Weekend Tips: Feb 12- 14
How happy we are to see kids (and adults!) sledding and playing in the snow, during these strange and challenging times. With the continued lockdown and curfew, enjoying the outdoors seems to be all we have. But nature sure is making that easy for us now!
 
When it comes to skating on "natural ice," the Dutch will do just about anything. And so our news websites now even have live blogs reporting on the thickness and smoothness of the ice, lock doors being closed to allow for better ice formation, and talks about the possibility of the iconic Elfstedentocht (the Eleven City Skating tour), which last took place in 1997! Due to the pandemic regulations, it is doubtful the event will happen this year, even if the ice permits. But after a few days of frost, the Dutch just can't help but talk and reminisce about this event.
 
It is likely, however, that cities such as Amsterdam, Delft, and Leiden will make their frozen canals accessible for skaters. This is always so beautiful. Of course, the canals running through the fields and meadows will also provide skating opportunities. But even on the ice, please do be mindful of the pandemic regulations for outside winter sports. Stay in your "bubble" and keep a safe distance from everyone else. Also, pandemic or not, never go out skating with no one around. Sometimes, the ice might look safe, but certain undercurrents can create ice that is deceivingly thin. Local papers and websites will often list areas that are safe; here is a live blog (in Dutch) about the outdoor natural ice skating conditions.
 
As for this weekend specifically: on Friday, February 12, we welcome in the Chinese New Year: the Year of the Ox. Under normal circumstances, the city of The Hague is the center of activities during this time. This year, however, there will be a virtual Chinese New Year program. Unfortunately, all other events are on hold. For Valentines Day, many restaurants will have special menus on offer for delivery or pick up, so be sure to check your favorite local restaurant to see if they have something special on offer.
 
But who needs events when the outdoors have become one big playground! Enjoy the snow and ice, especially our Dutch "Koek en Zopie" huts, which are traditionally placed on the ice (or next to it) to serve cookies, hot dogs, hot chocolate, and sometimes pea soup. And remember to take lots of pictures! Here in the Netherlands, we never know when (if?) we'll experience this type of winter weather again!
 
So Happy Weekend and Happy Valentine's Day! What could be more romantic than taking your date out on the ice? On that note, let's end with a fun historical fact! Did you ever wonder why the Dutch LOVE the ice so much? Back in the 17th and 18th century, the country observed fairly strict rules and regulations, even in terms of dating. But those rules applied only on land, not on water! Hence why to the Dutch, ice = party time! So let's party, safely, to celebrate the winter, the "new year", and Valentines.
 
- Bernie