It’s Ascension Day and that means a free day off for many people. Amsterdammers spend this in different ways. AT5 takes a look: from yoga at the Nature High Festival to vulgar snacking at the Rolling Kitchens.
High by nature
Visitors arrive at the Ruigoord breeding ground in an oasis of peace. Today the artists’ village in the Houtrakpolder is all about the Nature High Festival. The program starts at 12:00 with Kundalini yoga and sound healing. Instructor Anne Ahau: “Ruigoord is a place to meet, see, celebrate and uplift.”
The annual festival is completely sold out, says the organizer: “250 visitors come during the day and an additional 100 people will come tonight.” The activities vary from breathing exercises, singing and dance to ‘tantric flow’ and kundalini yoga. “Going fast on your own energy,” is the goal of two women participating in the yoga session.
Kitchens on wheels
A lot of heavenly snacks are eaten in the Westerpark. More than 100 kitchen stalls on wheels have been in green since Wednesday at the Rollende Keukens food festival. Hungry visitors can choose from empanadas, tacos, burgers, pancakes and much more. And that it is popular is evident from the long lines for all the food trucks.
“That’s where we’re going, there’s no line there”
But visitors know that waiting is not just annoying. “It is sometimes difficult to choose between all the tasty snacks. Fortunately, the long lines quickly reveal what is popular,” says someone who is waiting for an ice cream. “Hopefully I’m waiting for a nice taco. I just approach people and it will probably be good,” says another festival goer.
Busy affair
It is hard work for the chefs at the festival. Fortunately, it is a rewarding task. “The best pat on the back is when people like it,” says a bitterballen chef. At a grill stall, another chef is a little more concerned. “The sausages are hard to come by and it’s going to get much busier. And anyone who thought the long lines were too long today still has 3 days to treat themselves. The carts won’t drive away again until Sunday.
