Queen's Day 2012

Where am I?  Knoxville or Amsterdam?  Well, his name may be Smokey, but he is a Dalmatian and not a Bluetick Hound!


April 30 was Queen's Day in The Netherlands.  The Dutch Queen Beatrix and her family are celebrated every year on the birthday of her mother, Queen Julianna.  Beatrix is approximately my mother's age, born in 1938.  Her oldest of three sons, Willem, is approximately my age and will become King in time.  I should have married up :)

Top Team Fans
Ajax Amsterdam football
We were warned about Queen's Day and the raucous celebrations and general partying that goes on.  Apparently our new Dutch friends couldn't have imagined my Volunteer lineage!  I thought this would be an impossible post due to the HUNDREDS of pictures that Jeff took during the day.  However, as it turns out, we have many many pictures of pretty girls in orange, but they all do blend together.  So, I have decided to post the "Best" of the series.  Enjoy!

Smallest Party


Most Romantic Prince and Princess

Biggest Party

Most Patriotic Female
 
Most Patriotic Male (in the blazer)

Most Authentically Dressed

Best Party Spread






So, I was reminded of the Vol Navy and a cruise down the Tennessee River.  Jeff and I still need to make it to a Tennessee game!

If it isn't obvious by now, Queen's Day is one big excuse to have a humongous party!  Since the city is ringed by canals, the obvious party vehicle would be a boat of any sort that will float.  I should explain the Orange.  The Queen is from the House of Orange-Nassau.  This is somehow part of her official name which I do not know.  Basically, the name Oranje (in Dutch) is part of the name of the monarchy and therefore is the national color!  What a wonderful country to live in!  They even have the shade right.  Nothing about this orange is reminiscent of Auburn or Texas.  It is pure Tennessee Go-Vols Orange!  Pictures, as usual, can't do it justice.  Just imagine the biggest Tennessee Tailgate EVER!!!