On Sunday we went for a short, meandering bike ride, ostensibly to pick blackberries between Haarlem and Sloterdijk. We were armed with containers for the blackberries, sandwiches and liquid – a couple of cans of beer and fruit juices.
Yes we picked blackberries, Yes there were plenty, but we were wearing sandals and that is not [...]
Not ice skaters – too warm for ice now, but roller skaters, roller bladers, inline skaters – I think those are all terms to cover the fast moving people we met on Nassaulaan this evening.
We were minding our own business. We had been for a quiet walk around town for about an hour, across [...]
Continue reading about this evening in Haarlem – we met at least 1000 skaters
It was last Sunday. We were well rested, and the effects of this spring seemed to have lessened a bit for us both.
It was nearly a great day – this Bison hunting day.
We left home reasonably early, and as we always do we took clothes for the rain, and clothes for the wind. We had [...]
I was feeling a bit under the weather yesterday so Best Beloved took a bike ride out towards Parnassia alone – looking for the entry to the Downs where there is a walk to “MAYBE” see the bison in the park. He did find the entry after riding past it and back again, and then [...]
Saturday – the Annual floral parade to Haarlem, from Noordwijk – so if you are in the Netherlands and close to Haarlem or anywhere on the route – check with your hotel concierge – because this a parade that should be missed.
The theme this year is “Journey through Europe”
This will be the 63rd [...]
Continue reading about Saturday 24th April – the annual flower parade to Haarlem – Bloemencorsodag
I did wonder, as I am sure many people do.
Why do the Dutch wear Orange when their flag is Red, White and Blue?
Why do the Dutch people have such a strong relationship with the colour Orange.
Orange is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family, the lineage of the current dynasty, the House of Oranje-Nassau which [...]
Continue reading about Why do the Dutch wear Orange when their flag is red, white & blue
Queens Day / Koninginnedag : or is it Orange Crazy Day – for the House of Orange.
The shops are full of Orange merchandise right from 1st April – not just for the week prior to the big day. My memory from last year is obviously a bit out of tune. Is that short term or [...]
Queens Day / Koninginnedag : or is it Orange Crazy Day?
April 30th – Queen’s Day is a national holiday here in the Netherlands. It is a celebration for the birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands (Queen Juliana’s birthday). The date has been retained as Queen Beatrix birthday is in January – not good weather [...]
Continue reading about Queens Day / Koninginnedag : or is it Orange Crazy Day?
Today is the spring equinox, and the first official day of spring in the Netherlands.
In this lovely Northern land, seasons have so much more meaning than in countries closer to the equator. You feel each new season with all your senses, in sharp contrast to the last one. The transition from one to another is [...]
Being vertically & linguistically challenged I missed it all when the Olympians came to Haarlem Grote Markt yesterday and to top it off it was freezing freezing cold.
So I went home.
