Koninginnen's Dag

Haven't posted for a while because we've been busy. Last Saturday afternoon we had an Australian BBQ with Deborah and Damian, on their houseboat in Amsterdam. They have a lovely baby girl - Aahilah, who is very sweet and cuddly. Edward was quite taken with Aahilah, especially when she was in her baby rocker. It was great to have a 'normal' Saturday, wonderful to see some other Australians. Deborah and Damian have been here for some years, and Damian is Dutch-Australian, so I think they are quite a bit more acclimatised than us. Deborah is a positive thinker - something I could work on as I'm a bit of a worrier.

From Amsterdam Wor...

I made a trifle for the BBQ. It was OK but not as good as that of my mother. I'm blaming the deficiency on Dutch cream, which leaves a lot to be desired.
The good thing about the trifle is that I've (re)discovered the Australian Women's Weekly recipe database. The name always makes me laugh as their magazine is monthly, but you can't really call something the Australian Women's Monthly!

From Amsterdam Wor...

Funny to see different parenting styles - we've fallen into what could euphemistically be called the Free Range approach. Deborah and Damian have a more regular style. It will be interesting to see how our children turn out.

So that was Saturday. Sunday and Monday we relaxed. Monday was Koninginnen's Dag (queen's birthday). The Dutch go for this in a big way. I hadn't noticed this before but Dutch houses have a metal thing on the outside near the front door. This is where they hang the Dutch flag on K's Day. Our house was notable for its absence of flag.

From Koningen Dag

The local council designated the streets near the church (including our street) as the area for the K's Day celebrations. It was blocked to traffic and from early morning until lunchtime was set up like Trash & Treasure. I bought a mirror for the downstairs loo. We were completely ignored until we went home and dressed Edward in his only orange piece of clothing (some ski-pants). Then every second person greeted us.

From Koningen Dag

In the afternoon the party really started. Lots and lots of alcohol and competing concerts along the Wakkerdijk. The jazz club (just behind our house) put on a very loud show. Inside our house (with all the double-glazed windows shut) it was as if someone had the radio on too loudly. Edward managed to sleep despite the noise.



The Dutch do K's Dag but they don't really celebrate Christmas. Interesting.