Man, what a day in Weert! Like, seriously, I can’t even. 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 up the Markt. You know, that big square with the fountain? Yeah, that one. I’m just vibin’, grabbin’ a coffee from this cute little café called De Zwarte Ruiter. Best coffee in town, no cap. But then, bam! My phone buzzes. It’s my buddy, Joris. He’s like, “Dude, you gotta come to the park!” I’m like, “Which park?” There’s like a million parks here. But he means Stadspark, of course.
So, I’m sprinting down the Molenstraat, dodging cyclists like I’m in some weird video game. Seriously, these bikers are relentless! I almost got taken out by a dude in spandex. Not cool, man. Anyway, I finally get to Stadspark, and it’s packed. Kids are running around, dogs are barking, and there’s this guy playing the accordion. Like, who even plays the accordion anymore?
Joris is there, looking all serious. I’m like, “What’s up, bro?” He’s all, “I found something.” I’m thinking, “What, a lost cat?” Nah, it’s a freakin’ treasure map! I’m not even kidding. It’s all crumpled and stuff, like it’s been through a war. So, of course, we decide to follow it.
We end up wandering through the park, and I’m getting all excited. I mean, treasure? In Weert? This is gonna be epic! But then, we hit a dead end at the old water tower. I’m like, “Seriously? This is where the treasure is?” Joris is convinced we missed something. I’m just annoyed.
Then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. Like, I’m talking monsoon level. We’re soaked, and I’m losing my mind. I’m like, “Why, Weert? Why?” We run for cover under this tree, and I’m just standing there, dripping wet, thinking about how I should’ve just stayed in bed.
But then, I see this little kid, right? He’s laughing, splashing in puddles. And I’m like, “Dude, that’s the spirit!” So, I join him. We’re jumping around, and I forget about the treasure map. It’s just me, the kid, and the rain. Best moment of the day, hands down.
After the rain, we decide to hit up the Weert city center. I’m starving, so we grab some fries at Frietboetiek. Man, those fries are life! I’m drowning mine in mayo, and Joris is all, “You’re a mess.” I’m like, “Yeah, but a happy mess!”
Then, we finally decide to check out the map again. Turns out, we missed a clue at the old church on de Kerkstraat. So, we hustle over there, and guess what? It’s closed! I’m fuming. Like, why is everything against us today?
But then, we see this old lady. She’s super sweet, and she’s like, “You boys looking for treasure?” I’m like, “Yeah, but it’s a bust.” She laughs and tells us about the history of Weert. Apparently, it used to be a big deal back in the day. Who knew?
Finally, we give up on the treasure hunt. But you know what? I’m okay with it. Weert’s got its own kind of treasure. The people, the vibes, the fries. I mean, what more do you need?
So, I head home, exhausted but happy. I’m thinking, “What a wild ride.” And honestly, I wouldn’t trade my crazy day in Weert for anything. Even if I didn’t find treasure, I found something way better: a day full of unexpected moments. And that’s what life’s all about, right?