🇳🇱 The Hague, Netherlands | Where Art Meets Geopolitics

My first encounter with "The Hague" was through news of the South China Sea arbitration—I never imagined it was a real city! Though not the capital, this economic powerhouse dazzles with its blend of grandeur and coastal charm. 🎨 The Pearl Earring's Secret At the Mauritshuis Museum, Vermeer's Girl With a Pearl Earring revealed a sly trick: the "pearl" hovers magically below her ear, with no visible hook. That’s Baroque genius for you! 🦞 Ocean-to-Table Luxury The North Atlantic’s icy waters gift the freshest seafood—like the arm-length lobster I devoured (€90 well spent, because Europe 😅). 🌷 Everyday Romance Supermarkets here sell fresh flowers beside groceries—because why not spice up grocery runs with tulips? ⚖️ Geopolitical Theater The International Court of Justice (the real UN court) only handles cases if countries consent. China never has—unlike the "fancy but powerless" arbitration tribunal (looking at you, Philippines). 🌊 Arctic-Bound Waves Sunset + Corona beer + endless North Sea views (next stop: the Arctic!). #TheHague #DutchArt #SeafoodFeast #GeopoliticsWithAView #BaroqueMysteries 🌊🎭