I still find it odd that fireworks are available for general public use.
Though at least in Amsterdam this year, they did much less damage than last year. The news supposed that the rain had kept things here quiet this year.
We went to the park all rugged up for a cold that never really eventuated.
It has been unseasonably warm here so far this season.
Like last year, this is throwing the local flora and fauna for a loop.
Some of the trees are blooming, and the birds are nesting. The scientists and farmers are all worried.
Vondel Park is so different in the Winter. It’s still full of people, but with no foliage to obscure your view, you can actually see them all.
Given the mildness of the weather I think there were more families out and about than there were last year.
We walked all the way through and into Leidseplein.
After stopping for a bite to eat we kept going all the way up to Centraal before hopping on a tram to go home.
It was wonderful to have a day out that had no time constraints. I think I’ll do it again next year!
How did you spend your New Years Day?
As a side note, my big brother just turned 40. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about that. Happy Birthday Big Brother! May there be many more birthdays in your future! 😀
ghoti industries 
We spent the day at the Bay sitting on the deck eating and drinking with old friends enjoying the sunny day and views up the harbor.
Sounds like heaven 🙂
We were lazy this year, but in previous years, I’ve enjoyed getting out and wandering around the quiet city on New Year’s Day.
As an aside, how great to see one of the painted elephants by Utrecht artist, L-Tuziasm in the fifth photo!
We saw in the New Year on Sydney Harbour drinking and eating on a Catamaran watching the fireworks – and then returned to Canberra on the historic train catching some sleep in our berths before breakfast and a 9:30 AM arrival – Daniel, Leah and Sarah had stayed with their cousins. Can’t we remmeber what we did on teh day – but New Year’s Eve was unforgettable.
That sounds amazing! If you’re going to do Sydney, on a boat is definitely the way to go 🙂