Twenty-seven: Gayday

While I was in Seattle celebrating Chris and JB's wedding, Kim attended Amsterdam's pride parade. Here's what she said about it in an e-mail (with maybe a little editing to keep it PG.)

"It was absolute madness! The weather couldn't have been better - it was even a little hot - and the streets were packed. Amanda took Do and I to a party in the perfect location (a 2nd floor apartment) with an unobstructed view of the canal floats (probably about 90 beginning to end.) I've never seen so many older folks (50+) out celebrating - a float was even dedicated to that age group. And so many six-packs! As you know, gay boys love being shirtless. Later we hung out on a boat in the canal to get a closer look. One float was playing Karma Chameleon - as it got closer, we realized it was actually Boy George singing on the float!

We went for ice cream on the 9 Streets - ijscuypje - because there's always time for ice cream! By this time the parade had ended and the canals were flooded with party boats. Do, Amanda and I biked to Rembrandtplein for some Italian food - the gayness had spread all over the place! It was even crazier than the float parade. We had to go through a SEA of people - I mean, there was no moving room. Just a mass shifting of bodies if you wanted to move. Almost got stuck - the pictures really don't do it justice. Do and Amanda kept commenting (I swear they were more excited and into it than me) how they couldn't believe Jess was missing this spectacle. Amanda said it was an even bigger party than Queen's Day!"