I used to love spending weekends outside exploring the cities, food, and locations. Those days are always memorable and give me happiness for a short time. Sometimes those moments leave goosebumps on my skin and often I find it difficult to differentiate between memories and reality. Anyway, today I am not gonna rumble about my thoughts, they can wait for another time. This time I am gonna talk about this past weekend.
Many of you already know that currently, I am staying in a city near Amsterdam. So, anything big or small events happen or any kind of important work, I often go to Amsterdam. I avoid going to other cities currently if it is not important and necessary. Besides, for me going to Amsterdam is cheaper.
Amsterdam is a city full of cultural programs and events. Not only the city is known for its history, culture, architecture, and coffee shops (weed), but this city is also known for making friends or connecting with others. Anyway, despite of bad weather I had to go to Amsterdam to attend an event for the Ukrainians. I don't often attend events if it is not necessary; sometimes I am forced to go there just to show my face that I exist. This event was related to the launch of an App/ Application for Ukrainians and other refugees where they can connect with other people and integrate themselves into Dutch culture.
At first, I thought it was something like Tinder but no, it's not like Tinder. I guess now it's very important that Ukrainians interact with other people to adapt to the culture because here most of the Ukrainians like to live within their circle. They don't have any foreigners/Dutch friends nor do they try to interact with others from different cultures. To be honest, I had never seen such an isolated mentality before when I was in Ukraine. I don't know whether it is war or living away from the homeland that made people like this. I don't care whether they talk to me or not, it doesn't even matter to me anymore now.
The event was an App launch party and the location was in Amsterdam. But for me, bad luck never stops. That day the train was not working and all the destinations from Almere station by train were canceled. So, my second option was by bus and let me tell you, I am not fond of bus journeys. But because I had to attend the party, so I went to Amsterdam by bus.
Don't ask me about the event or party (whatever it was). It was the most boring party I have ever been. I don't like such parties that are so formal or like corporate parties if I don't know anyone. No matter how many people talk about connections, it is very difficult to be at a corporate party holding a glass of champagne not knowing anyone. For me, it was so difficult that I had to find a corner to sit. I didn't know anyone at the party and the one who invited me was busy with guests. I was really in an awkward position.
Dinner was the worst even though many people liked the food. The dinner menu was a middle-eastern dry cold dish and I prefer a hot dinner, not something cold and dry. So, all I was thinking about was how to escape from the party while sitting there, and finally, the moment had arrived. Without any further thought, I left the party when I got the chance, it was a suffocating situation. People didn't know my condition so they invited me anywhere, it was kinda my fault understanding what kind of party it could be before going there. Besides, I got experience with corporate parties in the Netherlands.
Night in Amsterdam is beautiful, especially in the evening time. Even though the party was boring, the outside atmosphere of Amsterdam was exquisite and vibrant. All colorful lights, beautiful light reflections on the canals and street lights everything made that evening more magical to me. So, I decided to go to the station on foot. Besides, I needed fresh air and my mood craved something refreshing and vibrant.
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Drizzling rain was pouring over me but I didn't mind. Instead, I felt refreshed and was enjoying the chilling weather. You know when you get the chance to escape from an enclosed space and come out completely in a different atmosphere, you feel free and refreshed. Open space always helps when you feel suffocation in a small space within a large crowd and get the chance to run away.
The vibrant Amsterdam evening encouraged me to take some photos of that evening.
The holiday season didn't start yet so I bet the extra lighting of this historical building is for the tourists. This building itself is huge and the ground floor is for commercial purposes. Many restaurants, shops, and bars are located there.
The artistic design of these two pedestrian bridges over the canals caught my eye. Their glowy charm can easily attract tourists.
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Apart from significant locations, I took a whole bunch of random architectural and street photos of Amsterdam to show my evening walk. Darkness makes this city glorious.
A very popular location for social media influencers.
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Vibrant and colorful streets of Amsterdam near the city center. The streets were less crowded because most of the shops were closed. Bars and restaurants were opened and only a few tourists were walking.
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That famous cheese shop was surprisingly less crowded.
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Lonely lane of Amsterdam and an empty restaurant. That chandelier with cups was exceptional in the restaurant.
My 30-minute walk didn't feel like long because I was looking around and spent all my energy on photography. I am happy with the results...
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Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
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All images used are captured by the author...