Saturday. Today is everyone’s day off. Woke up to the noise of screaming children and slamming doors. Ended up waking up super late again but had breakfast with the family and showered before 11. We headed out again today to the city centre. My folks had no idea what festival was going on today. I sort of had a clue from all the colourful flags but I couldn’t be sure because I couldn’t read the signs. But of course! It was the GAY PRIDE PARADE today. Full of music you’d normally associate with gay pride, and enough transgenders to fill an entire building. It’s nothing compared to Toronto’s Gay Pride Parade, but its definitely not a bad day to come out. Lots of free food, and even some places were handing out free beer!
I ended up going up this clock tower with my uncle and my cousin Dennis. Man, I didn’t realize how much vertigo I would feel going up to such a tower. Really it was those steps up to the tower. It was in that spiral shape, but it was so steep, and there’s no handles, just a rope in the middle. It was however, worth it. Went to the top and took some shots of the city. Take a look at the photos below to get an idea what the city of Groningen looks like!
After coming down, I needed to eat something. Ended up having these snackings called Tzatziki Burgers. They’re really tiny. About the size of Junior Cheese Burger at McDonalds. Also grabbed some famous fries and a sausage. So good. Earlier we dropped the two youngest cousins, Rick and Kevin at Chinese school. So once they finished we grabbed them and headed back home. Before going home though, we stopped by IKEA and picked up some hot dogs and something to drink. I ended up eating 2 IKEA dogs and got my favourite drink at IKEA, LINGONBERRY JUICE! The hot dogs weren’t much different but they do have 2 extra ingredients we don’t get in Toronto; fried onion bits and pickles.
My aunt made BBQ tonight. Smells really good. So, hanging out with my little cousins while we wait for food. Like I said before Google Translate has been such a life saver! It sounds really awkward and IT IS! But, so grateful for it. Speaking with the youngest one, Rick, is pretty funny too. I’ll talk to him Chinese but he always responds in Dutch. Even though he knows I don’t understand he keeps on yapping away. It’s fun though, I’m picking up a little bit of Dutch along the way. I think I can finally hear the difference between German and Dutch. Before I couldn’t even hear it at all. I have some basics down now too, like “Thank You”, “Excuse Me”, “Sorry”, “You’re Welcome”, “I”, “You”, “Nothing”, “Beer”. Even though I’m not doing as much sight seeing here, it’s definitely an experience I definitely love!