On the ground it's all of the fun of the fair.
In the air, an aeroplane flies past, destination unknown.

The opening of the fair this year was subdued, and included a one-minute silence to remember the the people whose lives were caught short when the Malaysian MH17 aircraft was bought down yesterday.

In total, 193 Dutch lives were lost.

In a country as small as this, the odds are high that everyone knew someone who knew someone who perished when the 'plane was bought down.
I learned that a Professor at my place of work, his wife, also an employee of the university, and their daughter, a student, were in the aeroplane. They had a son, he wasn't with them on the flight.

To see images of personal belongings strewn around, and tales of looting must bring so much distress to friends and relatives.

Time to give our own loved ones an extra cuddle today I think.