Discovering the Unseen Beauty of Ermelo
Calm and serenity have a new synonym, Ermelo, this little gem in the Netherlands. Just to make it clear, this wasn’t my dream destination. This wasn’t any place you’d find on the glossy pages of a typical travel magazine. In fact, I confessed to myself that I felt a twinge of anxiety about what I’d find here: a cultural void or, worse, a less-than-thrilling reminder of my dislike for anything mundane.
Confronting the Unexpected in Groevenbeekse Vennen
I always thought of myself as adventurous, but sometimes the quieter locales test this aspect of your personality more than the bustling metro cities. One such place was Groevenbeekse Vennen. Tranquil and undisturbed, a stark contrast to my usual vibe of constantly chasing after new experiences.
Groevenbeekse Vennen, right on the outskirts of Ermelo, is where nature plays an uninterrupted melody. The calming landscape stirred a challenge for me – could I embrace the quiet tempo of life here?
In the Quest of Quietude
What I didn’t expect was to be engrossed completely in the beauty of the wetlands. With my DSLR in one hand and vintage compass in the other, I lost myself in the landscapes, the silent forests, and the many hues of wildflowers. With every bit of the wildlife reserve that I discovered, I realised that I was also finding pieces of myself that seemed lost in the daily grind.
At some point, I discovered something surprisingly stressful. My journal, my little travel companion, was missing. It was a small monster of a problem as it contained my scribbled impressions, sparks of inspirations, and coveted coffee stains from different parts of the world.
Turning Misfortune to Mirth at Proeverij de Ontmoeting
I spent the rest of the evening collaborating with few locals at Proeverij de Ontmoeting in a fun, impromptu Dutch-English translation session while indulging in their delectable homemade treats. I also let my melancholy for the missing journal spill. The warm-heartedness of these strangers turned friends made me realise that, sometimes, the experience of sharing delicious food and hearty laughs triumphs over a written memoir.
A Surprise Souvenir
The next day, as I was preparing to move on to the next leg of my journey, I received a package from the restaurant. It was my lost journal, found by one of the restaurant’s staff in the cushions of the bench where I sat. Attached was a quirkily-painted coffee mug – an unexpected souvenir adding to my exotic collection.
Lessons Learnt from Ermelo
Ermelo taught me to embrace the quiet, make friends with the unexpected and find joy in so-called ‘ordinary’ destinations. If you ever decide to venture to this Dutch delight, leave behind all your preconceived notions. Embrace it in its simplicity and let its innate character charm you. And, a little piece of advice – keep a close eye on your belongings. But remember, even if you lose something, in Ermelo, you might just find something much more valuable in return.
The tranquility of Ermelo was the most challenging monster I have ever faced and yet, it ended up unveiling a side of me I didn’t know existed. Sometimes, being fully immersed in a place isn’t about ticking off the tourist spots, it’s about letting the place reveal itself to you, at its own pace and in its own unique style. As a travel blogger, my journey to Ermelo is a reflection of my belief that every place has its own story, you just need the patience to listen.