A Rotterdam Story | Chapter 9 | Echoes of the past

Driven by her discovery at the Maritime Museum, Elena embarks on a deeply personal search into her grandmother's life. Her quest brings her to unexpected corners of Rotterdam, revealing secrets that change everything she thought she knew.

A Rotterdam Story | Spoilers Podcast | S1E9

If you're a fan of spoilers, listen to the latest podcast episode, in which our hosts discuss and analyse the events of this chapter.

A morning of memories

The morning sun cast a warm glow over Rotterdam as Elena sat in her small apartment on Nieuwe Binnenweg, carefully studying the photograph she had captured on her phone from the Maritime Museum. Her grandmother, youthful and strong, stood among sailors at the bustling docks—wearing the necklace engraved with the unmistakable 'R' symbol. Elena’s mind raced, filled with questions she’d never thought to ask before.

Why had her grandmother never spoken of this part of her life? What had drawn her to Rotterdam after the war?

She zoomed in on the digital image, noticing faint handwriting at the corner: “SS Rotterdam, 1954.” The iconic ocean liner, now a beloved hotel and attraction moored permanently in Katendrecht. It seemed fitting that answers might be found aboard a ship with such deep historical roots in Rotterdam.

Crossing to Katendrecht

Elena quickly grabbed her coat and headed out, walking briskly toward Beurs station. She caught metro line D towards Maashaven. Emerging from Maashaven station, she walked along Brede Hilledijk towards the unmistakable silhouette of the SS Rotterdam.

The grand liner loomed majestically in the harbour, its crisp white hull and elegant lines hinting at its former grandeur. Climbing aboard, Elena felt a chill—half excitement, half apprehension—as if stepping directly into her grandmother's past.

Secrets on board the SS Rotterdam

Inside, she moved through stylish lounges and beautifully restored corridors, absorbing the nostalgic elegance of the ship. Old black-and-white photos lined the walls, chronicling countless journeys and passengers whose stories were now intertwined with Rotterdam's history.

Her heart skipped as she reached a corridor dedicated to the crew of the ship's golden era. Carefully examining the names and faces, Elena halted suddenly—recognizing her grandmother once again, smiling brightly among the ship's hospitality staff.

A sudden voice behind her made her jump. "Interested in the ship's history, are you?"

Elena turned to find an older man, neatly dressed in a dark jacket bearing the SS Rotterdam's emblem. His grey eyes twinkled kindly beneath bushy eyebrows.

"I'm very interested," Elena admitted softly, gesturing to the photo. "I believe this woman was my grandmother."

The man stepped closer, examining the photo thoughtfully. "Ah, the Spanish crew members. Quite unusual at the time. If you're seeking more about her, you might want to visit Hotel New York. They have some of the ship's historical displays too, and a man named Jan who’s been working there for years. Knows every old photograph by heart."

Uncovering history at Hotel New York

Following the older man's advice, Elena crossed the Rijnhaven Bridge toward Wilhelminapier, the modern high-rises towering overhead in stark contrast to the historic elegance of Hotel New York. Once the departure point for hopeful emigrants seeking new lives across the ocean, it now stood as a proud testament to Rotterdam’s resilience.

Inside, the hotel's atmosphere blended maritime nostalgia with contemporary charm. Elena approached the reception, asking for Jan. Moments later, she was greeted by a thin, middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a welcoming smile, dressed in the simple attire of the hotel's custodial staff.

"Jan," Elena began carefully, showing him the photograph on her phone. "I was told you might be able to help me."

He studied the image carefully, his brow furrowing in concentration. "Ah, yes. I recognize her. I've been working here for more than thirty years," he said proudly. "I know almost every photo on these walls."

Elena leaned in. "Did you ever hear anything about her?"

Jan nodded thoughtfully. "There were stories. She was part of a group of crew members who were said to meet in secret. Nothing official, of course. Just whispers."

Elena's breath caught. "Secret meetings?"

Jan lowered his voice. "Some said they were connected to old maritime legends—some even mentioned a group called De Verborgenen."

Elena’s pulse quickened. "You know about De Verborgenen?"

Jan gave a small, knowing smile. "Only from the stories passed down. But if your grandmother was part of that... it explains a lot."

Echoes at Wilhelminapier

Leaving Hotel New York, Elena walked slowly along Wilhelminapier's modern promenade, past buildings like De Rotterdam and the World Port Center, their glass facades gleaming in the sunlight. But her mind was elsewhere, piecing together the fragments she'd just discovered.

Her grandmother had not simply visited Rotterdam—she had been deeply connected to a secret society Elena was now determined to understand. The shadows Elena chased were more personal than she'd imagined, woven through her own family history.

Standing by the Maas, she gazed across the water towards the city center, her heart heavy with questions yet blazing with determination. Rotterdam had always been a city of secrets, resilience, and rebirth. Now, it was Elena’s turn to uncover its hidden truths—truths intertwined with her own past, waiting patiently in the shadows.