King’s Day

Diane here.  A couple of weeks ago I finally cracked open Rick Steve’s newly updated guide to Amsterdam. It was fascinating. I learned that there are boats that you can ride on the canals that serve all-you-can-eat pancakes. I feed my family breakfast for dinner nearly every week, so this is a real winner for the McGarry family.

As I read, I came across an event that occurs annually in Amsterdam called “King’s Day.”  Biggest day of the year.  The city doubles in size.  Huge party all day. Big deal, but personally  not interested. About a second after reading about it, I realize that April 27th, King’s day, is during our time in Amsterdam.

Shit.

I’m not looking for a huge party in Amsterdam while I am visiting with my 5 yr old and 3 yr old.

So I jump on the computer and google two things:

• King’s Day in Amsterdam
• Kids and King’s Day in Amsterdam

The very first thing I read online: “King’s Day, formally known as Queen’s Day”. Now I am really feeling some kind of way. Just like a man to go and steal a day set aside for the queen.

Then I find that there is plenty for kids to do on King’s Day – “just stay away from the City Center”…. we happen to be staying in the City Center.

So here is a list of all my grievances with King’s Day:

•  1,000,000 people are in Amsterdam
• Public transportation through the center of the city shuts down
• The party lasts ALL DAY LONG
• The day was stolen from the Queen
• Everyone wears orange
• The cost of lodging is at a premium during this time
• There’s a minimum number of public restrooms
• and it serves as one huge Flea Market…. I’ve never liked Flea Markets!

I don’t feel like posting a story about how I lost my kids on King’s Day…. so I think we may try to go to Keukenhof that day.

Check back to see our post for April 27th.