Coolest Place Ever to Watch World Cup...

Jimmy and Veronica had made a wrong turn near the end of the hash and happened past an old industrial complex that had been converted into a place for events called Roest. While the rest of the hash headed to the insanity at Museumplein, we went here and were so glad we did! While there were several buildings in the complex showing the game, we spent the afternoon in this converted warehouse. As you can see, there was a giant screen at one end of the room. Veronica and Bonnie managed to squeeze their way towards the front.

We stayed towards the back where there were a bunch of old tube TVs perched on pallets with beer crates set up as seats to form more intimate spaces among the crowds.

Here’s Bill enjoying the energetic vibe of the crowd.

Farewell Hush Puppy - Part 2...

Ironically, Hush Puppy had already arranged for one of his real sons to take his place in the making of his hash-style 70th birthday cake.

Imagine HP’s surprise when his pretend son jumped up and volunteered. Granted, it was only the day after Opee’s birthday, so he deserved a cake anyways.

Virgin’s Dream was the master baker and he did a fine job making an absolute mess atop Opee’s head.

Opee was actually pretty lucky as his cake only consisted of flour, egg, beer and corn. Other ingredients might have included baked beans, shaving cream and maple syrup.

Luckily Virgin Dream lived very nearby and kindly brought Opee to take a shower so he could attend HP’s party at O’Casey’s.

Of course, he had to give his dad a big hug afterwards. HP will truly be missed.

Farewell Hush Puppy - Part 1...

I write this with a heavy heart after learning that Nat Hush Puppy Edgar passed away on November 13. For most of our years at the Hague Hash, HP was the Religious Advisor, responsible for running the circle and general goofiness. Not only was HP totally hilarious, he was a complete sweetheart. I can’t imagine The Hague Hash without him. 

While looking through some photos of HP, I realized that I’d failed to post about his 70th Birthday Hash back in March 2012. It was a unseasonably warm day--the Hash Gods had definitely smiled down on HP.

The circle was extra entertaining. HP had a special seat for watching the shenanigans.

Can’t remember exactly what caused this behavior...

...but do remember that this was the moment that Opee realized that HP could actually be his father since he was studying in the US at the right time.

Here is Opee trying to fend off Nat’s other sons. Ironically, this discovery actually worked against Opee as you’ll soon see.

World Cup Fever...

I love how the whole country turns orange while the Dutch are playing in World Cup. This is a building in The Hague...

...and this is a houseboat in Amsterdam.

Here’s a building in Amsterdam...

...and a house on the main road into Voorschoten.

Hashing in Amsterdam...

That Sunday we headed to Amsterdam. Luckily the musical was over, so Jimmy and Veronica could join us. It was an interesting trail in an eastern part of Amsterdam that we’d never been to before.

The beer break was just on the other side of this unusal pedestrian bridge, known as the Python Bridge.

Ironically, there was a hasher visiting from South Carolina who happened to be a college professor; imagine her surprise when she learned that Bonnie could be one of her future students. Originally the hash was supposed to end at a brewery inside a windmill, but instead we went to a park so we could finish in time to allow everyone to see the Dutch playing in the World Cup.

Molen De Put...

We were happy to discover that the Molen De Put is open every Saturday for visitors. Built in 1987, this windmill is a replica of a windmill from 1619.

This mill still grinds whole wheat and also sells grains from other mills in the region.

Jimmy and Veronica couldn’t join us because of the musical, which we went to see that evening.

Back to Leiden...

On Saturday, Ashlynn came along with us to Leiden. She did some shopping while I took the gang to the De Valk Windmill Museum.

We had a nice view of a special parade of horse-drawn carriages.

Ashlynn joined us at Oudt Leyden for their infamous pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes).

A remarkable job was done in restoring the outside of this step-gable house from the early 1600’s. Too bad it’s privately owned so we can’t see the inside.