The second Diplo Tour of Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with Drs. Eva Maria Mennes, art historian from EVA Artproductions Foundation and Mrs. Sonia Meijer, from Direct Languages Center
By Drs. Eva Maria Mennes.
The one day Diplomatic Excursions from The Hague to North Holland – IJmuiden and Haarlem on Saturday on September 13th was a very interesting and beautiful trip. Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, their families and friends went by luxury Coach to the cruise terminal of Ijmuiden, where a reception committee was already standing waiting for us. The lock that gives access to the harbor of Amsterdam, well to see from the 5th floor was the beautiful background of a reception that was hosted by the energetic Mayor of Velsen, Mr. Franc Weerwind.
FULL PHOTO ALBUM OF THIS EVENT, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157647324536309/
He informed us about the enlargement of the lock which is planned in the coming years to allow bigger tankers and cruise ships into the harbor of Amsterdam. Cava and small sandwiches were served and we saw a short introduction video on the region of Velsen and IJmuiden. Water management is one of the special points of interest of the region. Then we moved on to Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate, the 105 years old largest private home of the Netherlands of the 19th century.
Nowadays it is a 5 star hotel with the restaurant ‘De Vrienden van Jacob”, that holds a Guide Michelin star. Here we were welcomed in the most luxurious way by the management with champagne, delicious snacks and oysters. A delicious two-course lunch was served. The Deputy Commissioner to the King Drs. Tj.P.J. Talsma gave a very interesting power point presentation on the province of North Holland and members of the Business Club of Haarlem and the Country Estate enjoyed just like we the delicious food of chef Alain in the most beautiful antique room. Afterwards Drs. Eva Maria Mennes stressed in her speech that the ambassadors are invited to present the art of their country in the next years Sculpture Garden. Before leaving Duin & Kruidberg and on a short walk through the park she gave a short explication on the work of the different artist of five countries. We moved on to the city center of Haarlem, a choir sang beautifully in the old St. Bavo church.
We could visit the Grote Markt with the famous Vleeshal, which was in use as meat market until the 19th century. It is an example of Dutch Renaissance architecture built by the city architect Lieven de Key in 1603. We would have liked to stay longer to investigate the charming city center, but we only had one hour. The bus brought us safely back to Ambassador Carlton Hotel in The Hague. We had a wonderful day thanks to Drs. Eva Maria Mennes, art historian from EVA Artproductions Foundation, Mrs. Sonia Meijer, from Direct Languages Center and Diplomat Magazine. 
