My earliest memories of Cafe Schlemmer in The Hague are from 33 years ago. After the initial training in the Dutch Navy in the northern harbor town of Den Helder, our class of young officers feared losing our newly formed friendships when we received our officer's rank and were sent to different places in the Netherlands. So we looked for a cafe for a weekly get-together, and one of us proposed a meeting in Schlemmer.
A charming article and lovely memories. Revisiting old favorite places keeps us grounded and connected to fond memories from our past.
Clearly this is one for you as you write lovingly about it.
As a tree lover I’m please to know the Haagse Bos was saved by William of Orange so long ago and remains today. We need much more of this preservation of nature today.
I love the old map. It’s easy to imagine those who walked those streets so many years ago. Wouldn’t it be great to have a conversation with them about their lives so many years ago!
And the fascinating thing about preserving street patterns is that if you could beam up a man like Bleau, the 17th-century cartographer, to our times, he would have no problem finding his way. If you have a moment, check The Hague on google maps and compare it to the 17th century Bleau map: it’s remarkable how much these maps are still the same after 300 year.
I have very fond memories of my time in The Hague in the summer of 2022. Thanks for reminding me. I rode a rental bike through the Haagse Bos and walked through the Binnenhof. What an amazing historic place.
Does "Schlemmer" mean anything in Dutch? It's the German word for "gourmand" - so, really the perfect name for a café.
Having created different sections in my own newsletters. I think it helps organize topics. So if somebody is trying to find all the coffee chronicles, they are just one click away.
I too have fond memories of walking the streets of the Hague. I regret to say that I have not been to Cafe Schlemmer. Maybe a new reason to visit The Netherlands again!! Thanks for the memories Alex💙
Thanks much Alex for your article, your life path often crosses this city! … l like much this town where the atmosphere is really very pleasant, full of contrasts, with very interesting architectures...a certain sweetness of life 👌🤩
I think it would be a good idea for Alexander to add the Coffee Chronicles as a type of email to receive from The Planet. I personally want to read it. Other subscribers might want to turn notifications for the Coffee Chronicles off. Subscribers could choose to read the Coffee Chronicles or not by changing email notification setting.
Dec 21, 2023·edited Dec 22, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍
I admire things that stand the test of time. Traditions, places, people and cultures. And of course, cafes. What a beautiful City is The Hague filled with culture, law and innovative architecture whose 17th century streets remain unchanged. To have a favorite cafe you can call your own here is too cool.
A lovely contrast to the Desert SW where green corn tamales, elote, prickly pear margaritas and Cafe Mexicanos are present at Las Posadas and local cafes. Our architecture is Saguaros with Santa Hats and Spanish Missions like San Xavier Del Bac shining in the desert.
Perfect series, Alex. Thanks for sharing. The Hague is known as the City of Peace and Justice. Yes, please.
Your message brings back memories of last April, when I travelled in Arizona. What a year it has been. It also reminds me I have so many more stories to tell of this year.
I’ve never been to the Netherlands at all except through your generous virtual travel. The difference in my space and your home country is astonishing! Very much enjoyed the tour. Happy Holidays wherever you are. It’s a great big world we live in but still too many people for this Planet 🌍. 😘
The Hague’s history, some personal details, give an interesting and lively review. Adding the coffee chronicles to your newsletter will be a great addition. A synthesis I really welcome under the motto less is more.
Really enjoyed this article, such beautiful pictures and love all those beautiful café 's and historical sites and memories you had. It really is magic when you can revisit places and remember those fun times. Thanks for the journey 🤩
Nice that you liked it. In Europe, every meter of the city has witnessed so much history. There are loads of good and bad stories to tell and it’s remarkable how much hasn’t changed, like the street patterns I mentioned in this article.
A gift subscription to The Planet is always a good idea! You not only enlighten someone to the great articles and photos, but also support this excellent newsletter that would welcome new readers. Just a thought.
Wonderful, informative article with atmospheric pictures, Alexander, but it is Bleau's map which also fascinates me.
He refers to s'Graven Hage, the old or original name of Den Haag, I presume. Graven seems to mean to dig, but maybe it refers to something else. What is the derivation of the old name, and when did Den Haag start being used?
Hi Michel, I'm Glad you like it. Graven is a verb that means to dig. But graaf is the Dutch word for a count. Initially, only Die Haghe ('the fenced') was used. It was first used when Floris IV (1210-1234) built a hunting lodge in this wooded region. Only much later - at the beginning of the seventeenth century - did the more dignified name 's Gravenhage (roughly translated as the hage (hedged or fenced area) of the graaf/count) appear, which better suited the status of the residence and the attempts to have The Hague recognized as a city. That's why, in translations, you still see the oldest version, for instance, The Hague. Den Haag is mostly used nowadays, and the newer name of Gravenhage sounds a bit old-fashioned.
A charming article and lovely memories. Revisiting old favorite places keeps us grounded and connected to fond memories from our past.
Clearly this is one for you as you write lovingly about it.
As a tree lover I’m please to know the Haagse Bos was saved by William of Orange so long ago and remains today. We need much more of this preservation of nature today.
I love the old map. It’s easy to imagine those who walked those streets so many years ago. Wouldn’t it be great to have a conversation with them about their lives so many years ago!
And the fascinating thing about preserving street patterns is that if you could beam up a man like Bleau, the 17th-century cartographer, to our times, he would have no problem finding his way. If you have a moment, check The Hague on google maps and compare it to the 17th century Bleau map: it’s remarkable how much these maps are still the same after 300 year.
