Amsterdam, 2023

11 October 2023

Zuidas

During this university term, I had to be at work at 9 o’clock in the morning to teach mathematics on Fridays.

Hence the night before I slept at a friend’s house, located at the other side of the Zuidas train station.

My commute route changed. I must have walked hundreds of times from station to work place, but until then I had never sidetracked to this other path – it gives the impression of watching a movie from the back side.

The B-side of the Zuidas CBD. It gives out both vibes of utopia and disutopia: the soulless CBD and the man-made nature are out of place and in-tune at the same time

I vividly remember how lights were different between dawn and dusk. But It is hard to tell the difference on films.

Rotterdam, 2023

9 October 2023

Living in a modern city often makes me reflect on the relationship between its buildings and its people.

Residing at the northern corner of the planet, we come to value natural light: expansive windows, serene ponds, and mirrored walls – all things we don’t want to waste by letting light vanish into nothingness.

Yet, a feeling of scarcity still lingers.

On a warm autumn day, amidst these towering structures, you can’t help but feel small and insignificant.

Rotterdam, 2023

7 September 2023

Inspired by the phrases used in the Sasaki Farm book, I come to view my land as Yang, brimming with vitality and energy, while I, as the farmer, assume the role of Yin—a steward who intervenes only when necessary, seeking harmony with the land’s inherent power.

Gone are the days when I merely lamented the sight of rodents and insects feasting upon my leafy greens and tender bean seedlings. I have come to realize that the land is an abundant source of sustenance for all living beings. My aspirations for cultivated beauty, embodied by peonies and lilies, often faltered, whereas the resilient weeds, such as the purple loosestrife, flourished in abundance, painting the landscape in a sea of vibrant purple. I may have overlooked the untamed blackberry bushes on the other side, their thorny branches may seem unruly, but they epitomize the very force of nature that commands my respect and recognition.

(The photo was taken in late December of 2021 – more than one year after we started working on the volkstuin.)