European Adventure 2017 - the beginning of the middle

We had a quick but easy journey from Paris to Amsterdam. It continues to surprise me that European countries and cities are so close together.  Iris and her father Frits picked us up at the train station and the fun began.  Keep in mind that this was the first time to meet Iris' family.  We spent an amazing 8 days together and came away feeling like family.

We saw the classics in Amsterdam and its surroundings.

Frits drove us around the country side and yes, the bulb fields are show stoppers.

We walked through the Jordaan neighborhood with Iris' mom Carolien. The canals are as charming as expected.

As charming as the city and it's surrounding are, the delights of King's Day captured our attention.  The city pretty much closes down to celebrate the king's birthday.  Part of the celebration includes wearing orange - I think it has something to do with William of Orange. Frits, Carolien and family started the celebration the night before when Iris' sister arrived with her two children and a bag of nail polish.  We women painted our nails in a variety of colors, but we all had an orange theme.  Then, we went to bed and the party in the street began.  The music went on loud and clear until 1 a.m. There were moments when I thought perhaps I was back in India - the music was that boisterous.

The next morning the real celebration began.

Who knew it is possible to have an all orange breakfast? 

These little king head are like cream puffs dipped in orange frosting.  Pretty tasty.

With breakfast under our belts we hit the streets, wearing our orange.

Taylor, Jamar, Syvart, Iris and Frits ready to celebrate. Frits and Carolien have an orange flag on their balcony as well.

There were many musical groups playing in the streets.  This group were old sailors singing sea chanties.

The streets were crowded with bands, puppet shows, make shift sales people, food stalls, etc., etc.  It was kind of like a giant carnival. No permits are needed, you can sell what you want on the street.  It's a good day to sell all the stuff that you originally planned to take to Good Will.  Someone will buy whatever it is you have.

Here's Iris buying cookies from a neighbor girl.  Her sister Jantein is on the far right, and her niece Niyah is right behind Iris.  Do you like the orange haired guy?

Jantein, Nia and a neighbor boy.

This street party started very early in the morning and continued throughout the afternoon.  It's a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to mingle with each other, exchange their garage sale items, watch spontaneous performances and of course, to celebrate the king's birthday.