I know the picture on this article looks weird but… do you know what it is? It’s the ceiling of the wonderful swimming pool Oostelijk in Rotterdam. And I love to see it like this because this is how you’ll feel the light touch your eyes if you just get into the water and let yourself float…

Some time ago I was looking for a place to relax and have some swimming lessons. I have a friend who is actually a swimming instructor and he gave me some tips about modern and convenient places… but then said that there was a building I would love. And so I went exploring the city for this wonderful 1930s Art Deco swimming pool, the oldest in the city but recently renovated. It keeps all its old-time charm: the marvelous ceilings and a very unique system of wooden dressing rooms that reminds me of school years.

I also like that I can go there and either enter a swimming session or join specific classes and pay only for that visit. I was there for pregnancy swimming lessons and now I also go with the little one – he enjoys it as much or maybe more than I do. 

If you would like to see the place but don’t want to get wet, that is also allowed — you can have a coffee while you imagine all the swimmers that have learned their way in the water here. Please check the website for the latest opening times.