Freezing February

Back in February something very magical happened in Amsterdam. There was snow, and the canals froze. The canals freeze enough for skating only once every few years, so it was a special treat to be here when it happened. 

I made it out on the ice a few times, but sadly I didn't have skates. A few weeks back I picked up a pair of super old ones (we're talking circa 1940s?) that attach to your shoes with leather straps, so I'll be prepared for next year. Prepared to fall. They look a little questionable.

There were a couple canals they left open for boats, and then they closed off Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and a number of smaller surrounding ones to allow the ice to freeze. Soon after the initial freeze, people were throwing chairs and bikes into the ice to test its thickness (classy). There were canal parties on the ice. There were cafe stands set up where you could get hot chocolate, gluwein, and pastries. There was also the Keizersgracht race that happened one evening. It was loads of fun to watch...but FREEZING!

So, now for some photos:

 One of the weekends that it was freezing, I made it out of town with a large group some of Amsterdam's finest and most fabulous folks for Dave and Mira's birthday. We rented a house down by the German border (Germany was literally on the other side of the field). It was beautiful out there. A couple shots of that:

Germany on the left, Holland on the right!:

 Our country home, space for 30:

Wow, February zipped by!