When the winds are blowing over the flat lands in the Netherlands and the rain hits the faces of those dare to go outside. Everybody in the country is thrilled for one thing only. With many they have arrived from far and follow their leader to entertain the people, young and old. Thrilled is their arrival awaited by those that have been blessed by good fortune and deeds but those that are not so fortunate with their good behavior are less excited.
  Winds and rain might prevent their arrival and secure a good night's rest and another day without the guilt of failing the patron

of those in need.
  
  After a few days we will know who will get the biggest present and cheer the most and who will sit in a corner with tears rolling off their cheeks because they did not receive their sugar coated presents. There could be even a few that have been missing and eventually turn up again as completely changed persons. Are you one of them, if you are, do find a good hiding space. Because it will be a wild ride you are going for. Groningen, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Rotterdam or Amsterdam it does not matter where you

are.
  
  He, who is dressed in red and gold, will be accompanied by his merry men, dark as charcoal and with a bag full of good fortune or bad luck. Will you be able to grab the good start or the awefull finish. Saint Nicolaas will be there to greet everybody and hand out present and Zwarte Piet will take all that have misbehaved. The Dutch await these merry men and patron of those in need with anticipation and songs while the foreign visitors give out there best performance and make everybody happy.
  
  In between there is the Nederlandse Tour. Good luck.