The temps here at night are right around freezing and there is; of course, wind and snowing sometimes. We had a big pack of snow fall on us a couple of night ago and it is still out there. Some paths and streets are a sloppy mess due to warming spikes now and then and naturally the salting that goes on at night. Despite the cold wind and spitting snow we ventured into town a couple of nights ago for a simple bite to eat at one of the cafés. After the meal, we headed back down to the harbour where one of our musea had organized a thing called, Lichtjesavond (Lights-evening). Everyone was encouraged to wear some form of illumination on their person. It would take forever to explain the variation that we saw. This was primarily for children and they looked the best. The quay was very dark, and there were children, parents, grandparents, walk-leaders and just regular folks like us walking in the procession. It was a procession that began in the portion of the harbour over where we live, crossing the little foot-bridge, followed alongside the harbour to and past the harbour tower and beyond on to the far end of the area where Hudson’s “Half Moon” replica is tied-up. So then—we walked along with the group and each time we came to a large, boat we would stop and the children would chant, “Lichtjes aan, lichtjes aan”! (Lights on, lights on!)....the skipper would flick on the lights, and everyone would robustly cheer, “Yeaaa” then move on to the next one. The white lights would run around the edge of the boats and then up lines from the bow to the top of the middle mast and back down the other side to the stern. While this was going on, there were always about small boats with colourful lights going up their masts shadowing the procession. They would toot horns and also shout “Lights on” by the targeted boats. It was all quite a spectacle but impossible to capture on film, sadly. I do have this one foto: The walk lasted about 1½ hours and ended up past the old jail cum hotel where the Half Moon was. Waiting for us was hot chocolate, gluhwine for the drinkers and marshmallows to roast over the several fires set-up to warm us and for the marshmallows. This was a perfect ending, for everyone was good and cold. There was a bitter wind blowing and red noses were running. Call me a party-pooper, but I had had enough of the cold, we looked at it all and then popped into the little restaurant of the hotel there for a piece of apple pie and cocoa. Once warmed up, we headed back to the Red Stone square, in the heart of the old centre. They had set-up a small skating rink there under the statue of Mr Coen-- Loud music and lots of folks having fun. I expect that it will become even busier once school has closed for the week before Christmas. There are tents there where you can go into and rent skates and or get something warm to eat and drink. Traditionally it is snert (split pea soup). Coming up the street, we were greeted by this first clance at the RedStone square: This is the square facing that large lump of a building--the Cheese weighing house. Some of the skaters frolicking about on the little rink: Finally, the "Tents of Warmth", a welcome respite from the coldness. After hanging about there for a while we headed back down to the harbour and re-traced our earlier steps back home. Looking back as we were leaving: ---What an evening!
Beautiful photographs and with the snow - very Christmassy. I'm so glad you both enjoyed yourselves despite the low temperatures.
Thanks JERRY-- Oh, and a couple of Dutch words as well! Well cool. They sure did, CAROLYN...us included. I suppose that I am still a child at heart. So kind of you to say so, DOOLEY--It was a lovely initiative. Cheers EILEEN--It takes more than a bit of inclimate weather to deter us. hahaha. Thanks ISLAND--I am glad that you liked the thread. I am with you that it was a good community event. 'Tis the season to be jolly, y'know.
