At the Gates of Europe

ROTTERDAM NEVER FAILS TO IMPRESS AT EVERY TURN WITH ITS ARCHITECTURE, MUSEUMS, ART, RESTAURANTS, AND VARIOUS FOODS OF FANTASTIC TASTE.

Text and Photography:

Emira Azganović

Rotterdam, a city and port in the Netherlands located at the confluence of the Rhine and the North Sea, is the second largest but most important transport center of the country. Its port is the largest in Europe and the third largest in the world.

BAZA SVJETSKIH KOMPANIJA I SVEUČILIŠTA

U ovom dinamičnom lučkom gradu živi više od 170 nacionalnosti i kulturnih zajednica, dok 50% stanovništva čine Nizozemci. Međunarodno je priznat kao kapija Evrope, čija je luka središnje čvorište najvećeg evropskog pomorskog klastera. Rotterdam impresionira na svakom koraku, pun je moderne arhitekture, muzeja, umjetnosti, restorana i raznovrsne hrane odličnog okusa. Kao baza za velike multinacionalne kompanije i svjetski poznata sveučilišta kao što su Erasmus University, Willem de Kooning Academy i Codarts, privlači veliku međunarodnu i iseljeničku zajednicu. Središte grada teško je bombardovano u nacističkom vazdušnom napadu 1940. Tada je za 15 minuta nestao gotovo cijeli centar. Uništeno je 24.000 kuća, 32 crkve i 2 sinagoge, blizu 900 ljudi je izgubilo život, a oko 80.000 ostalo bez krova nad glavom. Kada se počeo obnavljati Umjesto pravim imenom Nizozemsku mnogi pogrešno nazivaju Holland ili Holandija, ali od 1. januara prošle godine Nizozemci su odlučili da se prestane s korištenjem naziva Holandija i da se za tu državu od sada koristi samo Nizozemska kao jedini zvanični. Geografski pojam Holandija uži je od Nizozemske i podrazumijeva prostor dviju pokrajina, od ukupno 12 koliko ih ima. U “dvije” Holandije smještena su tri najveća nizozemska grada: Amsterdam, Rotterdam i Den Haag.

nakon Drugog svjetskog rata, grad Rotterdam nije želio nadomjestiti srušeno, nego je odlučio da se gradi iz temelja. Stoga nema mnogo tipičnih nizozemskih građevina. Krasi ga moderna arhitektura, a zahvaljujući 352 nebodera među kojima je Maastoren sa svojih 165 metara najviši u Nizozemskoj i Beneluxu, Rotterdam nazivaju i Manhattanom na Maasu. Do Rotterdama je prilično lako doći iz bilo kojeg većeg grada u Nizozemskoj. Vozovima je odlično povezan s Antwerpenom, Briselom, Amsterdamom, Parizom… Pristupačan je za automobile, a javni prevoz predstavljaju metro, autobusi i tramvaji.

LUKA ROTTERDAMA

Nevjerovatno je iskustvo posjetiti je i pokušati razumjeti njenu važnost u privredi zemlje. Obilasci brodom izvrstan su način za razgledanje luke i golemih teretnih brodova, velikog broja pristaništa, skladišta i brodogradilišta koji oduševljavaju veličinom i radom asocirajući na industrijska čuda. Neizostavno je posjetiti i prekookeanski brod SS Rotterdam i Pomorski muzej, gdje se može ući u stare brodove i istražiti njihova unutrašnjost. Muzej se nalazi u središtu Rotterdama.

STARA LUKA

Stara luka (Oude Haven) najstarija je gradska luka. Ovdje se nalazi mnoštvo restorana i terasa s pogledom na historijske brodove i Witte Huis, koji je izgrađen 1898. i bio prvi neboder u Evropi. Dugo najviša zgrada u Nizozemskoj, Witte Huis jedan je od rijetkih koji je preživio bombardovanje Rotterdama 1940. godine. Samo rupe od metaka na fasadi zgrade podsjećaju na ovo mračno poglavlje u historiji grada.

CUBE HOUSES

U samom centru Rotterdama smjestile su se čuvene žute kockaste kuće nazvane Cube Houses. Iako je to teško na prvi pogled pomisliti, riječ je o stambenim zgradama osmišljenim da podsjećaju na stabla u šumi. Kocke su nagnute i podijeljene na tri nivoa, što vas tjera da se zapitate koliko je praktično živjeti ovdje, kako se useljavaju i kakav namještaj imaju stanari uzimajući u obzir čudne uglove zidova i prozora. Zato je moguće posjetiti Show-Cube, potpuno opremljenu kockastu kuću koja služi kao muzej.

