Summer (3) Rob van Essen: “Amsterdam can learn something from Brussels”

Five years ago, the Dutchman moved to Brussels for love. He lives there with writer Lise Spit in Corgem. For Van Essen, summer is the perfect time to escape the crowded neighbourhood. However, he can also appreciate the harshness of the city, because “it makes you appreciate its softer sides more”.

What do your vacation plans look like?

“My wife and I will soon be in Ostend, where we have a studio in the Europa Center (a high-rise apartment building, ed.). I’m looking forward to getting some fresh air there after the hustle and bustle of the past month. The North Sea, I can write and walk in peace just over an hour south of Brussels, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind me. It also has something special for me, as I rarely reach the coast when I travel and I still live in the Netherlands.”

What is your dream trip?

“A trip to Japan. I love Japanese art and Buddhism interests me a lot. Take for example Japanese colored woodblock prints. Mishima, my favorite author, is also Japanese. I think it’s a strange culture that at the same time attracts me greatly, I would like to immerse myself.”

What is your favourite summer spot in Brussels?

“Compared to Amsterdam, Brussels is a tough city that can feel grey, but that makes you appreciate its softer sides more. Then I think of the many parks like Düden Park or Zoniënwoud. Brussels is also very good with squares. In that sense, it is almost a southern European city, and the Netherlands could learn something from that.”