Man, what a day in Hengelo! Seriously, I’m still buzzing from it. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit the streets. I’m strolling down the Beursstraat, thinking about grabbing a coffee at my fave spot, Café de Kater. But then, bam! I trip over a loose cobblestone. Like, who even maintains these streets? I’m pretty sure I saw a squirrel laughing at me. Ugh, so embarrassing.
Finally, I get my coffee. It’s decent, but the barista? Total grump. I mean, come on, it’s just coffee, not rocket science! I try to crack a joke, but he just stares at me like I’m speaking Martian. Whatever, I’m outta there.
Next, I decide to check out the market at the Markt. It’s buzzing! Fresh veggies, flowers, and all that good stuff. I’m eyeing some strawberries when I hear this loud commotion. Turns out, some dude is arguing with a vendor over the price of cheese. Like, dude, it’s cheese, not gold! I’m standing there, popcorn in hand, just watching the drama unfold. It’s like a reality show, but in Dutch.
Then, I bump into my buddy, Jeroen. He’s all hyped about this new art exhibit at the Hengelo Museum. I’m like, “Sure, let’s go!” So we head over, and man, the art is wild. Some pieces look like they were made by a toddler on a sugar rush. I’m trying to act all cultured, but inside, I’m cracking up. Jeroen’s nodding seriously, and I’m just thinking, “What even is this?”
After the museum, we wander down the Langestraat. It’s a cool street, full of shops and cafes. I spot this vintage store and drag Jeroen in. I find this ridiculous hat that looks like it’s from the 80s. I put it on, and Jeroen can’t stop laughing. I’m like, “This is fashion, bro!” We take a selfie, and I swear, I look like a time traveler.
But then, the day takes a turn. We’re walking past the old church on the Grotestraat, and I see this guy yelling at his girlfriend. Like, full-on shouting. It’s awkward, and I’m just trying to mind my own business. But then, she starts crying. Ugh, my heart sinks. I hate seeing people upset. Jeroen and I exchange glances, and I’m like, “Let’s get outta here.”
We decide to grab some food at this little place called De Korenmolen. The food is bomb! I get a kroket, and it’s like heaven in my mouth. Jeroen orders some weird fish dish, and I’m like, “Dude, you’re brave.” We’re laughing, joking, and for a moment, the earlier drama fades away.
But wait, there’s more! As we’re leaving, it starts pouring. I mean, like, monsoon-level rain. We dash for cover under an awning, and I’m soaked. Jeroen’s laughing at me, and I’m just like, “This day is a rollercoaster!”
Finally, we decide to call it a night. I’m walking home, drenched but happy. Hengelo’s streets are quiet now, and I can hear the distant sound of a band playing somewhere. I think about all the craziness today. It was wild, emotional, and totally unexpected.
I get home, kick off my wet shoes, and just laugh. Hengelo, you crazy city, you’ve got my heart. What a day!