Sinterklaas arrives!

Sinterklass and many zwart piets arrived in Amsterdam today, so Tom and I dragged ourselves into the center to watch the parade, feeling a bit worse for wear after going out last night with my new coworkers. Tequilla is still be worst boyfriend ever -- sweet and fun at first and pure manipulative evil after a date or two (or five).

Enjoy the photos. I know it is shocking to see blackface, but I have to say, there was so much joy and rare Dutch smiles everywhere today. This tradition may be unPC, but comes from a place of goodness, so don't judge too harshly please.

Zwart piets doing aeriel tricks while hanging off the walls of the V&D department store along the parade route.