A special architectural inspection of dozens of chimneys in Breda. Not a construction specialist, but the one and only Sinterklaas flew over the city in a hot air balloon to see how he and his Pieten get the presents down the chimneys. “I thought it would be a nice way to check the chimneys in Breda and the surrounding area.”
Sinterklaas received the offer from a balloonist to inspect the Breda roofs in this special way together with some Pieten. That seemed like a good plan to Santa and so it happened. It resulted in funny, but also touching moments. It all started with the miter getting stuck behind thick cables when boarding. The basket under the hot air balloon was decorated for the occasion with balloons and lots of presents. This attracted a lot of attention along the way.
The balloon deliberately flew quite low over the buildings, to clearly see the quality of the roofs. The remarkable group was soon recognized, especially when De Wegwijzer primary school in Teteringen came into view. There was a big commotion in the schoolyard and Sinterklaas songs were immediately started. From the basket there was some emotion, a lot of waving and scattering of gingerbread nuts.
“Some roofs have become smoother because they have solar panels on them.”
After an hour of sailing, the descent started. The roofs in Breda and the surrounding area could count on the approval of Saint Nicholas and his Pieten. “It’s a great experience to inspect everything like this. A lot has changed. Some roofs have become smoother because they have solar panels on them and sometimes the chimney has simply disappeared,” says Sinterklaas.
He continues: “I also saw that the listening staff are positioned very tactically. Together with them we ensure that the parcels always arrive correctly on December 5.”
Even though Santa enjoyed this special inspection, he will be heading out again with his horse Ozosnel in the coming weeks. “The animal also needs its exercise.”