MAN! I don't even know where to start!
I had to go to Rotterdam at a time where I least wanted to leave my home. I booked a bed at the Hostel Ani & Haakien. And let me tell you, it was the BEST decision I made for sure!!!!
On my arrival I was welcomed so sweetly by Danielle! That same night I went to a graffiti tour led by Frank (volunteer at A&H), which was followed by some beers at a really nice bar in the heart of Rotterdam. Once we got back to the hostel we celebrated Marco's (volunteer) birthday, and I - as a guest - felt so involved! It gave me a feeling of familiarity that I haven't ever experienced in any hostel before!! It's so easy to socialize, as they have a lot of group activities provided for their guests. Such as diverse tours through Rotterdam, movie nights, dinners,... And most importantly the cool people working there are very open and talkative and just happy to share their time and knowledge on traveling or Rotterdam with you. Such bright souls working there! Amy and Amin (two volunteers) were such inspirations to me with their way of living and their view on life!!!
But it is not only easy to have fun with the hosts and volunteers working there, but also with the other guests. The hostel (which is a weird description; I prefer "the house") has just such a homey vibe to it! At my stay of no more than 3 nights I met so many cool people and went out with 6 different travelers to see different sites of the city with each one of them. So, booking a bed at A&H as a solo traveler is probably about the best thing you can do!!
In fact, once it was time for me to leave, I felt so not ready yet. Which is funny, considering that I didn't want to go to Rotterdam in the first place!!
Thank you all so very much for the love! You guys rock! And I will sure as heck be back asap!!!
Tara