Carnaval Catch Ups

So, I'm finally caught up (I think). Anything that I may have missed will be posted when it comes to my attention.

The carnaval (translation: carnival- this language, it's so strange and unintelligible) has started in Maastricht! So far I have deduced that every child at age 5 must be given a drum, trumpet, trombone and their choice of a 4th instrument, they are to have mastered each one by age 7 and always keep their 4 instruments at their house. This is the only explanation I see for the fact that it seems 95% of the Maastrichtian population has an instrument and they are all outside playing it as I type.

The other 5% obviously is taught to be a seamstress  (they learn only 2 instruments, clearly) because you would not believe the complexity of some of the finer costumes I saw today. I can't begin to explain them adequately. Luckily I have pictures!
You can find them under the "Links" to the right.