If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, especially since it’s early in the semester and you can still allow yourself to leave the confines of Middelburg, why not head on over to the Swan Market in the Van Nellefabriek in Rotterdam this Sunday. For some any opportunity to leave Middelburg is enough, but if you need a little more convincing don’t stop reading.
The Van Nellefabriek is an old factory that used to process tobacco, coffee and tea but has now transformed into an event space. Built in 1920, its industrial architecture shows a different take on factory life. The large windows and spacious interior releases the building from the claustrophobic feeling factories usually hold. Ideally located near water and a railway, it is an example of the trade oriented economy of the Netherlands. It is for these reasons it was recognized by the UNESCO and put on the World Heritage List.
The Swan Market fully embraces this industrial atmosphere. If Etsy and food trucks had a baby it would be this. You can expect various small business owners selling their clothing, art, jewelry, toys, interior decoration or gadgets vintage or new. If nothing else it is cool to look at the products people produce and are proud of. If you’re not into *things*, don’t fret there is also plenty of food and drinks to make you happy. Whether it’s traditional Dutch Pancakes or Mexican Tacos, I’m sure you’ll find your preferred cuisine at the Swan Market. If you are still not convinced, maybe the prospect of live music will make you sit through a almost 2 hour train ride. Sadly I cannot name drop, because even their Facebook does not reveal that, but I can assure you it’s going to be loads of fun!
The Swan Market takes place this Sunday the 26th of February at the Van Nellefabriek in Rotterdam. They are open between 11:00-17:00, entrance is €2,- until 15:30 so don’t forget to bring cash! Also bring more cash because most vendors won’t have wireless transaction available. You can find the factory at the Van Nelleweg 1, 3044BC Rotterdam, Netherlands, or follow this travel advice: http://9292.nl/reisadvies/station-middelburg/rotterdam_van-nelleweg-1/aankomst/2017-02-26T1131
Are you going somewhere and think more people should know about it? Why not write about it for Tabula Rasa?!
Yonna Kuipers, Class of 2017, is a History and Linguistics Major from Schiedam, The Netherlands
