Travel is more than just seeing. It feeds the soul, creates moments to cherish, and allows for time to reflect on and acknowledge your blessings. Travel opens your mind and heart, changing your perspective on life and encouraging constant growth. The more I travel, the more patient and intentional I’ve become in my daily life.
I’ve always wanted to visit The Netherlands, Amsterdam in particular. Over the years, it became a destination that I would push further down on my bucket list. I knew I’d get there at some point, I just wasn’t sure when. But, as my mother always says… “be patient and trust the process.”
During the tail-end of summer 2021, as the world re-emerged and we all attempted to navigate life post the Covid-19 lockdown, I had the opportunity of starring in and producing my first feature film entitled PLAYLAND – an experimental and transdisciplinary work of art that retells and reimagines the story of Boston’s oldest and most notorious gay bar, The Playland Cafe.
I still can’t believe that we shot a feature film in 8-days… mind blowing! Not to mention…when I first signed on to be a part of the project, I had very little knowledge about film festivals and couldn’t have imagined where this opportunity would lead me to…of all places, The Netherlands.
Rotterdam
My wife and I flew from JFK to Amsterdam on a Delta Air Lines overnight flight. However, the film festival took place in Rotterdam so we took the Dutch National Rail from Amsterdam Airport Schipol to Rotterdam Central. It’s a 20-40 minute ride south, depending on the train route (i.e – express or local).
We didn’t sleep much on the plane so we crashed minutes after finally arriving at our hotel room. Still pretty beat from travel, we kept it chill for the first day. We explored the neighborhood where we were staying and some of Rotterdam Centrum before stumbling upon a Thai restaurant gem called Soi3. The food and atmosphere made for the most beautiful experience. So much so that we dined there twice during our trip.
Feeling rested and energized the next morning, we got up and got out! We had breakfast at a vegan cafe and then walked all through Rotterdam Centrum making our way across the Erasmusbrug (Eramus Bridge) to Rotterdam South.
As we walked across the bridge, we could tell that the docklands had recently been developed. In fact, just beyond the bridge is the history of the dockyard and bridge. However, the further we walked, it was apparent that the gentrification hadn’t expanded beyond the shipyard into Rotterdam South.
The Netherlands has some of the most peaceful commons. We caught a beautiful sunset while exploring Zuiderpark. The sky was a perfect balance of cotton candy and clouds. As we made our way out of the park, we happened upon a windmill home. Although not uncommon in The Netherlands, it’s certainly not something you see every day in the States.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR 2023)
PLAYLAND kicked off our 2023 film festival circuit run in Rotterdam at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR 2023). I was very quiet throughout the experience, absorbing rather than contributing. Sometimes I felt like a deer in headlights. I can now look at those moments as teaching lessons and/or reminders that I have still much to learn about film and the business.
The film received an overwhelming amount of visual support. For example: One of our film’s vignettes that centered around me was enlarged on the back of the festival program. Those same images were on screens at the entrance of the building where the film was being shown. It was a bit overwhelming in a good and exciting way. I mean, it’s not as if anyone teaches you how to balance your emotions in moments like these or how to navigate the film industry. Thankfully, my wife was able to join me. Her energy always helps to keep me calm and mask what I am feeling in my mind and body.
What I Wore
My style has evolved so much over the years. These days, I find myself leaning more into smart casual style, which was fitting for the International Film Festival.
Smart casual style in Europe is often perceived as effortless due to the emphasis on simplicity, quality, and a relaxed yet polished aesthetic.
Our IFFR premiere was the first time I would experience the film in front of a large audience, so I wanted to wear something stylish yet loose and comfortable. I wore a Ralph Lauren Patchwork Shirt, JCrew Boyfriend Jeans, and Clarks Originals Wallabees.
I look forward to the day when I’ll have the opportunity to wear more formal attire to an award ceremony. *Speaking that into existence*. However, this experience wasn’t the time for that. Instead, I went for a minimal yet sophisticated look.
The Awards Ceremony
A kimono can be either formal or informal, depending on the context, however, the kimono is typically worn on special occasions in Japanese culture. Different from the tailor-fit construction of a suit jacket, kimonos have a loose, unstructured silhouette that drapes around the body, and is secured by sash called an obi.
