Europe's Best Cycling Infrastructure? | Exploring Antwerp By Bike

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  • Опубликовано: 30 янв 2025

Комментарии • 143

  • @bike.breath
    @bike.breath  5 дней назад +3

    Check out our merch shop! bikebreath.com

  • @probablyriding
    @probablyriding 5 дней назад +31

    Insane level of bike infrastructure over there. Now they just need to add more toilets!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +3

      I couldn’t agree more on both fronts!

    • @Josukegaming
      @Josukegaming 4 дня назад +1

      Hey it's you!! Love your videos! You need to visit the Netherlands, it's even better than this! Especially Utrecht and Houten.

    • @Garden_Core99
      @Garden_Core99 4 дня назад +3

      We need a bike breath, probably riding collab.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад +3

      @@Garden_Core99 if only I wasn’t an 18 hour flight away! Haha, maybe some day I’ll get to Seoul!

    • @Dutchbelg3
      @Dutchbelg3 3 дня назад

      If you are looking for public toilets: Yes they are sparsely distributed. Usually at train stations and other public buildings. However a bar or cafe or restaurant will always have a toilet and if you order some small dish or drink they are free access.

  • @michieldebuck
    @michieldebuck 5 дней назад +9

    The restaurant is probably Camino in Antwerp, I recognise the plate.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +1

      Yes that's the one! Haha I love that you recognized it by the plate :) Thank you!

  • @magenof1440
    @magenof1440 5 дней назад +13

    If you're ever back in Belgium and looking to be more in nature be sure to check out the Kempen and Limburg regions. They have awesome cycling routes!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      I’d absolutely love to come back! It was one of my favourite cities I’ve ever visited. Thanks for the suggestion, another trip out into nature would be perfect!

    • @zeveroarerules
      @zeveroarerules 3 дня назад

      De Kempen is deadly on a bike though. Beware of car drivers, they are speeding, everywhere.

    • @knutselaardre1272
      @knutselaardre1272 2 дня назад +1

      @@zeveroarerulesI disagree with you. Cycling in the Kempen (Limburg and Antwerp) is not more dangerous than anywhere else, on the contrary. Of course, just like everywhere else in the world, there are also here fools who think that the highway code is not meant for them. Maar jij zevert nu eenmaal graag over alles 🙄

    • @zeveroarerules
      @zeveroarerules 2 дня назад

      @@knutselaardre1272 goed geprobeerd.
      Drivers in De kempen are on another level. They are awful.

  • @taihaole4900
    @taihaole4900 5 дней назад +5

    The central station is probably my favorite building in Belgium. Glad you took a few moments to appreciate it!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +1

      It’s an unbelievable way to start the trip! Absolutely stunning :)

  • @MatthewVandeputte
    @MatthewVandeputte 5 дней назад +8

    Very nice to see my hometown like this!

  • @SoupcatMan
    @SoupcatMan 5 дней назад +4

    Pretty sure you passed my house. You touched on the better spots in antwerp definitely! Butchers coffee is a staple here, nice to see someone not doing the touristy things and just enjoying the scenery. We don't have that much 'tourist' exhibits, when visiting antwerp the best is to just take it easy and enjoy the locals. Thanks for the info on the first picking of the coffee beans! Didn't know that!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Thanks so much for watching! I'm always trying to replicate the experience of a day in the life of a local so nice to get the stamp of approval :)

  • @LPhil
    @LPhil 2 дня назад

    Super cycling infras and city indeed! Really enjoyed Ghent as well

  • @jackf1841
    @jackf1841 День назад

    Antwerp is my favorite city in Belgium and even Europe. It's the perfect mix of old & new, with a vey laid back, relaxed atmosphere. Next time don't forget to visit the 'Eilandje' ('little island') district, it's a former docklands area transformed into a lively area with museums (as the "MAS", biggest museum in the city with free rooftop access), bars, restaurants, food markets in old warehouses,... ❤

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  День назад

      Ouu yes I meant to try to get to the Mas, that's the one with the incredible view from the roof. Next time for sure. I think Antwerp might have the title for my favourite European city so far as well! Maybe tied with Bergen :)

  • @oliviernauwelaers4482
    @oliviernauwelaers4482 5 дней назад +11

    Hey, I really like the video, thanks for making it! :) just a small correction: at 2:20, you're cycling in the "Kennedy fietstunnel", not the historic "Sint-Annatunnel". The latter is almost 100 years old and has the authentic wooden escalators, maybe something for next time? :)

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +1

      I had stars in my eyes the whole trip, I guess didn't even know where I was - one for next time for sure! Thanks for letting me know and for watching

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +1

      @@oliviernauwelaers4482 oh wow, thanks for that! Our mistake, thanks for pointing that out.

