I know I should be unpacking but this was such a lovely distraction today. St. Nicholas and his sidekick Black Peter or "Zwarte Piet" came for a visit. They showed up at the gates around 4 this afternoon (it was scheduled ahead of time to be sure all the kids were home), and we gathered at the neighbors' house to meet them. Traditionally they bring candy and you sing them a special song...all in French and of course something we'd never heard before. Our hosts took it a little further by offering St. Nicholas and Black Peter, along with their guide/designated driver, Champagne and Jack Daniels. It turns out they like both! St. Nicholas would have to retreat to the kitchen every few minutes to enjoy his Jack, apparently it's too hard to drink with a long white beard. They stuck around and visited with us while the neighbor kids' entertained on the piano, and for a while it seemed like we were in a movie. The kids were in awe, and politely said "bonjour" and "merci"...Sam even introduced himself in French, although I am quite sure he was trying very hard to be on his best behavior or face the music with Black Peter. He delivers coal to the naughty kids, but traditionally did much worse...check this out!
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/benelux/091201/black-pete-saint-nicholas-holland?page=0,1
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| Waiting to come in |
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| The crew |
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| Enjoying some drink and conversation with our Belgian landlord and American neighbor |
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| Giving a last word of warning to les enfants! |
1 comment:
How fun and super cool for the kids..and you for that matter! To be able to experience life in other places...learning different traditions. Such cultured children you will have. Thanks for sharing your stories....fun to read about everything!(-: Hope you are settling in and boxville is is diminishing! (-: Lana
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