Meet the People of Amsterdam. Here we will showcase a different Amsterdam native every week. Every Amsterdam native will share a little about their lives during quarantine, sharing their favorite spots, and what makes Amsterdam so special to them. These interviews were done during quarantine. Take it all in. After all, the People of Amsterdam know Amsterdam best. This week: Esra Onsoz, professional dancer, yoga teacher, masseur at Masaj and Freelance marketeer at Rock Your Body Playground.
How has the coronavirus changed your daily life?
Wow mayor change. All my work as a professional dancer is canceled, so no performing until who knows when. Pretty sad about that. Something new and exciting, I started teaching online yoga, never saw myself doing that. Surprisingly Iām enjoying it a lot. The responses I get from people are amazing. They appreciate it a lot and it makes me feel good that I can help and inspire people.
What things didnāt change?
Still enjoying my quality time, making nice food for myself, I love to cook! Iām taking care of my body, doing exercises and practicing yoga. I always make time for that. Thatās my little peace of mind.
Whatās your favorite spot in your home?
My favorite spot at home is my balcony when itās sunny! I have the best wind free spot where I can tan for days! Iām also a big fan of my living room. Itās super cosy and I used this free time to fix all the small things like painting and throwing away stuff I donāt need anymore.
Whatās your experience with working from home?
I can enjoy working from home, although I do miss the energy I get from being outside. Iām a very active person and I love to travel. So this working at home all the time is not my ideal situation.
What is your favorite restaurant to order from?
At the moment now my girl @NafthalyRamona is making insane home cooked soul food. You can order it via her Instagram. Big recommendation! I also love my poke bowls, Sushito is the one for me!
Did you have any plans that are cancelled now?
Yeah most definitely! My whole month of work got cancelled, so you can imagine that my financial situation got a mayor crash. I prefer to focus on what I can do or plan in these times. I feel like I have more space to be creative and come up with new plans for future work projects.
We believe in āsupport your localsā. Do you have a store in your neighbourhood that you still support?
I donāt have a lot of room to spend money other than doing groceries. I try to buy groceries at the local Turkish place in the Maasstraat. And one of my favo places to go is a small Moroccan lunch place in the Rijnstraat El mauri, I always get an espresso, a pancake with cheese, some eggs in olive oil and mango juice. And for a coffee and a walk in the park Scandinavian Embassy is the one.
What is your favorite area to go for a walk these days?
The Pijp is my to go place for everything. Love to buy a herring at the Albert Cuyp Market, get some flowers, a fresh juice and ginger shot at the beginning of the market. And top it off with a little Sarphatipark walk. I also love to walk at the Erasmus park in Amsterdam west. And I have to say the city center now is the best without all the tourists:)
What restaurant/bar/coffee shop do you miss the most?
Scandinavian Embassy. I miss my little coffee moment. And I miss Le bleu Citron, itās a small place in the 9 streets. They just opened and they have amazing wine and food made with love.
What is the first thing you are going to do when we are out of lockdown?
If we are in a Corona-free travel safe world I would directly go to Portugal to visit my cousin. And I canāt wait to go party and dance the night away.
How do you keep up with your selfcare from home?
I am eating healthy, trying to do a workout every day and keeping the mind as positive as I can. The cheat days and running to the refrigerator every 10 minutes were also there without the quarantine.
What party has been cancelled you are most sad about?
Mannnnn all the festivals in the summer… I canāt name one… itās the whole season. Mayor inner cry.
Are you eating healthier because of quarantine or less healthy?
I think itās pretty much the same, just less moving the body. Normally I run around all day, training more hours then I do now. Plus with the boredness and with a lot of extra Netflix and chill comes popcorn & snacks #confession.
