CANAL CROSSING, AMSTERDAM
APRIL 2009
The Queen’s birthday is celebrated with significant national pride in The Netherlands.Here are some pics of the scenery celebrating the Oranje fever! As you can tell, we were absolutely spoiled with the weather.

My attempt to get the lovely Dutch architecture, the scenic bridges and the fun on the canals in one shot (while moving and with heineken in hand)

My darling sister-in-law, Pamela bought me the cool Orange shirt especially for the day. It says "I'm a Queen". Clearly, she gets me. Thanks Pamelabols!
Having married into the Dutch culture, I am constantly amazed by all the exotic, enchanting and yes, sometimes odd, things that they do and offer. This holiday and its effervescence was yet another. I can easily say it was one of my most cherished memories in Holland, ever. Here’s one more pic of what is aptly called, Amsterdam’s Biggest Street Party!

Traffic jam in Orange
**STAY TUNED: I’m moving to Holland next month for a year, so this blog will be FILLED with more up-to date observations on all things Dutch and my ability to understand them!
**Sadly, this year it was marked by tragedy with an attempt on the Queen’s life by a crazed lunatic. Fortunately, the Queen survived though the drive was killed and four were hurt. Despite the small size of the country the news didn’t travel fast and the daylong festivities in Amsterdam were undeterred until later in the evening.
