Rotterdam: The Cube Houses, Markthal, and Pofferjes

I had never been to The Netherlands. My only perceptions about the country were the Holland stereotypes I learned from Thinking Day as a Girl Scout: clogs, tulips, windmills, and stroopwafels.

What I didn’t realize, as I got off the ship in Rotterdam, was that Dutch architecture is some of the best in the world, setting examples in design, innovation, and environmental consciousness. Take a look at some of the beautiful buildings I had the opportunity to see!

I hopped on the shuttle bus from Cara, which took me directly to the famous Markthal, a food hall with an incredible ceiling and even more incredible food. There were samples galore, including tea, almond butter, olive oil and vinegar, cheeses and meats, macaroons, baklava, fruits and nuts, etc.

Oh yeahhhhhh. NOM NOM NOM

I did get a stroopwafel, because when in Rotterdam! And you know what? It was the best freaking stroopwafel I have ever had.

Outside the Markthal, there stood the famed Rotterdam ferris wheel and the CUBE HOUSES! How cool are they?? People live there! I wonder what the inside looks like? Are the walls slanted? Gah, the curiosity was killing me.

After a quick tour around the main center area, George and I took a stroll through the shopping districts, where I bought some yarn and a postcard. We saw the Church of St. Lawrence, the oldest architecture left in Rotterdam, dating back to medieval times.

We also happened upon this window display, which I thought was too good to not mention in my post. It truly was a highlight.

George had had one desire: to procure some pofferjes and eat them. What are pofferjes, you ask? Well, I now know that they are little pancake-donuts that are traditionally piped into heated pockets of this huge iron board. They are then turned out onto a plate, covered in powdered sugar, and slathered in butter. They reminded me of beignets, and goodness gracious were they amazing!

Shortly after that, it randomly began to pour rain. Luckily for us, we had stepped onto the shuttle minutes before the deluge and were spared the soaking. After dropping my things at the ship, I got back off in search of good wifi to write my blog. I found a beautiful restaurant called “New York Restaurant” right near the port. It had a worktable covered in magazines and newspapers where people could use on their computers, which I thought was very cosmopolitan. I ordered a ginger and mint tea, which is exactly what I received. It made me extremely happy. We also happened to be docked with AIDAMar; she was HUGE compared to little Cara!

Rotterdam, you were a treat and a half. Thank you thank you!