Start of 750-word article. Pictures available

HOLLAND IN A NUTSHELL

by Pam Hobbs

The Hague: Along with other tourists by the harbour, I watched in fascination as the oil tanker burst into flames. Within seconds a fire-fighting vessel was on the scene, hoses aimed at the tanker, and the blaze was extinguished. Murmuring approval the crowd dispersed, some to check on flight departures, some to visit the cathedral. I moved on to the historic Binnehof where the Queen had arrived in her golden coach to open a new session of parliament.....

Madurodam is a unique war memorial, sited on 28,000 acres donated by The Hague's city council. Initial capital for construction was provided by Mr and Mrs J.M.L. Madura of Willemstad, Curacao, in memory of their only son George, who was studying at Leyden University when the Germans invaded Holland in 1940. As a reserve officer of the Hussars he was awarded Holland's highest military award for bravery, but died in a Nazi concentration camp without ever seeing it........