10 years later (Day 10) Queens Day

Tue, Apr 30, 2013

Trip Date:Wed, Apr 30, 2003 Distance:60km
Start:Arnhem, The Netherlands - 09:30 End:Zwolle, The Netherlands - 15:30

I have nothing in my diary about the places on my journey this day, all I have are notes about the actual day. The 30th April in The Netherlands has always been a holiday to celebrate the Queen’s birthday - Queens Day* and it is basically a national party.

Every village or town I went through was having street parties, parades and other celebrations. I had no idea what was going on.

I spent less time cycling during the day as I kept stopping to watch the festivities.

I ended up in Zwolle where there were many stages setup around the city and again parades and more going on - it was brilliant. I found a hotel and headed out for the evening to enjoy the party.

During the partying I met a couple called Ruud and Marleen who told me more about the festival and invited me to come over the next day and visit them on their house boat.

I have vague memories of singing along to lots of English and Dutch songs and Ruud told me some of the performers where quite famous in The Netherlands.