-What did you like the most about the parade? she asked curiously.
-If I have to say one thing, the people love people vibe, he answered and then took a big bite of his extra bacon.
The protagonists of this dialogue are of course me and Mike. We were sitting yesterday at Grannies lunchroom (more on this in a bit) and we were discussing Saturday’s canal parade. If you were there, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. If you weren’t, I really hope you can make it next year!
First, let me tell you about Grannies lunchroom. My amazing husband decided to surprise me this Sunday and take me somewhere new for breakfast, as a thank you for taking him to Trela Plein last week. He is cute like that. I had a very yummy omelette with bacon and Mike had what seemed to be a huge portion of eggs on toast. It was delicious! Also try the freshly squeezed orange juice! Everything seems like Sunday at grandma’s, if your grandma is a cool lady who makes great food.
Now, for the parade! It started with tears pouring down my face and ended with me soaking wet from the pouring rain. Everything in between was so much fun though! About 15 minutes before the parade, two boats carrying AIDS campaigners and Aids Fonds colleagues of the victims of the MH17 crash paid tribute to those who were so horribly taken away and I just couldn’t help it. I was crying as hard as I was applauding. The boats carried a red ribbon made out of roses and signs reading “Our work goes on. Together we will beat the virus” and “Remembering our colleagues on MH17”. Mercedes Sosa’s “Gracias a la vida” was playing and everyone was standing silently, crying and clapping, still numb from this senseless thing that happened. It was a very intense moment for me, because even as a foreigner here, I felt part of this, I shared the pain of these people and I really hope paying this tribute has helped them with their grief.
On a more positive note, the rest of the parade was really fun, some of the boats were very entertaining, others had very clear messages and great purposes (like the first ever Dutch Moroccan boat!), but every single one of them was spreading love and positive vibes! Dana International and Conchita Wurst of course gathered huge cheer from the crowds, as did the Dutch police, the army and the post office! As a Cypriot, you cannot imagine my awe when I saw the police and the army participating in this event.
In Cyprus, the first gay parade ever was organized this year and while some tried to ruin it with a ridiculous demonstration, it gathered more than 4000 people and everyone had a great time. This was very surprising for Cyprus, where still a lot of gay people are afraid to come out, many gay people have been shunned from their families and awareness regarding LGBT people is zero to none. But when I saw how successful the first Cyprus’ Gay Pride was it made me happy. Honestly, I was watching the photos and I was sad I couldn’t be there but so happy for how it turned out. And mostly, I felt proud! Some people say that gay pride events are unnecessary and provocative and sustain negative stereotypes. I say get a life to these people! It takes a lot of courage to stand up to hate and criticism and bigotry, so yeah, be fucking proud about it! And celebrate it! And what better place to celebrate it than Amsterdam and what better way than a canal parade and a huge party!
Thank you Amsterdam Pride and please, if anyone reading this will be participating with a boat next year, consider inviting me! After a couple of beers I’m the best party guest you’ll ever see!
Till the next post.
Much love and pride,
Roxanne
Beaming, roaming, dreaming in Amsterdam 