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| Bloemen festival in Haarlem |
After a nice, solid night's sleep for everyone, we began the day with 10am mass at St. Joseph's, which featured a dozen robed singing gentlemen. Passion Sunday is always a long one to sit through--even more so when mass is in Dutch. Communion was administered at the railing and, when Karen was questioned about whether or not Claire is old enough to receive, she simply nodded aggressively, figuring that to be a universally understood gesture. As we were leaving the church, we noticed many children holding large, handmade crosses and adults stringing pastries and oranges on them. Tanja says that the kids will take these to the elderly.
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| Church in Grotemarkt |
We headed over towards the Grotemarkt (town square) and stumbled into the Bloemen Festival (flower festival) where themed floats made of flowers lined the area. Not wanting to miss the excitement (and because we know what happens when Lee is hungry), we perched at a cozy outdoor table and gobbled up some very tasty pancetta sandwiches, beer and Fantas. It was very intesting to observe Haarlemites on a warm, sunny Sunday--lots of smiling, chatting, bikes and kids and dogs in baskets.
When it was time to head back (for naps apparently), we assigned the girls the task of navigating us back to Paul and Tanja's. Claire took charge and managed to get us home in a nearly direct manner and without getting run over by bicyclists (despite a few close calls).
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| parking is at a premium |
As you know, cycling is a serious method of transportation here. Bikes (although funny looking to us) are quite expensive because they are made very, very sturdy and impervious to the elements. They also come with all sorts of embellishments and functionality. We have noticed mainly 3 types of bikes here: the single person's bike, the "station wagon" bike and the "minivan" bike. We also found a bike that was a casualty of drunken biking.
The rest of the day involved cocktails in the garden and playtime with the kids. Claire seems to be enjoying being a surrogate "big sister" for change. Paul made us another fabulous dinner and now any plans for weight maintenance on this vacation are officially thwarted.
Looks and sounds like, fun, fun, fun!!!! Have a fantastic time!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures! How cool - bike riders of all ages, everywhere. I particuarly like the "stop light photo" with the small backup of riders.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Caroline and Claire in the background of the Mini-Van Bike picture. Was that designed as a standin shot?
Good eyes, Chris. Yep, that's Caroline and Claire across the street. You know how they like to ham it up.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the 2nd floor balcony is one of the kids' rooms. We're still working on that shot of Lee doing his royal wave to the fine people of Haarlem.
Watch out for the "Dutch Killer Bikes".....and obey the crosswalk signals.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures thanks for sharing. Have a good time!