DE MARKTHAL

S preko 178 kultura u gradu, Rotterdam je prava gurmanska destinacija. Zastupljeni su restorani gotovo svih stranih kuhinja, a mnogi od njih su veganski i halal. Za sve koji vole dobru hranu pravo mjesto za posjetu je De Markthal, tržnica s velikim brojem štandova i restorana sa svježom hranom. U obliku je kupole i predstavlja pravo umjetničko djelo na čijim zidovima i plafonu se nalaze divovsko voće, cvijeće i insekti. Mnogi od štandova imaju prostor za sjedenje na spratu, tako da odozgo možete posmatrati unutrašnjost, ali i trg ispred.

ERASMUS MOST

Drugi po veličini most u Nizozemskoj dobio je nadimak Labud zbog svog velikog uspravnog jarbola koji podsjeća na vrat labuda. U njegovom središtu nalazi se baskula koja se otvara omogućavajući prolaz većih brodova. Most ima više saobraćajnih traka za vozila, tramvaje, biciklističke staze i trotoare za pješake.

WILLEMS MOST

Zvanično Willemsbrug, ovaj prekrasni crveni most još je jedan od simbola Rotterdama. Dug je 318 metara, a širok 33 metra. Posebno

je iskustvo šetati mostom noću i uhvatiti pogledom horizont Rotterdama, uključujući i most Erasmus.

DE ROTTERDAM

Odmah pored Erasmus mosta nalazi se zgrada De Rotterdam, građevinski kompleks od tri međusobno povezane kule, koju nazivaju i vertikalnim gradom. Dobila je ime po čuvenom brodu SS Rotterdam, koji je prevozio holandske migrante u Ameriku krajem 19. i 20. vijeka. Ima 45 spratova, što je čini petom najvišom zgradom u Nizozemskoj (prve četiri se također nalaze u Rotterdamu).

HOTEL NEW YORK

Hotel New York, još jedan preživjeli objekat u Drugom svjetskom ratu, nekadašnje je sjedište Holland Amerika Linea odakle je između 1873. i 1970. na hiljade migranata otišlo u Sjedinjene Američke Države brodovima. Danas je omiljeno mjesto za uživanje u sunčevim zrakama na vanjskoj terasi i u parku ispred, s pogledom na Rotterdam, luku i rijeku.

MCDONALD’S

Nekada je to bila najružnija zgrada Rotterdama zbog čega je gradsko vijeće odlučilo srušiti je, no, McDonald’s ju je imao u zakupu na još 40 godina. Konačna odluka bila je da se napravi novi i privlačniji objekat, koji se dobro uklapa u okolinu. Danas sa svojom zlatnom fasadom i prekrasnim spiralnim stepenicama predstavlja jedan od najluksuznijih McDonald’sovih restorana na svijetu.

ROTTERDAM CENTRAL STATION

Željeznička stanica je još jedna zgrada s modernom i jedinstvenom arhitekturom. Zgrada ima trokutasti oblik, a na površini krova od 10.000 m² nalazi se 3000 solarnih panela koji prikupljaju i obezbjeđuju solarnu energiju za liftove, pokretne stepenice i svjetla. Na ulazu postavljeni sat izvorni je sat sa stare stanice iz 1957. godine, čuvajući dio njene historije. Unutrašnjost je ta-

PLUTAJUĆA FARMA

U Rotterdamu je 2019. godine otvorena plutajuća mliječna farma koja pokazuje kako kroz održivi razvoj proizvodnja hrane može postati manje osjetljiva na klimatske promjene, spriječava se gubitak hrane, smanjuje transport i poboljšava kvaliteta hrane”. Stoka u luci se hrani, između ostalog, žitom iz lokalne pivare, travom s roterdamskih fudbalskih i golf terena kao i ostacima prehrambenih proizvoda iz lokalnih restorana. Za mužu je odgovoran robot, dok se mlijeko prerađuje odmah, na licu mjesta. Transport se obavlja električnim vozilima a vlastitu električnu energiju farma proizvodi iz plutajućih solarnih panela dok svježu vodu osigurava kroz integrirani sustav za prikupljanje i pročišćavanje kišnice. Dobijeni kravlji stajnjak se koristi za stvaranje prirodnog gnojiva.

kođer impresivna. Kroz njena vrata svakodnevno prolazi preko 100.000 putnika, koji unutar stanice imaju na raspolaganju restorane i kafeterije u kojima uz ručak i piće čekaju vozove. Ispod stanice nalazi se ogroman parking za 5190 bicikala.