    • @kristofprovost
      @kristofprovost 4 дня назад +1

      Thanks! I was about to make that comment too.
      On the bright side, the Kennedy fietstunnel is also fun, especially because a lot of people only know it as a highway tunnel and you can confuse them telling you cycled through the Kennedytunnel.

    • @kristofprovost
      @kristofprovost 4 дня назад +3

      In fact, you cycled past the entrance to the St. Anna tunnel at 6:00.

    • @Squizie3
      @Squizie3 3 дня назад +1

      It's funny to see someone amazed by the quality of what is locally considered an absolutely trashy outdated piece of infrastructure, with small half-of-the-time broken lifts, a tunnel smelling like an exhaust pipe and old entrance ramps with uneven tiled pavements. This tunnel will be replaced by a quite massive bike bridge in a few years time, which will provide a much nicer ride without any elevators involved. And obviously, it's going to be much wider and paved in smooth asphalt instead of those uneven pavements.

  • @1jupski
    @1jupski 4 дня назад

    Love this! Gets me excited for cycling and city exploring. My partner and I have had a few weekends in Paris over the past few months and we think you would love it. Great cycling and so many cool places to explore.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      Too funny- I actually flew in via Paris and I didn't realize until I was there how incredible it is for cycling. I was so grumpy about the cost of hotels (It was worse than usual because it wasn't long after the Olympics + I booked a but last minute) that I only spent 24 hrs there! Next time I will definitely make a weekend out of Paris and find myself a good rental bike before hoping the Eurostar!

  • @JohnMcQueen
    @JohnMcQueen 4 дня назад

    Great video and narration. Totally got me excited to go visit someday. The perfect video after my ride today while on the couch with a coffee. Hi from Oregon!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад +1

      Ou Oregon seems to have great riding as well! Hope it was a good one and thanks for watching :)

  • @TheRileyable
    @TheRileyable 5 дней назад

    Another fantastic vid! Editing, photos and brief history! Keep it up.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Thanks so much for the support!

  • @janicwesseling5082
    @janicwesseling5082 День назад

    Nice that you liked our city and I liked the vibe of the video. There are complaints about the lack of good bicycle infrastructure in Antwerp. My opinion is that there is still a lot of work, but they already changed a lot and I enjoy riding my bike in Antwerp.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  День назад +1

      Always encouraging when cities continue investing, but I thought what's existing was stellar compared to most North American cities at least!

    • @janicwesseling5082
      @janicwesseling5082 День назад

      @@bike.breath Mostly we don't look at how good our infrastructure is compared to North America, we compare it with the Netherlands. We have a lot of catching up to do. But I ride my bike to work, 35 minutes with the bike or 1 hour with my car.

  • @pieterlyssens7167
    @pieterlyssens7167 4 дня назад

    Beautiful video so lovely you gave Belgium a chance also great to see you visit my hometown Kruibeke and checking out our polders.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад +1

      Thanks for the kind words! I can’t get over how beautiful Belgium is ❤️

    • @pieterlyssens7167
      @pieterlyssens7167 4 дня назад

      @ ❤️

  • @cafelife1252
    @cafelife1252 5 дней назад

    Super cool video as always! Love the vibe

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      @@cafelife1252 thanks for checking it out!

  • @robsteries
    @robsteries 5 дней назад

    wow, it's really cool to see how you put your video's clips together in one beautiful video. + When you look at Ensors' work it's amazing to see how ahead of his time he really was.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Thanks a lot! We try our best to capture the feeling of experience. I appreciate you watching the video!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +1

      And I totally agree he was so ahead of his time! I hadn't seen his work for years and now I think he may be my favourite colourist! The contrast of the impressionist palette with the unsettling imagery is 11/10 if you ask me :)

    • @robsteries
      @robsteries 5 дней назад

      @@bike.breath Yes, it's almost a stand off with the rest of the impressionists of that time, knowing that impressionism already was a stand off against the academic school. btw, did you get my comment for visiting the Verbeke Foundation? You will love it.

  • @julianallen515
    @julianallen515 4 дня назад

    I love Antwerp, no better way to finish a day on the bike than with St Bernard's and Stoverrij. Based on your previous video to Ghent you should go to Oudenaarde and Ypres next trip to Belgium.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      Ou good recommendations, they both look gorgeous! Thanks for watching :)

  • @deek5252
    @deek5252 4 дня назад

    Beautiful city. When you arrive by train the station alone is an iconic European station that's is hard to beat for design and artitecture. Then yo walk out the doors and all the diamond 💎 shops. So much to do and see.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      Agreed, the train station and surrounding area is a really impressive greeting!

