Top 5 things in The Hague at New Years

Pyrotechnic larynx is my preliminary self diagnosis. My vocal cords are strained from shouting to be heard over the explosions, my airways are inflamed and irritated from the gunpowder smoke and alcohol and now my voice sounds jarring, squeaky and rough.  And I feel a bit rough, but not too rough to compile this list: Top 5 things about The Hague at New Years.

1. Fireworks insanity. There are no professionals involved. No artistic inspiration. No choreography or musical accompaniment. Just unlicensed untrained hooligans from the general public legally setting off rockets, cakes and fountains from their balconies and in the streets everywhere in celebration of the year change. The anticipation was built over the past few days, the length of time between explosions became shorter and then at midnight on Oudjaarsavond, The Hague went off. For about 40 minutes, households all around kept up high voltage raw pyrotechnics creating a world war three vibe. Everywhere explosions and smoke, whistles, bangs and thunderous vibrations. The sky turned red. Surreal.
2. Best Taste in Music Competition. Apparently this has been running for a few years in The Netherlands and this year was my debut. Without any prior knowledge of the rules I won Runner Up for Best Taste in Music 2010. True, it’s just a popularity contest. Maybe if it had been based on talent, skill or knowledge, I would have won. Oh, and true it was not a nationwide contest. However it was  based on a cohort representative of the most uber cool at John and Sacha’s New Years Eve party. My selections of songs from artists such as Powderfinger, Talking Heads and Hunters and Collectors propelled me to second place, so I have them to thank.
3. Olieballen. Except my thighs have turned to olieballen. 
4. Nieuwjaarsduik (New Years Dive). 10 000 jumped in the North Sea at Scheveningen at noon on New Years Day including Sean (in Speedos), Becky, Raoul and the gaggle of Australians we had spent New Years Eve with. I watched and laughed. There was plenty to laugh at with plenty of Dutchies in embarrassing outfits and costumes. And then when they all ran out of the icy ocean on their numb stumps I laughed at their pain (soooooo funny).
5. Show-bag at New Years Dive. For €2 the prized show-bag contained a chic orange Unox beanie and matching gloves PLUS and 800ml can of Unox erwtensoep (pea soup). Very handy.