Hat fit for a long-distance skating trip...

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How does one describe the Elfstedentocht, the 'Tocht der tochten', besides our flag and anthem one of the biggest Frisian symbols and traditions? One can't. Just the fact that it's 200 km over frozen rivers, skated in one day, starting at 4 in the morning and finishing hours and hours later, having to get off when the ice is too weak, drinking hot chocolate, having icicles in your moustache, beard and eyelashes, feeling honoured to receive the much cherished cross at the end of it - doesn't begin to describe it... The last time it was held, was in 1997, and before that in 1984 and 1985. It's such an event that 'It giet oan!' only means one thing here: 'It's happening! The Elfstedentocht is being held!' Every year, all of us anxiously watch the weather forecast, will it freeze enough to build up a nice thick layer of ice?

No, indescribable!
And then to think that Tryater is going to put it on as a show, because it was held for the first time 100 years ago. How? I've no idea. But it will involve lots of buses, a trip around Friesland and a lot of drama and freezing cold. And we're knitting hats for the performance. I've had a few ideas, and in a few days, the first one will hopefully be finished... On Saturday, the cultural season will start here in Leeuwarden, and to promote the Elfstedentocht spectacular spectacular, we'll - several knitters from SnB Fryslan - be there: knitting with our knits on, with lots of hot chocolate and whipped cream and winter sweats - no matter what the weather is... Pictures to follow!!!

Comments

Tijm said…
De ijzers maar vast uit het vet halen dus!
September 11, 2008 at 7:13 AM
MoniqueB. said…
Wat heb je dat weer mooi gezegd en geschreven.
Heel veel plezier met het breien in de Harmonie, met zijn allen.
(ik kan echt niet, S. moet judo-en in oenkerk).
Ik was er bij in 84 en 85. We stonden aan de bonkevaart, en zagen zelfs willem van buuren voorbij schaatsen! (ik heb zelf niet geschaatst hoor, maar iemand die ik kende).
September 13, 2008 at 9:19 AM
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