Day 12: Delft

Day 12:  Delft

After breakfast, Desiree dropped us off at Den Haag Central Station.  Destination:  Delft.  It’s only about a 15-minute train ride from Den Haag.  Our first stop was Oude Kerk (the Old Church).  You can’t miss it.  The tower of the church has a significant tilt….not quite as severe as the Tower of Pisa, but it’s definitely noticeable.  

Vermeer was born, lived, and died in Delft, and is buried here at the Old Church.  This church has 3 organs and some stunningly beautiful stained glass windows.  It’s worth a visit.

On our agenda, we had planned to tour one of the pottery factories.  Delft is known for its Delft Blue Porcelin.  We were following the street signs to the large factory (who needs a map, right?), but let me tell ya, those signs took us for a scenic tour…..there had to be a more direct way to get there.  In our search for the factory, we came across a cinema (Pathe) and bought tickets for the 2:30 showing of Harry Potter.  We still had an hour to walk to the factory, take a peek, and get back.  By the time we found the place, we only had 15 minutes to do a 30-minute tour, so we shopped in the factory gift shop.  

Did you know that a standard-sized kitchen tile will cost you about 12 euros?  This stuff was way pricey.  I bought a pair of earrings.  I was reminded of that scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, when they decide to go in and buy the cheapest thing they can find.  A telephone dialer, wasn’t it?  Anyway…..

We made it to the cinema on time.  And got sweet popcorn to snack on.  I have to say, I much prefer the kettle corn over the salty, buttery kind.  Harry Potter was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.  You know that sad feeling you get when you finish a book/movie series?  I immediately wanted to watch it again.  I just don’t want it to be over! 

After the movie, we stopped and picked up a snack.  Their fries (frites) are so good here.  For about 2 euros, you can get an order of fries with your choice of dipping sauce.  I opted for mayo--that's the way they eat them over here--but they do have ketchup as well.  Their fries are so incredibly fresh.  I think they do a quick-fry at first and then fry them a second time when you place your order.  This makes them golden and crisp.  Oh, and they typically serve the fries in a paper cone, top it with your condiment of choice, and give you a little miniature fork.  This was one of my favorite snacks : )

Desiree picked us up at the train station and took us to the beach side to the Pofferjeshuis Kilkduin (Pancake house on the dunes).  We had traditional poffertjes (thick, mini-pancakes), served with butter and powdered sugar.  I’m spoiling myself on all this amazing Dutch food…..how will I ever return home?!