The calm before the Carnaval

It's been a fairly "normal" couple of weeks, and by normal I mean Michel and I haven't really gone anywhere or seen anything, we've mostly just hung out in the apartment. Partly that's because I'm pretty sure I sprained my toe two weeks ago, and partly the weather has been not great. 

I won't say it's been "bad" weather, because we're from Canada and they've been getting tons of snow and really cold temperatures. But, it's still been really wet and windy here, and we didn't have any motivation to get out in that, especially with me complaining about my sore toe on top of it all. 

I did get a bike finally though, it was not easy finding a Lisa-sized (AKA teeny tiny) one. I haven't ridden it much but at least I have it. 

I'm still intimidated by the number of people on bikes, I'm not really a good enough rider to stay in my own space, but I'm hoping to get more confident and ride more places. Mostly I really want it for getting further from the apartment and seeing things that just aren't within walking distance (like Belgium!) 

I did go on a short bike ride today though, it was finally sunny and I felt bold. I chose a route that had bike lanes the whole way and stumbled on a cool little trail around some water. It's called Kleine Weerd and is the remnant of an island (according to the Google translated website I read). Glad I went out, but it got grey and cold very quickly so I took some pictures and came back home. 

 

Other than that, we also took care of some more bureaucratic stuff (bank accounts, insurance, residence permits), all very boring. 

BUT this coming weekend (Sunday February7th -Tuesday February 9th actually) is Carnaval here in the Netherlands and there's no way it's going to be "normal", from what I can tell. Apparently it's a Southern Netherlands tradition, and Maastricht does it biggest. Basically, it's their Mardi Gras, but it's colder so the costumes are bigger - at least that's what I'm expecting. 

So, I know it doesn't seem like our thing - a three day party in the streets - because everyone who knows us knows that we're really both 80 inside, but we must embrace it! Also, there's dressing up in a costume and I LOVE dressing up! Because we're being frugal, and I love to crochet, I have made us things to wear. So, I guess it's a good thing we haven't been getting out too much, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to finish my Carnaval projects. Especially Michel's, it was SUCH a pain to make, but ultimately worth it. 

Because I'm just way too excited about the costumes, I'll show you what I've made, even though they're going to look way more awesome when we're actually dressed up in them, But don't worry, there will be LOTS of pictures of that too :) 

I decided, based on the meager clothing I was able to bring with me, that I have a dress that will work to do a female mad hatter type thing. To go with it, I made myself a top hat and giant bow scarf, as well as some leg warmers that aren't done yet. And I bought a frilly coat, since it's February and I didn't want to go for the Canadian child Halloween look of wearing the costume over the snow suit. 

                 

 

Michel chose a hat from my ravelry (knitting and crochet website) library that is just so perfect for him, and also requested a bow tie to match my giant bow. 

 

Again, that hat was NOT fun to make, but good for Michel for pushing me to make something so challenging. 

I can't wait to get all dressed up and experience the Dutch Carnaval!!