City Trip: The Hague – Sea Life and Madurodam
By the suggestion of my cousin Nik, I had a pleasant trip to The Hague to visit Sea Life and Madurodam.
Sea Life is an aquatic zoo located on the beach side of The Hague, though technically the area is not The Hague, but stands out on its own right as a proud subdistrict called Scheveningen. The entrance to Sea Life is right on the boardwalk, facing the North Sea. During the summer months I am told this boardwalk is packed with people. Today however, the people were scarce; though it is not raining (the first day in almost 2 weeks) and spring is coming up, the weather is still too chilly for beach strolls.
Sea Life is a top notch facility. The tanks and environments are very well done and spacious, and the whole location’s design contributes to the aquatic ambiance. I got to watch some piranha’s being fed, and walk through an underwater tunnel where it feels like the fish swim with you as you walk by. Unfortunately at the time of my visit, the sting ray tank was under construction – so there were no touching of the fishies today – but I got a coupon for 50% off my next visit, and I paid a reduced entrance fee. I would love to bring a friend and go again when the tank is reopen.
Here is a link to the pictures posted on photobucket, but below are some highlights.
Madurodam is coined as the smallest town in the Netherlands. It is home to 66,000 inhabitants – though those inhabitants are plastic figurines – Madurodam does have a real life mayor. The first mayor of Madurodam was Queen Beatrix, who was appointed the title at her coronation, and every year since then, a local (usually post-secondary) citizen of The Hague takes the duty upon themselves.
The attraction houses miniatures of many of the Netherlands most famous areas – like the “Dom” tower in Utrecht, Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam, the University of Leiden, and many many more.
Ticket price is 14.50, and a guide is included so you are not aimlessly wondering around town. Some of the area’s have coin operated (.10cents) functions – like moving street cars, playing church bells, etc.
Overall, it was a lovely experience. I would like to go back when the weather is warmer, as the whole exhibit is outdoors.
I have posted all my pictures of Madurodam here, but below are some highlights.
