A Relaxed Leiden Weekend: Vlogging, Beaches, and Boba

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Leiden Canal Cruise and Evening Adventures

Evening Boat Trip in Leiden

My new vlog camera hadn't arrived, a slight bummer, but the excitement of the evening boat trip quickly overshadowed that minor inconvenience. Twenty other girls, a mix of friends and new faces from an expat group, were joining me for a two-hour cruise around Leiden. I was thrilled; the prospect of beautiful city views and good company promised a fun night.

The weather was perfect – not too hot, not too cold. Ideal for a canal cruise. The boat itself was… charmingly low to the water, leading to some hilarious moments as we navigated the city’s many bridges. Warnings about low-hanging bridges and the importance of keeping hands inside the boat were issued frequently (and with good reason!). We passed under bridges that felt incredibly close, even a long, dark one that briefly plunged us into almost total darkness – a genuinely unexpected and memorable experience.

The atmosphere onboard was lively and friendly. Lots of laughter punctuated the journey, fueled by the unique experience and the camaraderie of the group. It felt like one of those experiences where the unexpected quirks and moments of shared silliness ultimately enhanced the charm of the whole trip. Leiden's canals, beautifully illuminated in the evening, provided a stunning backdrop to our memorable adventure.

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Relaxed Mornings and Cozy Brunches

Morning Routine & Brunch

After a night of canal-side merriment, waking up felt… surprisingly easy. The kind of easy that only comes after a truly fun night, the sort where you're still smiling as you drift off to sleep. I’d spent the morning editing, a pleasant and productive way to ease into the day.

Then, it was time for brunch! My boyfriend and I took a leisurely stroll to a local shop to pick up supplies. The streets were quiet, the air still cool with the lingering scent of the previous night's adventures. There's something incredibly satisfying about a slow, unhurried morning, especially after a busier than usual weekend.

Our chosen brunch spot? A charming little tea house. It was adorable, a perfect spot for a relaxed meal. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, just the right mood for savoring a delicious brunch in good company. The food was lovely; a perfect ending to a delightfully slow morning.

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New Camera, Home Workouts, and Beach Days

New Camera Arrival & Home Workout

Finally! My new Sony ZV-1 camera arrived. It's tiny, perfect for vlogging, and I'm already dreaming of all the possibilities. I grabbed some accessories too, eager to start experimenting with different shots and angles. The excitement was palpable; a tiny, convenient powerhouse in my hands.

After a quick test run (I still need to delve into the settings!), it was time to sweat. My boyfriend and I tackled a home workout. It was a great way to unwind after the canal cruise, and having a shared activity felt strangely grounding after the busy weekend. The energy was high, and surprisingly, we both found ourselves grinning despite the exertion. A perfect end to a perfectly imperfect day.

Beach Day & Lunch

After a productive morning spent editing, the promise of 28-degree weather lured us to the beach. The sun was shining, the perfect temperature for a swim.

The water was surprisingly pleasant, though the waves made for a less relaxing, more exhilarating experience. Still, a dip in the ocean is always refreshing, even when battling a bit of surf. We dried off quickly and headed to a nearby beach bar for lunch.

The beach bar offered a delightful array of options. I opted for a falafel bowl, my boyfriend went for a bread with egg, ham and cheese, and a friend chose chick masala with naan. It was the perfect casual beachside lunch – simple, satisfying, and a welcome respite from the sun.

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Evening Relaxation and Weekend Reflections

Evening & Next Day Plans

The canal cruise was a blast! Twenty girls, a mix of friends and new faces, and a charmingly low boat made for a night filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. Navigating those low-hanging bridges was an adventure in itself; we even experienced a brief plunge into near-total darkness under one particularly long bridge. It was the kind of unexpected fun that makes a memory truly stick.

Waking up after such a fun night was surprisingly easy. A productive morning of editing followed, which nicely eased me into the day. Then, it was brunch time! A leisurely stroll to a charming tea house and a delicious meal with my boyfriend made for a perfect, relaxed start to the day. The calm of that morning was a welcome contrast to the busy weekend.

Later, my new Sony ZV-1 camera finally arrived! The tiny powerhouse was already inspiring ideas for future vlogs. After a quick test run, my boyfriend and I hit the gym for a home workout, a great way to unwind. The beach was our afternoon destination; the 28-degree weather was irresistible. A refreshing swim in the ocean, followed by a casual beachside lunch at a nearby bar, capped off a wonderfully imperfect day.

Pizza and Evening Wrap-up

After a busy weekend filled with canal cruises and beach days, a quieter evening felt perfectly deserved. My boyfriend and I decided to order pizza – a classic choice for a relaxed night in. The pizzas arrived, enormous and delicious, adding a welcome feast to the end of our adventure.

We enjoyed our massive slices while catching up on episodes of 'How I Met Your Mother,' the perfect lazy-evening background noise. The sunset painted the sky in beautiful colours, and the city lights twinkled below. It was the ideal ending to a weekend packed with both excitement and unexpected calm.

Feeling the exhaustion after a night of little sleep, spent caring for a friend, we decided against any further plans. Sometimes, a weekend of spontaneity leads to a slightly tired but very content end, and that's perfectly okay. A low-key evening, filled with simple pleasures, was exactly what I needed.

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FAQ

What was the highlight of the Leiden weekend?

The evening canal cruise in Leiden was a major highlight, filled with laughter and unexpected adventures like navigating low-hanging bridges and a brief plunge into darkness under a long bridge. The overall atmosphere and camaraderie of the group added to the memorable experience.

How did the vlogger's new camera impact the weekend?

The arrival of the new Sony ZV-1 vlog camera added excitement. Although it arrived late, it allowed for documenting the rest of the weekend and fueled enthusiasm for future vlogging projects.

What was the overall tone and pace of the weekend?

The weekend was a mix of exciting activities like the canal cruise and beach trip, balanced with relaxing moments such as brunch, a home workout, and a quiet evening with pizza and TV. The vlogger embraced a spontaneous and flexible approach, adapting to unexpected situations and prioritizing rest when needed.