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a feel good travel blog

Namaste Cafe: Den Haag's Coffee for the Soul

10/17/2016

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As they say in Dutch, "Welkom bij Namasté Café, het spirituele café in Den Haag!" Welcome to the Namaste Cafe, the spiritual cafe in Den Haag. 

​As we say in English, "The Hague," is probably what Amsterdam was years ago before tourism, french fry stands and it's popular pot-culture invaded the ancient city. The Hague is a 45-minute train ride south of Amsterdam and is the Netherland's political city. The town comprises of meandering canals that flow between historic Dutch buildings, surrounded by fertile parks that are home to geese and fields of tulips.

Everything in the Hague is classy, including spirituality. After roaming the streets of my short-term home, I stumbled across The Namaste Cafe.   
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If there is one cafe or spot in The Hague that displays my inner-soul, it's this place. The cafe is a place where food, spirituality and holistic wellness unite. Part cafe, part garden, part massage therapy center - the Namaste Cafe is a place to relax with a warm cup of classic Chai. 

The cafe opened in the spring of 2015 and serves a variety of cakes, sandwiches, coffees and teas. The cafe features coffee from Brazil and Ethiopia along with teas selected from India. 

After reminiscing with the owner about studying yoga in India, I couldn't resist trying her chai tea. With one sip, I transported back to 2007 with memories of sipping chai tea from Internet cafes to street carts. There is something about chai tea that soothes my soul. 

​Along with the blue and purple decor, I found it to be a perfect place to sit and edit my book, Finding Om. The quiet atmosphere allowed me to focus on the feelings of 2007. With yoga signs on the wall, and a prayer-hand logo, I knew I was on the right path. I believe in the power of colors. The from room of the cafe (as pictured below) elevated the upper three chakras (crown, 3rd eye and throat) to inspire my creative writing. 

The Hague is expensive, but The Namaste Cafe offers affordable eats and drinks for the budget-friendly traveler. I recommend the avocado and tomato panini and vegetarians can select from a variety of foods. You can also ask for non-dairy options to make your food or drink vegan.  
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The cafe offers alternative and holistic workshops. Examples include astrology, Tibetan yoga, mindfulness and manifestation clinics and everything alternative in between. Workshops are posted on their website and Facebook page. The small shop sells clothes, in-scents and small gifts.

If you're tired from traveling, book one of the Indian and Ayurvedic massages. Massasges range from 22 to 25 Euros per half-hour. You can select from a traditional head massage or regions such as head, neck, shoulders and back. Thirty- minute Chakra healing sessions are also available for 22 euros.   

One of the best features is the backyard garden and patio. On a nice summer day, guests can relax  on antique-looking chairs amidst brick walls decorated with potted flowers. I found this to be one of the most charming aspects of the cafe since my body craved the spring sun. 

The owner is a lovely lady and speaks Dutch and English. She can help translate the menu for you. However, most workshops will be held in Dutch. It is best to check with Namaste Cafe to determine if any workshops are offered in English. 


​Most places in The Hague are closed on Mondays. Similar to Germany, they say, "Sleepy Sunday. Quiet Monday." The weekends close an hour earlier than the weekday hours. Be sure to double check the hours of operation (in Europe many places change hours in the summer and winter) on the website below. 

Namasté Café®
Prins Hendrikplein 18
2518 JC Den Haag
Phone : 070-3698766
Email : info@namastecafe.nl

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to  Namaste Cafe: Den Haag's Coffee for the Soul. 
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Elizabeth Rae Kovar Crites

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5 Fairy-Tale Things to Do & See in Hamelin, Germany

10/11/2016

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Hamelin, Germany is a fairy-tale town located in Lower Saxony. Hamelin is home to the Pied Piper fairy-tale - a deep and dark tale that began in the 12th Century. Some say it's true, some say it's a tale. Regardless of what you think, you can enjoy some of the most magical fairy-tale moments while meandering throughout this town that has celebrated 725 years of this historic legend. 
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Museum Cafe
Enjoy the fresh air and a half-liter latte at the Museum Cafe. Depending on the weather, I suggest sitting outdoors to admire the 14th and 15th Century facades. Whether you desire a hearty meal, a Pizza or just a slice of cake, you can find everything your palate craves while enjoying the best seat in town. 
Osterstr. 8, 31785 Hameln, Lower Saxony, Germany

Glockenspiel 
The Glockenspiel tells the story of the Pied Piper. What looks like a cute story is in fact the replication of the dark piper tale. When the bells ring  the piper appears leading a pack of rats. Once the next set of bells rings, a "darker" looking piper appears leading all of the children out of the town, except for two, a blind and a "lame" child.  Everyday the bells ring at a specific time: 1:05pm, 3:35pm and 5:35pm. The bells also ring at 9:35am (Pied Piper song) and at 11:35am (West River Song). The glockenspiel is on the gable of the Hochzeithaus on the west side of the building. 

Hamelin Museum
​This museum is home to some of the town's most prominent historical pieces and artifacts. This includes literature, artifacts, paintings and statues that date as far back as the Middle Ages.  The museum is one of the most affordable activities in Hamelin. Entry costs five euros per adult and three euros per child. Families can take advantage of the family-friendly fee of just 12 euros. 
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Find the Pied Piper Statue - And Everywhere Else
Legend has it that a rat catcher was called to town in 1294, and was not paid his fee. In revenge, he lured children from the town with melodies played from his flute. And....the children were never seen again. Visitors meet the piper virtually everywhere in town. Notable pied piper landmarks include the classical fountain found on Osterstrasse, the fountain at City Hall Court and the glass window in the Market Church. You can find the piper on the facade of random homes throughout the city. 

