Delft: The Charming Dutch Gem of Canals and Ceramics

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [ahls-yuh-BLEEFT]
• Thank youDank je wel
  [dahnk yuh vell]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [SOH-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het met jou?
  [hoo gaat het met yow]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [spreek yuh ENG-uhls]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-GRAIP het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMag ik de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [mahkh ik duh meh-noo-kahrt seen, ahl-stoo-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik ate khayn vlays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alstublieft
  [ik vil khrahg buh-TAH-luhn, ahl-stoo-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [hah vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh puh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayun DAHK-tuhr]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben vur-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ik vil khrahg KOH-puhn]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ik kayk a-layn mahr]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [HUH-vale kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh dur]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt oo duh prays vuh-RAH-ghun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [hut is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [OHK-tuhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [MIH-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-VAHNT]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [KHIHS-tuh-ruhn]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [MOHR-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
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• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
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• 5Vijf
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  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
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• 8Acht
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• 9Negen
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• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
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• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u het me laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt oo het meh laht-uhn seen (op duh kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [VAH-nayr iss duh vohl-ghuhn-duh (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kahrt-yuh (nar)]

Delft was founded in the 11th century and gained city rights in 1246. The city's name is derived from the word 'delving,' which means digging in Dutch, referring to the digging of canals. Delft quickly became a center for trade and industry due to its strategic location on the Schie River.

On October 12, 1654, Delft was rocked by a massive explosion known as the Delft Explosion or Delft Thunderclap. A gunpowder store in the city center exploded, destroying a large part of Delft and killing over a hundred people. The disaster had a significant impact on the city, leading to widespread reconstruction.

During the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, Delft became famous for its production of Delftware—blue-and-white pottery that mimicked Chinese porcelain. This period marked the height of Delft's economic prosperity, with numerous potteries established in the city.

Johannes Vermeer, one of the most renowned Dutch painters of the 17th century, was born and spent his entire life in Delft. Many of his famous works, such as 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and 'View of Delft,' capture the essence of the city. Vermeer’s legacy continues to draw art enthusiasts to Delft.

William of Orange, also known as William the Silent, played a crucial role in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. After his assassination in 1584, he was buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft. His tomb remains a significant historical site, symbolizing the struggle for Dutch independence.

In 1842, King Willem II founded the Royal Academy for the education of civilian engineers, which later became the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). TU Delft has since grown into a leading institution for scientific research and engineering, contributing significantly to technological advancements.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Delft has focused on preserving its historical heritage while modernizing its infrastructure. Efforts to maintain the city’s picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks continue to make Delft a popular destination for tourists and history buffs alike.

Delft is located in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. The nearest major international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), approximately 45 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Delft, which takes around 40 minutes. Alternatively, Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is closer, about 12 kilometers from Delft, and offers limited international flights. From Rotterdam The Hague Airport, you can take a bus and then a train to reach Delft, which takes around 30 minutes in total.

Delft is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. The city has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams operated by HTM. Bicycles are a popular mode of transport, and you can rent one from various rental shops throughout the city. Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber are also available. For regional travel, Delft's central train station offers frequent connections to cities like The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.

The official currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Delft, including in most shops, restaurants, and hotels. Contactless payment is also commonly used. ATMs are plentiful, and international cards are generally accepted. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for use in small businesses or markets where card payments might not be accepted.

Delft is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's wise to take standard precautions. Be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded places like markets and the train station. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, fire services, or medical help. Delft has several medical facilities, including the Reinier de Graaf Hospital. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many are open late. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency police assistance, you can contact the local police station.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect the customs when visiting religious sites, such as churches. Remove hats and speak softly. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be considerate of other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and make eye contact. A simple 'hello' or 'goedendag' is polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like 'poffertjes' and 'stroopwafels.' Don't leave a tip on the table; tipping is usually done by rounding up the bill or leaving small change.

To experience Delft like a local, visit the weekly markets at the Markt Square on Thursdays and Saturdays, where you can buy fresh produce, cheese, and other local products. Spend time exploring the hidden courtyards (hofjes) and take a canal boat tour for a unique perspective of the city. Engage with locals at cafes and try a traditional Dutch 'koffie met appeltaart' (coffee with apple pie). Don't miss visiting the lesser-known spots like the Botanical Garden of TU Delft and the Eastern Gate (Oostpoort).