When we first moved to Haarlem I told myself the best way to explore was to just go out and get lost. That’s not such a sensible solution here in The Hague. Its’s a big city. Exploration has to be curtailed to plans, and maps, and a wander not too far from home.
Fortunately we live in a very busy neighbourhood with cafes, shops all within a few minutes stroll. This is the land of the hobby shop - small businesses which seem to operate on a very limited basis and to a very niche market. I've come across the fascinator shop - that's all it sells, but I've yet to see it open, let alone filled with customers. Then there is the Zalm Huis - a tiny deli that only sells one product - salmon, any which way you like. Great for salmon lovers but, a limited business opportunity I'd have thought.
Wandering around this net-curtainless country, it’s easy to mistake a front room for a high end art shop, or vice versa. The Dutch like to keep things low-key - there won't always be a sign telling you it's a commercial property. Cafes and eateries are also run on the same basis. Anyone who owns a cat will know how much they love a long lazy snooze on the windowsill. Fortunately for Ed, we live one floor up, otherwise we could be in trouble. See a cat snoozing in a windowsill in the Netherlands, and it’s very likely you’ve uncovered a cat café - not the place for your cat to go and have quick latte with his mates, but a place for you to go and pet the café’s resident cats. We have one just around the corner from us, although it would seem totally disloyal to go in. I can have cat-hairs in my cuppa at home, thank you very much.
T
