People of Amsterdam | Reyhaan

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 showcased another perspective that influenced their lifestyles. Read about how each individual continues to pursue their career. Take it all in. After all, the People of Amsterdam know Amsterdam best. This week: Reyhaan King,

Have there been any changes in how you work? How do you cope with those changes?

I’m only allowed in the office in alternating weeks. So in the weeks, I’m off, I try to ensure I keep sane by taking walks and calling colleagues during lunch. I miss the social interaction in the coffee corner the most.

Could you share with us about your mindset to stay motivated?

Well, I’m a professional, if my name is on a project I will make sure it goes well. My motivation at work didn’t change because of COVID. That being said I regularly ask for feedback from my colleagues because hearing about a project well done always keeps me in a good mood.

How do you continue to build relationships with the people you work with?

We have regular virtual coffee corners with the team. We catch up in meetings. In general, we try to always check up on each other to make sure we are all ok.

Could you tell us about the spot where you and your colleagues love to hangout?

My colleagues are a bit older than me, but with my interns, we would usually hang out in the bars around Bijlmer Arena. Since it’s close to the station so people can easily get home. I don’t go there now because of the availability of open-air seating.

Do you have a goal of how you’ll come out of this Covid-19 situation? Could you tell us about it and how you’re going to achieve it?

My goal was to just survive, honestly, and save money. Of course, I had dreams of being more fit and stuff, but mainly it was to remain employed. Which has been going well. In terms of fitness, I’ve taken up yoga and running. So I’m slowly getting back to my usual self.

Is there something or someone that’s helping you to get through the lockdown?

My gaming bros. We talk almost every day and without them, I would for sure be mentally broken by now.

Have you adopted anything new as a part of your lifestyle? Do you see it continuing even after the pandemic?

Doing yoga, eating more vegetarian stuff, but also just being more careful with who and where I spend my time because time is precious.

We all have something we could be proud of. Could you share with us your moment of pride during the lockdown?

Well, I’m proud I never got into Tik Tok, but aside from that. I’m always proud of myself, the world could be ending and it wouldn’t change the fact I made it through every obstacle to get to where I am, no matter what happens, I’m proud of myself.

Have you found a new spot in Amsterdam that you are going to more often?

The bar closer to my place in New West is called Lokaal va de Stad. It’s close to the World Fashion Center. It’s a cute little place with awesome IPAs and it’s right on the water. Great place to read a book in the sun.

Restaurants and local stores were closed for a while. Which one are you glad to have reopened and why?

The ones I go to also did takeaways before so I didn’t really experience a loss in my food options.

How are you going to spend your vacation days, now that you can hardly travel anywhere?

Well, I had a staycation. Rented a bungalow with friends, did a museum tour. But mostly, just being disconnected and did whatever I wanted. Basically a vacation minus the annoying posts on Insta trying to make people feel bad about not being on vacation.

Are you longing for things to complete return to what it was? Or do you have something you wish to have continued into the future?

I like how things are more spacious and people are not bumping into me. I’d like capacity limits to stay in certain contexts like bars and museums and parks. However, I would like festivals to come back. Tried a sit-down festival and it was terrible.

Do you have a tip or advice for the reader to help them get through the pandemic?

Don’t want to be THAT guy but if you’re experiencing the pandemic here, you shouldn’t complain. There are people going through this with half as much that complain 10x less. Stop being so entitled. Instead, learn how others are dealing with this pandemic without fresh water, electricity, or housing and then appreciate how easy you have it.