I have my breakfast at home while reading my newspaper, and drinking a homemade cappuccino. I love to have the typical fresh Dutch bread from Hartog’s bakery (Ruyschstraat 56, Amsterdam). Nowhere else in the whole world will you find such bread. Going to this bakery is also a good idea for early birds because they open the shop at 6.30 in the morning. On Saturday mornings, at the corner of the Ruyschstraat and the Wibautstraat — not far from where I live — a breadline outside of Hartog’s Volkorenbakkerij (Hartog’s Wholegrain Bakery) is a happy sight representing an attractive recreational activity bringing in the weekend with style. There’s no grim-faced despondence or weary grumbling in the line that can wrap itself around the corner, with dozens of expectant Amsterdammers. In fact, locals smile and nod at each other as they wait their turn to step into the bustling golden alcove of fresh breads and baked goods, where customers gladly pay €2,65 for a single loaf of bread. And they do it day after day, week after week. It’s something desirable, high-quality, and maybe even a bit fashionable.
