This year again, 2011, I fully participated in the Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) of the Netherlands for the whole day of 30 April 2011 until I get tired. It was really fun and at the same time, full of benefits. In the morning, from 10:30 to 13:00, we we shopping around in the people’s/villagers' flea market. During the Queen’s Day in the Netherlands, that is every 30 April of each year, people in the country can sell their stuff legally (as long as legal stuff are sold of course) and without being taxed too. It’s really a good thing because most of the business stores were closed (in our area on this day) and regular people just sell what they think they can still sell. Some children are playing musical instruments or singing and they receive some donations/gifts from the passersby. Us, we are the buyers together with many others. Mind you, the selling started very early because in the morning, when I did my run at 7:00, people were already in the streets buying or arranging their products.

See below the documentation of the people’s market (flea market). A lot of people from the nearby area were there...it was so crowded but I found it really fun where everyone was willing to negotiate the price or gain! Cool Dutch stuff! Others are good, others are really lousy: from presentation to buyer service. Well, they are not professional vendors anyway, that's a good way to practice their trader side after all.

Below are some of the items I was able to take home.... Afordable and I do live so near, so why not? I also tried to have discounts and sometimes we succeed, sometimes fail. It was also a practice negotiation technique for me.

This one is a portable chess set with wine apparati inside as well... great for picnic!
Below is what are the contents...

I was also able to bring an art piece, a basketball, an espresso set, and a wooden horse. Most of these items were in original packing where their respective owners do not want them at all, say, a gift you received and did not like.... maybe you can sell? I don't know if that is fair to the giver though...

The event that was held at François Vatel School, Granaathorst 20 in the Hague, just last November 15 2008 was a great success. It was called the International Food Fair. It is the second year of this event spearheaded by the Church of Our Saviour officers and congregation. Last year (2007), this event was able to raise €51,000 for various charities and this year is even more a success. The proceeds this year amounted to €56,000 and naturally, more charitable organizations and needy individuals will benefit from it.


Personally, I was there buying much things from food, books, bargained old stuffs and I also listened and watched some of the presentations. I did enjoy that Saturday afternoon. Watch out for the photos that I will be posting here as soon as I can upload. It was a great fun! You may watch out for the next year's schedule for this, and if you would be in the vicinity of the Hague, Netherlands, you can take the chance. It was obviously a great success and the crowd was overwhelming. I had to squeeze myself in to get to various booths!


There were lots of booths to choose from. There were food tailored to each race or nationalities' taste but are always open for others to taste at very good prices. There is no kitchen that was not selling good but I stayed at the SouthEast Asian and Philippine Foods hall because aside from the food they offer, that were almost sold out when I left 2 hours before the event closed, there were various fun shows entertaining the diners and everyone who was there. It was a total fun, a great buy and again, a great way to spend my Saturday after working full in each days of the prior week. I post few photos here and more photos, who are still in the process of resizing as of now, will follow.