Growing up without a father
door Debra Barraud
The King of the Damrak
The Damrak, one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, has probably never known such silence as in the first days of the lockdown. This is what the entrance gate to the city looks like when commuters, day trippers, shoppers and tourists are no longer welcome. It’s March 25th, 14.45.
Only a fearless few wander around, like this ugly, crowned man in a golden jacket. After I took my picture he waved a “royal” wave goodbye.
Such an empty Damrak in the middle of the day is downright frightening, but the “King of the Damrak” made me smile. Amsterdam has always been a home for self-willed figures. It was and will remain so. That reassured me on that lonely Wednesday afternoon.
by Frank Schallmaier
Next story
Our
partners
