For a couple of weeks each year, daily thousands of people flock towards the tulip fields around Lisse, Noordwijkerhout, the surrounding areas and of course the world renown gardens at Keukenhof. 

Not one day is exactly the same. Every day has something special, something unique and something different to celebrate, to overcome or to get done. Also, here at the canal not one day is the same. 

Each of the four seasons has it's own unique elements and merits. My week so far has included avoiding the rain showers, grey clouds and bike rides in the pouring rain. There are many nations where  the people stay inside when it rains. Living in The Netherlands staying in whenever it rains, is not an option. We would lose our jobs, our children wouldn't go to school and we wouldn't have groceries and therefore no food to eat. Rain is simply part of our daily lives. Do we like it? No, not necessarily but life goes on and we take out our umbrellas or put on our rain suit (regenpak) and we embrace the reality (inconveniences and all). We are a cycling nation and it does rain a lot and often. 

In a similar way, each of our apartments has it's unique character, elements and merits. Some apartment were renovated just last year and another five or ten years ago. 

Tulips, cheese and their windmills. These are some of the things that the Dutch are world-renowned for. This time of year, one can travel to places like Noordwijkerhout and Lisse and wander around the endless fields of tulips in all colours. I have friends coming to visit me from overseas around this time of the year specifically, just so that they can also experience the wondrous magic of the tulip fields. So if you are ever in The Hague around April, make sure to visit the tulips as many dream of doing this but few are fortunate enough to really go and do it.   

Now for those that don't have the opportunity to come to The Hague in April, you can always buy yourself some tulip bulbs at the airport or a garden centre so that you can plant them back home (as long as customs allows it) or you can  stay in the fully furnished our Comfortable Family Apartment. This is where you have tulips in your living room all year around. 

About two years ago, the lime trees along the Dunne Bierkade were all removed because of the maintenance works on the canal wall that were to commence later in the same year. At last, the trees have finally returned to the canal and we now look forward with great anticipation to this years spring and summer. ​Where the trees will once again
​slowly but steadily turn lush green.
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Living at the Dunne Bierkade is an experience. It's more than simply having an apartment to live in. It's much more! It's the ambiance of living around a canal, in the middle of the old centre of The Hague, the political capital of the Netherlands. A trendy lunchroom, a fine dining experience, having a refreshing drink on one of the boat terraces; it is all a part of canal living. 

The picture above gives a glimpse into the glorious beauty, history, and elegance that is the Netherlands in the spring and summer time! When you are in The Hague, although the way of life caters mostly to city living, you can also find a lot of time and many unique places to relax and have fun during your stay here. This time of year is really wonderful, because of the lovely weather and wonderful temperatures that make you want to sit outside and soak it all in.
 
The one thing that captures my attention like no other, every time I come for a visit, is the way that people conduct their day to day lives. Their priority is making and taking the time to enjoy the simple things of life. Here, they celebrate the warm weather like it is the best gift they could be given, and also make time for many outdoor activities such as visiting the beautiful, lush gardens throughout the city, going to spend time in the sun by the gorgeous beaches, or biking along the picturesque canals. Whether at the beach, sipping coffee or having a nice dinner, the Dutch really take time to live life to the fullest.  As an American, that sense of taking time for true enjoyment, a less rushed existence, and more emphasis on relaxation and recharging is probably the thing that stands out to me the most. It is what I try earnestly to take home with me every time I return from Holland. ​
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Interested in more information about our fully furnished apartments? Contact us by leaving a comment below, by email or telephone or fill in our contact form today. 

​This three bedroom apartment is a unique family apartment with a spacious yet cozy living room with a fire place. The apartment has an open kitchen with dining area, a master bedroom with a view, a second bedroom with a double bed (and a bunk bed)  and third bedroom upstairs (which can either be made up as two single beds or one double bed). The apartment has a bathroom with a bath, a separate toilet and sunny and secluded roof terrace.

This charming first & second floor apartment can comfortably accommodate a family of 4 - 6 persons. At the same time, the apartment is also a good match in case you are looking for an apartment to share between colleagues or friends. The apartment is fully furnished and you will find  it has everything you may need for your stay. On the first floor there is a big kitchen (also to be used as a dining room), a light living room (with a fire place and a sofa bed for guests) and a little bathroom with a shower and a toilet. On the second floor there are two decent sized bedrooms, the second bathroom with a bath and a separate toilet. The convenience combined with the character of the canal apartment create an idyllic home away from home.

Let’s forget about Wiki Leaks and Panama Papers. It’s now time for Doggy Leaks. The Fundatie Voorhoeve is Pet Friendly. Expats travelling with their beloved dog or cat are always welcome. Though we do appreciate to be notified in advance. But not everybody knows about that, we found out recently.

“There is a leak through the window”,  the cleaning lady reported last week while cleaning a vacated apartment before the new tenant would arrive. This seemed a bit strange, since it hadn’t been raining. But the floor was wet, indeed. And so was the wall, but only from a height of 40 centimeters. We found a lot of black dog hairs in the apartment, and our nose detected something other than rain water. Fortunately the cleaning lady cleaned the apartment until everything was spic-and-span again.
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Yes, we are pet friendly, indeed. Dogs don’t have to live like a stowaway in our apartments. Only, please do report this to us in advance. And walk the dog in time. Even on the morning of departure. No leaking dogs, no Doggy Leaks please.
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After an extended number of warm and sunny days, the period gardens and the trees along the canal have transformed and they now once again boast in their green splendour.  This reminds me of the promise of endless days of sunshine and summer celebrations (which include weddings, dinner parties and garden lunches).

For more information with regards to events: contact us or take a look at www.weddingthehague.com.

Even though we are in the business of renovating monumental apartments (along the canal) in order to provide comfortable expat housing, we also recognize that some 'places' stand out on their own and should be embraced for what they are... In this 'historical accommodation' it literally seems like you have gone back in time. Fortunately, you do have all the conveniences of our modern day society!