Pierenbadjes!
July 27, 2006 at 8:41 AM
by Ashleigh
Seb and Unknown Kid at the Pierenbadje in the Amsterdam Bos
What's a pierenbadje, I hear you ask?
There doesn't seem to be a literal and direct translation to English but I guess we would call it a 'paddling pool' but oh, what wonderful paddling pools! Especially in 32C heat!
A kind hearted Dutchman who loves the pierenbadjes as much as I do has set up a website where you can see all the locations of pierenbadjes across Holland, read them, rate them and submit photos. I'll translate one of the things he says:
There are a variety of reasons that the pierenbadjes are a worthwhile undertaking. The most important is the social development in a neighbourhood . Why? Firstly the children share their enjoyment of the pool and the parents sitting on the sidelines start talking and form relationships. Secondly, the neighbourhood feels a sense of responsibility for the care and maintenance of their 'badje'.The architecture of the pools is also exciting. It is diverse in form, colour and as functional art.
Here's the link to the photo gallery on the pierenbadjes website.
Yesterday our visit to the pierenbadje was cut short after Sebastian stood on a bee! I had intended to spend the whole afternoon there, but after 2 hours we had to come home. I'll buy an aspivenin pen (like one of the other moms had with her yesterday when her child got stung) so that next time we don't have to cut short our playtime.
We're still in the grip of the heatwave and although the English weather forecast says it will stop today, the Dutch one says there will be a brief respite before it goes back to hot hot hot on the weekend. I think I believe the Dutch one.
Comments
I wonder if it's anything like the small water parks we have here. One is called NRH2O.
Wow Ash, I have just looked at the badjes and they are awsome, what a lovely thing to do for the children in the area.
Poor Seb - hope he isnt too hurt after his bee sting.
*Hugs*
July 27, 2006 1:56 PM