First Impressions of Haarlem: It does remind me of something whenever I see a picture of the Grote Markt. But it has not always been like that. I got to know the city for the very first time during last year's Christmas Market. As I follow the multitude throughout the market, I am uncomfortably aware that it is a maze from which I will never remember the way out (if there is one). “How is it possible that there are so many entrances to the big square?” I ask my wife. She knows the city for a while now and it is at that very moment that she nods and smiles as if understanding my complete disorientation caused by arriving at a new place. Anyway, the feeling of being lost vanishes away more often than not due to the smell of hot chocolate and the enlightened faces of the locals reflected by the city decorations.
You can tell that the whole city is united in the same feeling when you come across attendees representing all age groups. Starting from the children filling their mouths with sweets to the elders ordering ready-to-drink coffee. As hard as winter can try, it is not easy to make harlemmers stay home. Honestly, we kind of have built up precisely the same attitude. Now we cycle in all four seasons, regardless of the rain or wind. “It's part of the game” we like to say to ourselves but we are not only referring to the current atmospheric conditions. As foreigners, we have gotten to deeply understand that “choosing is losing”, and the more we choose Haarlem to live in, well, you already know what follows. It is mysterious how feelings work because even though we are far from family, Haarlem has connected our hearts in a rooted sense of home.
Starting from Haarlem Central Station, which is a place that cannot be left out. Commuters pass by it, often running after a closing door, while the station remains clean and tidy awaiting newcomers. Its barrel vault ceiling supported with a trussed structure keeps us away from the rain. In the center, the masonry building with wooden detailing helps us get to our one-in-eight desired platforms. Likewise everywhere in the Netherlands, you can see massive bike parkings that lead to the city itself. It is a marvelous experience to cycle next to the canals, getting a truly breathtaking overview of the city. The innumerable amount of bridges, each with a different configuration for letting the watercraft traffic cross without interference, make this place a continuous spectacle.
What clearly stands out at first sight of houses in Haarlem is how open they are to sunlight. Windows usually come in pairs of two at each side of the entrance, being greater in height than in width and ending in a rounded arch on top, showing that they want light to be present inside at all hours. With this geometry, it favors light to get in at any angle of the sun hitting the earth. The brick facades often with white stripes and complex ornate carvings to differentiate one another create an enchanting perspective of infinite artistry. Despite brick being a material used since time immemorial, it really addresses the matter of maintaining warmth inside. On top we can find the white wooden roofs with clay or gray colored tiles above. Adding modernity we usually see solar panels everywhere. Oriented south, yes, but also oriented elsewhere.
It does remind me of something when I see a picture of the Grote Markt. It does bring me feelings of a fresh start. It does remind me of endless hours striving to know where to go next, trying to get familiarized with every corner. Nevertheless, Haarlem is not only unique by its brick and mortar. What truly makes it unique is its lifestyle. Haarlem is a great place to live, filled with wonderful people. The dynamics of daily life here make this place feel like a dream. Although I cannot foresee the future, I hope I can stay close to this city for a very long time.
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