Dear Amsterdam…
Amsterdam, I have visited you numerous times during my years spent in Germany. I have always been appreciative of you. You are one of the fewest places on earth that cast no judgement and those that do are quickly reminded by you that their thoughts, their words, their kind is not welcomed here. Regrettably, my previous visits I saw you through the spectacles of a tourist. I walked your streets looking at your architect, took trips on your canal’s as I listened to pre-recorded tour guides tell your story, I visited the birthplace of the only beer my dad ever drank, I saw the home of Annelies Marie Frank, I walked down your avenues, I enjoyed your kind of coffee shop, I saw beautiful women in windows and I even learned about their profession, the oldest one in the world, but this visit was different. On this trip I focused on you, I focused on what makes you beautiful, what makes you unique, what makes you Amsterdam, on this trip I focused on your most precious assets… your people. Accompanied by my good friend and talented photographer Ed, we walked the streets looking for “character’s” as Ed described. Individuals that we looked at and think “It’s something about them, him, her…”
Above: During my last few months in Germany I befriended (www.edwardtheartist.com) this extremely talented writer and photographer, Edward “Ed” Bouldin. Our commonality at the time was that we both were part of African American Fraternal organizations, now we both share a passion for photography and because of him I developed a passion for adding text to my pictures. In 2022, one of Ed’s photos was selected as a photo of the month for the month of October on the Carmencita Film Lab website (https://carmencitafilmlab.com/blog/best-of-october-2022/)
Ince..
Not sure what Ed saw but I saw an artist, I saw a man with a creative sense about him. He was on his bike, music in ear, seems like he was trying to figure out how to carry his food and ride his bike at the same time. As we approached him he was a bit reluctant as would anyone be, minding their business and two men with cameras approaches them. As we spoke, his guard was eased as he realized we are friend and not foe. Conversation was pleasant, he was delighted when we told him the parts of America we call home. We exchanged social media information and went on our way. Later, I went back to view his profile and not to my surprise under his name (ince.stagram) is the title “Artist.”
The girl in the restaurant…
Interesting story with this one. As Ed and I continued our walk through the city, I saw her in the kitchen and thought, “this would be a great shot”, then she turned her back. I proceeded to walk away until I convinced myself to go back and just ask. Well, as I approached the door and attempted to open it, it was locked. The young lady and a man I quickly learned was her father came to the door. Turns out, what I thought was a restaurant in an alley was actually their home. The two were very nice, as I apologized and felt smaller than my 180cm stature, the dad gave me the approval to take the photo. Also turns out that out of the two, dad is the cool one. As Ed and I kept on the journey she came after us, “my dad said I should get your Instagram!” she said with a vibrant smile. The young gem was even gracious enough to let me fire off a few portraits. She’s going to be a star this one.
Sunshine….
One of my all time favorite sports movie is a film staring one the greatest actors of all times Mr. Denzel Washington, “Remember the Titans”. It’s an American sports biography released in 2000, based on a true story about High School football coach Herman Boone, portrayed by the aforementioned Denzel Washington, and his attempt to integrate the T. C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971. One of the main characters of the movie is the quarterback of the team, Ronnie Bass played by Kevin Ian “Kip” Pardue. Ronnie was given the name “Sunshine” for his California vibe and Goldie blonde locks, well this young man reminded me of him.
Ed, was on his last role of film, last shot of the day. We walked down an alley and he had a vision. There were three silver aluminum type chairs, placed near a wall perfectly adjacent between the early stages of a sunset and the five o’clock shadow. “Bruh, I have to get someone on these chairs”, Ed said as he looked for that perfect last shot of the day. As he continued to gaze for a perfect match he spotted him, “Sunshine.” This man symbolizes everything of Amsterdam, he was carefree, vibing on the perfect mixture of end of day and good kush. He was a great sport, easy to talk to and beyond happy to allow two total foreigners to capture his greatness. I didn’t realize how good of a photo this was until after I took it.
The Chef…
A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. The following are five universal criteria’s taken into account: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time. “Personality of the Chef,” personality is something Kevin Kein (Instagram: @kevin_kein) most certainly posses. One of the two Chef’s at Mono Restaurant (Instagram: @mano_haarlem), located in Haarlem. Ed and I was casually walking in the rain and we noticed him outside taking a break. He enlighten us about the restaurant ran by him and his brother Daniël (Instagram: @dmdamen). At the moment, he was excited about an upcoming Michelin Star review. I’m not sure of the results but I would be surprised if they didn’t receive the prestigious award.
Just beyond one of the entrances of Vondelpark a lady and her companion enjoys the lovely Dutch weather.
When you sit comfortably in your home, drinking your coffee, or sipping your tea, or laying in bed allowing your mind to win the battle and creating a reason why today is not a good day to improve your health, just remember this man. Not having nothing, is not an excuse.
Little history…
Haarlem, Netherlands was mentioned in the 10th century and by the 12th century had become a fortified town and the residence of the counts of Holland. | Located north of Central Park, Harlem, New York was originally settled by the Dutch in 1658. Harlem, New York became a destination for African Americans of all backgrounds. From unskilled laborers to an educated middle-class, they shared common experiences of slavery, emancipation, and racial oppression, as well as a determination to forge a new identity as free people.
Thank you Amsterdam. Thank you for allowing me to see the best of you. Thank you for allowing me to embrace all the parts of you that visitors don’t get to enjoy, until we meet again sweet friend “tot ziens.”