I envy (of course in a good way) those who get the opportunity in life to travel around the world. I always wanted to travel but unfortunately, my life situation didn't allow me to do that. But still, I am grateful that I have seen so many amazing locations and was able to explore a few countries. To me, travel is not only about relaxation, but it also gives you an opportunity to know a country and get introduced to different cultures and history. If I talk about the culture, I always try to gather knowledge about the traditional culture of a country, it always helps to understand the root of a country. Many people find it boring when it comes to know and get introduced to a tradition but the traditions and cultures always amaze me.
For example, no matter where I am now or where I used to live, I will never ever forget my own culture. It represents who am I and where I am from. I still miss my traditional Bangladeshi lifestyle. I was lucky to get introduced to Ukrainian culture, I was able to know traditional Ukrainian life, culture, and history. I still feel my knowledge is limited and I am open to learning anything related to culture and history.
"Floriade Expo 2022" is happening in Almere but unfortunately I didn't get a chance to go there. It's my fault, when the ticket was free, I didn't want to go and now tickets are not free for the Ukrainians anymore. But this weekend, I got the chance to explore the small " Expo 2022" that happened at Almere center for 3 days. People were saying that it was part of Floriade or an initiative by Floriade for marketing purposes to attach more people to go to the Floriade expo 2022. It was not my planned exploration.
Last Saturday without any reason I went to the City center of Almere. I have got a day off and the weather was so good so I just wanted to walk around. Almere city center is huge and really modern, it feels like you are in the world of contemporary architecture.
After walking with Gigi, I went to the city center around 12.00 pm, in the afternoon. The weather was good and felt like doing some activities. Also every weekend, weekly bazaars (temporary shops) can be found in front of the municipality office. Many things can be found there at a cheap price even street foods from different countries like Vietnamese, Surinamese, and middle eastern food. So, first I explored the market and spent some time there.
I checked the price of the vegetables, and fruits and went to some clothing shops as well. It was lunchtime so I tasted some Vietnamese and Surinamese street foods, I must admit they were very cheap compared to the restaurants and food shops. I fall in love with Surinamese food because I find similarities between my taste and the food I love to eat. I also saw some nice flower shops as well. I would have bought some flowers for myself if I had my home.
After finishing lunch, later I went to another part of the city center near the lake. My plan was to sit and spend some time near the lake. But on my way, I noticed a large crowd and loud music so I was curious. Out of my curiosity, I went following the crowd and found Expo 2022. The loud music was coming from the live performance. Only a few countries had participated in the Expo. I only can remember seeing a few stalls from India, Panama, Africa, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the Dominique Republic. There were other countries as well but the stalls were small. It was more like a traditional trade fair.
The first thing that caught my eye was this kiosk of Coffee. This "Illimani Coffee" comes from Bolivia. Illimani coffee is 100% Arabica and fully organic coffee that comes from the Bolivian highlands. Only in two regions of Bolivia, this coffee grows. One of the regions is "Yungas" where 90% of coffee production takes place.
Later I went to the activity zone where I get to know more about the traditional clothes of different countries. It was crowded and the kids were really enjoying their time there.
I have never been to such kind of expo in life, it was really amazing to get to know the traditional clothing style of different countries. Some fabrics and clothes are handmade and during festivals, people wear such kinds of clothes...
This hat was amazing...
This art was done using soil, clay, leaves, and all kind of earthy materials. It was beautiful...
I also came to know about fabrics and materials for clothing from different countries. I have found some similarities with Bangladeshi culture as well. In Bangladesh, certain indigenous people wear this kind of clothes made with the same fabric occasionally, especially at traditional festivals.
Last but not least I ended up at an Indian store where I found beautiful embroidered clothes and handicrafts. I was familiar with clothes and crafts because I have seen them before. These crafts are from India's Rajasthan and Jaipur, and people all over the world love them.
After spending 4 hours in the city center, I came back to my room. It was really a great day in my life...
Thank you so much for reading...
Love
Priyan...
I am
.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily...
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