Rotterdam Rhapsody: Rain, Ramen, and Really Weird Art
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 2871039 and 1276191164 - don’t ask, it’s a thing i saw on a wall. it just… stuck. the air here in Rotterdam is thick, like wet wool, and it’s… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything, 93% - seriously, my hair is actively trying to build a new ecosystem. the pressure’s at 1018, which feels…stable, i guess? not exactly thrilling.
I landed yesterday and immediately went for ramen. needed something solid. found this place, ‘Ramen Revolution’ - Yelp gave it 4.2 stars, which is generous, tbh. it was fine. edible. the broth was vaguely chicken-y. i’m aiming for 4.5, but i’m not holding my breath.
I’m staying in this tiny Airbnb near the *Markthal. it’s… charming? in a slightly unsettling way. like a dollhouse designed by a sad robot. the walls are painted this aggressively cheerful yellow, and there’s a portrait of a badger wearing a tiny hat. someone told me that the landlord, Mr. Van Der Meer, collects vintage typewriters. wild.
Spent the afternoon wandering around the Kop van Zuid area. it’s all brutalist architecture and unfinished projects. it’s… intense. there’s this massive, half-built cube thing - the future museum, apparently. looks like it’s been perpetually stuck in construction limbo. it’s giving me serious existential dread.
Then i stumbled upon the Delfshaven district. it’s like stepping back in time. cobblestone streets, canals, and these ridiculously colorful houses. it’s a total contrast to the rest of the city. I heard that the locals here are fiercely proud of their history and really don’t appreciate tourists taking selfies. so, you know, be respectful.
Checked out the Cube Houses - seriously, they’re just… cubes. stacked on top of each other. it’s bizarre. TripAdvisor says they’re a ‘must-see,’ but honestly, i’m not entirely sure why. it’s just… a thing.
I’m trying to capture the vibe of Rotterdam through my photography. it’s a city of contradictions - modern and historical, gritty and beautiful, chaotic and strangely serene. it’s a tough one to nail.
Speaking of photography, my gear list is a disaster:
Canon 5D Mark IV (mostly just for show)
Sony a7iii (my actual workhorse)
35mm f/1.4 lens (my go-to)
50mm f/1.8 lens (for portraits)
Speedlight (because i’m a drama queen)
Plenty of memory cards (always a problem)
And a crippling caffeine addiction.
I’m also trying to find some good street art. Rotterdam has a surprisingly vibrant underground scene. I overheard gossip at a bar last night that there’s a new mural popping up near the *Euromast - apparently, it’s a giant, glowing octopus. sounds… intense.
If you get bored, The Hague is just a short drive away. or Utrecht. or even Antwerp. there’s a lot to see.
Seriously, the rain is relentless. it’s like the city is perpetually weeping. but you know what? it adds to the atmosphere. it’s moody. it’s atmospheric. it’s… Rotterdam.
I’m heading to the Markthal* again for dinner. maybe I’ll try the stroopwafels. or maybe I’ll just order another ramen. who knows?
Pro-tip: wear waterproof shoes. seriously. you’ll thank me later.
And don’t trust anyone who tells you the badger portrait is a good omen.
Check out this local board for events: https://www.rotterdam.nl/en/
And for more travel inspiration: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
Don't forget to check out the local food scene: https://www.yelp.com/
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/lagos-nigeria-mosquitoes-jollof-and-a-whole-lotta-hustle
- https://votoris.com/post/moving-to-houston-my-chaotic-checklist-and-what-no-one-tells-you
- https://votoris.com/post/when-the-fog-swallowed-my-sneakers-and-i-forgot-why-i-came-to-diyarbakr
- https://votoris.com/post/bangalores-messy-weather-neighbor-drama-a-freelance-photographers-diary
- https://votoris.com/post/manila-mayhem-humidity-jeepneys-and-questionable-street-food