Enough big city, so a retreat to the woods. I walked up to Kralingen area, to the botannical gardens. There was a harvest festival/fair happening, so nice vibes in a beautiful place. Lots of mushrooms. Including a massive amount of (finished) chicken of the woods around the corner from one of the cafes! Probably they have to leave it alone though.
I had vegan bitterballen and a cup of tea there.
Then walked on, to do a loop around an enormous artificial lake that was lined with woodlands and trails around three sides. The city skyline glimmered in the distance, reflected in the still water.
Yet more mushrooms everywhere. A big splat of old chicken of the woods on the ground at my feet; I looked up, and 20 feet above me in a tree was a huge amount that was probably still good.
After some hours wandering the trails, I had a fantastic Brazilian-style brunch at Veggies cafe.
I stopped by Florentina's for a hot chocolate and discovered a ton of unexpected vegan options. I bought fancy truffles and chocolate and hot chocolate to take home, and enjoyed a croissant and a soft serve chocolate-dipped ice cream as well!
Went for a wander and ended up in the museum quarter. Yet more amazing architecture. Some lovely parks. Stumbled upon the totally unexpected Depot, which reflected the city skyline in the most epic manner. And I got to ascend to the roof garden in time for a cracking sunset. Peering through the glass interior from the lift, I could not fathom what this place was. I looked it up later - art storage facility! Super cool.
On a rainy Rotterdam day, I took the water taxi to Kinderdijk. Saw the museum learned the history of water management in the Netherlands, wandered among the windmills, went on a boat ride, and walked miles along the water and back.
My first trip out of the UK since I got back to the UK in 2020. What a radical lifestyle change I had. It wasn't far. I took the Eurostar to Amsterdam, arrived late and stayed in a hostel, then the train to Rotterdam the next morning.
Rotterdam was much more of a Big City than I expected! I had a picture in my head based on nothing in particular. I stayed in a hostel in the Cube Houses, which were pretty cool, although extremely loud due to the proximity of a large road and nightlife.
After checking in, I visited the Cube House museum, which only takes a few minutes but I'd definitely recommend. Then I went for a wander around the general area. The Markthal is excellent architecturally, and also has lots of good food.
I ate ice cream while I waited for a walking tour, and then followed that for a couple of hours. There are really a lot of interesting buildings in Rotterdam.
I ended the day with copious amounts of junk food at the Vegan Junk Food Bar.
Leaving Amsterdam, Netherlands at 9:38am (+02:00) on Friday the 23rd of September 2022 and arriving in Rotterdam, Netherlands at 10:19am (+02:00) on Friday the 23rd of September 2022