Keeping in line with the patchwork theme, I wore a three-quarter sleeve Kimono by Keohgi to the award ceremony. The patchwork style kimono is made of denim, corduroy, and houndstooth wool and is sealed with a self-tie belt at the waist. I layered it over a black turtleneck so as to keep the focus on the kimono and slipped on a pair of custom-fit red trousers for contrast. I completed the look with Dr. Martens 1461 Mono Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes.
It was an amazing night, although we didn’t take home the Tiger Award. I’m thankful to be on this project and journey with these amazing humans!
Left to right: Russell Sheaffer (Producer & Editor, Artless Media), Heather Sheaffer (Artless Media), Danielle Cooper (Actor & Producer) JoJo Lam (Cinematographer), Georden West (Writer & Director), Aidan Dick (Actor), and Aaron Michael Smith (Composer)
The Hague (Den Haag)
My wife and I walk the world. That’s our thing. We caught the Metrolijn to Den Haag (The Hague), a city on the North Sea coast of the Netherlands. It’s about a 40-minute train ride from Rotterdam Centraal to Den Haag Central. Taking the overground train in other countries is one of my favorite things to do because I get to witness and experience how life can be and is lived in another place.
We exited Den Haag Centraal, heading northeast through Haagse Bos before slowing down to watch a family of deer living! We continued on, walking along the Hofvijver (the lake in the center of Den Haag) and through The Hague’s old city center.
Along the way, we stumbled upon this unassuming shop called Book Stor. It had such a welcoming and peaceful environment. There were a few tables and chairs just inside to the left and to the right were books for purchase. It wasn’t until I walked a bit further inside towards the register that I saw the bookstore in its entirety. A tranquil cafe filled with books, plants, and spaces for patrons to work or unwind. The icing on the cake is the outside garden. The outdoor space, definitely, would be my spot if I lived in town.
Den Haag is home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice and is also known as the International City of Peace and Justice. We stopped by Peace Palace – the international administrative building that houses the International Court of Justice as well as the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague Academy of International Law, and the Peace Palace Library. The building’s structure and grounds are truly breathtaking, especially at sunset.
My partner planned a surprise for me/us so we didn’t stay at the Peace Palace for long. Plus, it was closed so we weren’t able to fully experience it but from outside the gates.
If words could only capture the look on my face when we arrived at the surprise… sunset on the coast of Den Haag. The sunset is my favorite time of the day so I was very thankful… My wife, I tell you… she’s such a thoughtful and special human ❤️.
I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, but I should’ve known she had something else up her sleeve. She took me to Simonis, a local fish and seafood restaurant that, after 4 generations in business, has become a household name in the region. All I’m going to say is order the kibbeling and chips (also known as fish and chips) and thank me later.
Utrecht
The next day, we took the train northeast to Utrecht, one of The Netherlands’ oldest cities. It was about a 35-minute ride from Rotterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal.
We exited the station and just started walking, weaving spontaneously in and out of neighborhoods, taking in life throughout the quaint city.
At one point, my wife turned left down what looked like an alley, stumbling on a playground/sheep farm. It was the most random, fulfilling experience!
We stumbled upon a local gem called SAAR – a boutique-style restaurant known for its natural wines and good food. We sat and had a glass of wine, taking in the space around us.
Amsterdam
To close out the trip, we took the train up to Amsterdam to meet up with my brother-in-law who flew in from London. We stayed in an Airbnb in an area called Amsterdam-Zuid, positioned Southwest of the city center. The eccentric flat sat on the ground floor and tilted right, in typical Amsterdam fashion.
Visiting Amsterdam was another first for both my wife and me. We spent each day like many traveled before, walking and weaving throughout the city until we landed on a destination we planned to visit.
My partner found a bomb bakery called Fort Negan. The pastries are worth the wait. And don’t just get one, treat yourself and try a few options. I promise you won’t regret it! We headed east to Amsterdam Centre eventually making our way to the ferry to the STRAAT Museum where we learned about the history of graffiti.
Growing up in a major metropolitan city like New York City, you can’t help but compare the energy of one city to another. While I love my city, I will say…the cleanliness, architecture, history, and overall energy kept a smile on my face. After three days of straight-up walking, averaging 12,000 miles/day of walking, we treated ourselves to a foot massage that completely relaxed us all, putting us each to sleep if only for 45 minutes.
On our final night heading back to the flat, we were blessed with live music from a passing drumline of black teenagers. What better way to seal the trip?!
She’s a Gent Reflection
This experiment called life is meant to be experienced. When you have the opportunity to…explore a new place, experience a new culture, grow, and ground yourself just a little more.
What do you think?