November in the Netherlands: A Relaxed Month Before a South American Adventure

A Sweet Celebration in Geren

Reaching 3,000 subscribers felt surreal. To celebrate this milestone, we decided on a spontaneous trip to the charming town of Geren. It was a beautiful, sunny day—a rare treat in November's typically rainy Netherlands. The anticipation of cake and a pleasant stroll made the short drive feel even shorter.

We found a cozy café and ordered cake. I opted for a decadent cheesecake with a chocolate topping, while my boyfriend chose a mascarponecake with cherries. It was the perfect sweet treat to mark the occasion. We raised a toast (of sorts, with our cake and coffee) to all of you, our amazing subscribers. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

Afterward, we wandered through Geren's quaint streets, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The town itself was a delight, with its charming architecture and quiet corners. It was the kind of idyllic setting that perfectly complemented our celebratory mood. It was a simple pleasure, but exactly the right way to mark this special moment.

Last Day at Work: A Bittersweet Farewell

My last day at my current company arrived – three years and four months, the longest I'd ever stayed at one place. It felt surreal, a blend of excitement and a touch of melancholy. The day itself was a whirlwind of meetings, a fitting end to my time there.

My colleagues made the day extra special. They organized a virtual hangout and created a thoughtful mood board as a farewell gift. Such gestures highlight the importance of human connection, especially when embarking on a significant life change. It was a truly lovely, unexpected send-off.

Logging off for the final time was strangely quiet. Packing away my work-from-home computer felt symbolic, a physical act marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The feeling was definitely bittersweet; a sense of completion mixed with nervous anticipation for the unknown.

Later that evening, we celebrated with my boyfriend's brother and his fiancée. Relaxing with games, delicious wraps, and good company provided a perfect counterpoint to the day’s emotional roller coaster. The evening was a comfortable and reassuring transition into the next phase of our lives.

Searching for the Elusive Crohme

My last day of work was a whirlwind, a bittersweet mix of emotions. Later, though, the focus shifted to a new culinary adventure: the legendary *crohme*. This hybrid pastry, a cross between a croissant and a tompouce, had gone viral, and I was determined to try one. The plan? A rainy-day expedition to hunt down this mythical treat.

Armed with nothing but enthusiasm (and an umbrella), we hit the streets. The first Albert Heijn was a bust – completely sold out! A nearby bakery fared no better. Disappointment hung heavy in the air, a damp November chill clinging to us as we ventured to yet another location. Hope flickered, only to die as we found empty shelves again. We were beginning to wonder if the *crohme* was merely a delicious myth.

Just as we were about to give up, a glimmer of hope appeared. One more supermarket – our last chance. And then, there they were! A few remaining *crohmes*, glistening under the fluorescent lights. Relief washed over us, a delicious mix of triumph and sugary anticipation. We snatched them up, eager to finally taste the much-hyped hybrid.

The verdict? Surprisingly good! Sweet, flaky, and surprisingly delightful. While the French might have a collective heart attack at this fusion creation, I found myself enjoying this unexpected culinary masterpiece. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with goodbyes, and a great start to our last week at home before South America.

Packing Essentials for South America

With our South American adventure just a week away, the final preparations were in full swing. Packing for such a trip requires a bit more than just tossing a few things into a bag; you need to be strategic. The climate varies wildly across South America, from scorching heat to chilly mountain air, so layering is key. But packing light is equally important, especially when you're backpacking.

We tackled the task head-on, focusing on practical essentials. New socks were a must – a backpacking trip is nothing without comfortable, fresh socks! A rain cover for my smaller backpack was another crucial addition. I already had one for my larger pack, but this ensured my laptop and other tech would stay dry in unpredictable weather. We also stocked up on the usual suspects: muscle ache gel (trust me, you'll need it!), lip balm with high SPF, deodorant, wound spray, toothpaste, and paracetamol. You know, the standard survival kit for any long journey.

Looking back at our haul (see photo!), it didn't look all that impressive, but each item was carefully chosen for its practicality and necessity. It was a testament to the fact that sometimes, less is truly more. It was the kind of pragmatic preparation that would allow us to fully enjoy our travels without constantly worrying about logistics. Next stop: South America!

What was the highlight of the author's relaxing November in the Netherlands?

While the entire month was a period of relaxation before a South American trip, a key highlight was a celebratory trip to Geren to mark reaching 3,000 YouTube subscribers, which included cake and a stroll through the charming town.

What was the author's experience searching for the viral 'crohme' pastry?

The search for the crohme, a croissant-tompouce hybrid, was a rainy-day adventure involving multiple failed attempts at various supermarkets and bakeries. Ultimately, they found the coveted pastry and it proved surprisingly delicious.

How did the author prepare for their upcoming South American backpacking trip?

Preparation involved strategic packing focusing on essentials for varying climates, including new socks, rain cover, muscle ache gel, high SPF lip balm, and other travel necessities. The goal was light packing for backpacking comfort.