Today is a day of celebration for the Royal Family in the Netherlands. Here in Amsterdam it is a massive street party. Music is blasting everywhere. People are openly drinking on the streets. Fleets of barges motor the canals filled with inebriated party goers. In spite of the frequent showers, the high spirits cannot be dampened. The sense of pure joy is infectious.
Wietse and I ventured out several times weaving through the crowds of revellers. The streets around the Royal Palace were closed to traffic and packed with rowdy women and men committed to having a great time.