Düsseldorf: Rain, Records, and Really Weird Currywurst
okay, so dusseldorf. i didn’t plan to be here, honestly. my van decided it needed a serious existential crisis right outside the city limits, and now i’m… well, here. it’s been… something.
I just checked and it’s drizzling sideways, like the sky is actively trying to push me into the *Rhine. There’s a damp chill that seeps into your bones, even with three layers and a questionable thrift store scarf. hope you like that kind of thing.
I’ve been mostly wandering, trying to avoid the mechanics who keep quoting me prices that sound suspiciously like lottery numbers. Found a record store, though - that was a win. Digging through crates of vinyl is always a good way to kill time, even if you end up with a polka album you’ll probably never play. (Seriously, who buys polka?)
Food-wise… let’s just say the currywurst situation is complicated. I’ve had currywurst in, like, five different countries now, and this… this is something else. It’s aggressively spiced, almost sweet, and served with a disconcerting amount of mayonnaise. Someone told me that the best one is at a place called “WoWo’s,” but I haven’t tracked it down yet. Yelp reviews are all over the place - apparently, it’s either life-changing or actively poisonous. I’m cautiously optimistic.
I spent a good hour yesterday just watching the boats go by on the Rhine. There’s a weird energy here, a sort of quiet determination. It’s not flashy or exciting, but it’s… solid. Like a really well-made pair of boots.
“Don’t trust the pigeons. They’re watching you.”
That’s what a very drunk gentleman told me outside a bar last night. I’m not sure if he was serious, but I’m keeping an eye on the feathered locals, just in case.
If you get bored, cologne and essen are just a short train ride away. I might hop over to cologne tomorrow if my van doesn’t decide to spontaneously combust.
I did stumble upon a really cool street art scene near the MedienHafen. Some seriously talented people are working here. Check out this local board for more info: https://www.duesseldorf-streetart.de/.
I overheard a couple arguing about whether Düsseldorf is “cool” or “boring.” I think it’s both. It’s not trying to be anything it’s not, and that’s kind of refreshing. It’s got a history, a vibe, and a whole lot of currywurst. What more could you want?
Oh, and a warning: apparently, the trams here are notoriously punctual. Someone warned me about it. Like, really* punctual. Don’t be late.
For a more structured look at the city, check out TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g183056-Dusseldorf_North_Rhine_Westphalia_Germany-Vacations.html. And if you're looking for a place to stay, Yelp has some good options: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Hotels&find_loc=D%C3%BCsseldorf%2C+North+Rhine-Westphalia.
Right, back to trying to figure out this van situation. Wish me luck (and send currywurst recommendations).
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