Festivities, Film, Food and Fair

Festivities
The time of celebrations has started in Holland.
Sinterklaas. It just so happens that the Dutch have their own saint Nicolas. We celebrate his existence by giving each other presents on the 5th of december but he actually arrives in Holland several weeks earlier (with his helpers called black Peters) by steam boat from Spain. For more info. click on Saint Nic..

We happened to be in Schevingen Harbour when the saint had just arrived, bearing gifts for the children. Thousands of people were there (including crown prince Alexander, princess Maxima and their daughters).

st. Nic. with gifts

Christmas here used to be a more religious celebration without presents but is changing into the commercial, 'American' version which is becoming more prominent. 

The result has a sort of schyzophrenic effect. One of the main squares in Amsterdam is decorated and transformed into a 'Christmas' Winter Wonderland, whereas our Dutch st. Nicolas celebrations won't take place for another 2 weeks. Collision-time between Saint Nicolas and Santa Claus... well weird!

Film

Anyway, out of loyalty to Nic. and his friends, Eric and I decided to see a new film (with a twist) about this man. The twist was, that it was a horror film! I think it's fair to say, that I didn't like it. Half the time I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or hide under my seat. There were quite a few 'jump-out-of your-seat moments' though and, if you like that sort of thing, you'll probably like this !!!

Food
To get over the shock (mine), we decided to have a nice meal in the friendly café/restaurant just around the corner called Pacific Parc. It was lovely. Very friendly service, great pub/bistro like food (my steak was excellent), Fine wine, good music, a large, ball shape, open fire place in the middle and lots of space, even though it was fully booked. There were a few children playing near our table but they didn't bother me at all. Definitely a place I would like to go to more often.

See here (scroll down to Pacific Parc).
Both the Cinema and the restaurant are situated on the grounds of the Westergasfabriek. A lot happens and is organised on these premises.
Fair
Among other things there is a really nice market/fair, every 1st sunday of the month, which has a very wide range of things on offer. I recommend going there and am looking forward to this year's Christmas Market on the 12th of December. More info Here