What started as a simple trip turned into a day full of unexpected moments, new experiences, and memories we won’t forget anytime soon.
Together with Codee, I travelled from Dronten to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA by train. Along the way, we noticed something unusual — strange clouds outside the train windows, different from anything we normally see. When we arrived, a heavy smell of smoke hung in the air. At one point during the journey, an emergency alert went off on some phones in the train, though not on ours. There was no announcement from NS, so it wasn’t immediately clear what was happening, and we didn’t feel worried right away — just curious and slightly confused.
After arriving, we walked to our hotel, Jazz in the City Amsterdam, checked in, and headed up to our room. From there, we had a view of the area we had come for — a nice reminder of what the evening would bring.
We unpacked, took a moment to relax, and then went out for dinner at Brasserie Hoekenrode. A good meal, a calm moment, and a chance to settle into the rhythm of the evening. Afterwards, we walked back to the hotel, briefly stopping by the venue to check which entrance we would need later.
And then it was time.
Within two minutes, we walked from the hotel to the Ziggo Dome. We grabbed a drink and found our seats. We were sitting at the end of a row, near the stairs — a place where people constantly pass by. But something stood out that evening.
The people around us noticed that someone in the row had a visual impairment, and without making a big deal out of it, they adjusted. They walked around us when possible, stayed seated during the show, and were simply considerate. In section 105, row 12 — seats 145 and 146 — we felt seen, respected, and included. That kind of awareness makes a difference.
And then, the reason we came.
Pentatonix.
A group we’ve followed for a long time on YouTube — and finally, seeing them live. The concert was everything we hoped for. Not too long, not too short — just right. A mix of familiar songs we could sing along to, combined with beautiful arrangements from around the world. Hearing everything performed a cappella gave each song a unique and powerful touch.
After the show, we waited patiently until most people had left, so we could safely make our way out. Stairs can be challenging in unfamiliar places when you have a visual impairment, but together we managed it well — step by step, in our own pace.
Within minutes, we were back at the hotel. We stayed up a little longer, letting the evening settle, before heading to sleep.
The next morning started calmly, with a relaxed breakfast and conversations with other guests who had also attended the show. After packing our bags, we decided not to go straight home.
Instead, we went on a small mission: finding new camera bags.
We travelled from Amsterdam Central by metro to Kamera Express Zuid — a new experience for Codee, as the train wasn’t running in that direction. But everything went smoothly, and in the end, we found exactly what we were looking for.
Looking back, this trip easily earns a solid 10 out of 10. Even with the unusual start — the smoke in the air and the unanswered questions — everything unfolded into a beautiful experience.
Sometimes, it’s not just about where you go.
It’s about how you experience it — together. 🎶📷
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