The good people at the Rijksmuseum know about trippist, and as a result extended an invite to their friday evening picnic's. Yes, every friday evening starting at 6pm sharp people are invited to put out their blankets and enjoy some food and zen atmosphere in the museum garden.

After a long day of construction work at the squat, I got myself cleaned up and headed on over. My lovely date cancelled, but I figured its Amsterdam and a picnic so I'm sure to make new friends anyway.

Upon my arrival I was greeted by the bartender, who also sold a big box of picnic food. As I scanned the garden, there were couples everywhere sharing food from many of these big picnic boxes. It was dinner time and I was already hoping that somehow I too could have a box of goodness.

My new friend Claudia at the info desk, also Portuguese like myself (yes, Portuguese New Jersean), gave me a warm welcome, info about ongoing exhibits, and -halelujah- complimentary food tickets. Just what the doctor ordered I headed back to the bartender and got myself a big slice of quiche and some other assorted snacks. Being on my own, I decided to sit down and share the goods with a pleasant Czech couple who had stumbled upon the picnic.

Pleasant chit-chat followed as the picnicers began packing up. While it's true they don't stay very late at friday picnics, they certainly do show up in large numbers. The event itself has the distinct flavor of simplicity. Sit down, enjoy some food/drink, soak in the garden air, watch some old documentary films from the 1880's, and yes.. why not go into the museum... it is only the most important museum in Amsterdam!

Last bit of important info, picnics will continue for the rest of the summer.. including in September. Which means, there's plenty of time for anyone to head over, Friday evenings at 6. Bring your appetite.. and maybe a blanket. Art optional.