Rotterdam Rhapsody: Rain, Ramen, and Really Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. the time stamp thing - 1177384 and 1586945951 - it just… stuck with me. like a particularly persistent mosquito. i landed in rotterdam yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a lot. the air smells like rain and something vaguely metallic, which i’m kinda digging, to be honest.
my hotel - the ‘canal side snooze’ - is basically a converted warehouse. it’s got exposed brick and a disconcerting number of pigeons. the wifi is patchy, which is a godsend, actually. i need to disconnect, you know? it’s like, a forced digital detox. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
i was wandering around the *Markthal earlier, and it’s insane. like, a giant, covered food hall. i grabbed some ramen - seriously good - and overheard a guy telling his friend that someone told him the truffle oil is artificially flavored. someone told me that... i don’t know, maybe he was just being dramatic. or maybe he was right. who knows?
the weather’s been… unpredictable. this morning it was like a damp hug, now it’s threatening to unleash a full-blown deluge. it’s the kind of weather that makes you want to curl up with a book and a bottle of something strong. i’m leaning towards the book.
i stumbled across this street art scene near the Kralingse Plas - it’s wild. huge murals everywhere, covered in these weird, almost unsettling, portraits. it’s not pretty, but it’s… compelling. i took a bunch of photos, naturally. my camera roll is already screaming.
i’m trying to figure out the best way to get to Kinderdijk - those windmills are legendary, right? i’m thinking a bike, honestly. it seems like the most rotterdam-y thing to do. i found a forum on Reddit - r/rotterdam - and someone suggested taking the bus, but they also said it’s “a bit of a trek.”
speaking of locals, if you get bored, The Hague is just a short drive away. i heard that the museums there are incredible, but also that the people are… intense.
here’s the gear list, because i’m a sucker for a good list:
*Camera: my trusty Sony Alpha 7III (obviously)
*Rain Jacket: essential. seriously, essential.
*Comfortable Shoes: i’m already regretting my choice of sandals.
*Notebook & Pen: for capturing all the weirdness.
*Portable Charger: because, you know, wifi.
*Headphones: for drowning out the pigeon noises.
i’m also trying to find a decent coffee shop. i need something stronger than the stuff they serve at the hotel. i’m on the hunt for a place with proper espresso. i’m checking out a few spots on Yelp - apparently, ‘de koffietijd’ is pretty good.
i’m feeling a little overwhelmed, to be honest. rotterdam is just… a lot of things at once. it’s gritty, it’s beautiful, it’s confusing, and it’s strangely captivating. i’m going to keep exploring, keep drinking coffee, and keep documenting the chaos.
i’m thinking of checking out the Cube Houses* tomorrow. someone told me they’re a bit touristy, but i’m willing to risk it.
okay, i need more coffee. and maybe a nap.
check out this map:
p.s. - if anyone knows a good place to get a proper Dutch herring, hit me up. seriously.
TripAdvisor Rotterdam
Yelp Rotterdam Restaurants
Reddit Rotterdam Forum
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