With all the family visiting for New Years we chose to celebrate New Years day at Karakters on Simpson Bay Beach. It is a dutch establishment that serves really good food and provides umbrellas and chairs on a beautiful beach. At 2 pm it is time to celebrate Unox Nieuwjaarsduik (Dutch for New Year's jump in the Sea) - the Dutch celebrate New Years Day with a jump in the ocean followed by hot Pea Soup. The tradition has continued over to St. Maarten that was part of the Netherlands Antilles (until recently) but feels more Caribbean island like and hundreds of people showed up to share in the celebration. I am sure it was a fun opportunity for my dad (born in Holland) to be surrounded by so many Dutch speaking people and partake in a Dutch tradition. Our family made sure to make the most of the fun atmosphere and had a great time. I could think of no better way to ring in the New Year.
some of the small yachts in the area (the BIG ones were in St. Barths for New Years)
think I am a little chilly thinking about this dip in the sea
the boys were more than ready for the fun celebration
ahhh - sad face, the bucket is empty
no really I AM studying
this just brings it all together - this is what happens when you ask for a band aid - and well Carlos just really wants some of those European shorts
after the official Unox Nieuwjaarsduik
Happy New Year to all (yes very belated) and remember to enjoy your traditions wherever you are in the world.
oh how cool! never knew about that tradition - learned something new today. looks like a memory you'll all never forget!
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