A square filled with memories
This is a picture of the Leidseplein, a famous square in Amsterdam. The picture was taken from the tram stop while I was sitting on one of the benches, waiting for the tram to take my husband and me back to central station.
It’s been a while since I was there, for many reasons, but in my mind I can still see some of the footsteps I left there.
I can see myself cross the square, walk down the small street connecting to it, and visiting Melkweg, a concert venue where I've seen so many favourite artists play.
I can see myself sitting in the Irish pub, waiting for my husband so we could go to a concert later. I was nursing a Guinness, and writing the longest poem I've ever handwritten. I just smile at that self.
I can see myself sitting in a window in a hotel at the square, looking out over the streets, seeing trams curve around the corner and into the distance.
I can see myself walking to the venue nearby that I've visited the most in Amsterdam: Paradiso. I have so many fantastic memories there. One of the most recent ones: sitting on the balcony and seeing The Smile play just below me. My husband made a gif of Thom Yorke dancing that still makes me giggle.
And I see myself in a teeny tiny theatre, laughing at an improv show.
I've left so many footsteps, seen so many things around that square. I've stopped for coffee and soup there (and beer) and ate at several restaurants there.
Every evening almost always ended the same, with us sitting at the tram stop, looking at the people sitting on the terraces in front of us, smiling because we'd added a new happy memory.