Happy New Year, Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!

Here are some pictures of my wonderful New Year's Eve and first look at the world in 2011.


Mom left me food and instructions for stove and microwave:)


Delicious dinner while watching Sound Of Music!


In the freezer I found a special dessert: 'Macarons de Paris'. Mmmm.

Mom came home from work around 11 pm, earlier than expected, so we could have some snacks together before the fireworks started...


In the Netherlands it is customary on New Year's Eve for people to buy and light their own fireworks at midnight; we have a wonderful view from my mom's balcony on the surrounding neighbourhood. (A lot of people have to start lighting their fireworks during the day, just to get through it all. I do not approve of this.)


These private fireworks last for over an hour (and often continue the next day with left overs, grumble).


Mom and I simply light a couple of sparklers; no noise, just pretty lights:)





After our little closing ceremony for 2010, we watched Hootenanny (Hootenanny!) with Jools and Kylie and Roger Daltrey and other magnificent musicians.

The next day I started 2011 with the awesomest shower in the world before cycling home. I had to stop halfway to take pictures of the beautiful blue(!) sky.






In the distance the bridge for cars (and pedestrians, bicycles, etc.) between my mom's neighbourhood and mine.


This bridge is for pedestrians, bicycles and public transport only. No private cars allowed.


My appartment survived the vicious fireworks in my neighbourhood (unlike the busstop across the street, so glad I stayed at my mom's;)

My 41st birthday!


Cake from my favorite bakery. Just when I lit my candle, mom and Jan arrived. Shortly after brotherdearest Hans and Benthe joined the party:)


We spent the afternoon talking about baby Ruben. And possibly politics and life in general *grins*


After cake and presents I offered a selection of sweet and salty treats.
(Note to self; next time less snacks before dinner;)


A little before six we walked to the restaurant.


We made it through the snow without slipping! (Okay, so some people miscalculated the depth of the snow, but that was funny:)


First course: Pekingsoup


Second course: one plate serves two people;)


Main course: Jan & Benthe shared Peking platters (duck, pork, chicken and prawns) - Mom and I shared Shizuan platters (beef, pork, chicken and roasted pork) - Hans had a Chinese meatplatter.


My plate (also includes some sate-sauce and a dumpling from Hans) the main course is served with noodles (or rice:)


Dessert: coupe chocolata (mine) and a bananaboat (mom). Jan and Benthe had coffee, Hans had a strawberry/lemon sorbet.


Around 20.45 we stumbled walked back home:)

For some reason Hans wanted to show Benthe a video of that Monty Python sketch of Mr Creosote in the restaurant *grins*. Then I waved goodbye to everyone and I finally had some alone time with my presents!


A calendar from the restaurant;
from mom & Jan: The Adventuress by Audrey Niffenegger, a book by Carry Slee, towels and a skeleton card (it moves!);
from Hans & Benthe: book by Paulien Cornelisse, a science book by Smeets & Haring, a 2011 calender by Peter van Straaten
from Silvia: J2 and CSI coasters (handdrawn!), chocolate (including book) and a flashlight pig \o/