A stroll through Oosterpark
There is something quietly magical about Tuesday’s in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark. While the city is bustling with bicycles and busy schedules, a different kind of rhythm unfolds just around the corner at De Kastanjehof. Stepping through the doors of this residential care center feels like entering into genuine warmth and comfort. It is a place that will not fit into a single box, largely because of what makes it so unique. It offers a welcoming home for elderly residents, and also allows for a daytime project where social and cultural activities welcome people of all backgrounds
A Reminder to slow down and connect
I recently had the chance to join a weekly Tuesday stroll in the park as a volunteer with Serve the City. An experience that showed me how simple acts of connection can completely shift your perspective. The premise is pretty straightforward. Volunteers pair up with residents, often pushing wheelchairs along the path of Oosterpark. If the weather is not nice, there is a backup plan. But luckily the weather was a perfect mix of sunshine and wind this Tuesday! My companion for this walk shared glimpses of her life with me. Conversations also flowed with the other volunteers and residents. We paused about halfway for a short break at a cafe, and conversations unfolded seamlessly. There was no rush on this walk, which made it all the better!
A Story Woven in Thread
The afternoon did not end when we returned to De Kastanjehof. Once we were inside, and brought the residents back to their rooms, my companion for the walk showed me a beautifully stitched tapestry that she had made herself. When I asked about it, her friend jokingly said she made it within a few days. She however corrected him and said it took her a few years, but that she was unsure on how long exactly it took her. Her pride in this work of art was easily visible and contagious. It was a touching reminder that behind every resident was a lifetime of creativity, resilience, and artistry waiting to be shared.
The Beauty of Shared Moments
To begin with I felt somewhat nervous, since I am an English speaking volunteer. But throughout the walk and even before, when we were gathering, I was welcomed and told that it would be no problem. Throughout the walk, she effortlessly mixed Dutch and English, sharing proudly that she had learned English back in school as a young girl. Leaving De Kastanjehof that afternoon, I carried away more than just the memory of a pleasant walk through the park. These weekly strolls are not just about getting fresh air or physical exercise for some, they are for building connections, slowing down and acknowledging the vibrant individuals who make up our community.
