He has arrived!

Our day began at very early. We went to the railway station by the first bus. We were the only passengers so we could get there very quickly. After a bit of running we continued our journey by the the train. We did not suspect that this was only the beginning…

About 9 o’clock we arrived at the headquarters of the Dutch Santa Claus, called Sinterklaas. Everyone was so busy and excited about the celebration.  Sinterklaas is said to come from Spain with his helpers called Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). Zwarte Piets are white men and women painted black. Every year Sinterklaas travels by his boat on the channels and after his journey he goes to the children, and everyone can meet him…there is a big celebration on the streets…

We felt so privileged, because we could have a look at the backstage. We could see how the Piets get their black looks. Among the lot of painted black people, I was a little bit scared, I felt like an excited child. I think everyone felt the same. We were waiting for the red-dressed man like in the kindergarten. J Aaaand he arrived to us! And to the children of course but first he met us…and he gave us presents  but of course we had to sing  a song before that…J

After that everyone started to believe that we met with the ,,Real” Sinterklaas. Our boat trip began.  We were lucky because we were on the boat which took the presents to the city and we waved our hands to the people who were standing on the shore. It was a fantastic experience.  Everybody was so excited! J

The drummers started their work and everybody started to dance and wave …it was great. There were a lot of people on the banks of the canals so it was a difficult work to wave… we had a good time on the boat! We danced, shouted, and waved our hands…and the sun was shining, there were no clouds. J This was the first time the first week! It was fantastic! J

The boat trip took one and half an hour. After that Sinterklaas and we left the boat. The whole city was so excited. It was like a carnival as we walked down the street. We saw a lot of artistes and musicians and of course Sinterklaas on his white horse.

After that went home.   We had quests in the evening, Annemarie and Feri came to us. We cooked for them a Hungarian dinner, and they brought us a traditional Dutch dessert, the apple pie. It was so delicious. I thought that it came from the heaven…J  We spoke a lot and it was great.J

Another day has passed, we have hade some unforgettable experinces that we will surly tell to our grandchildren some day.

Kriszti