“I was seventeen when the world was at my feet. I was very talented drummer and I got accepted into the conservatory of Amsterdam. Everyone wanted to collaborate with me. I was young and curious so when a friend of mine was using cocaine and heroin, I also wanted to...
“When I turned 18 I met an Englishman who had recently opened a bar. He asked me to work for him and for the first time in my life I felt that I belonged somewhere. I was working day and night but never before I had been so happy. Finally I had a purpose. After a few...
“Five years ago a colleague of mine started a project called Amsterdam Underground. It’s a project which allows ex-addicts to give a tour through the "Red light district” and to share their personal story. When I had the possibility to become a part of this project, I...
(5/5)“When I finally arrived in Germany I saw so many refugees that I decided to continue my journey. That’s how I came to The Netherlands. Amsterdam was so different from anything that I had ever seen before. People were friendly and they all wanted to help. This...
I realize that last week’s stories were different from the regular Humans of Amsterdam stories. I also understand it’s hard to “like” a story that is so emotionally charged. I really appreciate you all for sticking around and taking the time to read these charged...
“I met her 6 years ago on an online forum for women looking for a sperm donor. I responded her call with: ‘I would be glad to help you getting a baby.’ It was the start of a long and daily email conversation. When we first met we had a beautiful day together walking...
A few months ago I interviewed Toby together with his sister Kyra and Father Joaquin about their voluntary work. Almost every night they are waiting at the Central Station to welcome refugees, handing out food and helping them to a shelter. After I posted their story...
“I was 6 weeks old when my family was deported to a concentration camp. It was 1944. My dad managed to get a job as a truck driver in the camp and that’s why we survived. We stayed in the camp for 15 months. I have no memories of that time. I was just a baby. After...
“I’m afraid that if the municipality keeps making up more rules, soon Amsterdam won’t have any street performers left. It’s a shame because we contribute to the atmosphere of the city. Every day we make hundredth’s of people laugh. Yesterday there was an old lady. She...
It has never been about the amount of likes. ‘Humans of Amsterdam’ was born out of passion for photography, storytelling and a special city called Amsterdam. Three years have passed, and even though it has never been about the amount likes, it’s amazing to see how...
“Together with my younger sister and pregnant mother we fled from Iran. I was only eleven years old but I remember everything very well. The first thing I saw when we arrived at the airport was a young couple kissing in public. Something I wasn’t used to. We were...
I have to ask.. Who is on Instagram? I thought it would be cool to expand Humans of Amsterdam to Instagram. I will be doing inspirational quotes from Humans of Amsterdam and small scenery videos of the city. If you are interested please make sure to follow:...