Carneval (5 of 5)

I guess I did promise five carneval posts, didn't I? So I'll tell you a little bit about the last day. The weather had already turned a bit the night before, and as we went out, while not raining, it was still a little icky. You could begin to see the wear of partying for three days straight in the faces of the people still out, beer in hand, and bobbing methodically to the music. Things were a little calmer, as the floats began to file out from their spots in the town center.

But there was still a lot of excitement in the air; it just took some searching to come across it. I guess the real hard core carneval folks hang out in the back streets, because after we left the main squares, the streets were filled with costumed people banging on drums, and playing brass instruments. Where they found the energy for this, I have no idea, but it was still very entertaining to watch.

While I think carneval sort of wore Michelle and I out a little bit, it was sad to see it go. I think the streets seem so much quieter now, which is sad, but at least it was fun while it lasted. Oh, and Michelle found the group where she belonged...

Carneval (Part 4 of 5)

My Birthday! Yes, so we celebrated it along with the rest of Europe. Though, I think our version was a little more subdued. This won't be the longest post, but here are some photos of Michelle spoiling me horribly. Thank you all for your birthday wishes! It was a great day :)



(my cake!)



(The only open restaurant during carneval...)

Carneval (part 3 of 5)

Ok, so now I can say that these carneval posts should go to about 5, since there are 2 days left. Michelle and I went out last night, and we were far more ready this time.

The streets where awash with some sort of crazy parade weaving through the narrow streets of the city. Michelle and I accidentally ended up walking against the parade, right in front of the carneval prince. However, I think everyone was enjoying themselves too much to notice.

We were out all night, and danced in the streets in our awesome costumes, and had plenty of pilses (generic Dutch beer). There were some many people, and so many different costumes. Michelle managed a photo of a family dressed as giraffes. Quite cute.

(one group also dressed as bowling pins)

Today is my birthday, so we might have a little less carneval action, but that's ok, because we still have Tuesday too. We'll keep you informed!

Chris and Michelle.

(on a side note, the government of Maastricht was kind enough to put up toilets to offer relief to those who had had a lot to drink...sadly, they don't offer much in terms of privacy...or provide a solution for the women in the crowds.)

(PS, don't ask how I got this photo :)

Carneval (part 2of ???)

One Night down, and a few more to go. Last night Michelle and I were just hanging out, enjoying a nice braadworst & Zuurkol dinner, and playing some on-line scrabble, when we decided we sould go down to the city center and grab a quick drink.

We rode our bikes for about 5 minutes when we realized we were going to be horribly underdressed. We passed by crowds of people all done up in crazy costumes, as if it were Halloween or something. (Michelle made the accurate observation that it looked like halloween on crack). And then, when we arrived at the bar, we realized that not only were we underdressed, but we were also too late...the bar was so crowded that the patrons had spilled out onto the street. In fact pretty much every bar in town had a similar situation.

So we just observed for the night, and saw the craziness that is carneval... mind you it hasn't even officially started yet...

Thus tonight we'll be a little more ready, a little more dressed up, and possibly a little more wild :)

Carneval (Part 1 of ??)

Carneval starts this weekend, and while it isn't official until Sunday, the truth is that everyone started Friday night. We are a little behind the loop, but we did spend the day buying some accessories for our "costumes" and Michelle gave me an early birthday present, pictured on the right :)

So we'll be putting up quite a few new posts, as we feel our way through this celebration which we know very little about. In other words, be sure to stay tuned :)

First post of the year

Hello! So I know it's been awhile since we've posted anything, but it is honestly because we've been busy doing stuff that isn't exactly the most exciting for everyone to read about (going to the gym, working, eating, sleeping). But since is has been awhile, I suppose I can talk a little bit about Carnival which is coming up in a couple of weeks!

So Carnival takes place the three days before lent (ie fat tuesday -2) and is a huge deal here. Everyone gets dressed up, and there is lots of parades, and drinking, and singing, and all that jive.

So it still hasn't officially started, but the mood is in the air, both around town, and in the minds of people.

Just the other day I was changing in the locker room down at the pool, and someone started playing the carnival theme song on a tuba in the changing area. So I have a feeling that those days are going to be a blast, and we'll be sure to keep you all posted! Take care!

Chris and Michelle.

Year in review

Or rather, the last few months. I figured, since we didn't start this blog until November, It would be a good idea to put up some photo highlights from the couple monthes before we were up and running with the blog, so in chronological order, here are some moments from this year up until november (Thanksgiving) and on to tonight.

Michelle and I biking when the weather was still nice (My bike broke... but it's good now!)

My mom visited and we went to Brussels!

And Bruges (Also in Belgium)

And Auswitch concentration camp in Poland

And Krakow, Poland....

Michelle and I celebrated Halloween with, of course, another bike ride :)

Michelle and I at the Carnival kick off on 11-11

Beer Sampling at Take One (note we've jumped to a week ago now)

Last night, riding the ferris wheel in the Vrijtof square

And of course, tonight, celebrating new years... with a giant slide, and lots of fireworks.

Actually the town now sounds like a war zone... with bigger fireworks going off all over than I've probably ever heard. It's pretty cool. Happy New Years all! and Have a excellent 2008!!!

Chris & Michelle