Rotterdam Rumble: Rain, Ramen, and Seriously Weird Art
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. i landed in rotterdam yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a lot. the weather is just… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 1020 pressure, 65 humidity - feels like stepping into a perpetually damp sponge. it’s kinda beautiful, in a bleak, industrial sort of way.
first things first, the vibe. rotterdam isn’t trying to be anything. it’s just… existing. a lot of brutalist architecture, canals everywhere, and a surprising number of street art murals that look like they were painted by a particularly angry toddler. i spent the afternoon wandering around the *Markthal, which is basically a giant, indoor food market. it’s insane. i got some ramen - seriously good - and a weirdly perfect stroopwafel. someone told me that the best place for a proper Dutch breakfast is ‘t Zuiderlicht, but i haven’t checked it out yet. i’m too busy trying to avoid getting soaked.
my gear list is a disaster, as usual. i’ve got my battered camera, a half-dead battery pack, and a notebook full of scribbled thoughts. i also managed to pack three different kinds of socks. because, you know, priorities.
camera (obviously) - needs a new lens, tbh
rain jacket (essential)
portable charger (lifesaver)
notebook & pen (for capturing the chaos)
a questionable amount of snacks
i stumbled across this gallery called ‘De Youngste’, which is dedicated to contemporary art by young artists. it was… intense. a lot of mixed media, some unsettling sculptures, and one piece that looked suspiciously like a pile of discarded bicycle parts. i overheard gossip that the curator is a former performance artist who now mostly just yells at people.
“Don’t look at the art, feel it. And if you don’t feel anything, you’re probably judging it too harshly.” - Apparently, that’s what the curator said. I think he was glaring at me.
i’m staying in this tiny hostel near the *Kralingse Bos, which is a huge park. it’s surprisingly peaceful, considering the city’s general intensity. my neighbors are a group of students who seem to be perpetually fueled by energy drinks and questionable music. if you get bored, amsterdam is just a short drive away, but honestly, i’m trying to avoid the tourist traps. i’m more interested in finding hidden corners and weird little shops.
i found a vintage clothing store called ‘Retro Rad’, and i scored a ridiculously oversized denim jacket. it’s perfect for layering and looking effortlessly cool (or at least, trying to). i heard that they have a massive collection of 80s sportswear - i’m on the hunt for a neon windbreaker.
i’m also trying to track down some of the street artists who are working in the city. i saw a few incredible murals while wandering around the Witte de Withstraat*, and i’d love to learn more about their techniques. i found a local board with some listings for street art tours - might check that out tomorrow.
i’m seriously considering getting a herring. i’ve heard they’re an essential rotterdam experience, but i’m also slightly terrified of the whole thing. it’s a slippery, salty fish, and i’m not sure i’m ready for that kind of commitment.
overall, rotterdam is a weird, wonderful mess. it’s not pretty, it’s not polished, but it’s definitely authentic. and honestly, that’s exactly what i was looking for. i’m going to grab another coffee (probably black, because i’m running on fumes) and see what else this city has to offer. check out some more local spots here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g189429-Rotterdam_South Holland-Vacations.html and https://www.yelp.com/directory/rotterdam-restaurants for food recommendations. and if you're looking for more local art, this is a good place to start: https://www.rotterdamstreetart.com/.
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