Eliot's Travels

Sinterklaas Arrives in Holland

Jim made pancakes for Saturday's breakfast. Today is the big day - Sinterklaas Intocht (arrival). Coverage began at noon with Rick reporting from Middelburg where everyone eagerly awaited Sinterklaas' arrival. The report from the boat was that Sinterklaas was in Zeeland (they saw the sea and the land - it must be Zeeland). Their stoomboot approached the landing site and set anchor, but no one was there. Sinterklaas and the Piets wondered where the children were. There were only a few people on the shore. They confirmed with each other that they were in the right place and started to get off the boat. Something must be wrong. One of the Piets was sent off to find out what was happening; he was carrying the big red book.

BUT Middelburg was filled with hundreds of children donning Piet hats, waving flags and singing songs. The people in Middelburg began to wonder what had happened to Sinterklaas. The studio reporter contacted Sinterklaas and said that there were people were waiting and singing in Middelburg. Can't you hear them? Are you sure you are in the right city? ... Well, there was no lighthouse to guide our way (uh-oh, Rick). The Piets on the boat asked a passerby: the stoomboot had landed in Veere NOT Middelburg. As quick as it could, the boat cast off toward Middelburg (leaving the book and one helper behind).
Finally, the Stoomboot arrives in Middelburg. The kids are singing and everyone is so happy. Sinterklaas waves, a band plays and the children's choir starts singing for Sinterklaas. This is a big deal and an amazing production! Sinterklaas leaves the boat and prepares to ride his horse to parade through town. He grabs his staff, but where is the book? ... Meanwhile, the Piet in Veere arrives to the harbor to find that he has been left. But he has the book and must get it to Sinterklaas, so he heads to the bus stop. The bus is not due for 2 hours.
Sinterklaas, not bothering with the details continues his duties and follows the parade route toward the Stadhuis, collecting presents from the children and waving along the way. ... In Veere, suddently a helicopter appears above the bus stop and drops down a rope. The Piet sets the book down, climbs up (without the book, of course) and takes a ride to find the Piets and Sinterklaas in Middelburg. When he gets back to the other helpers, he realizes he has left the book. Oh no!

The parade continues until Sinterklaas arrives at the Stadhuis (townhall) and is welcomed by the Burgemeester (mayor) of Middelburg. We'll have to wait until Monday to find out about the book. Live coverage of his arrival ended after 1.5 hours. Pretty wild and loads of fun! Next Saturday, Sinterklaas comes to Delft. We can't wait!

posted by Whitney @ 7:51 AM