot about it. I was in for a pleasant surprise, as I was not only getting a ticket but also being advised by a local.

Besides giving me a list of do’s, she kept reassuring me that I will have a memorable day, and anyone who visited her native place ended up doing the extra yard. She insisted on me exploring the simplicity of life in Delft as opposed to the touristy stuff, and I was soaking in her advice. Little did I know that it is these simple aspects that will linger on in my mind long after my trip gets over.

It was a brief but pertinent conversation. The lady made sure that I knew exactly what I had to do once I reached.

First impressions

It did not take long before I got down at the main railway station in Delft. The state-of-the-art building, which opened as recently as 2015, is arguably the most modern of structures in what is otherwise a very traditional city.

As is the case with any of the smaller cities in the Netherlands, everything in Delft is within a walkable distance, if you choose to, that is. While the Oude Kerk (The Old Church), Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church), Prinsenhof (Princes’ Court) and the City Hall (pictured at the top) built in Renaissance style are architectural marvels and must-see attractions, I didn’t spend much time exploring them. What I enjoyed the most is taking a stroll along the canals.

Delft is a lot less touristy than say, Amsterdam or even Rotterdam, and that helps savor every moment. The canals are considerably less crowded and ambling along the periphery is a simple way to soak in the city’s simplicity. I planned to come back to the center later in the afternoon. As such, I opted for an early lunch.

That being said, my decision to opt for a traditional Dutch restaurant did not quite work out as expected. They took considerable time to get my order done, and the service was casual and time-consuming. But the food was sumptuous and tasty, and the forced rest had helped me recover considerable energy. It was needed, as it was a long walk to my next stop, at the other end of the city.

It had to be done

It brought me to the destination that one needs to visit at least once while travelling. While I have no doubt that I will be visiting Delft again, and give myself more chances to explore in detail the city’s major attractions, I am not quite sure if I’ll head back to the place I am going to describe now again.

Delft is synonymous with Delfts Blauw, its signature hand-painted blue-and-white pottery, not surprisingly known as Delftware. And there is no place to experience the beauty of this unique earthenware, and learn more about its history than the Royal Delft Museum, the only one of its kind in the world. Yes, you read it right. It is indeed the only remaining Delft ceramic factory and museum.

De Porceleyne Fles or Royal Delft is located a few blocks to the south of central Delft, in Rotterdamseweg. Still in operation, it is a factory that dates back to 1653. Herein, the Delftware pottery is created with passion, with knowledge that has been passed from generation to generation. There is also a museum that houses many historical pieces, and there are guided tours available.

In fact, a complimentary audio tour, available in multiple languages, is included in the entrance fee, with the purchase of a ticket. I spend considerable time walking around the factory, knowing more about its history and watching the artists at work. There is also an amazing selection of gifts and souvenirs on sale, and it would have been utter foolishness not to purchase at least a couple of them.

Getting explained in a simple manner

On my way back to the center I met a few students and got to interact with them. The city is home to the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), and about a quarter of Delft’s 100,000 people happen to be students. I was keen to know what brought them to this city and what they like about it the most. Almost all of their responses were similar.

They liked the simple way of living in Delft. Going for a stroll along the canals in the evening, heading to a quaint coffee shop after they were through with their studies and forming a strong bond with one another. Besides, some of them pointed out they did not miss big city life as much, considering both Den Haag and Rotterdam weren’t far, and they could head to either at any given time, should the need arise.

Having walked back to the center, I entered a café by the canal. Before I could place the order, the girl at the counter inquired if I wanted it on the go. Noting my response was otherwise, she wanted me to make sure if there was a place to sit. I scouted both the floors, and found a small place by the window. All the other seats were occupied, by professionals busy on their respective computers.

Even as I placed my order, she told me that most of them had been sitting the entire day, and will continue with their work till the shop closed. Not all of them were digital nomads. Some of them had their offices nearby. It was actually a more relaxed approach to work. None of them looked exhausted, considering they had been working for the entire day.

On the contrary, they were pretty relaxed, and still working. There were no signs of any mental fatigue. Even as I crashed to the seat I wondered if this was indeed the best way to approach your professional career, as opposed to the daily grind of the corporate space. Life can be very simple, unless we choose to make things complicated.

After a short rest, I got out for another stroll and saw the woman cooking. I never intended to disturb her. Thankfully, she wasn’t bothered and continued with what she was doing. Perhaps someone passing by her kitchen window had become predictable. It is another thing that she has inadvertently ensured the start to my narrative on Delft.

It is a simple anecdote alright, but Delft is all about appreciating the simple things in life.