Needed changes

Well - it seems that some people cannot leave a comment easily on that fancy new format - so we will try this one.  I do apologize for regularly changing this - trying to find something that seems to work well for all of us. 

So today, Sunday, was a visit to welcome SinterKlaus to Seattle.  Actually Sint and SwartePiet came to visit the Dutch Seattle group.  This was my first chance to experience this firsthand.  The organization did a great job of setting up 8 or 9 games for children to play.  There was music and some videos, as well as (typical Dutch) coffee/tea and little taste treats.  Two bakeries had donated banket (puff pastry with an almond filling), rookwurst on a little roll, speculaas cookies and mandarins.  Sinterklaus arrives by boat accompanied by his myriad of helpers, who are the ones who slide down the chimney to bring gifts to children.  Thus they are covered in chimney dirt.  The children (in their homes) would leave their shoes in front of the fireplace, including a carrot for Sint's horse.  It was obvious that everyone had a fun time.

"He's coming, he's coming"

 

Children enjoying the celebration.

Finally, Sint arrived

A fun cross-cultural experience.



Of course, after we got home and had some dinner, it was time for what else?