  • @gekondamiano
    @gekondamiano 3 дня назад

    When it comes to the ideal place for a cyclist in Europe, I recommend Copenhagen. On a bike and not only, this city makes an incredible impression. The cycling infrastructure and the number of cyclists is stunning.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад +1

      High on the list! I've been once for a quick work trip but didn't fit in much riding other than a quick spin on a city bike. Can't wait to go back!

  • @Bramborambo100
    @Bramborambo100 4 дня назад +1

    Actually really funny to see someone on youtube cycling to the to the town I live next to. If you ever need a cycling tourguide in Belgium, let me know 🤠

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      Such a beautiful place to ride!

  • @wanneske1969
    @wanneske1969 3 дня назад +1

    Great video. A tip : watch out for the train tracks, they could be dangerous when cycling.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад

      They almost got me a time or two! Especially when I was going slow lol

    • @wanneske1969
      @wanneske1969 3 дня назад

      @ I once fell, luckily enough no tram or car in sight ! Greetings from Antwerp

  • @Patiboke
    @Patiboke 4 дня назад +1

    I'm from Antwerp. We have safe and comfortable cycle lanes but I'm a little surprised you didn't get annoyed by the traffic lights. They suck big time.

  • @SHFT101
    @SHFT101 4 дня назад

    I did not see "Kruibeke" coming lol, 9150 represent!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      It was so cute out there! I really wanted to try the tunnels because I'm kind of an infrastructure nerd lol

  • @davidl9942
    @davidl9942 3 дня назад

    Great video and vibes! What camera do you use to shoot photos? Thanks!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад +1

      Thanks for watching! It's the Fuji X100V :)

  • @MacMasore
    @MacMasore 4 дня назад

    3:11 I work very close to that military base but I take the “voetgangerstunnel” instead of the St Anna tunnel

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      @@MacMasore The tunnels are so amazing, I wish we had something like that in Canada!

  • @Stoffelinobe
    @Stoffelinobe День назад

    Nice video, but I'm afraid I spotted a mistake; that wasn't the Sint-Annatunnel you where cycling trough, that's more in the center. This was The Kennedy Cycling Tunnel.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  День назад

      Someone else mentioned that as well, will need to see the Sint-Annatunnel next time :) Thanks for watching!

  • @grahamrobertson9170
    @grahamrobertson9170 5 дней назад

    Copenhagen is an awesome biking city, if you haven't already had the pleasure then definitely put it on your list.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +1

      I’ve always wanted to ride from Copenhagen to Malmö! I went to Copenhagen on a work trip a long time ago and didn’t get to ride, so I’m due to return :)

  • @4t0m5k
    @4t0m5k 5 дней назад +3

    I love it! Kruibeke in 2:52 = Cruy-bee-cke :D
    Totally agree on not overstressing your day out with objectives to attain. I believe the best discoveries and greatest adventures are serendipitous, and appear by themselves as you venture into the world with open eyes and an open heart. Good bike infrastructure also helps :D

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Thanks for the tip on pronunciation! And absolutely, trust the process and you’ll have a great trip :)

    • @4t0m5k
      @4t0m5k 5 дней назад

      You had stoofvlees! ("stewmeat"), which is as Belgian as it gets! With frietjes and mayonaise, I hope :) Stoofvlees is usually also prepared with a dark beer.

    • @4t0m5k
      @4t0m5k 5 дней назад

      Last spam, I promise! If you get the chance to cycle in Haspengouw, Limburg, during spring, you'll be on our bike highways, surrounded by fields, meadows, forest, brooks, and orchards blooming, with quaint little towns and fietscafés (bike cafés).

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Really cool! You’re the second person to recommend Limburg, I’ll have to come back. I can only dream of a “bike highway” back home in Canada. Thanks for sharing!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Cool to know the name of the stew meat! Thank you! The food and beer were incredible!

  • @RideAllTheBikes
    @RideAllTheBikes 5 дней назад +4

    Just another reason why us bike-loving Americans really need to move to Europe.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +4

      I definitely came home with the thought of moving to Antwerp! 😆

    • @Foinnse
      @Foinnse 5 дней назад

      I mean certainly the Netherlands and belgium have great infrastructure - but Europe is a big old place and its not like this everywhere

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      @@Foinnse For sure, I was visiting a friend in London, England after this (I know, not Europe) and the cycling was way more difficult.

