 Delft Blue Clogs
Frank Antonissen, 26 years young from Uden has just arrived in Sydney to help with the preparation of WYD and IYF (International Youth Forum) that will start in Goulburn before the WYD.
Frank is here to experience the first WYD of his life.
1. What's the connection between WYD, your country and you?
Good question. Let me think about that for a minute. Well, in the Netherlands during the year you don't see many people nor youth in the parishes. But the youth are very good at being present at big events. So for a small country such as the Netherlands we're likely to have a nice "big" group (even though Australia is a long trip this time).
My connection with WYD is quite fresh, but also strong. In my heart I just knew that I had to be here. Although I had some health issues (almost cancelled my year to Australia and the WYD), it [the call] still felt so strong to come and witness this big event, so I arranged my ticket to Oz and my insurance in one day!
A week later I arrived here and now I am helping some friends with the preparations over here in the Emmanuel Community Office in Paddington.
2. How many pilgrims are coming to Sydney from the Netherlands?
500.000 and a 1/2. Really? Nope, actually it's around 640 people.
3. What are some of the main Dioceses, cities and groups represented?
I believe that the city's Rotterdam and Utrecht are well represented and are the biggest groups.
I am coming with my Diocese "Den Bosch" which has a nice group too.
4. Will the Netherlands be represented in the 'Papal Plate' WYD Soccer Competition?
Didn't you guys see us play against Italy and France during the European Championship 2008? Too bad Guus Hiddink ruined our party - he knew how to play us to well. But we didn't do too badly... so probably you will see some orange jerseys on the field doing some tricks. I am not sure about our enrollment in the competition yet though.
5. Is your country having a National Gathering at WYD and if so, when and where is it on?
We have an International Youth Forum in Goulburn together with the Emmanuel Community. So that would be great. About 1700 pilgrims (± 640 Dutch) will be there to participate. It is starting on 9 July and then we go back to Sydney on 14 July.
6. Are there any migrants from your country living in Australia - if so how many?
Yeah of course, we got some Dutch here, I don't know the numbers. (Sorry about that).
7. Any National Foods of interest?
Heineken, Cheese, farmer cabbage or carrots & unions stamped with potato served with some sausage.
8. Any National Past-Times of interest?
Sports - Soccer is a big thing that's for sure in the Netherlands. Ice skating (speed skating mostly, always the Dutch). Don't forget Hockey!
Cultural - Great Art, mostly from the past. Good with waterworks.
Something typical - We cycle a lot with our bikes. We got wooden shoes, windmills and tulips (flowers).
Something else typical - The Dutch like to party. A lot of people (most of the youth that is), go out to a bar or a nightclub until the early morning.
9. Describe your country in 3 words?
Small-flat-modern-busy-country
10. What little souvenirs will your country's pilgrims bring to WYD to share their nationality with other pilgrims?
Miniature windmills / wooden shoes, black liquorish and Christian gifts from Europe.
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