Flying the flags on Queen's Day on an historic church's bell tower. The Dutch flag has an orange strip added for Queen's Day celebrations. Note the early hour; we were out at 5 a.m. to stake our spot to participate in the local jumble sale. It was windy and cold, but fun!
We made about 50 euros and met some lovely people. David was sitting on an original French Tolix stool, when a Dutch guy asked to buy it. David told him it wasn't for sale, as he wouldn't have a place to sit. About ten minutes later, the guy returned with another stool, which he offered to David for free - if he'd sell our stool. Obviously he recognised the Tolix as an original and hoped David wouldn't know its value. Luckily, David suspected it was worth a few euros and declined the offer.
This image was taken while leaning from a second-story window.
People walking around the sidewalk sale, where household items, clothing and toys were going for rock-bottom prices.
Needless to say, orange was the colour of the day.
In case you forgot, orange t-shirts were on sale for half price.
Lots of people had their hair temporarily dyed orange, not dissimilar to this stuffed animal.
Even the bronze horse wore a jaunty orange crown.
An orange - and pink - bicycle, parked in front of a toy shop.
Fruit trees at a local florist's atelier.
Gerberas galore.
Potted plants.
A ceremony at Town Hall bestowing Queen's Honours on some deserving local citizens.
The town's mayor.
A band cheekily performed "YMCA," followed by "In the Navy," as orange balloons danced in the wind. After the awards, the band played the Dutch national anthem, as locals sang along.
Entertainment was also provided by three groups of girls, who performed dance routines to American hip-hop! Some photos are here and more will follow in another post.
The Queen's Day festivities culminated with fireworks above the canals.
Since we may not be living in the same place by next Queen's Day, we decided to skip the more lively festivities in Amsterdam and participate in local events.
Oh just love it My brother sent me that plastic orange crown and lots of other stuff. I gave it to some kids. I celebrated queens birthday a few years ago. Next year I'll be back in Holland Yeeeeh
Posted by: marja | 25 May 2011 at 10:18
orange is my favourite colour - i'm going to have to come and live with you.
Posted by: Elsie Anderton | 19 May 2011 at 21:10
Sounds like you're enjoying your new spot! Love all the vibrant colors!! xo
Posted by: Rosa | 14 May 2011 at 22:16
haha! what fun!!
Posted by: Chris | 09 May 2011 at 21:04
Thinking of you, today. Hope you're enjoying your new home (it looks lovely) and wishing you a happy Mother's Day. Every mother should be queen for at least one day a year! xo
Posted by: Terri | 09 May 2011 at 02:54
Looks like fun. I love the buddhas at the end! But is that a hint? Are you going east, young woman?
:)
Posted by: amber | 08 May 2011 at 01:39
My neighbors are visiting the Netherlands right now
I hope they packed their orange!!
x..x
Posted by: Stephanie | 05 May 2011 at 18:32
I believe I now must visit the Netherlands. Gerberas are one of my favorites and the orange color bursts you've photographed are spectacular! Your new home looks to be suiting you and David very well. Please continue sharing your adventures with us, they are such fun and a nice place to visit for a few moments every day. If nothing else I want to visit your new home town and see that bronze horse as I think he's gorgeous....
Posted by: Mary H. | 04 May 2011 at 20:25
I love small town celebrations of national holidays. There is something so much fresher about them, than the more polished big city events.
I adore all the orange in these photos. It looks like a fun and unique celebration. Lucky you to have gotten the opportunity to attend.
Posted by: Ally Bean | 04 May 2011 at 19:31
I adore all this orange! How festive! And how wonderful to begin learning about a new country from you as I first learned more of Paris!
Posted by: jeanie | 04 May 2011 at 18:50