The last Queen's day

A few months ago Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands decided to abdicate in favour of her son prince Willem Alexander. The change of throne will happen on the famous Queen's day in 2 days time. Throughout the years I have lived in the Netherlands I always celebrated Queen's day. Some years I partied hard, others I took it more relaxed but I was always present.

This year it will be the last Queen's day on 30th April. From next year we will start celebrating King's day on 27th April. I didn't like the change of date or the change of name of this loved public holiday. Firstly moving the date means that the first King's day falls on a weekend day which means one less free day off! Secondly Queen's day seems more fun and less tyrannical then King's day!

Anyway if you're in the Netherlands for this last Queen's day have a great day!

At a party corner in Amsterdam on last year's Queen's day.

 

Some of the boats on the Amsterdam canals. Queen's day 2008.

Queen's Day

Once a year on April 30th the Netherlands pays it's respect to the Queen. The country is in celebration and I'm usually part of that celebration. This year we headed to Amsterdam, strolled around the canals and the outdoor corner dance floors and along the free markets.

The weather was fantastic, it was actually the best day in April. Blue skies and warm temperatures were what everyone had wished for but didn't really expect.

Pictures are most probably the best way to show you the atmosphere.

A Royal weekend ahead

Today Prince William and Kate Middleton will be getting married. There has been a lot, possibly too much media about this wedding but somehow I still am going to record the broadcast of the wedding to watch later on. While watching it I will prepare a mug of tea (with milk obviously) and some scones.

On more local news but still quite royal tonight we're celebrating Queen's night and tomorrow Queen's day in the Netherlands. I already have prepared my orange gear (every reason is a good excuse to go clothes shopping) and am now waiting for the weekend to officially start.