New years evening in Amsterdam used to be a rowdy evening were old cars, Christmas trees and other wasted material were set on fire. Best fireworks could and can still be seen at the Nieuwmarkt a square in a quarter were Chinese and porn industry flourish.

We went to this square and the poet Diana Ozon launched a new word shortly after 00:00 ‘pooierpijl’ free translated to pimp rocket an extreme expensive colorful firework that shoots high above the city skyline. This could well be the first new Dutch for 2004. Chinese restaurants fancy more the million rockets, a roll with thousands of blasting crackers. Traditional the Nieuwmarkt is also the place to gather for Amsterdam. Not good enough according to local government. In recent years, they started to promote the larger Dam square as action place. Aided with concerts and big screens this would be the place to show of the people of the Dutch capital entering a new year. In reality this promotion succeeded so far that all tourists are gathered there. Some bewildered about their location, some queuing for the only snack available; hotdogs. While the mood on Nieuwmarkt is warm and cheerful, on the Dam people are more focused to find a Dutch one-night stand. The evening ended in Vrankrijk a squat café were I had the rare honor to faint and next vomit. Apparently a good party.

Mathilde μP