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.
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.
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 : [email protected]
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.
Let's Connect!