Rotterdam Rhapsody: Rain, Ramen, and Really Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 3166601… that’s the number of times i’ve checked my phone in the last 24 hours. 1380739163… honestly, i don’t even know what that is. it just is. i landed in Rotterdam yesterday, and it’s… intense. like, aggressively colorful intense. the rain is this weird, persistent drizzle - i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything, making my hair look like a drowned rat, which, let’s be real, is pretty much my default state anyway. the pressure is 1006, and the ground level is 980 - sounds like a bad sci-fi movie, right?
I’m staying in this tiny Airbnb near the Markthal, which is basically a giant, indoor food market. it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. I stumbled upon a place called ‘Ramen Riot’ - seriously, the name is perfect. the broth was this deep, smoky pork flavor, and the noodles were perfectly chewy. someone told me that the chef, a guy named Hiro, used to be a competitive eater. wild. I also checked out Yelp for some other options - https://www.yelp.com/search?keyword=ramen&location=Rotterdam - there are a lot of ramen places. good news is, bad news is, my stomach is already protesting.
I spent the afternoon wandering around the city center, dodging cyclists (seriously, they’re everywhere), and taking pictures. my camera roll is already overflowing. I’m trying to capture the vibe, you know? the juxtaposition of the old and the new. Rotterdam’s got this incredible mix of brutalist architecture and vibrant street art. it’s like a post-apocalyptic art project. I found this amazing mural near the Cube Houses - it was a giant, swirling octopus. seriously.
Speaking of the Cube Houses, they’re… bizarre. like, intentionally weird. you can actually live in them. I’m not sure I’m ready for that level of commitment to oddity. I overheard some drunk advice at a bar last night - apparently, the original architect, Piet Blom, was obsessed with bees. go figure. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189423-d1237877-Reviews-Cube_Houses-Rotterdam.html
I’m trying to be productive, but honestly, I’m mostly just staring at the rain and contemplating the meaning of 1380739163. I need to find a decent coffee shop. I’m on the hunt for the perfect espresso - something with a rich crema and a bold flavor. I heard that ‘De Bakkerswinkel’ has some seriously good beans. https://www.debakkerswinkel.nl/
Here’s my gear list, because apparently, that’s what bloggers do:
Camera (obviously) - a battered Canon AE-1 - it’s seen better days, but it still kicks ass.
Rain jacket (essential)
Notebook and pen (for capturing fleeting thoughts)
Portable charger (because my phone dies constantly)
* A ridiculous amount of socks
If you get bored, Amsterdam is just a short drive away. I’m thinking of heading over there tomorrow to check out the canals and maybe find some vintage clothes. I’m always on the lookout for a good deal. I’m a sucker for a vintage Levi’s jacket.
Seriously, this city is a trip. I’m not sure what I’m doing, but I’m enjoying the chaos. I’m going to go find more ramen. wish me luck. and maybe a nap.
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