Utrecht (Netherlands) | Love It or Hate It (Part 2) - 1 Aug, 2023

Near downtown Utrecht is a bronze rabbit in the classic thinker position. I'm intrigued by the sculpture. I find it both stunning and disturbing at the same time. I love the anthropomorphization of the rabbit and hate the leanness of the rabbit's physical traits. It creeps me out and gives the sculpture a monster-ish appearance.

"Let's meet at the mushrooms," says Ivo. Across from Utrecht Centraal Train Station is the Hoog Catharijne Mall. Between the buildings is a square with two massive modern "mushroom-like" gazebos. The gazebos startled me initially because of their ultra-modern feel and size. However, it doesn't take long before I fall in love with their aesthetics and practicality. It is considerably cooler under the gazebo. The large skylights filter the heat but not the sunlight. I feel like I'm in the future with the Jetsons. 😁

After some searching, Ivo and I are reunited under the mushrooms and head for dinner at the Thai restaurant.

While having dinner, Ivo says, "I didn't realize I said "man" so much. After reading your blog, I've worked to change that." I told him I wouldn't worry about it. It is what made you, "you." We both laugh. 😂 How's the new job? I ask Ivo. "I just started about a month ago with the Defense Department. I work with great people, and there's a lot to challenge me. I really love it, but I hate the commute," he says. How far are you traveling to get to Utrecht? I ask. "It's a two-hour train ride each way. But Nazdar and I are moving to Arnhem this weekend. Then I'll only be about 40 minutes," he says. 

We both order the spicy green chicken curry and continue to catch up. How's Lap? I ask. "He's good. He moved back to Hong Kong to be with his mom. He wants to come back to the Netherlands," says Ivo. I'll have to catch up with him next time. When finished, Ivo says, "Let's go for a walk. I'll show you around Utrecht."

"This is Oudegracht. It is the old canal in Utrecht. It was built around 1,000 A.D. They've converted all the cellars and warehouses along the water's edge to restaurants," says Ivo.

"You have to try the wall of food," says Ivo. What is a wall of food? "It's a big wall where you can find things like Krokets, Frinkandel, and other Dutch fried foods," he says. We walk a bit further, and Ivo leads me to the wall. "You scan your credit card, open the door, grab what's there, then eat it," he says, laughing. The wall of food is a ridiculously convenient invention. It is also the only place you can find actual Dutch food. Dutch people are always on the go. These Dutch fried foods are intended to be snacks, not a proper meal. Even though I am stuffed, I buy a Kroket (#1 on the link above) and split it with Ivo. That is surprisingly good, I say. "This is Dutch food. I am glad you like it," says Ivo. This would have been off my radar, and I would never have tried it without you. Thanks, I say.

"That's the Dom Tower (Domtoren Cathedral Tower) that is being renovated. If you have time, you should go inside. It's the tallest building in the Netherlands. I think it's 110 meters or so," Ivo says as he points to the tower in the distance surrounded by scaffolding. Ok. I've visited many towers, like the CN Tower and the Calgary Tower in Canada. I enjoy the view, especially when the tower is much higher than the city. I have noticed that all the buildings are shorter than three stories. It makes the city feel cozy and warm, I say.

Ivo looks at his watch and says, "You want to grab a beer or continue walking around?" I check my phone and notice it's already after 9 pm. I'd love to grab a beer with you, but I don't feel you need to hang out. I know you are moving and have a long train ride back. How about we make our way back to the train station? I ask. "I feel bad that I can't spend more time with you," says Ivo. Don't worry about it. My schedule changed, and I'm the one that arrived early, which made it difficult for you. I tell him thanks for taking the time to show me around and give me some tips for the next few days. 

"What do you think of Utrecht and the Netherlands so far? I'm in love with Utrecht! 😍 It is such a great city. I love how serene it is here. It is way better than Brussels," I say. "Yeah, I don't like Brussels either. You need to come back to the Netherlands then," he says. For sure. Next time, I'll have more time, and we can have that beer, I say.

You know Ivo, I am amazed at how tall Dutch people are. What happened to you? I say. "I know. I'm way short for a Dutch person," says Ivo. We both laugh. 

The evening tonight is spectacular. The clouds gave way to sunshine, and the cold wind died down, making walking around Utrecht very pleasurable. Returning to the train station, we pass the old canal with the Hoog Catharijne Mall in the background. The steps are a popular location for enjoying the evening sun.

At Utrecht Centraal, Ivo and I part ways. I'll see you soon and good luck with the move, I say. "Thanks. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help while you are here in Utrecht. It was good to see you. Next time we'll have more time together," he says. I really enjoyed this evening. I love visiting a new city with a friend who knows it and the surrounding area. I now have a list of places to visit and things to do.