Love boat

The festive atmosphere in the city fully revolves around the favorite hobby of many Dutch people: sailing and boats in general. The streets have been closed to the traffic so that tourists and inhabitants of Haarlem alike can wander from one stall to the other, tasting a little glass of prosecco here and a chunky piece of tasteful young and old cheese there.

The boat masts have all been colorfully decorated with little triangular flags that softly flap into the wind. It all reminds me of some Dutch paintings in which the sky occupies the 3/4th of the canvas; the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds and reveals every time a new floating decor in which historical houses and the imposing façade of the old Teylers museum play the role of the fixed elements.

From one boat to another, the day is spent in marine spirit as the happy boat party seems to drift onto the shore of restaurant Nevy, even though the atmosphere here is different, all sleek and sophisticated to welcome the tenderly pink and delicate flesh of Alaskan king crabs and that of very tasty red lobsters cooked a la plancha. The music is soft and loungy and seems to accompany the floating Supper Club that slowly glides in front of the big windows. For the bravest members of the crew, a glass of champagne on the dock in front of the harbor lights opens the festive navy evening. Cheers!

Credits:

Photos 1 and 2: The Daydreamer (iPhone)

Photos 3 and 4: Style Files