Avondvierdaagse

The Avondvierdaagse, a semi-compulsory four-day evening walking event for primary school children, presented a familiar scene of parental exertion and childhood enthusiasm in Amsterdam. The author recounts joining the event late with his two daughters, aged nine and ten, who were initially frustrated by the delayed start. The family rushed through Flevopark, attempting to join other groups amidst the throng of already departing schoolchildren.

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We call it the 'argument four-day walk.'

The experience was marked by minor dramas: one daughter lost part of her snack supply, a coveted item for trade, while the author, tasked with searching for it, chose to ignore the order. Children, some pulling classmates through thorny plants, others licking oranges stored in socks, navigated the route. Adults debated the "unprofessional" fruit distribution and the need for more structure, while children carried backpacks laden with candy, a common sight for school-aged children in the area.

The author observed a group of mothers for whom the Avondvierdaagse is a recurring highlight, eagerly anticipating post-event socializing with wine. This contrasted with his own recollections of past events, including a chaotic end to the previous year's walk involving a rainstorm, a spontaneous plunge into water by his eldest daughter's class, and a lost set of bicycle keys.

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Then it will thunder later in the week. 'Then it doesn't have to,' he said.

Discussions among parents at the finish line revealed their own struggles. One father described the event as the "argument four-day walk" due to disagreements with his wife over who would participate each day. Another, nursing a sprained foot, noted the forecast of thunderstorms, seemingly hoping for a cancellation, only to be told by a determined mother that the event would proceed regardless, highlighting the parents' commitment to seeing it through.

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This they would not let be taken away from them.