March

Two weeks back, I had the opportunity to go with the American Women’s club to the Bags and Purses Museum in Amsterdam. You may ask what is this? It is actually exactly what it sounds that. A local couple had been collecting purses and bags and they amassed so many they decided to make a museum. It was actually very neat. They had bags from a few hundred years ago and then some designer bags of today. They had bags made out of all different animals’ skins and even one bag that was a working telephone. (Before there were cellphones) It was a great afternoon and then we had high tea in the dining room. Of course I couldn’t eat anything, but was great to be spending a lovely afternoon with a bunch of great ladies.

Last weekend was exciting for us here in The Hague as it was Purim, a Jewish holiday celebrating one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. Scott baked his famous hamantashen, a common pastry we eat on the holiday. We went to the synagogue on Sunday for the Purim festivities. The theme was a Bedouin Purim and it was in an Israeli style. All the food was Israeli, the kids made pitas and there was even a real live camel which the kids could take camel rides. We didn’t take a ride, but instead took a picture besides him. See above. Was a really fun day and there was a great turnout. Probably over 100 people. This is the first time we have seen many of the Jews who live in The Hague. It was nice to see that yes they do live close by and will turn up maybe just once a year.