A Dutch Adventure: Castles, Cakes, and Coastal Charm – A Weekend Getaway Vlog

Enjoying the SL Cafe SL Terrace

After our fascinating (if slightly uneven) tour, we headed straight for the SL Cafe SL Terrace. It's right next to the castle, a perfect spot for a relaxing break. The terrace itself was delightful; sunny and bustling with a surprisingly large number of peacocks casually preening themselves.

I ordered an iced tea and a slice of carrot cake. The cake was, quite simply, amazing. It was moist, perfectly spiced, and a welcome treat after our historical explorations. I had some trouble deciding between the various cakes and pastries on offer, but I was more than happy with my final choice.

The SL Cafe SL Terrace was more than just a place to grab a bite; it offered a charming view of the castle grounds and a tranquil atmosphere. Peacocks aside, it was the ideal place to unwind and recharge before our next adventure.

A Visit to the Pumpkin Factory and Flower Field

Our autumnal adventure continued with a trip to a charming pumpkin factory. It wasn't some massive industrial operation; rather, it felt like someone's home had been delightfully transformed into a pumpkin emporium. Mini pumpkins, large pumpkins, pumpkins of every imaginable shape and size – it was a delightful sight. And the smell! Freshly baked pumpkin cake, still warm from the oven, was offered as a tempting sample. Naturally, we succumbed to this delicious invitation.

Fully pumpkin-satisfied, we then journeyed to a nearby flower field. I'd been here before in the spring, a vibrant explosion of tulips. This time, autumn had painted a different picture. Instead of tulips, it was a sea of dahlias and sunflowers, a surprisingly stunning autumnal palette. The relative lack of crowds made for a much more peaceful photo opportunity than my previous spring visit. We spent a good few hours there, lost in the beauty of these late-blooming giants.

A Family Day at the Beach

After our whirlwind tour of pumpkin patches and flower fields, we decided on a family beach day. My dad and his wife, visiting from Switzerland, joined us. It was a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful Dutch coast, a welcome change of pace from our earlier adventures.

Katwijk aan Zee, a beach relatively close to Leiden, was our destination. The bus ride was short, only about 20 minutes. We even managed a walk through a nearby nature area before hitting the sand. The combination of fresh sea air, the sound of the waves, and the relaxed atmosphere was incredibly refreshing.

My dad enthusiastically sampled some sea buckthorn berries along the shoreline – a quintessential Dutch seaside experience, he claimed. We spent a good portion of the afternoon building sandcastles, playing frisbee, and simply soaking up the sun. The family time was wonderful, a perfect blend of relaxation and simple pleasures.

Later, back in Leiden, we indulged in a local culinary delight: Dutch raw herring. My dad bravely tried it for the first time, a memorable experience for all of us. That evening, a relaxed dinner together capped off a truly delightful family day. The beach offered the perfect ending to our autumnal escape.

Hotel Breakfast and Departure

The next morning dawned bright and cheerful. My dad and his wife, Meta, were leaving for Switzerland that afternoon, so we decided to squeeze in one last breakfast together before they headed to the airport. Their hotel included breakfast, and I happily joined them – a perfect way to start the day and to say goodbye.

It was a relaxed and lovely meal, filled with easy conversation and shared memories of our adventures. We reminisced about the pumpkin factory, the dahlia fields, and the surprisingly good raw herring. It felt like the perfect, low-key ending to a wonderful few days with family. The lingering sweetness of the breakfast, much like the whole trip, was a pleasant reminder of happy times.

After breakfast, I walked them to the bus stop, a gentle goodbye in the crisp morning air. As they left, I knew the memories we’d made – and the lingering taste of that hotel breakfast – would stay with me long after they boarded their flight.

Exploring Amsterdam: Views, Museums, and a Parade

After a lovely farewell breakfast, I hopped on a train to Amsterdam, eager to reunite with my friend Mia. We hadn't seen each other since springtime, and a day of exploration was just the thing. The journey itself was pleasant, offering glimpses of the Dutch countryside as we sped towards the city.

Our first stop was the Foam Photography Museum. Mia had scored us free tickets, a lucky break! We explored exhibits showcasing AI in photography – fascinating, though a bit unusual – and the work of Ara Güler, a Turkish photojournalist whose images of Istanbul were truly captivating. It was a nice blend of cutting-edge technology and historical context.

Afterward, we grabbed a quick and delicious lunch at a charming bagel place. The rain started to fall, but undeterred, we waited for the annual Halloween parade. While the actual parade proved rather underwhelming from our viewing spot, the anticipation and the unexpected detour into a cozy bookstore to escape the downpour added to the day's charm.

By late afternoon, we were back on the train, tired but happy. Amsterdam, even with a slightly disappointing parade, had offered a perfect mix of captivating art, delicious food, and unexpected adventures. The city's energy, even on a rainy day, was infectious.

What's the difference between the English and Dutch audio tours at De Vliegende Duif castle?

The Dutch audio tour provides a detailed history of the castle and its inhabitants, while the English version is shorter and focuses more on the castle's furniture and textiles.

What makes the SL Cafe SL Terrace a unique dining experience?

Besides offering delicious cakes like the amazing carrot cake, the terrace provides a charming view of the castle grounds and a tranquil atmosphere, with the added bonus of peacocks roaming freely.

What was notable about the author's autumn visit to the flower field?

Unlike her previous spring visit filled with tulips, the autumn visit offered a stunning display of dahlias and sunflowers, and a much more peaceful atmosphere due to fewer crowds.