Corners of enschede

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Back in Indonesia, I rarely went to parks. Unless there was a school trip or a big family event, I almost never had a reason to. Most weekends, I stayed at home or went to cafés or shopping malls. Parks were not part of my routine, and I never really thought much about them.

When I came to Enschede as an IISMA exchange student, everything felt new. There were many things to get used to, like the weather, the language, and the way people spent their free time. I started to notice how often people went outside to sit on the grass or walk around quietly. At first, I did not understand it. Why would someone go to a park to sit and do nothing?

One day, I went to a park called Volkspark, located on Parkweg 49, during an introduction event held by Saxion. I did not plan to go back, but something about it felt peaceful. A few days later, I returned to the park on my own. I walked slowly near the canal and watched the water move under a small bridge. On my third visit, I came by bike and sat by the fountain. The sound of the water and the cool air made the afternoon feel calm. Without realizing it, the park became a quiet space where I could enjoy time with others, be by myself, and take small breaks from a busy student life.

Festival Food Finds during the Saxion’s Orientation Week

My first visit to Volkspark was on the third day of the Saxion’s orientation week. Even though I was a second-year student in International Finance and Accounting (IFA), I joined the orientation activities since I was a new exchange student. Leon and Vanessa, two international friends I had met during the first few days, were both first-year students in the same IFA program. Leon is Dutch, and Vanessa is from Slovakia.

At the food festival in the park, we had to exchange money for coins to buy food. Near the entrance, a small green van served as the exchange point, and we lined up there. The coins were white-colored with the word “Saxion” printed on them. I exchanged my money with Leon while Vanessa went to the restroom.

When we finished, we looked around for her. A few minutes later, we saw Vanessa sitting on a beanbag, facing the sun. Leon and I walked toward her, laughing. I asked, “Vanessa, what are you doing?” trying not to laugh too hard. She looked at us with a serious face and said, “I’m sunbathing.” We all burst out laughing.

After that, we explored the food stalls. It smelled like lots of tasty food. I noticed one booth with a really long line. They were selling sweet potato fries with truffle sauce. The fries were golden orange, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. There was cheese on top and some chopped green onions. The taste was a little sweet and very savory. The truffle sauce made it extra delicious.

 Later, the three of us bought ice cream. I chose vanilla with blueberry sauce. It was cold and smooth, with a mix of sweet and sour that felt perfect under the bright summer sun. The park was full of people, but we found a quiet spot on the grass. We sat together, talking and eating slowly. The sun was strong, but a little breeze passed through the trees now and then. Everyone seemed relaxed, and so were we. It felt special to share that moment with friends from different countries, just sitting there with good food and stories to tell.

A Peaceful Afternoon Walk by the Canal

One quiet corner of Volkspark had a beautiful canal with a small wooden bridge. I went there alone one afternoon when I felt overwhelmed by studies and needed a break. The park was very spacious and carefully designed. Around the canal, tall trees stood calmly. Some still held their green leaves while others had already shed them for the season.

The water was clear and still, reflecting the trees like a mirror. A cool breeze passed through, carrying the fresh smell of grass and earth. The soft sound of water moving under the bridge added to the calm feeling. It was the perfect place to read my book and take some photos, away from the busy festival area.

There were several statues scattered across the park. I did not know all their stories, but they looked old and important. Next time, I want to learn what they mean. There were many benches and places to sit. Some were near the water, some under the trees, and others out in the open. This made the park a welcoming space where everyone could find their own quiet spot.

That quiet moment by the canal helped me feel calm again. It was a nice break from all the noise and crowds. I felt more relaxed and ready to continue with the day. Spending time there reminded me how important it is to slow down sometimes and enjoy the peaceful parts of life.

Biking to the Park and Enjoying the Day

The weather was cold that day. It was late autumn, and the wind felt stronger than usual. I knew winter was coming soon, and I could already feel myself getting a bit sensitive to the cold.

I went to Volkspark alone after biking for a while. I didn’t have any plan. I was just tired and wanted to stop somewhere quiet. I found a spot near the fountain and parked my bike. The soft sound of the water splashing was nice and calming. I sat on a bench and just stayed there for a while.

The ground was full of fallen leaves. The trees looked different now, not as green as before. Some were already bare. I didn’t feel like taking photos or walking around. I just listened to music from my mobile phone, watched the fountain, and let my mind wander.

It wasn’t a long visit, and I didn’t do much. But for some reason, sitting there doing nothing felt good. Maybe I just needed a quiet moment after everything.

Looking back, Volkspark became more than just a public park for me. It was one of the few places in Enschede where I could slow down and feel at ease, whether I was with friends or by myself. From sunny afternoons during orientation week to cold days in late autumn, the park gave me a space to breathe, think, and enjoy the moment. I didn’t expect to grow attached to it, but now it’s one of the places I’ll remember the most from my time in the Netherlands.