Queens Day - Party and spread the word (updated)
In the Netherlands take up of Firefox is one of the lowest in Europe. The European average is 24%, the UK it’s 18% and in Finland it’s an amazing 41.3%. But in the Netherlands it’s just 13.3%.
It gives us a great excuse to party. Turn up to Amsterdam on 30th April which is the Dutch national holiday, Koninginnedag (Queens Day). The whole city turns into one huge street party with all traffic banned from the centre. Turn up to the centre of Amsterdam wearing something promoting Firefox, Opera or your alternative browser of choice. Or be more adventurous, dress up in a Firefox costume, use your imagination.
OK, it’s just really a reason to have a great time while giving a plug to alternative browsers. But sometimes it’s good to have an excuse to do something.
Getting to Amsterdam is easy from the UK. KLM is currently running a 4 day sale over this weekend offering up to 20% off. Then there’s also a number of other airlines flying there from the UK including easyJet, BA, BMI and Jet2. From mainland Europe there’s plenty of flights and train services.
I fly out from London City on the morning of the 30th and return on May 1st. A free drink to everyone I see promoting an alternative browser. Google Ad revenue has been good this month and more than covered the hosting fees - thanks to the Zune 360 April fools gag that delivered over a million hits in the space of a few days 
UPDATE: Had a great time but didn’t see anyone else with a Firefox/Opera shirt around. If you did come over leave a comment and let us know how your day has gone.
If there’s interest we can organise a proper event next year with more planning.
April 28th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Where to go? I’ve not been to Amsterdam before but now is as good an excuse as any. Got any recommendations for good bars, coffee shops, etc?
April 28th, 2007 at 10:34 am
The best thing to do is walk around and explore. Amsterdam is a compact city and is easy to get around. There’s a map of the city in the KLM magazine and if you’re not flying KLM just pick up a map from the tourist information office located next to the tram stops outside the Centraal Station.
When I arrive in Amsterdam I usually start off at Cafe Karpershoek which is supposedly the oldest bar in Amsterdam and is located conveniently across the road from the station. There’s also an Apple Store near there which I use to check in for my return flight. Unlike most PC stores that tend to lock their machines, Apple stores are confident in their machines and you’re free to use them without a salesman hovering over you.
After a few beers in Cafe Karpershoek you can just follow the crowds, you’ll find no end of pubs and coffee shops. During Queens Day people will line the streets, just go with the flow and you’ll have a great time.
April 28th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Hmm, I could book a flight for Queens Day but I can’t find anywhere to stay, everything is either fully booked or too expensive.
Perhaps I’ll just come over for a day, I got a firefox tshirt back at the linux expo a couple of years ago.
April 28th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
It’s a shame for my country to have so bad user statics on Firefox… but it’s a nice idea to wear your Firefox shirt in Amsterdam
April 30th, 2007 at 7:52 am
Flight boarding soon. I’ve deliberately kept things vague due to the short notice. Think of it as an encouragement to walk around looking out for people promoting alternative browsers. Get talking to those you meet, and if you run into me you can get a free beer
Maybe if interest is high enough we can organise a proper event for Queens Day 2008.
May 1st, 2007 at 1:28 pm
I came here like I always do every year, took your advice and wore the Firefox shirt I bought a few years ago.
Surprised that one of the flight crew recognised the logo, I wore the shirt during the day but changed into something smarter for the evening. Not sure if anyone else was wearing a firefox shirt, I was too busy concentrating on enjoying myself.
May 7th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
If I knew I would have dressed up in my Firefox outfit. Good initiative