Scheveningen: A blustery walk on the beach
japra | Mar 15, 2010 | Comments 16
We didn’t bike out there, but somebody did.
But had we ridden our bikes, there would have been plenty of parking…
The dunes are so pretty here. These long grasses looked like hair.
And though the temperatures weren’t particularly frigid, the wind made it almost uncomfortably cold out on the open beach.
One of us didn’t seem to mind, however. I’d like to point out that she was the only dog crazy (er, “free-spirited”?) enough to brave the frigid waters of the North Sea in Mach.
There were several large boats out there, but only two tiny sail boats. Very hard core sailors, I think.
These paragliders were taking advantage of the windy day. They hovered across the dunes for such a long time.
The beach was pretty empty. A different story during the warmer months.
Later that evening, Roxi went to a friend’s birthday party at a house in a nearby town. Mr. DJ and I returned to Scheveningen (without Trudy) and tried one of the restaurants near the Kurhaus.
It was better than the last Mexican restaurant we tried, but everything was slightly sweet, even the salsa! It was an interesting take on Tex-Mex, though, and that’s the whole reason I wanted to try this restaurant–to sample what passes for Tex-Mex in these parts ;-) On the plus side, the frozen margaritas were good as were the beans (which would have been awesome in a homemade flour tortilla with a bit of cheese) and the cheese enchiladas. Also, there was a strolling musician, which was a nice change from the usual Mariachi band we’d get back in Texas. This fellow had a beautiful voice and sang a good mix of songs.
BTW, if you’re thinking of going out to dinner in Scheveningen, be sure to get there early (before 6pm). The parking garages fill up fast. We got down there about 6:30 and the Kurhaus garage was completely full and the Holland Casino garage was filled nine floors up. By the time we finished dinner (about 8:30), it looked like the garage was nearing capacity. We tried going to Scheveningen for dinner last fall only to have to turn around again because there wasn’t a single space to be had. Best to take public transpo if you venture out a bit later.
Also, we’ve never made reservations for dinner, but just about every restaurant we’ve been to here has asked us if we have a reservation. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning an evening out and don’t want to be disappointed.
Filed Under: Blog • Destinations • Featured • Netherlands
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Beautiful photos of the beach! I love going for a walk there during this time of year despite the cold.
You’re so right about the parking at Scheveningen. I have the same problem when we go to the movies there.
Magda
I actually prefer the beach in Winter–so we can have it to ourselves, mostly ;-)
That beach looked cold. Do people go in the water in the Summer?
It’s so strange your Tex-Mex was a little sweet. At least the picture looks like a normal dish…except for all the lettuce. I’ve always felt like I’m taking a huge gamble every time I eat Tex-Mex outside of Texas. It’s worth the risk if you find a good place though.
Julia, I have seen people go into the water in the summer. It’s still too cold for me, though!
Interesting that we both had sun on the beach but I think our weather was a lot warmer. I walked without a jacket tho most people had sweats or fleece on. No one in the water though but boy did the dogs love their beach time off season.
Maureen, it sounds like you had a wonderful holiday! Glad you had a chance to enjoy the sun :-)
Gosh you’re brave. For years I didn’t do beaches at all because of the sand-stinging experiences I had on English beaches. I am not sure I would ever do a beach in winter!
Emm, my cheeks felt so chapped after our walk. I think I must have a natural microdermabrasion!
I love the seaside in winter. Swimming in salt water has never been a favorite experience, but I love the sound of the waves and the birds and you can enjoy those in relative peace and quiet in winter.
And, there’s nothing wrong with sweet salsa, imho 8-).
I’m not much of a swimmer, either. I prefer a walk on the beach (looking for shells, sea glass, driftwood, etc) to swimming.
Is sweet salsa popular in San Antonio? This salsa tasted very much like sweet chilli sauce (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_chilli_sauce). It looked like puréed salsa, though. It was pretty good, but it just wasn’t salsa as we know it in Houston ;-)
Sea air is always good even when it’s chilly!
It is true, Akelamalu. And you got plenty of it recently, you lucky girl! :-)
Love the pictures even if it looks chilly on the beach….oh! how I dream of summer.Have a wonderful Monday.
LOL, Kathy. Just a few more months…
Even in pictures, that beach looks COLD.
I have only been in the summer, and the wind was still too cold to tempt me into the water! That Trudy; what a trooper.
My children are stinkers about trying Mexican food outside of Texas. They always decline the opportunity, while I’d rather have some bad Mexican food than no Mexican food at all. We will be having the real stuff in just a couple of weeks!
xx
Beth, it was wicked cold out there. Plus the wind was so strong–I’m amazed I didn’t get sand in my camera.
I think your children have discriminating taste, Bee! I am always on the lookout for a good Tex-Mex restaurant. You’d think with so many of us in this town there would be an authentic cantina somewhere ;-) I heard there’s a place in Amsterdam, but I’m not that desperate–LOL!