maandag 6 augustus 2012

Varend Corso Westland
Varend Corso Westland means Floating flower parade in English. It is a yearly event during the first week of August in Westland, a region in Western Netherlands. It is a three-day boat parade sailing the routes in Westland, Rijmond and Delfland. If it coincides with your visit in the city of Delft  then it is a nice opportunity to see this boat parade. The Delft route is usually on the third day (Sunday) at around 1:45 pm. You can sit beside the canals and wait for the boats to sail. Just go to Oostpoort (Eastern gate), the only remaining brick gothic style gate in the city which was built in 1400.
I notice that most people combine the affair with picnicking. They bring foods, drinks, mats and folded chairs to the location. More than 30 boats join the parade. The boats are decorated with beautiful flowers, fruits and vegetables which make them very colorful. People in the boats show various themes with different kinds of music, dances and theatrical acts which make it very pleasant and exciting to watch. 
Video impressions

zondag 5 augustus 2012

Castlefest
Castlefest is a fantasy festival in The Netherlands which is held every first weekend of August at Castle Keukenhof in Lisse. It is a three-day festival  of concerts, different workshops, food and market stands, campings, story-telling, various tents of different fantasy groups, sword fighting, etc. The visitors are dressed to the best of their ability and creativity. It starts on Friday and ends on Sunday.
Transportation
You can ride a train in going to Castle Keukenhof. If your departure is either Amsterdam or The Hague, you have to find a train which bring you to station Hillegom. There is a shuttle bus going straight to the festival terrain. Price is € 4 for a two-way ticket. The entrance ticket for a day is € 22.
MY VIDEO IMPRESSIONS:
Video 1  visitors in medieval/fantasy costumes and medieval tents of participating organizations
Video 2  feat. Steampunk garden
Video 3  visitors in their creative costumes and Bird live
Video 4 firing a cannon, archery, story telling and battle
PHOTO ALBUM:
Fllickr photos taken by Dedsharp photography  (Dedsharp has already placed a few photos, more coming up so if you are interested, come back to this link from time to time).