THE BASE OF WORLD COMPANIES AND UNIVERSITIES

More than 170 nationalities and cultural communities live in this dynamic port city, while 50% of the population are Dutch. It is internationally recognized as the gateway to Europe, whose port is the central hub of the largest European maritime cluster. Rotterdam never fails to impress at every turn with its architecture, museums, art, restaurants, and various foods of fantastic taste. As a base for large multinational companies and world-renowned universities such as Erasmus University, Willem de Kooning Academy, and Codarts, it attracts a large international and expat community. The center of the city was heavily bombed in the Nazi air attack of 1940. In 15 minutes, almost the entire center disappeared. 24,000 houses, 32 churches, and 2 synagogues were destroyed; close to 900 people lost their lives; and about 80,000 were left homeless. When the center began to be rebuilt after World War II, the city of Rotterdam did not want to renew the demolished buildings but decided to build from the ground up. Therefore, there are not many typical Dutch buMany call the Netherlands “Holland,” because the official name of the country has not yet fully come to life among the people. The Dutch have decided to stop using the name “Holland” since 1 January 2020 and to use only the name “The Netherlands” for their country. The geographical concept of “Holland” is narrower than “The Netherlands” and covers the area of two provinces out of the 12 that exist. It is home to the three largest Dutch cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

ildings located in the city. It is adorned with modern architecture, and thanks to 352 skyscrapers, among which is the Maastoren with its 165 meters as the highest in the Netherlands and the Benelux, Rotterdam is also called the Manhattan on the Maas. Rotterdam is quite easy to reach from any major city in the Netherlands. It is well connected by train with Antwerp, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, etc... It is accessible by car and public transport such as the metro, buses, and trams.

THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM

It is an amazing experience to visit the port and try to understand its importance in the country’s economy. Boat tours are a great way to see the port and its huge cargo ships, large number of docks, warehouses, and shipyards that delight with their sizes and labor, reminiscent of industrial wonders. It is also necessary to visit the overseas ship SS Rotterdam and the Maritime Museum, where you can access old ships and explore their interior. The museum is located in the center of Rotterdam.

THE OLD HARBOR

The Old Harbor (Oude Haven) is the oldest city port. There are many restaurants and terraces overlooking the historic ships and the Witte Huis, which was built in 1898 and was the first skyscraper in Europe. Long considered the tallest building in the Netherlands, the Witte Huis is one of the few to have survived the

1940 bombing of Rotterdam. Only the bullet holes in the facade of the building are a reminder of this dark chapter in the city’s history.

CUBE HOUSES

In the very center of Rotterdam, there are famous yellow square houses called Cube Houses. Although it is difficult to see at a first glance, these houses are residential buildings designed to resemble trees in the forest. The cubes are tilted and divided into three levels, which makes you wonder how practical it is to live here, how people move into these buildings, and what kind of furniture the tenants have considering the strange corners of the walls and windows. That is why it is possible to visit Show-Cube, a fully customized square house that serves as a museum.

DE MARKTHAL

With over 178 cultures in the city, Rotterdam is a true gourmet destination. Restaurants of almost all foreign cuisines are represented, and many of them are vegan and halal. For all those who love good food, the right place to visit is De Markthal, a market with a large number of stands and restaurants with fresh food. The building is in the shape of a dome and represents a real work of art – the walls and ceiling are decorated with giant fruits, flowers, and insects. Many of the stands have a seating area upstairs, so you can watch the interior from above but also from the square in front.

THE ERASMUS BRIDGE

The second largest bridge in the Netherlands was nicknamed “The Swan” because of its large upright mast reminiscent of a swan’s neck. At its center is a bascule that allows larger ships to pass. The bridge has several traffic lanes for vehicles, trams, bicycle paths, and sidewalks for pedestrians.

WILLEMS BRIDGE

Officially called Willemsbrug, this beautiful red bridge is another symbol of Rotterdam. It is 318 meters long and 33 meters wide. It is quite a unique experience to walk across the bridge at night and catch a glimpse of the Rotterdam skyline, including the Erasmus Bridge.

DE ROTTERDAM

Right next to the Erasmus Bridge is the De Rotterdam building, a complex of three interconnected towers also called the vertical city. It was named after the famous SS Rotterdam ship, which transported Dutch migrants to America at the end of the 19th and 20th centuries. It has 45 floors, making it the fifth tallest building in the Netherlands (the first four are also located in Rotterdam).

HOTEL NEW YORK

Hotel New York, another World War II survivor, is the former headquarters of Holland America Line, wherefrom

thousands of migrants traveled to the United States by ship between the years of 1873 and 1970. Today it is a favorite place to enjoy the sun on the outdoor terrace and in the park in front with a view overlooking Rotterdam, its harbor, and river.

MCDONALD’S

This building used to be the ugliest one in Rotterdam, which is why the city council decided to demolish it, but McDonald’s had it under lease for another 40 years. The final decision was to make a new and more attractive facility, which fits well into the environment. Today, with its golden facade and beautiful spiral staircase, it is one of the most luxurious McDonald’s restaurants in the world.

