Kingsday 2016

Each year, on April 27th, The Netherlands goes orange. It's Koningsdag (or King's Day, formerly Koninginnedag or Queen's Day on the 30th) and we celebrate that guy's birthday. Some go to parties and festivals - especially the night before, King's Night - whilst others sell their stuff on the streets. You see, the whole country becomes one huge flea market. For many years I've sold my old toys, clothing and books in the Vondelpark, so of course I couldn't let a year pass, even though the weather wasn't looking good. At all. I asked friends and family for their unused stuff so they could sponsor me one way or another - thank you guys! (And if you still have something, it definitely isn't too late, I'll address that later in this post) 

After practising some henna mehandi tats and a day of preparing, we were ready to go. The 26th had the worst weather, and we feared for a thunderstorm on this one time where I needed the sales most - the last few years the weather has always been good. But, we got our party tents up in time for a shower or two, including hail, and we even saw some sun! Less than a third of the usual stalls were there, and maybe half the people. At first nobody had interest in the henna, and we sold some things here and there, but then it got going. Several children cued up for a tattoo and other stuff was sold too. The result: almost two hundred euros!

Thank you all that gave me stuff or bought it. Thank you mum for standing there and dad for being the taxi. In the end it wasn't all that bad!

So, did you just find a too small pair of trousers, long read book or cute little cupboard that just doesn't fit in the house? And you feel like helping me out, big time? Use your things to sponsor my expedition! Bring them to me or I might be able to pick 'em up, and I'll sell them online and maybe on another market. You'll receive my unending gratefulness and some bragging rights :) 

Have a nice day/night,

India