Delfshaven: A Journey Through Time in Rotterdam

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [ahls-yuh-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je wel
  [dahnk yuh vel]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo gaat het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [spreyk yuh eng-uhls]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-ghrayp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMag ik de menukaart zien, alsjeblieft
  [makh ik duh meh-noo-kahrt seen, ahls-yuh-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet khayn vlays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alsjeblieft
  [ik vil khrahg buh-tah-lun, ahls-yuh-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [ga wekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-tee]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dohk-tur]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben vuhr-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ik vil khrahg koh-pun]
• I'm just lookingIk ben alleen aan het kijken
  [ik ben ah-leyn ahn het kee-kuhn]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vale kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh duhr]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt yu duh prays vur-lah-ghun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn uhr]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [okh-tuhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khist-ur-un]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tweh]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-vun]
• 8Acht
  [akht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/deh]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt yu may laht-un seen (op duh kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vuhn-nayr is duh fohl-hun-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kahrt-yuh (nar)]

Delfshaven, originally a small fishing village, gained prominence in the 14th century when it was established as a harbor for Rotterdam. Its strategic location along the Delfshavense Schie canal facilitated maritime trade and transport, allowing goods to flow into the growing city of Rotterdam. This development laid the foundation for Delfshaven's role as a vital link in the region's economic expansion.

One of the most notable historical events associated with Delfshaven is the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620. These English dissenters, seeking religious freedom, left from Delfshaven aboard the ship 'Speedwell' before ultimately heading to America. This event has cemented Delfshaven's place in history as a site of significant cultural and religious migration, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the settlers in the New World.

During the 17th century, Delfshaven flourished as part of the Dutch Golden Age. The neighborhood became a bustling hub of trade, attracting merchants and shipbuilders. The picturesque canals and historic warehouses that remain today serve as a testament to this prosperous era. The economic vitality of Delfshaven contributed significantly to Rotterdam's overall development and the expansion of the Dutch maritime empire.

Delfshaven faced considerable devastation during World War II, when much of Rotterdam, including this historic neighborhood, was bombed. However, unlike the rest of the city, Delfshaven managed to retain some of its historic architecture, which was meticulously restored in the post-war years. The reconstruction efforts were aimed at preserving the unique character of Delfshaven while integrating modern infrastructure.

In recent decades, Delfshaven has experienced a cultural revival. The neighborhood has become known for its vibrant arts scene, historical landmarks, and diverse community. Events and festivals celebrating its rich maritime heritage have been established, drawing both locals and tourists. Today, Delfshaven stands as a blend of history and modernity, showcasing its unique cultural identity within the broader context of Rotterdam.

Delfshaven is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Rotterdam. You can take the metro to the Delfshaven station, which connects to Line D. Alternatively, trams 4 and 8 stop nearby. If you're coming from the central station, a direct bus (Line 32) will get you there in about 20 minutes. For a scenic option, consider taking a water taxi from the city center.

Delfshaven is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, with rental options available throughout the city. For longer distances, the metro and tram services are reliable, and buses connect you to surrounding areas. Consider purchasing an OV-chipkaart for convenient access to public transportation.

Delfshaven is generally safe for tourists; however, like any urban area, it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Areas around the central station can be higher in crime rates, particularly regarding petty theft. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded spaces.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are local hospitals and clinics available in Rotterdam. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies in Delfshaven can assist with minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking; don't wear overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites; don't take photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake; don't forget to smile! Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'stamppot' and visit local cafes; don't waste food or be rude to staff.

To experience Delfshaven like a local, visit the historic harbor area early in the morning when it’s less crowded. Explore the local markets for fresh produce and artisanal products. Engage in conversations with local shopkeepers; they often have fascinating stories about the neighborhood's history. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour of the harbor to appreciate Delfshaven’s maritime heritage.