“I thought I was tired of my traditional food, but in Rotterdam I cook it every month to keep that feeling of home,” says Mwai. She has been living in Rotterdam for two years, where she studies and is slowly finding her place. Mwai grew up in different countries and considers herself both Malawian and Zimbabwean.
“I was born in Kenya, but my parents are from Malawi and Zimbabwe. I think it’s important to mention both,” says Mwai. “People often recognize Zimbabwe, but Malawi tends to fade into the background. Even though both countries are equally important to me.”
Her parents’ work meant she moved around a lot: from Ghana to the United States, from Sweden to Zimbabwe, and later to Malaysia. “Rotterdam is actually the first place I chose for myself. I wanted to study in Europe, travel, and discover new cultures. Rotterdam felt modern and urban, but also rich in history and culture. That suited me well.”
A city on the move
Her first impression of Rotterdam was one of dynamism. “Everyone was on the move. It reminded me of the US, but more open. People here just talk to strangers on the street, and that immediately made me feel welcome.”
She quickly noticed how diverse the city is. “What I find special here is that people are proud of their background. If you ask someone where they come from, you often get a story about family from Kuwait or Turkey, for example. In other countries, I usually only heard: “I’m American.” Here, there is room to show both identities.
Small rituals, big sense of home
Mwai stays true to herself mainly by cooking. “Many of our traditions are community rituals, which are difficult to maintain here. But cooking is always possible. Now I cook something from Malawi or Zimbabwe at least once a month. That’s my own little ritual, a way to get closer to home.”
Pride and togetherness
She also likes the Rotterdam soccer culture. “It may sound strange, but I love the pride people feel when they celebrate Feyenoord. It doesn’t feel arrogant, but rather unifying. Everyone celebrates together, no one holds back or judges anyone else. That gives me a feeling of freedom: you can just be yourself here.”