Find a Rat
Along with searching for the piper, rats are found everywhere throughout the village. From bronze templates to paintings on the wall - make a friend with a rat - a creature that we normally dislike in the west. Discovering a rat ignites a real-life fairy-tale quest to relive some of the most ancient tales in Germany. Most rats are found in the old part of town. 
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How to Get to Hamelin
If you live in Hannover, getting to and from Hamelin is a quick bahn ride and is one of the Niedersachen pass destinations. From bigger cities, check Deutsch Bahn for IC and ICE trains. 

I recommend heading to Old Town directly. The new part of town is not redeeming in charm and history compared to Old Town. Have you been to Hamelin? If so, what are you favorite spots? ​

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 5 Fairy-Tale Things to Do & See in Hamelin, Germany.  
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7 Amazing Things You Must Do in Baden Baden, Germany

10/7/2016

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Most people who think of Germany, often think about World War II and its communistic history. Many people forget about the Roman era, the middle ages and of course, the aristocratic 18th Century influence. 

Baden Baden is a place unlike most German cities. Known for its spa culture, the town fuses ancient history with 1700’s class and luxury. It’s no wonder why Baden Baden claims the throne as, “Summer Capital of Europe.” Manicured lawns and colorful rose gardens decorate the town with beauty, but the fall is one of the best times to visit. 

Not only will you experience the foliage, but you can better enjoy the spas, cafes and hearty 'badische" meals during the cooler months. Baden Baden, a true wellness town, is a place that is “steeped” deep with history, beauty and fragrant grapes that produce some of the best wines in the world. When in Baden Baden, do as the Romans do and soak up everything wonderful with these seven must do activities.
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Trinkhalle
Also known as the drink hall, history claims that Baden Baden contains healing waters. Be sure to try the water from the ancient-looking pump and the 17,000-year-old Friedrichsbad spring. The prominent building contains Corinthian pillars, which is the perfect spot for newlyweds to take photos. In the left side of the building is the Trinkhalle’s café and bar. If you need to warm your soul, try a heisse schokolade, or hot chocolate, topped with the best whipped cream in Germany. A tourist desk is available onsite to ask any questions in regards to what to do in town.
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Walking Paths “Lichtentaler Allee” along the Oos River
From Trinkhalle, you can follow the walking paths that meander along the Oosleine (Oos River). The natural space surrounding the leine is a sight to see. You can walk past Gingo Biloba trees and during the fall, deep hues of red, orange and yellow leaves decorate the grass to what looks like a canvas painting. The architecture of the homes and buildings make you feel as if you are walking through an 18th Century English garden. It’s quite different from what you normally see the commi-buildings in Berlin and the half-timbered homes in Bavaria. The surroundings inspire the feelings of wearing a corset dress and a top hat suit while leisurely poking the leaves with a walking cane.

​If you follow the trail past the main area of the city you’ll run into a small rose garden and tennis courts.
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Roman Bath Ruins “Romische Badruinen”
Adjacent to Friedrichbad are the Roman Bath Ruins. The ruins sit behind a glass case for preservation. Also here are the solider baths. These ruins were found between 1846 to 1900 due to excavation. The Romans were a highly intelligent and advanced culture and the remains of their building efforts prove how advanced they were.
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Caracalla Therme
Caracalla is one of the best ways to spend (or waste) time in Baden Baden. This is my favorite of the two spas. Downstairs you have a myriad of choices that include pools, rivers, hot and cold baths, dry saunas, steam rooms and red-light saunas. Water temperatures range between 18-38 degrees Celsius (66- 106* F). This part of the sauna is clothed. If you want to experience something more free, head to the unclothed section for hotter saunas (68* C = 166* F) and cold water whirlpools. This also includes an outdoor area where you can find resting gardens, showers and timber-shacked saunas. I recommend two to three hours. If you can spare the extra three-euros, go for three hours so you can leisurely experience each area without being over rushed. We didn’t realize there was a garden area until the last 30 minutes and rushed in and out of the saunas. You can also purchase massages, body scrubs and beauty products. You will wear a “watch” that times you upon entrance and exit. Anytime spent over the amount that you paid, the staff will charge you for the additional time. Bring a towel!
A restaurant is available onsite. Be sure to check out the walking paths and tombstones nearby to learn more history.
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Friedrichsbad 
This Roman-Irish bath contains 17 stages to the mind-body relaxation experience. Unlike Caracalla where you can roam from room to room, Friedrichsbad is a bit more militant. Fully unclothed, you have three hours to experience each room, steam bath or pool in sequential order. Toward the end, there is a relaxation room where a staff member wraps you up like a burrito in a blanket so you can take a nap. Optional add-ons include massages and body scrubs. You will wear a “watch” that times you upon entrance and exit. Anytime spent over the amount that you paid, the staff will charge you for the additional time. Bring a towel!
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Drink Baden Baden Wine
The Rebland Wine region is home to Baden Baden wine. If you love sweet wine, you must try the Riesling. These naturally sweet grapes produce some of the best sweet white wines in Germany. The main grapes in the area produce 54% Riesling, 32% Pinot Noir and 5% Müller-Thurgau. 

An interesting fact is that the Romans began making white wine two-thousand years ago. Some Rieslings from the area contain hints of peach and citrus flavors.
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Enjoy Baden Baden Traditions
From the local beer garden to traditional food to Market Square, there are endless opportunities to explore the rich history and culture of Roman-German traditions. Baden Baden is not the cheapest town for traditional cuisine, but there is something for everyone. ​
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What's your favorite thing to do in Baden Baden? Caracalla spa is certainly one of my favorites!

Do you love this article? Or other Lemon Tree Articles? This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 7 Amazing Things to do in Baden Baden, Germany 

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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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