CLUB ADVENTURES: DE SCHOOL

The following is a personal story that delves into the inclusive spirit of club culture, offering a brief window into the bonds of friendship, community, and connection it fosters among individuals from diverse backgrounds. I hope you enjoy it! 

In the spring of 2016, I found myself in Amsterdam on a crisp early evening. Clad in a black leather jacket and sporting a pair of Black Puma Clydes with gum soles, I had wired headphones peeking out from under my shirt, playing the beats of Solar Sampler by Maceoplex. Seated at a kebab stall, its name eluding my memory, I eagerly awaited my meal. Beside me were two men, approximately my age, engaged in loud conversation and laughter. Curious about their experience, I asked about the food and their time in Amsterdam. After detecting their distinctive accents, I asked where they were from. "Germany," replied the long-haired gentleman across from me. "I am Hans, and this is my brother-in-law (whose name I regrettably forgot)."

At that moment, I was traveling solo across Europe. My journey had begun in Prague, continued by train into Germany, and eventually led me to Amsterdam. The preceding weekend had been a whirlwind of clubbing adventures, including visits to renowned venues like Berghain, Katerblau, and Sissphos over three intense days. One of the aspects I cherished about traveling alone was the serendipitous encounters it fostered. Solo adventures inevitably brought forth unexpected situations and impromptu invitations. Loneliness and uncertainty might punctuate the journey, but whether you were 10% or 85% into your trip, these remarkable moments always found you. You simply needed to embrace the anticipation and trust that the universe held remarkable plans in store.

Our conversation continued throughout our meal. I discovered that my table neighbors not only hailed from Germany, but that one of them happened to be a DJ, that we shared favorite artists and that they also saw club culture as an influence on their identities. We continued our conversation eagerly, exchanging tales of our Berlin escapades, shared clubbing anecdotes and adventures, and discussed our favorite techno and house DJs.

As I concluded my meal, Hans extended an invitation: "What are you doing tonight? Would you like to join us at a club? It's quite famous, and I think you'll love it." Curious, I inquired, "Which club?" Hans swiftly replied, "De School. It's one of the best clubs in the world, located in an old school building. I guarantee you've never experienced anything like it." Without hesitation, I declared, "Why not? Let's do it." (A cardinal rule of solo travel: as long as it seems safe, always say YES.)

I reached for my phone to call an Uber, but one of them interjected, "No, no, no – we'll take you on our bikes." Glancing around, I noticed only two bicycles. "Are you sure?" I asked. They nodded, laughter in their eyes, their worries seemingly dissipated after a few beers during dinner.

With that, I climbed onto the back of Hans' bike, gripping the shoulders of this newfound acquaintance. We embarked on a 30-minute bike ride to the club, an adventure in itself. Looking back, this guy was an absolute MVP, but I believe he knew deep down that he was crafting an unforgettable memory and a hilarious story for the ages. None of us had a clear idea of our destination during that bike ride. Amidst the pitch-black night, astride a subpar rental bike, guided by a feeble headlamp, and juggling bad service for Google Maps with one hand, both brothers bickered in German as we took the occasional wrong turn and made pit stops. Finally, a distant light came into view – we had arrived. The queue outside the club wound its way around the building, prompting me to exclaim, "Oh no, can we get in?" Hans reassured me, "Don't worry, we're on the guest list, and you're with us." In hindsight, considering the amount of clubbing I had done, it was astonishing that I hadn't known about De School's existence. Yet here I was, a solo traveler with an interest in the scene, devouring a kebab in Amsterdam, unexpectedly crossing paths with two German techno enthusiasts, one of them a DJ, and securing entry to one of the world's most exceptional clubs via the guest list.

The night unfolded into an epic adventure, with the club's atmosphere proving even cooler than expected. We frequently ventured outside to sip on bright blue slushie alcoholic concoctions that we humorously dubbed "Tropical Vacations." The basement reverberated with thunderous music, lockers lined the walls, and converted old classrooms showcased intriguing art. The night was brimming with captivating conversations, hearty laughter, and unforgettable moments. As 7:30 AM approached, I returned to my hostel, managing to grab a quick three-hour nap before being awakened by someone playing Justin Bieber's "What Do You Mean" on an iPhone speaker.

Remarkably, I never exchanged contact information with Hans or his brother-in-law throughout the night. Their faces, the memories, and the moment itself were absorbed into the wild tapestry of rave stories and characters that we all encounter. Traveling alone was undeniably exhilarating, and clubs held their allure, but this particular experience epitomized the incredible sense of community that rave culture fosters. It's a community marked by openness, fun, and inclusivity, all bound together by a shared love for music and a non-judgmental ethos. My urging to you is to embrace opportunities and extend invitations. Create these lasting memories, trust in the serendipity of life, and rest assured that amazing stories will unfold. Many of you may already be familiar with this, but for those who aren't, give it a try! You're bound to accumulate some amusing stories to share in the future.