Happy New Year

Last night was all about friends, food, and fireworks. Lots of fireworks, despite the crappy weather. This year, two lots of pyromaniacs set off colorful whizz-bang rockets and Roman candles across the candle, providing much entertainment for our little party -- including 11-week-old Holly, who observed it all placidly before falling asleep on her mother's lap.



Today was clear and bright, well-suited to a quick spot of recycling and a walk to inspect the damage wrought on the Amsterdam streets.



We hadn't spotted the usual fire on the bridge between the Prinsenstraat and Herenstraat, but the resulting debris showed that it clearly took place.



The tourists were out in full force, wandering the streets looking cold and slightly lost, while the locals packed out Cafe Thijssen on the Brouwersgracht, 80s disco, excited chatter, and alcoholic fumes pouring out of the fuggy interior. Our last New Year's Eve/Day in Amsterdam -- where will we celebrate next year, I wonder?