Sunday Nov 17, 2019 – Amsterdam – second of 2 posts today
Today was a bright sunny day. I went out early to get a photo of the Basilica
of St. Nicholas. Just down the street
there was a crowd along the water near the ship museum. It turns out that Santa Clause, Sinterklaas
in the Netherlands arrives by boat in Amsterdam. This arrival happens at several places around
Amsterdam. There were a lot of kids in
costumes. There is some controversy connected
to this tradition. Sinterklaas has helpers
giving out gifts to good kids, and punishing bad kids. These helpers were called Zwarte Piet, or
Black Pete. These helpers dressed in
Renaissance costumes, black face, curly wigs, and bright red lipstick. The kids we saw in costumes were wearing the
typical Zwarte Piet hat and cape. Most
did not have black face, but two boys we saw had black lines on their cheeks. I of course wandered a bit on the way home
taking some more photos.
We went out a little later specifically to take some photos
of the Anne Frank Museum. It is located
next to the Westerkerk. Part of the Sinterklaas
celebration is a parade. On our way we saw
people gathered at Dam Square to see the parade, some of the roads were blocked
off along the parade route. We didn’t
wait around for the parade.
We have visited both the Westerkerk and the Anne Frank
Museum on previous trips, so today was just to get some photos, and steps for
Sue. The Homomonument is located on the Prinsengracht behind the
Westerkerk. It commemorates all Gay men
and women who have been persecuted because of their homosexuality. As the photos show there are usually flowers
on the section of the monument in the Prinsengracht. We met two guys at the monument that were
very friendly. One of the lads, Dennis
is an Elvis impersonator. He regaled us
with parts of several songs. He didn’t sound much like Elvis to me, but I’m not
an expert.
I got photos of the Anne Frank Museum. We visited the museum
on our first visit to Amsterdam in 2008.
Back then you waited in line to buy tickets to get in, usually for hours
if you didn’t get there early. Entry is
now by timed tickets so there are no lines.
We did catch a glimpse of some of the parade participants on the way
home.
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