I have very fond memories of my time in The Hague in the summer of 2022. Thanks for reminding me. I rode a rental bike through the Haagse Bos and walked through the Binnenhof. What an amazing historic place.
Does "Schlemmer" mean anything in Dutch? It's the German word for "gourmand" - so, really the perfect name for a café.
Having created different sections in my own newsletters. I think it helps organize topics. So if somebody is trying to find all the coffee chronicles, they are just one click away.
It’s only the German meaning I know, it doesn’t mean anything in Dutch.
Hello my friend! Believe you must be home now and enjoying the holidays. Hugs. 🤗
I too have fond memories of walking the streets of the Hague. I regret to say that I have not been to Cafe Schlemmer. Maybe a new reason to visit The Netherlands again!! Thanks for the memories Alex💙
Thanks Clarisse. There are so many nice cafes in the Netherlands, not sure where to start. You’ll find many more in that area of The Hague.
Those wonderful cafes are part of what makes Holland so gezellig!
Yes, I miss them when I am abroad.
Thanks much Alex for your article, your life path often crosses this city! … l like much this town where the atmosphere is really very pleasant, full of contrasts, with very interesting architectures...a certain sweetness of life 👌🤩
Yes there is so much to like about The Hague, glad you discovered it too. 😊
I think it would be a good idea for Alexander to add the Coffee Chronicles as a type of email to receive from The Planet. I personally want to read it. Other subscribers might want to turn notifications for the Coffee Chronicles off. Subscribers could choose to read the Coffee Chronicles or not by changing email notification setting.
Thank you Blake, it sounds like a good idea. I’ll look into it.
❤️ Den Haag. So many fantastic memories and experiences there, and I remain hopeful more are to come. Happy Holidays to you and all your readers.
I hope so too. Enjoy this special Christmas with all family!
A beautiful, multi-layed history. The first image has a lovely warm glow.
This passage made me laugh out loud. "Not hindered by a complete lack of catering experience..." Adventurers. Thank goodness for adventurers.
Yes, very brave. And it was an instant hit
😁
I admire things that stand the test of time. Traditions, places, people and cultures. And of course, cafes. What a beautiful City is The Hague filled with culture, law and innovative architecture whose 17th century streets remain unchanged. To have a favorite cafe you can call your own here is too cool.
A lovely contrast to the Desert SW where green corn tamales, elote, prickly pear margaritas and Cafe Mexicanos are present at Las Posadas and local cafes. Our architecture is Saguaros with Santa Hats and Spanish Missions like San Xavier Del Bac shining in the desert.
Perfect series, Alex. Thanks for sharing. The Hague is known as the City of Peace and Justice. Yes, please.
Feliz Navidad y paz en la tierra.
Your message brings back memories of last April, when I travelled in Arizona. What a year it has been. It also reminds me I have so many more stories to tell of this year.
I’ve never been to the Netherlands at all except through your generous virtual travel. The difference in my space and your home country is astonishing! Very much enjoyed the tour. Happy Holidays wherever you are. It’s a great big world we live in but still too many people for this Planet 🌍. 😘
I’ll be a few more times in The Hague, so maybe I’ll publish more on Patreon or in The Planet newsletter.
The Hague’s history, some personal details, give an interesting and lively review. Adding the coffee chronicles to your newsletter will be a great addition. A synthesis I really welcome under the motto less is more.
Thanks for asking and season’s greetings 🎄❄️✨
Thank you, Aida. And Season’s Greetings for you too! 🎄
Warm corners of return. Echoes nestled in time. Smiles that never fade, waiting in a pocket. Maps of somewhere in a place by the window.
Yes, that’s what it feels like there.
I suppose so. Winter tales.
Really enjoyed this article, such beautiful pictures and love all those beautiful café 's and historical sites and memories you had. It really is magic when you can revisit places and remember those fun times. Thanks for the journey 🤩
Nice that you liked it. In Europe, every meter of the city has witnessed so much history. There are loads of good and bad stories to tell and it’s remarkable how much hasn’t changed, like the street patterns I mentioned in this article.
Nice Alexander,
maybe you can call this corner "The Planet's Coffee Chronicles" ☺️
Nice one 😊☕️
A gift subscription to The Planet is always a good idea! You not only enlighten someone to the great articles and photos, but also support this excellent newsletter that would welcome new readers. Just a thought.
Thanks Lizzie!
Wonderful, informative article with atmospheric pictures, Alexander, but it is Bleau's map which also fascinates me.
He refers to s'Graven Hage, the old or original name of Den Haag, I presume. Graven seems to mean to dig, but maybe it refers to something else. What is the derivation of the old name, and when did Den Haag start being used?
Michel
Hi Michel, I'm Glad you like it. Graven is a verb that means to dig. But graaf is the Dutch word for a count. Initially, only Die Haghe ('the fenced') was used. It was first used when Floris IV (1210-1234) built a hunting lodge in this wooded region. Only much later - at the beginning of the seventeenth century - did the more dignified name 's Gravenhage (roughly translated as the hage (hedged or fenced area) of the graaf/count) appear, which better suited the status of the residence and the attempts to have The Hague recognized as a city. That's why, in translations, you still see the oldest version, for instance, The Hague. Den Haag is mostly used nowadays, and the newer name of Gravenhage sounds a bit old-fashioned.