Daring to Explore the World – Amsterdam
Greetings from Amsterdam! After many years away, I returned to revisit the places I once called home. I studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in the autumn and winter of 1992–1993.
How I Ended Up in Amsterdam
I started studying textile design at the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 1989. Finland had joined the European Union, and in 1992, the first Erasmus student exchange opportunities became available. As an enthusiastic young man, I was eager to see the world and wanted to be among the first to go. Applying was an obvious choice.
The Gerrit Rietveld Academie
I looked into the different exchange schools, and Amsterdam was the clear winner. Something about the Rietveld Academie, then as now one of the Netherlands’ leading art and design schools, really caught my attention.
Its approach to design and teaching immediately felt right for me. It brought together tradition, modernity and a spirit of experimentation in a way I found inspiring.
It’s All About the Process
At the heart of the experience was learning to understand, explore and analyse the design process. The end result wasn’t necessarily the most important thing. Just as important was understanding how you got there. This approach taught me a lot about myself and helped me learn to put my thoughts into words so that others could understand them, too.
Taking the Leap into the Unknown
In Finland, we were used to exchange students arriving from abroad having accommodation and other practical arrangements sorted out for them. I had, of course, started looking for a place to stay during the summer, but I still set off with my backpack and no idea where I would end up living.
On my first morning at the school, I discovered that they hadn’t arranged any accommodation after all. My heart sank for a moment, but there was nothing to do but get on with it. Another exchange student from Germany was in the same boat, so we decided to share a cheap hotel near the railway station for a week. At least we had each other for company. The following week, I slept on the living room floor of other exchange students’ flat in Amsterdam Noord.
Finding a Home in Jordaan
Then something wonderful happened. All my efforts to find a place to live finally paid off, and what a result! I managed to find my own apartment on Rozengracht, right in the heart of Jordaan, which was already a trendy neighbourhood back then. It felt like winning the lottery. I had an entire floor to myself in a narrow old building. I could hardly believe my luck, and neither could the other Finnish exchange students.
Trust That Things Will Work Out
But was it really just luck, or was it the result of persistence and hard work? That experience taught me to trust that if you put in the effort, things often find a way of working out. Life has a way of carrying you through, even when it doesn’t feel that way at the time. I learned to take a chance and step into the unknown, even when I was scared and had no idea what lay ahead.
Be brave, believe in yourself and put in the work. Seize the opportunity and take the leap, even if you have to do it with your eyes closed. Life will carry you.
Back to My Old Haunts
Every now and then, I feel the need to revisit my old haunts and cycle aimlessly through Amsterdam’s streets and grachten — the city’s famous canals. When you know your way around, you can get from place to place without making too many plans. It feels like being home again. The feeling is wonderful and can even bring a tear to your eye.
Old memories come flooding back, and you find yourself reflecting on the choices you’ve made and how they have shaped your life. I’m glad that enthusiastic young man was brave enough to set off, despite all the uncertainty.
Café de Jaren
When I was studying in Amsterdam in the autumn of 1992, Café de Jaren was the new place to be. With its clean lines, modern design and relaxed atmosphere, this stylish café and restaurant was a favourite meeting place for students, right in the heart of the city. And it still is. In summer, its beautiful terrace stretches out towards the River Amstel.
A Break in Vondelpark
Vondelpark, just a short distance from the city centre, is the perfect place to spend some time outdoors, especially when the weather is good. Scattered throughout the park are peaceful ponds where you can relax by the water and even take a nap.
In the middle of the park, you’ll also find Melkhuis, a charming little spot that’s perfect for a break and something to eat or drink. Somehow, I’d never made it there before this trip. Amsterdam never stops surprising me.
Cycling South in Search of Architectural Gems
Amsterdam’s historic city centre has remained remarkably unchanged over the centuries. There are a few newer buildings here and there, of course, but they tend to respect the traditional architecture and the buildings around them.
For something completely different, head to the southern part of the city, where architecture becomes a playground for experimentation. You’ll come across unexpected details, unusual buildings and all kinds of architectural gems. It’s an inspiring mix of styles, ideas and bold experimentation — a reflection of the Dutch design spirit, with its open-mindedness and willingness to try something new.
Cultural Hotspots in Amsterdam Noord
Next, I headed north, taking the ferry from behind the central railway station. It’s an easy way to reach the other side of the IJ, and the journey itself is part of the experience.
The Eye Filmmuseum is well worth a visit. With its striking architecture and fantastic terrace, it’s also a great place to stop for lunch.
The former industrial areas in Amsterdam Noord have undergone a major transformation in recent years, turning the neighbourhood into a lively destination for art, culture and food. One of the highlights is NDSM, a former shipyard that has become a creative hub packed with exhibitions, restaurants and other interesting places to explore.
Until next time, Amsterdam. Thank you for the memories!
Jarkko
Co-founder & CEO, FRENN
