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June 12, 2025

A Gray Day in Blue Heaven

By Ava Lapsley

One day, I would find the city where porcelain children kissing is being made, but I never thought I would visit the actual place. This is the town of Delft, a little south and to the west of The Hague.

Image of small blue and white porcelain statuette of a young boy and girl dressed in traditional dutch garb leaning to eachother for a kiss.
I had this in my room since I was born. My father sent me a photo because I had shown him pictures of the porcelain children throughout gift shop windows in the Netherlands. This item is a part of my lore, my upbringing.

When I first arrived at Delft, what I noticed was how quiet the city was. Delft was the quietest city I have ever been to. There were barely any cars. Everyone was either walking or biking. The scenery was blue! I was walking in a blue heaven, because blue is my favorite color. Even though Delft is known for its world-famous Delft blue, Delft is tied to the Royal Family, and it is nicknamed ‘The City of Orange’, not ‘The City of Blue.’ 

Photo of smiling woman in jeans and hoody sitting lengthwise on a bench in front of a storefront called the Royal Outlet. Dominant color is blue.
Here I am getting my Delft on!
Photo of sign post with list of destinations and arrows pointing in the way. Backdrop of brick buildings on street.
Looking for something? Follow the signs in this walkable village
photo of a Church bell Tower rising behind trees lining a canal and street lined with bicycle
Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) from canal bridge
photo of coffee house with blue store front. People sitting at cafe tables outside along the canal. Boat transom with flowers and Netherlands flag visible in forefront.
Always time to sit for a koffie.

In Delft, we went to the Centruum/Markt where there were only four students, and both professors decided to go. In total, six people went on this excursion on Thursday, June 5th. I was able to leave the nest and shop at Heinen Delfts Blauw. I purchased a lot of items in Delft, that I wished I were the ruler of this city!