For a fair about holidays, it was unexpectedly uninspiring.
The people behind the stands are knowledgeable enough. That was not the problem. If you have a specific question in mind, then you will receive a thorough answer.
I just expected to be inspired. When I ask someone about countries in the Caucasus I am interested in that person’s experience. I want to hear what he or she loves or doesn’t love about the countries. Tell me why I definitely have to go there and not somewhere else. Tell me about the places I can’t miss and the funny things I will experience.
Instead, most stand holders just shove their flyer with group tour information into your hands. “These are our group tours. You can read more about it on our website.” Uhm, thanks, if I wanted that I would have stayed at home. (Small disclaimer: I didn’t talk to everyone, so it is possible that the stand holders I didn’t talk to were very inspiring).
After walking around for less than two hours I was losing inspiration by the minute, even though I saw so many countries I wanted to go to. Someday the holiday fair stand holders will hopefully turn to the model of “this country is cool because of 1, 2, 3; let me tell you about my experience” and sell their hotel, airline or organized tour in a more natural way. Until then I will stay at home and read blogs instead.
About the Holiday Fair in Utrecht
The holiday fair is held yearly in January in the Jaarbeurs exhibition hall next to Utrecht Central Station. For four days the halls turn into a colorful world visited by people wanting more information about holiday destinations. There are food courts serving (fast) food from many world kitchens.
It is also crowded and noisy and utterly uninspiring (to me). I don’t think I am the right audience for this fair. All the questions I have about destinations I immediately look up online. So I have no questions left to ask on the fair and am left looking for inspiring stories. For people to share their love and hate and their experiences with me, as I do with others on my blog.
About Utrecht
Utrecht is a beautiful city in the middle of the Netherlands. I lived in Utrecht for six years as a student and a new employee.
In the city center you can find many historical buildings and interesting shops and cafes around the canals. Utrecht is one of the cities (the other is Delft) I always recommend to people visiting the Netherlands. Later this year I’ll write a blog post about the must-see sights in Utrecht.
Eating out in Utrecht
After fleeing the Holiday Fair I went to restaurant Syr in the city center of Utrecht. Syr is a restaurant operated mostly by refugees. The kitchen is Syrian.
The hosts and servers were very nice and the food was great. If you are craving middle eastern food in Utrecht, then I can recommend Syr.
