Near Bath, in Somerton, we stayed at the Grey Lodge, a small B&B. I wish we had pictures of
the road you take to get there. You simply would not believe it. It's a two-way road, but only
about the width of one car. It winds and climbs and is compltely grown-over with branches.
The view from the house is fantastic. Herewith, some pictures. Our hosts snapped this picture of us. The view.
Who was born in the year 364 and is still alive today? Who lives in Madrid, but travels to Holland every year BY BOAT? Who wanders, despite his age, on the roofs of the houses at night?
If you have answered "Sinterklaas" on either of these questions, you may consider yourself well-integrated into Dutch culture and society. Congratulations! But, who is this man?
Sinterklaas (Saint Nicolas) was born in Myra in Western Turkey. The story of this saint did not end with his death and burial. He became a guardian of merchants, sailors and children. This explains why the celebration of his birthday is mainly a childrens' event (and also for merchants, by the way, who profit greatly from the Sint Nicholas happening!).
Each year, Saint Nicholas arrives by steamer in a Dutch little port and this event is broadcasted live on television. The saint himself speaks Dutch fluently, but his black servants, the so-called 'zwarte pieten', usually speak with a strong accent. Originally, thes servants represented 'the devil' -held together with a chain by Saint Nicholas, but nowadays the 'zwarte pieten' are real children's friends, who are always handing out peppernuts and other sweets to children.
Click here for a currency converter.
Click here to visit the American School of The Hague.
Required Reading
If you plan to come here, we highly, highly recommend that you read this book:
(Click on the book to buy it from Amazon.com - $13.00)
Dictionaries-Woordenboeks
A Dutch-to-English Dictionary
An English-to-Dutch Dictionary
Canal boats
bravenet.com
