During our day of random city-hopping, Apeldoorn was one of those stops that surprised and delighted us. Nestled in the Dutch countryside, this town felt a little quieter than some of the other cities we had been to, but that only made it more charming — the kind of place where you can wander aimlessly and without a care in the world.
We spent the day exploring the streets with no set plan, letting our curiosity lead the way. The streets were lined with elegant historic buildings, quaint cafés, and little shops that made me want to peek inside every single one. The town was so quiet, almost like a secret waiting to be discovered which made it perfect for wandering at our own pace. Sari, exhausted from all our city-hopping (and as usual), kept falling asleep on every corner, curled up on benches or leaning against shop windows, and we couldn’t help but laugh at her little naps in the middle of our adventure.
Of course, exploring wouldn’t be complete without stopping for a warm drink or two. Each café we popped into felt cozy and inviting, offering a little break from the cold and a chance to reflect on the day so far. Sipping coffee while watching locals go about their afternoon made the city feel lived-in, warm, and welcoming.
As we wandered, we deliberately followed the streets where a few people were, finding little pockets of life — squares, and cafés buzzing softly with conversation while still enjoying the calm and charm of the quieter canals and side streets. There was a soul to the town that invited slow wandering and little moments of delight that we could only capture in both photos and lifelong memories.
Soon our time was up, and it was on to the next town for the day – Deventer. Apeldoorn may not be as famous as some Dutch cities, but it has heart, charm, and a quiet magic that made it feel like a secret we were lucky to uncover. Here’s my Apeldoorn photo diary with snapshots of quiet canals, cobblestone streets and the little adventures of three South African girls.
LIFE OF SHAL 