Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Japanese market in Leiden

The day after Rowan's birthday me and Rosalynn went to the annual Japanese market in Leiden. It was the first time I had been there and I have to say it was a fun day.
I had planned to wear Lolita that day but because I was still exhausted, from the day before, decided on something more casual and comfortable. I wore a navy blue dress with a cute crochet white collar with my new shoes. I was going for a Pastel Goth look but didn't quite succeed. But no matter I thought my outfit still looked cute.

Around 10 ish I met up with Rosalynn at the train station. She too decided on a more casual look that day. She was dressed in red and black. I loved the combination!
By chance we met a friend at the station and he was also going to the market. So we rode together. It was a fun ride; talking about Japanese food, Purikura, cosplay and just laughing most of the time.

Once in Leiden we waited at the station for more people to arrive, seeing we didn't know the way to the market. It's always better to follow a group that does know before you get lost (my logic ^.^)
We were also ever so lucky weather wise. It has been so cloudy here lately but on that Sunday it was nice and sunny. I really enjoyed the warmth.

About a 10 minute walk later we beheld a little crowded market. We soon lost our little group but that didn't bother me all too much much because I had seen a takoyaki stand and that was far more interesting at the time. But because I had forgotten to withdraw cash, at the station, we had to walk all the way back to find a cash machine. While getting money we bumped into Eline and Kimberly who were also heading to the market and we ended up hanging out together for most of the day.
Once back at the market I grabbed some delicious, and hot, takoyaki. Oh my god was it delicious but according to Rosalynn it wasn't the same as in Japan. One day soon, I hope, I will try real takoyaki!

Most of the day consisted of looking at cute merchandise, drinking remonade, taking pictures and walking outside the botanic garden.
I ended up buying mostly food and drinks and I really loved the remonade I bought! It was my first try and I have grown fond of it ever since. I think watermelon flavor is my favorite.
I  also met quite a few cosplay friends and other Lolita's who were engulfed in a wave of paparazzi photographer's every time we stopped to talk.
Because the market was small we decided to leave earlier and get some delicious hot brownie and ice cream back in our town. There was a fun fair too so we went into the fun house because that looked the least intense. I love wild and crazy rides but I wanted to go on something together with Rosalynn.
We had such a laugh in the fun house. We must have looked ridiculous at times. There was a huge, terrifying sloping treadmill which I nearly fell off of but was luckily saved by a local hero (one of the workers at the attraction *ahem*). Once standing at the top I felt rather daft while Rosalynn had a laugh attack at the bottom of the slope.
It was starting to get cold and Rosalynn had to go home which was a shame. We said our farewells and hugged each other goodbye. I always hate saying goodbye because it makes me sad :-(.
Later that night I went back to the fair with my boyfriend. I literally begged him for an hour before he finally gave in *GO ME ^.^*. I  had a lot of fun but went home with bruises from some rides but it was totally worth it xD.

Unbeknown to me I would step off this ride with a sore bum.
Did any of you attend the Japanese market in Leiden? And if so what did you do, buy?

Thanks for reading and take care!

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