Rotterdam Rhapsody: Rain, Ramen, and Seriously Weird Art

okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 59611… 1706478159… honestly, what even is that? it’s just a string of numbers, right? like, a cosmic placeholder. the weather here is… interesting. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 35.55 feels like 35.48, temp min 35.55, temp max 35.55, pressure 1008, humidity 30, sea level 1008, ground level 969. it’s like a perpetual, slightly damp hug. perfect for, you know, contemplating the existential dread of being a touring session drummer with a serious ramen addiction.

I landed in Rotterdam yesterday and immediately felt like i’d stumbled into a Wes Anderson film directed by a slightly disgruntled robot. the architecture is just… weird. Like, intentionally weird. These massive, sloping buildings, the bridges that look like giant, metallic caterpillars… it’s beautiful in a deeply unsettling way. I spent the morning wandering around the Markthal, which is basically a giant, indoor food market. I grabbed some okonomiyaki - seriously, the best thing i’ve eaten all week - and overheard a group of students arguing about whether the Cube Houses were actually haunted. someone told me that… they’re not, obviously, but the guy in the corner was really convinced.

Speaking of the Cube Houses, they’re a must-see. Seriously. Just… go. And then go back and stare at them for a while. It’s therapeutic. I’m trying to capture the whole vibe for my Instagram, but honestly, my phone battery is dying faster than my enthusiasm. I need to find a decent charging station. I’m thinking of hitting up that cafe near the Erasmus Bridge - Yelp says it’s got strong wifi and surprisingly good pastries. https://www.yelp.com/

I’ve been spending my evenings exploring the smaller, less-touristy neighborhoods. I found this incredible street art scene in Katendrecht - it’s not your typical graffiti, more like… elaborate, slightly unsettling murals. I even managed to snag a quick interview with a local artist who was working on a piece depicting a giant, chrome pigeon. He said it was a commentary on the city’s obsession with technology. I don’t know, maybe. I just know it was shiny. I’m trying to get a shot of it for my portfolio. It’s a struggle.

My gear list is a disaster, as usual. I’ve got my sticks, my snare, my headphones, a half-empty bottle of water, and a rapidly diminishing supply of energy gels. I also seem to have packed three different types of socks. Because, you know, priorities.

Gear Checklist (because why not?)
Sticks (obviously)
Snare (duh)
Headphones (essential for not hearing the pigeons)
Water (hydration is key, even when you’re contemplating chrome pigeons)
Energy gels (fuel for the soul… and the drums)
Socks (multiple pairs, for maximum comfort)
Camera (for documenting my descent into madness)

I heard that the Klein Zwartenburg area has some seriously cool vintage shops. I’m on the hunt for a new pair of boots. Maybe something with a little bit of attitude. I’m thinking a pair of Doc Martens, maybe. https://www.tripadvisor.com/

If you get bored, Amsterdam is just a short drive away. I’m thinking of checking out the Rijksmuseum tomorrow - I’ve heard they have some amazing Dutch Masters. But first, more ramen. Seriously, Rotterdam is delivering. I’m also trying to find a decent coffee shop. I need something strong. Like, really strong. I’m talking espresso, double shot, no sugar. I’m a coffee snob, okay? Don’t judge. I’m currently nursing a lukewarm latte at a place called “De Bakkerswinkel” - it’s… fine. It’s got wifi. That’s about it.

I saw a guy playing the saxophone on the corner earlier. He was really good, actually. And a little bit sad. It’s a common theme in Rotterdam, I think.

Seriously, check out the Markthal. It’s a trip. And don’t be afraid of the weird architecture. Embrace it. It’s Rotterdam.

Oh, and one last thing: I heard that the locals are obsessed with bitterballen*. They’re basically deep-fried meatballs. I’m trying to resist, but it’s a tough battle. https://www.rotterdam.nl/

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• https://votoris.com/post/digital-nomad-diaries-oslos-hidden-gems-and-why-my-laptop-died-there
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• https://votoris.com/post/wandering-through-the-unknown-a-travel-diary
• https://votoris.com/post/what-is-ikeja-famous-for-icons-history-and-legends