Yesterday’s trip turned into one of those perfect days.

We hit the Houten Expo first — the biggest terrarium expo in the Benelux. Packed parking, lots of people, many leaving with hands full of new acquisitions, but still manageable (definitely not Efteling-peak-level chaos). Inside was a different story though… low oxygen hit us both pretty hard, so we had to step out a few times to reset. Still, absolutely worth it. My buddy saw bugs and animals he’d never seen before, mixed with species he recognized from Turkey — that alone made the trip.

It’s always a bit sad seeing so many animals in tiny containers, even if you know it’s temporary, but at least everything for sale had to pass health checks. That weeds out at least part of the unethical side of the trade.

I scored exactly what I was hoping for: two types of springtails (classic white + some chunky purple/pink ones), plus moss and duckweed — all for €20 — and a small bonus water plant I basically got at half price (€1) because I was out of coins. Can’t complain. Pretty sure u/BitchBass will approve the springtail upgrade.

We made a full round, fed some crows peanuts (as usual), then bailed when the air got too heavy. With that many people, animals, and limited ventilation (indoors, \~7000–8000 m²), you could really feel the drop in air quality. Luckily we could step outside for a smoke and some fresh air, then re-enter thanks to the stamp on our hands — although my buddy’s mum thought it was a wound when he sent her a photo, lol. He was sharing the whole experience with his family back in Turkey.

Next stop: Scheveningen. “Water Life” (a small marine zoo-type place) was closed, but we walked along the boulevard instead. Skipped the sand this time — not in the mood — but the vibe was great. Ended up with a surprisingly cheap 3-course meal (€27.50 — in Scheveningen?!) at Buena Vista. Probably still off-season pricing.

All in all: about 10 km of walking, solid energy all day, and we both crashed hard afterward — the good kind of tired. My buddy’s been doing better health-wise too, which made the whole day even better.

Simple day. Full day. Satisfying. Exactly how it should be.

It’s honestly a blessing to have an early “retirement” — we’re making the most of it, and so far, doing a pretty good job.

DILFs Without Benefits: Springtails & Sea Air Instead of Dates — Two Guys, One Expo, 10km Later, Still Not Dead Yet! (9 pictures)