De Sint komt!

It is that exciting time of year again, when Sinterklaas arrives in Holland on his steamboat from Spain. You all know the story! We caught up with him this midday as he arrived in Enschede (by train) and then rode his big white horse through town, surrounded by Zwarte Pieten. Its pretty difficult to get close to the main man as the crowds of kids and parents can be thick.



The Piets were impressive, climbing around and repelling off buildings and sending down cadeautjes on long wires. James made friends easily with the generous Piet handing out candy.







One of the nice things about towns here is that twice a week there is a big open market in the center with all sorts of fresh produce and meat, fish, cheese; a big farmer's market but also plants and wooden toys and socks and pretty much anything you can imagine. One of the great things about this time of year is the seasonal foods. Especially good are oliebollen, basically a huge fried donut hole with powdered sugar. The market also sells boatloads of kibbling, fried fish, and James tucked neatly into that today for lunch. Okay, not so neatly.



It was a beautiful day, relatively warm and no rain so everyone was outside. We hit the park on the way home so James could move leaves and acorns around (he will do this for as long as you let him) and ride his favorite swing.