ROTTERDAM CENTRAL STATION

The train station is another building with unique and modern architecture. The building has a triangular shape, and on the roof area of 10,000 m2, there are 3,000 solar panels that provide solar energy for elevators, escalators, and lights. The clock placed at the entrance is an original one from the old station from 1957, pre-

THE FLOATING FARM

A floating dairy farm was opened in Rotterdam in 2019, demonstrating how food production can become less vulnerable to climate change through sustainable development as well as how food loss is prevented, transport reduced, and its quality improved. Among other things, the cattle in the port are fed grain from a local brewery, grass from Rotterdam’s football and golf courses, as well as leftovers from local restaurants. A robot is responsible for milking the cattle, while the milk is processed on the spot immediately. Electric vehicles are used for transport, and the farm produces its own electricity using floating solar panels while it provides fresh water through an integrated rainwater collection and purification system. The obtained cow manure is used to create natural fertilizer.

serving a part of its history. The interior is also impressive. Over 100,000 passengers pass through the station doors every day and have at their disposal restaurants and cafeterias where they can wait for trains with lunch and drinks. There is a huge parking lot located below the station for 5190 bicycles.

STARA KINESKA POSLOVICA KAŽE: “ČAJ SE PIJE KAKO BI SE ZABORAVILA BUKA SVIJETA”. OKUS TOG TRENUTKA U KOJEM SE OKREĆEMO PREMA SEBI DODATNO ĆE IZOŠTRITI PRHKO ZADOVOLJSTVO KAO ZIMSKI NAGOVJEŠTAJ

HUSARSKI KOLAČIĆI

Sastojci:

• Dolcela mješavina za husarske kolačiće • 60 g mljevenih orašastih plodova (badem, lješnjak ili orah) • 100 g hladnog maslaca • 50 ml vode

Opcionalno:

• Dolcela šećer u prahu

SAVJET

U tijesto možete dodati i malo limunove korice, ili Dolcela limun šećer. Prije dekorisanja džemom, kolačiće pospite šećerom u prahu.

Priprema

Mješavinu za tijesto uspite u dublju posudu i dodajte 60 g omiljenih mljevenih orašastih plodova. Dolcela mješavina se najbolje slaže s bademima, lješnjacima ili orasima. U ovu mješavinu dodajte 100 g hladnog maslaca narezanog na kockice ili listiće, te 50 ml vode sobne temperature. Od svih sastojaka rukama umijesite prhko tijesto. Trebat će vam nekoliko minuta da lijepo umijesite glatko tijesto, a možete koristiti i kuhinjski robot. Potom uključite rernu na 180°C bez ventilatora, ili 160°C s ventilatorom. Uzimajte manje komadiće tijesta i rukama oblikujte u kuglicu (veličine manjeg oraha). Dobit ćete 40-45 kuglica u zavisnosti od količine smjese koju ste uzimali. Kuglice rasporedite na pleh obložen papirom za pečenje ostavljajući dovoljno prostora, jer će kolačići rasti tokom pečenja. Svakoj kuglici napravite udubljenje s vrhom drvene kuhače. Kolačiće pecite 12 minuta. Izvadite iz rerne i pustite da se ohlade. U svako udubljenje kašičicom stavite malo džema po želji. Uvijek se možete odlučiti i za čokoladno punjenje, možete upotrijebiti Lino Ladu, ili otopljenu čokoladu.

THERE IS AN OLD CHINESE SAYING THAT GOES: “ONE DRINKS TEA TO FORGET THE WORLD’S NOISE.” THE TASTE

OF THE MOMENT WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO CONNECT

WITH OUR INNER BEING BECOMES CLEARER AS WE NIBBLE A SHORTCRUST SWEET PASTRY WHICH GIVES US HINTS THAT WINTER IS NEAR.

TIP

You can also add some lemon peel or Dolcela lemon sugar in the dough. Before decorating them with jam, sprinkle the biscuits with powdered sugar.

JAM THUMBPRINTS

Ingredients:

• Dolcela mixture for jam thumbprints • -60 g finely ground nuts (almond, hazelnut or walnut) • -100 g cold butter • -50 ml water

Optional:

• Dolcela granulated sugar

Directions

Pour the dough mixture in a deep bowl and add 60 g of your favourite ground nuts. Dolcela mixture goes best with almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts. Then also add 100 g of cold butter cut into cubes or slices and 50 ml of room temperature water. Knead dough with your hands until mixture forms a shortcrust dough. It will take several minutes to mix to a smooth dough, but you can use a dough mixer if you want. Turn your oven on to 180°C without the fan or 160°C with the fan. Take small amounts of dough and shape into little walnut sized balls. Depending on the amount of ingredients you used, you will get 40-45 balls. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper leaving enough of room for the dough to rise during baking. Use your thumb or the rounded back of a wooden spoon to gently press the centre of each biscuit. Bake the biscuits for 12 minutes. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool. Fill the centres with jam to taste. You can always decide to use chocolate instead, Lino Lada or melted chocolate.