What to do on

Ascension Day

“Oh cool, we're off on Thursday!” Ascension Day always comes as a surprise to me. It's not like Christmas or Easter where you really look forward to it. I must admit that I had to ask May-Britt what that day means again.

I'm using Thursday to leave my old house for a new place. Out of the Jordaan, to the Pijp in Amsterdam. I've arranged for two strong guys to help carry (a lot. of. clothes.) and I will mainly give directions and provide beer at the end. After that, it's unpacking time for me.

The weather forecast is medium, but well, if it doesn't rain, everything is okay.

For those who have the whole day off on Thursday, I have some nice tips.

The Rolling Kitchens

At the Westergasterrein, there is a large outdoor restaurant. Dozens of restaurants from Amsterdam are there with a stall selling the tastiest dishes. You order a bottle of wine, a plate of food, and sit somewhere at a picnic table or on the grass. There are also 3 stages with different bands. A big festive celebration with music. The Rolling Kitchens is from May 28 to June 1 (all day long) and entry is free.

Heavenly Festival

The theme is ‘forward with the goat’. The NDSM wharf will transform between 11:00 and 23:00 into a real city farm with, among other things, horseshoe throwing, rodeo pig riding, and clog disco. Sounds a bit silly, but it's really fun. There's plenty to eat and drink and of course, there's music. The real festival-goers can absolutely go wild there with, for example, the band Jungle By Night. And if you still haven't had enough by 23:00, there's an afterparty at Noorderlicht café.

Rent a boat

Pack a bag full of goodies, bring a bottle of wine, and hop on a boat. Here you can read exactly how, what, and where.

Shopping for furniture

You might consider taking a round of home boulevard. I love it, others run away screaming. Ikea and Villa Arena are just open. By the way, if you're going anyway. I still have a shopping list for you.