This post is part of a series of love letters written by travel bloggers and expats about their favorite places around the world. Read more here!
Love Letter to Rotterdam
from Jessy at Planet Pilgrims
Dearest Rotterdam,
You completely captured my heart when I visited last summer for a couple of days. My daughter and I were so lucky to be able to stay with a friend in the Old Harbour area, and we just had the most wonderful time ever.
We used to only visit Amsterdam but that has ALL changed. Rotterdam might not have the canals and not many old buildings are left after the World War II bombings, but you know what? Your wonderful citizens, your incredible diversity and your interesting modern architecture make up for ALL of that.
I mean a building like the Markethallen is just such an amazing space. Then we visited the ‘Hotel New York’, one of your historic landmarks. We had a delicious lunch at the Fenix Food Hallen and a delightful afternoon swimming at the former cruise ship SS Rotterdam when the weather was too hot to do anything else.
We saw the cutest ‘tiny houses’ in the harbour and my daughter enjoyed being the captain of her own ship when we visited Kids Marina.
The many restaurants in the Witte de Wit Street were full with what must have been almost ALL the nationalities you can imagine. We LOVED that about you Rotterdam.
You welcome people from all over the world and have become a delicious melting pot of a gazillion cultures where my daughter and I will feel very much at home. Yes, that’s true—we are actually coming after you because we want to live with you.
Much love and hugs,
Rosie & Jessy
Love Letter to Luang Prabang
from Darja of DeeGees Travel
Beloved Luang Prabang,
you probably don’t even remember me anymore, yet I can’t stop thinking about you. Ever since I stepped my foot on your ground after disembarking from the slow boat which took me down the Mekong river, I knew I was in trouble. Your gorgeous yet somewhat wild looks kept me mesmerized every second we spent together, be it watching the sun set behind your limestone karsts or swimming in the crystal clear waters of Kuang Si waterfall. I just couldn’t take my eyes off you.
Your beauty was not just in your appearance, it came from deep within your heart. I admired you for welcoming so many different people into your home and keeping an open mind, no matter how unruly some of the guests turned out to be. Darling, you are so strong yet so humble. When you opened up and let me into your heart, sharing your dreams and aspirations through the heartfelt conversations with your townsmen, my feelings grew only stronger. I love that you are ambitious.
My dear, the fact that not everyone liked you amused me and inevitably made you even more attractive in my eyes. I’ve always had a soft spot for the ones who stand out.
I know that one day we shall meet again but until then I will cherish the memory of you with every breath I take.
Forever and hopelessly yours,
Darja
Love Letter to Seattle
from Kylee at Theme Parks for Grown-Ups
Dear Seattle,
We’re coming up on our 8 year anniversary and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for being the coziest place in the U.S., complete with rainy winters and coffee shops on every corner. My favorite cozy nooks will always be Victrola, Espresso Vivace, and Storyville Coffee. And the food, the glorious food! Cafe Flora has the best vegan/omni brunch a lady could ask for. Keep those gingerbread pancakes and smoky collard greens coming!
The Space Needle is looking good now that it got a face lift. Glass floors on a 605-foot tall structure seem safe enough. Also, let’s plan a date to Discovery Park soon. I’m in need of an urban hike with views of the Puget Sound. After that, we can take in a musical at The 5th Avenue Theatre downtown. I’ll pick up some flowers and fresh fish from Pike’s Place to take home! Maybe Sunday we can take a ferry boat across the Sound to Bainbridge Island where we can look at the kitschy shops and grab a sandwich from Hitchcock. I can’t wait for summer to come back, so we can venture up to the Mt. Rainier’s Paradise Trails to pick wildflowers.
To another 8 years of rainy winters and perfect summers. And don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. Where else can I find a city that comes with views of the Cascade Mountain Range, the Puget Sound, and lush green forests?
Muah!
Kylee
Up and Gone 
Love these series, Gabrielle! What a lovely idea 🙂 Thank you for the opportunity to participate and read all these beautiful love letters 🙂