Vondelpark, Amsterdam

While chasing the sun between restless clouds, a friend darted into my path with a smile. She has a couple of kids, and today was their (twins) birthday. We hardly get to see each other, so it was the perfect opportunity to have some impromptu time together.

I followed her and Twin H into a children’s playground. H was very happy and enthusiastically led the way for us. As I pushed my bicycle through the sand, I started looking at all the tiny people toing and froing. They were up to all kinds of mischief. The first little girl I noticed had fists full of sand and was staying particularly close to her mother. Another young lass with curly hair was walking nowhere fast. Then she took a moment out of her stride to stop and look at me with angel eyes. I felt surrounded by the joy of innocence. What a beautiful place to escape the 24 hour news cycle.

We found a table and got some treats. The kids father informed me that these places were in high demand, especially if they served alcohol. HA!

About half way through our visit, I noticed that some other kids were sharing a ZIP line. None of them were arguing or fighting over who was next. Was this Pleasantville? Were all children in this park perfectly behaved? As my eyes followed another bold explorer of the ZIP, I was interrupted by something odd going on at the seesaw. A little boys britches seemed to have gotten to low while he was doing his bit. What was weird, is that they kept getting lower and he seemed to be shoveling sand in his bottom with his hand every time he went from up to down. It was hilarious to watch. He seemed innocent enough at first, but then I noticed he was trying to get his friend to do it to on the other side. This child was an instigator! The other kid thought it was funny and started to take his socks off. I pointed out what was happening to my friend and we laughed. Next thing you know, both kids were half naked and laughing hysterically while they scooped up sand where the sun don’t shine!

I wondered where their parents were. Was this ok? I had never visited Sand Crack Universe, and had no idea what the customs were.

Finally, a very pregnant woman came over and put a stop to it. She stood beside The Instigator and served him a Word Salad. She didn’t seem to scold them, though, I really don’t know what she said. Whatever it was, she somehow convinced them to save what was left of the contaminated sand for the the unknowing public.

And that was my day out.

Kids are funny.