    • @Foinnse
      @Foinnse 3 дня назад

      @@bike.breath that’s where I live! Parts are not so bad, and overall I like cycling in London because I find it just changes my feeling about the city somehow - I’m not always a fan of this city I’ve ended up in, cycling around it gives me more ownership of the place somehow. But it can be pretty hairy at times - lots of angry and impatient drivers that don’t like to share the road sometimes. 😅
      Also - I mean the UK is still in Europe. It’s still a country in the European block, it’s just not in the EU anymore. Which has changed the place a lot I think. I’ve lived here ten years and it’s just gone backwards since then…. I will escape one day.

  • @goki22
    @goki22 5 дней назад

    Bike is gorgeous… so is Belgium…

  • @thelucky1
    @thelucky1 5 дней назад +4

    That is the best pronounciation of Kruibeke i've ever heard, you make it sound so cute ^^ - On another note I'd have to shout out taking the fietsostrade (bike highway) down to my hometown of Mechelen, it's a cute historical town and the surrounding rivierenland (riverlands) is great for cycling: from there you could take the cycling path along the canal all the way to the historical university city of Leuven

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Thanks for the tip! I’d absolutely love to go back, it easily was one of my favourite cities I’ve ever visited. A bike highway sounds interesting!

  • @Josukegaming
    @Josukegaming 4 дня назад +2

    If you think the bike infrastructure here is impressive, you absolutely have to go north to the Netherlands! It's literally the best in the world up here. Utrecht in particular has amazing urban planning and bike paths, and my favorite medieval city center ive ever been to. So glad to live here.
    Overall very lovely video, I love your style and commentary!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      @@Josukegaming Netherlands is definitely on our list for one of the next times we leave Canada :)
      Thanks so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it!

  • @cyclant
    @cyclant 3 дня назад +2

    Glad to provide you with a bike and to recommend one of our favorite coffee places! 🚲⭐👌

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад +2

      And a great route suggestion, thanks again!

  • @wanneske1969
    @wanneske1969 4 дня назад

    Antwerp is not a small city, it's the biggest city of Flanders and after Brussels, the biggest in Belgium.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад

      A perfect size I'd say! I think it's just our North American viewpoint as we're used to cities that are 2M+- I usually describe our city (Ottawa, 1M) as a small city!

    • @wanneske1969
      @wanneske1969 3 дня назад

      @@bike.breath Antwerp is not Berlin or London but it's not small for Belgian standards. The port goes all the way to the Dutch border.

  • @estherross1
    @estherross1 5 дней назад +2

    Great video. I live in antwerp, it's always fun to see our city though different eyes.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +1

      You have a beautiful city! Thanks for checking out the channel :)

  • @kristofprovost
    @kristofprovost 4 дня назад

    And I have to be even more pedantic:the St. Bernardus you had is not in fact a trappist beer. (Authentic trappist beers have to be brewed by trappist monks, inside the abbey.). Tasty stuff, yes, but not an authentic trappist.
    Pedantry aside, very nice video.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад +1

      Thanks for watching, that's good to know! Next time I get to visit I'm going to make sure to prioritize learning more about the beers!

  • @JayGrrl
    @JayGrrl 3 дня назад

    Not all of North America, we have it pretty good in Minneapolis:)

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад

      True I've seen videos but never been, will need to add it to the list :)

  • @Ioofty
    @Ioofty 2 дня назад

    I'm really digging the animations, graphics, and over all editing of your videos. The travel videos have been great!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  2 дня назад +1

      Ah thank you so much, we a good ol' time putting them together:) Appreciate you tuning in!

  • @Michiel003
    @Michiel003 День назад

    With going to antwerpen centraal "regularly" as a kid I don't really see the beauty in it anymore, for me it's just the station😅

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  День назад

      The station is definitely out of this world!

  • @MeaplessxD
    @MeaplessxD День назад

    I get to visit the station every morning on my commute to work. nice and peaceful view of Antwerp & Belgium, thanks!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  День назад

      Oh man what a great way to start the day! Thanks for watching :)

  • @alexdorsey1311
    @alexdorsey1311 5 дней назад

    Sick! I’ve been waiting for part two! This was great, thanks for sharing your travel with us!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Thanks so much for your patience!

  • @rhizm
    @rhizm Час назад

    Sorry but the beginning of the video... this small city???? it's huge ! Next Stop : Gent, a lot smaller and cosier but with a nice vibe.

