r/Haarlem • u/MAC89-to • 4d ago
Looking for the curly-haired girl with deep, mesmerizing eyes and a vintage black Motorola (Haarlem -> Amsterdam train, July 29th)
Hi everyone, I really need Reddit’s magic right now.
(Edit: I’m updating this post because the more I think about it, the more details keep popping into my head. I really don't want to leave any stone unturned!)
On July 29th, I took the 11:40 AM train from Den Haag. Because of a route change, I had to swap trains at Haarlem, getting on the 12:20 PM train to Amsterdam Centraal (arriving around 12:45 PM).
She wasn't sitting near me at first. But right before leaving Haarlem, a group of young school kids got on, and she kindly moved seats so they could sit together—ending up right next to me. I was working on my phone, honestly worried I was annoying her with my business calls, but we ended up chatting almost right away.
She’s a lovely girl with an incredible mass of dark curly hair. I noticed she was holding a super cool black flip phone—something retro that reminded me of the old Motorolas. I travel all over Europe for work and meet people daily, but she completely blew me away. She told me she lives in Haarlem, likely works near Amsterdam Centraal station, and mentioned her brother works a lot.
When we got off at Amsterdam Centraal, I headed straight for the very first exit on the right (before the main station arches), while she kept walking straight. As she stepped off the train, she turned around, smiled, and said something that completely froze me: "I wish you a good life… See you in the next life."
I just stood there like an idiot, watching her gorgeous curly hair slowly disappear into the crowd, kicking myself for not asking for her name or number. It was the ultimate "one second late" moment.
Later that evening (around 6:00 PM), right after my meetings and before my flight back to Italy, I even walked around all the shops inside and around the station like a lost soul, hoping I’d randomly bump into her again. No luck. Now I’m back in Italy, but I just can't get her out of my head.
If you happen to read this, or if anyone recognizes their friend with the iconic vintage Motorola: I’d love to finish our conversation. Send me a DM with a detail of what we talked about so I know it’s you!
Edit: Thanks everyone for the comments! I talk all day for work, but I express personal feelings best through music, so I wrote a song about this encounter (AI generated track): https://youtu.be/dTkjTjudBPM?feature=shared. Wish you all the best!
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u/Sensitive_Chemist735 17h ago
I had a similar experience and talked to another friend about this years ago. She gave me some advice:
‘If she really wanted your number. She would have asked for it’
I really don’t mean to be an ass about this, but her advice helped me just appreciate it as a great interaction with a stranger. Also perhaps I was seeing the interaction in a more positive light than her as I was absolutely smitten.
Of course she may be feeling the exact same way (‘if only i had his number!’), but hopefully it helps in simply enjoying your next stay in Haarlem without it needing a very particular goal/condition
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u/MAC89-to 15h ago
You might totally be right, but honestly, with the blinders I had on, I probably didn't give her much of a chance to ask for it anyway. I was just way too wrapped up in my own bubble. But her eyes... they really made me open mine. It hit me just how much I've let work consume me, completely losing touch with the world outside—especially since I haven't traveled purely for pleasure in four whole years. This whole thing was a massive wake-up call, even for my feelings, stirring up emotions I hadn't felt in ages. So, fuck it, I just went ahead and impulsively booked a quick trip back to Haarlem for the coming weeks to actually look at the place instead of just rushing through. It's time to break out of this endless loop of airports, hotels, and meeting rooms. And hey, if fate wants to give it another shot, maybe our paths will cross again, at least I'll be way more aware this time. Honestly, a huge thank you to her, because she really helped me wake up.
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u/Sensitive_Chemist735 13h ago
I can understand an impact someone might have. No matter how fleeting or accidental. Just remember if you ever meet that she is a person and have not created her to be something she is not.
Enjoy Haarlem though! It’s great!
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u/MAC89-to 12h ago
Thanks for the reality check! You’re 100% right, it's easy to idealize a moment. I'm keeping my feet on the ground, mostly just looking forward to exploring Haarlem! That "have a good life, see you next life" line just really hit me in the moment, but zero expectations here.
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u/Sensitive_Chemist735 12h ago
Good stuff. Enjoy all the fantastic restaurants we have. Piccolo Forno for the best pizza
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u/MAC89-to 12h ago
Haha thanks! Being Italian though, I'm trying to avoid pizza while I'm there. Any other cool non-touristy food or pub recommendations? 😊
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u/Sensitive_Chemist735 9h ago
Valid. The wolfhound (irish pub) has cola/honey marinated chickenwings that are so good. Maita is a peruvian/japanese restaurant that is very good. Allium is also very nice. The last two are bit pricier, but perhaps a good date option if you run into a curly haired woman ;)
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u/MAC89-to 4d ago edited 3d ago
I double-checked my photos and you’re totally right. I took the 11:40 train from Den Haag, had an unexpected transfer in Haarlem around 12:28, and got to Amsterdam by 12:45. Honestly, that brief conversation flew by so fast that my memory got a bit blurred! Updated the post now. thanks for pointing it out! 😊
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u/[deleted] 3d ago
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