Guide Paul
''I never imagined this.''
Book a City Walk? Then you will get a tour from one of our enthusiastic guides. One of these guides is Paul Meekel. Paul has been a guide for almost 10 years and has lived in Almere since 2002. He knows the city like the back of his hand and that is what makes a City Walk so much fun. He knows something about every building and can dream up the history. Curious about Paul's story and his role as a city guide? Then read on!
Who is Paul?
"Although I've had quite a few jobs, it actually always comes down to work related to the field of communication. Dealing with people comes fairly easily to me and if you combine that with what you would like to communicate or know what you want to convey to people, then you have met two important conditions for doing this work. The third condition is empathy. Practice shows that I possess at least these three qualities. In addition, I am quickly enthusiastic, which I also know how to convey to those I get to show around.''
What is your connection to Almere?
''How unique is it to live in a city designed from the first tile and stone? That fact is so unique! A city that therefore has absolutely nothing to do with organic growth from let's say 12th century, the century when many cities in the Netherlands came into being. So I guide people around a city where I am older than the city itself. How bizarre is that! Once I lived in Almere, I became more and more aware of this unique city called Almere. Because I enjoy living there so much, I find it important to convey that enjoyment in combination with the character of the city. The image of Almere is changing more and more in a positive sense.''
What makes the city special to you?
''What is special about Almere is that to this day we can still approach and question a number of people who made the city. So those are first witness statements straight from the source. That too is unique. The same goes for several residential areas in the province. Yet Almere has just that extra something. This, of course, has everything to do with the growth of the city and its population. And the related developments in areas such as culture, sports, leisure, housing and work. Almere's drive to want to be seen as a fully-fledged city means that many initiatives are being embraced. Some of these initiatives are more successful than others. But that too is part of growing.''
What do you love about being a guide?
''The first residents of Almere have been 'imported' and they are comparing their original habitat with the new city. And that can give mixed feelings. But now it is different. There are now several generations who know nothing but Almere as their city. They were born and raised there. These generations are more proud of Almere, and the nice thing is that with walking through the city, and telling the stories about the city, people start looking and thinking about Almere differently. More positive - in all my time giving guided tours, it has never happened that a group has said goodbye in a negative way. The vast majority of visitors experience Almere as an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. The nice thing about the tours is that you contribute to the image of the city. So an often-heard comment is: "I'd never have thought it...".
What are Almere's highlights?
''The vastness and diversity of the city. Which is characterised by many low-rise buildings, the opportunities to build what you dream of, like in Oosterwold. But also the principles laid down in the development and amenities of the city such as greenery, water and public transport (Almere has six NS stations, no less!). All this makes the city unique. The fact that Almere is known as the second architectural city in the Netherlands, next to Rotterdam, is surely a highlight for me. No doubt, in the coming years Almere will make itself heard and seen even more when it comes to unique and daring architecture. In addition, the extensive nature around and in Almere is important. Let's not forget the Oostvaardersplassen in particular, but also the many parks and, of course, the water.''
Enthusiastic after Paul's story? Then book a City Walk of your choice! Go for Almere Centrum, Filmwijk, Almere Haven, Regenboogbuurt or Almere Poort.
Would you like to become a guide yourself? Then send an email to info@visitalmere.com/en.