This weekend the Netherlands celebrated the birthday of our previous queen. It's a national holiday and many people visit Amsterdam because of the events that are organized. On Queens Day you are allowed to sell personal stuff so the centre of Amsterdam turns into a gigantic market place. Last week my son asked me to buy him a new computer game. I told him that he could earn it himself by selling some of his old toys on the market. This weekend he earned his new game himself (6 y.o.) with a little help of his girlfriend (and us of course). First lessons in economics..
I had to park my ride on the safety island, as many people parked it on the pavement. Normally you get towed away but on Queens day they are more tolerant.
Kids were elated the entire day, we ended up exhausted but fulfilled. Took the day off tomorrow to do some studying. Have to finish my dissertation somewhere in June and have to clear some backlog. It has been a crazy week abroad and attending round tables, unable to blog. Next week will be about the same. Frankfurt, Paris and Barcelona. See you later, take care..
16 comments:
Great fun. The girls had a yard sale a couple of weeks ago. Made fifty cents and almost sold one of my paintings while I wasn't looking.
Just because it isn't on the wall doesn't mean it's up for grabs. Or maybe I should have let them sell it.
If I haven't hung it in the five years since I picked it up at yet another yard sale, chances are I won't.
Dimitri: Is the little blond boy in the 2 photos your son? If so, he and his little friend are adorable.
Queen's day sounds like lots of fun. Great of you to teach your son fiscal responsibility. Lucky you to travel so muci. Have fun.
Nice post and great times for family and all - I am sure your son will have fond memories!!
Best wishes
Hi guys, you should visit once. It's fun. Thx for commenting.
Yes Tina, the blond one is little me :-)
Great idea to have your son sell off some toys to earn his game--I wish more parents would do that. We're going through an "I want, I want, I want" phase with our 3 (almost 4) year old. I think I might just be stealing you idea... :)
Hi DA,
I wish you a very happy journey! You take care too!
I love your adorable kids! What a great idea to let them earn money.
Wow, Queen's Day sounds like a lot of fun! I think you're teaching your son a valuable lesson by making him earn the game himself. Safe travels!
What a great idea, a countrywide junk sale. We had similar event in the Ohio town I lived in with a slight twist. It was called large trash pickup day. In reality it was a giant swap meet. Everyone put the things they wanted to get rid of but didn't have time to sell on the street curb. Then everyone drove around and cherrypicked everyone else's junk.
Your Beemer looks mighty fine on the pavement.
you have a queen, huh? i hope she's some wacky, boozy broad that keeps everyone talking. the one in jolly old england is no fun, period. would it be too much to ask for her to be caught in a hot-tub with six men, some chocolate laxative and a stuffed horse for once. i mean, really... even her son fantasized publicly about being a used tampon, for heaven's sake.
tell me, do you have a drag contingent for 'queen's' day? joyous, if so.
Interesting commentary on A Dutch holiday.
My sister married one of your countrymen & has been living in holland for two years. I haven't had a chance to go see her yet, but hope to soon.
thats one big yard-sale! I sometimes wish we could do the same here. I have tons of stuff I'd like to sell - books, CD's DVD's etc.
your boy is such a cutie!
6yr old? with a girlfriend... oh my! although he did look very charming...
You remind me of something I was talking with someone about recently, and with the tulips all blooming in my front garden its hard not to think of home....
During WW2 your Royal family was in Canada for safety and Queen Juliana gave birth to Princess Margriet. When the time came for her to be born, the flag of the Netherlands was raised over the hospital so it became Dutch territory and not Canadian and she was born a Citizen of the Netherlands and NOT Canada.
As a thank you after the war (they didn't actually leave Canada till she was 5yrs old) Queen Juliana sent thousands of tulip bulbs to Canada. They bloom every year in Ottawa (our Capital) in what's called the Peace Garden (it's very beautiful). Later we sent tulips to the US (as a gesture of peace and friendship) and the tradition been continued as a gesture of good will since then. I think its Dublin this year...
neat bit of history for you...
and Happy (belated) Queen's Day.
I love Queens Day - maybe we could have it too! Safe journeys Dimitri.
If you have a moment to be moved by a song, look here
DA, If I ever have kids that's exactly how I'll teach them "economics." Just letting you know too that I’ve put some new posts on my blog. I been really busy and haven’t had a chance to for a while. Some new lyrics & general news. You might like the lyrics.
Post a Comment