We're excited to take you on a virtual journey to The Hague, where we'll meet one of our vibrant Lokafyers, Reeja. With her unique background as a Bellydance and Bollywood teacher, choreographer, and performer, Reeja brings a lively and personal touch to her tours. Join us as we delve into her experiences and uncover the charming secrets of The Hague.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired you to become a Lokafyer?
I am a Bellydance & Bollywood Teacher, Choreographer & Performer based in the Hague. My work takes me to different venues in the city and I also get to interact with a lot of amazing people who are always sharing their own amazing facts and experiences about living here. I came across Lokafy in an expat forum, and it excited me as it was about sharing your experiences and the city from your perspective. Moreover I love meeting people from all over the world and Lokafy just made it possible to bring these two aspects together!
2. What do you love most about the city you guide in?
If there is one fact I really love about the Hague is that it is truly a global melting pot. In the three years I have been here I have met people from countries and cities I would not even have imagined, like Iceland, Eritrea and so on. Other than that it’s a perfect blend of an urban city and serene green spaces and not to forget the amazing beach!
3. Can you share a personal story about what led you to live in your current city?
In 2019, my husband and me had the good fortune of visiting the Netherlands as tourists. At that point we never had any idea we would be moving here but still spent a good two weeks exploring all the major cities. Even at that point, the Hague had our heart. I recall one evening we were by the Peace Palace and thought to ourselves how amazing it must be to stay around here. As luck would have it, we moved in 2021 and stay 5 minutes away from the Peace Palace.
Memorable Experiences as a Lokafyer
4. Can you share a memorable experience or moment from one of your tours?
I have met many wonderful people in my tours with Lokafy, but my most memorable one will always be my first tour which was with this sweet lady from Canada. It was December 31st, 2022, and it was my first time showing someone the city. She made the conversation and experience so easy, and it gave me a lot of confidence to continue my journey with Lokafy.
5.What do you think makes a tour truly exceptional?
I think it’s the conversations you have with the travelers wherein you truly exchange your cultural and travel experiences. At the end of the day, when you travel and visit new places, it’s only through the people and culture can you truly experience a place.
6.How do you prepare for your tours to ensure they are unique and engaging for travelers?
I always ensure to ask the travelers’ interests. After all, not everyone might be a fan of history or architecture and might just want to experience the general vibe of the city. I have had tours where for instance a person was considering moving to the Hague and just wanted to see family friendly neighborhoods. Then I had a tour where a traveler just wanted to shop local brands and eat local foods. I am proud to say that so far I have always been able to cater to travelers’ specific requirements and make sure they have a great experience.
7.What is your favorite part of being a Lokafyer?
The fact that you don’t have to be a conventional tourist guide! That’s what initially got me interested in Lokafy and I definitely enjoy being a Lokafyer.
8.Have you learned anything surprising or unexpected from the travelers you've guided?
I have had the good fortune of always having travelers who I can share interesting and engaging conversations with. In fact, in my recent tour with an elderly couple from the USA, the gentlemen pointed out an interesting architectural fact that is common to many European structures that I never knew about. To know what it is, you will probably have to book a tour with me.
9.Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered during a tour and how you handled it?
I was on a tour with a family traveling with a 2-year-old. The weather in these regions is very unpredictable and we were caught in a storm mid-way through our tour. They wanted to stop at a place where they could let their toddler relax as she was restless with the horrible weather. Thankfully, I remembered that the Central Library in the city center had just renovated their children’s section with a special play area for little ones. They were so happy when we reached the space and their child was probably enjoying the most with all the other kids in the play pen.
10.What feedback from travelers has been the most rewarding or impactful for you?
I am a workaholic by nature and tend to never slow down. So the most constructive feedback I got from a traveler was to not pack in so much in one tour. So now I ensure that I give people time to really enjoy the sights and experience the city at their pace.
Local Insights and Tips
11.What local hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path spots do you love to share with travelers?
My favorite space is the Willibrordushuis and Willibrorduskapel. It’s located in the Oude Molenstraat and it is still an active religious space where interestingly the Brothers of Saint John brew beer amongst the many other interesting things they make and sell.
12. Can you describe your favorite neighborhood and why you love it?
My favorite neighborhood has to be the one I live in. The Statenkwartier is perfect because it is a quaint neighborhood at an optimal distance from both the city center and the beach.
13. Do you have any favorite local traditions or events that you recommend to visitors?
I would recommend attending the Vlaggetjesdag celebrations that happen by the harbor every year in the month of June. It represents the start of the new herring season and the fisherfolk set up stalls and dress up in traditional attire. There is also a traditional brass band as well as people selling all sorts of interesting items representing the fishing profession and culture.
Tips and Advice for Travelers and New Lokafyers
14. How do you tailor your tours to cater to different types of travelers (e.g., families, solo travelers, couples)?
Of course, the first step is talking to the travelers to understand what they really want from the tour. Once I have that information, the rest I plan according to the types of travelers. For instance, if I know they are very young kids in the group, I make sure we find activities or places where the kids can feel engaged as well. If they are travelers with mobility issues, I make sure we take routes where they have time to rest and recover before moving ahead.
15. What advice would you give to new Lokafyers to help them deliver exceptional experiences?
Communicate, communicate, communicate! The more information you ask your travelers and the more information you provide, the more chances you have of having an exceptional tour. Also, sometimes it’s nice to share a few tips even post your tour. For instance, I always suggest a nice place for a drink or dinner post my tour if travelers are looking for this information.
16. Do you have any tips for visitors on how to make the most of their trip?
Having a clear idea of what you would really like from the tour in terms of personal interest and preferences. You might not know specific sights or monuments in the city, but it would be easier for a Lokafyer to show you the city as per your tastes. Especially with urban setups, it’s easy to find sights and experiences that match different preferences. This way the tour doesn’t end up being a One Size Fits All situation.
Reeja's journey with Lokafy highlights the beauty of personalized travel experiences. Her passion for The Hague and dedication to providing exceptional tours make her a fantastic Lokafyer. If you're looking to explore The Hague through the eyes of a local, Reeja's tours are not to be missed!
Stay tuned for more stories from our Lokafyers around the world. Happy exploring!
Written & Edited by- Vinita Malik
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