Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I woke up in Barendrecht, right? You know, that chill little town near Rotterdam. I live on the Van der Waalsstraat, which is kinda cool, but also kinda boring. Anyway, I had this plan to hit up the market on the Dorpsstraat. Fresh produce, ya know?
So, I’m rollin’ outta bed, and my phone’s blowing up. My buddy, Jeroen, is like, “Dude, you gotta come to the market! It’s lit!” I’m like, “Alright, chill, I’m on my way.” I grab my bike, and let me tell ya, riding through Barendrecht is a trip. The canals are all glistening, and the trees are like, “Hey, look at me!”
I get to the market, and it’s packed. Like, people everywhere. I’m dodging strollers and old folks. I spot this fruit stand, and the guy’s selling strawberries for a euro. A euro! I’m like, “Bro, are these magic strawberries or what?” He just laughs. I buy a bunch, feeling like a boss.
Then, outta nowhere, I hear this loud crash. I turn around, and some dude on a bike just wiped out. Like, faceplant city. I’m laughing, but also kinda worried. He gets up, all dazed, and I’m like, “You good, man?” He just gives me this blank stare. Classic Barendrecht moment, right?
After that, I’m feeling all hyped, so I decide to hit up the café on the Hoofdstraat. You know, the one with the best coffee? I order a cappuccino, and the barista, she’s super cute. I’m trying to play it cool, but my heart’s racing. I’m like, “Can I get a heart in my coffee?” She rolls her eyes but smiles. I’m winning, right?
But then, bam! My phone buzzes again. It’s my mom. She’s like, “You forgot to take out the trash!” Ugh, mom, chill! I’m 28, I can handle my own trash! But I’m like, “Yeah, yeah, I’ll do it later.”
So, I finish my coffee, and I’m feeling good. I decide to ride down to the park by the Oude Maas. It’s a nice spot, you know? I’m just chilling, enjoying the view, when I see this family having a picnic. They’ve got this massive spread—like, who brings a whole roast chicken to the park? I’m low-key jealous.
Then, I see this kid running around, and he trips. I’m like, “Oh no, not again!” But he just gets up and starts laughing. Kids are wild, man. I wish I could be that carefree.
But then, the mood shifts. I get a text from Jeroen. He’s like, “Dude, I’m stuck at work. Can’t make it to the game tonight.” I’m like, “What? No way!” We were supposed to catch the local football match at the Sportpark. I’m bummed, but whatever. I’ll go solo.
I head back home, and on the way, I pass by the old church on the Kerkweg. It’s beautiful, but kinda creepy too. I swear I saw a ghost once. Or maybe it was just my imagination. Who knows?
Finally, I get home, and I’m like, “Alright, trash time.” I take it out, and as I’m walking back, I see my neighbor, Mrs. van Dijk. She’s always got some gossip. She’s like, “Did you hear about the new café opening on the Molenweg?” I’m like, “No, spill!” Apparently, they’re serving the best pancakes in town. I’m intrigued.
So, I get ready for the game, and I’m pumped. I throw on my Barendrecht jersey, and I’m out the door. The atmosphere at the Sportpark is electric. Everyone’s cheering, and I’m just vibing. I grab a beer, and it’s like, “Yes, this is life!”
But then, the game starts, and we’re losing. I’m getting mad. Like, come on, guys! But then, outta nowhere, we score! The crowd goes wild, and I’m jumping up and down. It’s pure joy.
By the end of the night, I’m exhausted but happy. I bike home, thinking about all the craziness of the day. Barendrecht, man. It’s got its quirks, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What a ride!