Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I wake up in my little workshop on the Krommestraat, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be a good one.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I head to the market at the Hof, you know, the one with all the fresh veggies and stuff. I’m just minding my own business, checking out some rad tomatoes, when I bump into this dude. He’s like, “Hey, you’re the stove guy!” I’m like, “Yeah, that’s me!” But then he starts ranting about how his stove is “totally broken” and how he “can’t cook his famous stroopwafels.” Like, dude, priorities! I mean, who can’t live without stroopwafels, right?
Anyway, I’m trying to be nice, but I’m also thinking, “Bro, I’m not a miracle worker.” So, I give him my card and tell him to swing by later. But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring! I mean, it’s like someone dumped a bucket of water on us. I’m soaked, my card’s ruined, and I’m just standing there like a wet dog.
So, I dash over to the nearest café on the Langestraat. I need a coffee, like, yesterday. I order a cappuccino, and the barista, this super chill guy, spills it all over the counter. I’m like, “Great, just what I needed!” But he laughs it off, and I can’t help but chuckle too. It’s one of those moments, ya know?
After that, I decide to take a stroll by the Eem River. It’s beautiful there, with the boats and all. I’m just walking, trying to clear my head, when I see this street performer. He’s playing the accordion, and honestly, he’s not half bad. I stop to listen, and suddenly, I’m transported to another world. I mean, who knew Amersfoort had such talent?
But then, I get this text from my buddy, Jan. He’s like, “Dude, you gotta come to the old city walls!” I’m thinking, “What’s so special about that?” But I go anyway. Turns out, there’s this festival happening! Food stalls everywhere, people dancing, and the smell of poffertjes in the air. I’m in heaven!
I grab a plate of those fluffy little pancakes, and I swear, they’re the best I’ve ever had. I’m stuffing my face, and this kid next to me is staring. I’m like, “What? You never seen a stove-maker eat?” We both laugh, and it’s just one of those moments that makes you feel connected, ya know?
But then, out of nowhere, I hear this loud crash. I turn around, and some guy just knocked over a whole stand of cheese! I mean, come on! It’s like a cheese massacre! People are gasping, and I’m just standing there, mouth full of poffertjes, trying not to laugh.
By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. My feet hurt, my clothes are still damp, and I’m just done. But then I remember that dude from earlier. I grab my phone, and I text him, “Hey, come by tomorrow. I’ll fix your stove.”
And just like that, my day went from a total mess to something kinda beautiful. Amersfoort, man. It’s wild. It’s quirky. It’s full of surprises. And even on the craziest days, it’s home.