Day 3: Rain in paradise, pancakes in the garden and apple spritzer overload

Incidentally, the evening of day 2 didn't just end like that – it ended in a bar, where we took our Doppelkopf and Cabo skills to the next level. Whether they really improved is a matter of interpretation, however...

Day 3 began – how could it be otherwise – with another round or two of Doppelkopf, of course. Some call it tradition, others call it addiction. Shortly before noon, the first ones set off for the botanical garden: by bicycle or on foot, depending on their energy levels and motivation.

No sooner had we arrived than nature treated us to a little special effect: storm and rain. Very fitting for the garden theme, less so for our mood. After about five minutes of dripping wet exploration, a certain group of three (Liam, Jonas, Tom Yo) decided that a visit to a café was the better research strategy. The result: pancakes with jam – scientifically proven to be the best substitute for sunshine.

Fortified, we ventured into the Sahara greenhouse, where the temperature and humidity made you feel like you had landed in a tropical desert. Shortly afterwards, the group dispersed – most went off on their own explorations, while the infamous trio cycled back to the hostel to greet the car group (Finn, Saliha, Linea), who had arrived on Monday.

Since rumbling stomachs know no patience, we then headed to the market hall. There, we packed up every delicacy we could find – and devoured them by the river with the best view of surfers riding artificial waves. Surfing in Rotterdam? Learned something new again.

The evening then had a very special highlight: apple spritzer tasting. With Mr Bock and Ms Angebrandt, we tasted all the varieties, rigorously evaluated them and discussed them expertly. The result: fruity, tangy, guaranteed to give you a sugar rush. Fittingly, the evening ended with Yahtzee, A-level counselling and lots of laughter.

Day 3 = successful. 🌧️🥞🍏🎲