  • @dronnyprojects7928
    @dronnyprojects7928 3 дня назад

    Nice video, it made me appreciate things about my hometown i took for granted 😅 glad you enjoyed your stay!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад

      Such a beautiful place! Thanks for watching :)

  • @whoworx7212
    @whoworx7212 5 дней назад +2

    You took the wrong tunnel. St. Anna's tunnel is way cooler, with antique wooden escalators, you passed the entrance at 6.01 in your video... What a pity.

  • @sebastianspeetzen-hu4tz
    @sebastianspeetzen-hu4tz 5 дней назад

    HAMBURG Germany in May!

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад

      Nice! Go get it 👍

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +1

      I'm realizing now you meant that should be my next trip lol- I haven't been to Germany yet! Hamburg would be so fun!

  • @zeveroarerules
    @zeveroarerules 3 дня назад +1

    The small bus at 6:29 is making a fairly severe traffic violation by the way. They have to leave 1.5m between you and them, he was way to close to you when passing.

  • @zeveroarerules
    @zeveroarerules 3 дня назад

    You can enter all public buildings and ask for a toilet. All of them.

    • @gromit3315
      @gromit3315 2 дня назад

      Nee, hoor. “Enkel voor personeel, sorry” 😏

  • @ohjajohh
    @ohjajohh 4 дня назад

    "this small city" she says... Antwerp is the biggest city in Belgium.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад +1

      @@ohjajohh coming from North America half a million is smaller than a lot of the big cities we’re used to. I didn’t mean to make it out to sound like a little town, so apologies if that didn’t come through!

  • @opperkonijnGilles
    @opperkonijnGilles 3 дня назад

    I bet they don't see a lot of North-American tourists in Kruibeke 😅

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад

      @@opperkonijnGilles 😆 I’m a trail blazer!

  • @tommygun80127
    @tommygun80127 5 дней назад

    Must be nice to have a government that actually works. We can't get a budget passed just to keep our government open.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  5 дней назад +2

      I can't pretend to know enough about the Belgian gov't but they have absolutely done right by their citizens when it comes to cycling infrastructure! Where we live our provincial gov't literally just passed legislation to rip out bike lanes in our largest city *face palm*

    • @waetersappi
      @waetersappi 5 дней назад +1

      We don't have a government at this time and our national debt is pretty bad. Our production industry is currently deteriorating rapidly, but we are still okay. Let's say it is going fine-ish

  • @hvhvgitaar
    @hvhvgitaar 4 дня назад +2

    😂😂😂You really butchered Kruibeke. Antwerp is the greatest city in the world!
    Check out Leuven. A town whose world renowned university is celebrating its 600th anniversary this year. Lively student town, bike friendly and hilly countryside nearby.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      @@hvhvgitaar 😂 I’m sorry! I gave it my best shot haha. Leuven sounds really neat, thanks for sharing! I agree, Antwerp is incredible and I can’t wait to visit Belgium again someday!

  • @DenUitvreter
    @DenUitvreter 4 дня назад +1

    There is no such thing as European cycling, there is the Netherlands, than a huge gap, after that parts of Belgium, Denmark and Germany, and then there is the rest were cycling is mostly for recreation and sport. I love Belgium, but not for it's cycling infrastructure, and the roads aren't great for cars either.

    • @phaoast4524
      @phaoast4524 4 дня назад +1

      Very true

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  4 дня назад

      I guess it's all relative to your experience! As a North American, it felt very impressive to me, but I haven't had the opportunity to visit/cycle the Netherlands yet! High up on my list

    • @DenUitvreter
      @DenUitvreter 4 дня назад

      @ It's good enough for a cycling vacation over there, it's just that this is all about country/member state laws, investment and tradiition and they are all very different. There is even a huge difference between Flanders and the French speaking part of Belgium in infrastructure.

  • @zeveroarerules
    @zeveroarerules 3 дня назад

    Antwerp has probably the worst bike infrastructure in the Benelux. What you on about?

    • @zeveroarerules
      @zeveroarerules 3 дня назад

      Comparing to the US there is no competition of course. Cary on.

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад +2

      Lol yes sadly compared to Canada as well

  • @stefanmaes8810
    @stefanmaes8810 3 дня назад

    Hello, just seen you video,
    Loved it!
    I just wanted to say hi.🙂
    I'm from "Beveren" its a little village not far from kruibeke.
    Keep up the good work!👊👍
    Grtz from Beveren 🙂
    (P.s. I hope that i didn't made to many writting faults!?)🤔🫣😅

    • @bike.breath
      @bike.breath  3 дня назад

      @@stefanmaes8810 thanks for taking the time to say hey! 👋
      I’m glad you enjoyed the video, thanks again for watching! ❤️