Out of all of Amsterdam, Ede, the Hague, Eindhoven, Utrecht and Groningen, I have one favourite city. The Netherlands is small and well connected enough that it doesn’t take much time to travel and see a city. It’s so easy to become a “hit-and-run” tourist, seeing an entire city in one day and adding it to a checklist.

But Utrecht is more than a stopover or a checkpoint for me. The city tapped into my inner hipster – or rather, faux hipster – my secret desire to be young and hip all the time! The city is crowded with students, young, free, happy (or stressed?) and therefore the cafe, boutiques and restaurants are also youthful and lively. My friend took me to a cozy cafe, packed with people because it was a Saturday and apparently all of Holland came to Utrecht central to transfer or shop for the Sinterklaas holiday. While I sipped a very creamy hot chocolate and treated myself to a sweet croissant, I looked at the major bike traffic outside and listened to people my age gossip about life and relationships. It feels so warm to be in the company of friends. And these people, whom I just met, already made me feel welcomed.

My second day in Utrecht, I walked around all the canals and tried to get a glimpse of the sun. It had been stormy and wet for most of my stay in the Netherlands, but at times I was lucky enough to catch the sun stopping by. The city has very old roots, evident in its cobble stone streets and ancient buildings, like the cathedral and the water reserve. Yet its young, cool vibe shines through the colourful pride crosswalk, the buzzing of bikes and 20-somethings rushing to class, the Miffy traffic light (Nijntje Pleintje). Want a trip to your childhood?

I have to admire the Dutch’s ability to bike, everyday, everywhere, anytime. And they definitely built a very poetic city to enjoy biking in. Long walks along the canals and hipster boutiques and cafes is my idea of a nice date.

I wish I felt 22 forever.