1. You start defending Rotterdam for the Dutch
Most of the Dutch don’t like Rotterdam, because Dutch people are proud of ‘their’ 17th century architecture. After the bombing in 1940, Rotterdam was rebuilt in a modern and innovative style as opposed to the traditional cobbled streets and canals. But that’s what makes the city unique and you are prepared to argue about it until you’re red in the face.

 

2. You hang out in the Markthal
Why suffer rain and wind outside when you can stroll in just pretty much the most amazing indoor market? When you don’t take your international guests to a restaurant there, it’s also fun to go from one food stall to another and taste all the free samples… because the indoor comfort and amazing design comes at a price.

 

3. It feels like a true metropolitan city…
Especially if compared to other Dutch cities, you appreciate the actual skyline with skyscrapers, pancake boats, pop-up stores and all the culture festivals in different venues. But most of all, you are mind-boggled by the crazy projects going on: floating trees, hanging gardens, shopping bags made from waste, circular ecosystem businesses, you name it!

 

4. …until it doesn’t feel like a city
However, Rotterdam is still Dutch and after 6pm it’s difficult to spot people on the streets, let alone open shops. Everyone’s off to dinner!

 

5. You don’t stand out in the crowd
You gave up on the idea of impressing anyone by saying you come from abroad. Big whoop! Rotterdam has one of the most international populations in the country due to the port (expats, not tourists dear Amsterdam! See point 1.), so multi-culti has very much become the norm.

 

6. Witte De With Straat is THE place
Even though there is a myriad of options for going out in the city, you always end up in one of the pubs on the Witte de With street. You may switch the pubs but never the street.

 

7. Kapsalon is a treat
This special delight consisting of meat, fries, a sprinkle of shredded lettuce all drowned in melted cheese and mayo is invented in Rotterdam and has become your cheat-meal after a night out.

 

8. Moustache culture is well groomed
Perhaps more so in Rotterdam than elsewhere in the Netherlands, you are swarmed with guys sporting moustaches of all shapes and sizes (usually in a combination with earlobes, neck and sleeve tattoos). Perhaps all-men barbers, who are local celebrities at Schorem, are to blame.

 

9. Who needs a beach when there is Kralingen
Like a true Rotterdammer, on a sunny day you grab your portable BBQ set, a disk for Ultimate Frisbee and head for the Kralingse Plas. It feels like a spontaneous festival with all the live music and the blasting of the not-so-live speakers. You then head to the residential part of Kralingen to get a tad bit closer to that sophisticated feeling among the fairytale houses.

 

10. The port mystery
Continuing on the subject of beaches, you thought a city with the biggest port in Europe is most definitely located at a sea shore. You no longer think that. Most of the Port of Rotterdam is located in the river delta and you’ve come to accept that on the numerous Spido boat trips there every time your family comes for a visit.

 

11. The wind always blows against you
As if by some black magic, no matter which direction you turn, the wind always blows against you. It is especially fun on bridges and among tall buildings which make for little shelter. Speak of exercising while riding a bike!

 

12. You’re an expert in re-calculating a route
Whether you’re riding a bike or driving a car, you will most probably not be able to take your usual route because construction works are popping up in different locations overnight (all for the sake of innovation and renovation!). Granted, they also disappear overnight but you never know where to expect them next!

 

13. Rolling that Rrrrr
As you approach the city by train, you take a certain pleasure in hearing the conductor announcing the next stop with that special prolonged ‘R’ that you only hear here: “Dames en heren, welkom in Rrrrrrrrotterdam!”.

 

Veronika Norvaisaite, ELM team

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