This past weekend, I took a trip to one of Holland's tourist-y places: Keukenhof. A huge park dedicated to flowers, tulips mostly. It was a train and bus ride away, an hour or so actually. The flowers, as the pictures allude, were pleasant. It smelled nice, until the fertilizer lightly waifed inside your nose. The variety of tulips was incredible, but what interested me more, was the amount of tourists.
This park is only open from the 20th of March until the 18th of May. And thousands upon thousands of people travel to see these flowers. Most of them were old, proudly wearing their blindingly white sneakers (thank goodness I only wear them for jogging, it's an immediate tourist alert if one does). We were some of the few people who could tie their shoes--there were two extremes--grandkids too young--or their grandparents who couldn't bend over. Also, I was shocked by how many Russian-speakers I heard. Soon enough I found out that there were bus tours from Russia visiting the park. Apparently, that's a norm! No more iron curtain and the Russians visit tulips. Hmmm.
Overall, it was nice. I know I've been spoiled in the US and am actually used to the lavish display of flowers and ornate landscaping ala Disney and every other theme park, even Portland's Rose Gardens compare, yet on a severely smaller scale. However, it was still cute.
This park is only open from the 20th of March until the 18th of May. And thousands upon thousands of people travel to see these flowers. Most of them were old, proudly wearing their blindingly white sneakers (thank goodness I only wear them for jogging, it's an immediate tourist alert if one does). We were some of the few people who could tie their shoes--there were two extremes--grandkids too young--or their grandparents who couldn't bend over. Also, I was shocked by how many Russian-speakers I heard. Soon enough I found out that there were bus tours from Russia visiting the park. Apparently, that's a norm! No more iron curtain and the Russians visit tulips. Hmmm.
Overall, it was nice. I know I've been spoiled in the US and am actually used to the lavish display of flowers and ornate landscaping ala Disney and every other theme park, even Portland's Rose Gardens compare, yet on a severely smaller scale. However, it was still cute.
An ode to the Dutch flag
These tulips looked like silk: "Holland's Glorie"
Another landscape
They have these amazing sandbags set up. We, of course, grabbed a few and soaked up the rays.
I cannot emphasize enough the craziness of the crowds there. Oh and just so you know, not a hot spot for fellow students. We were part of the handful of young adults there.
Yes, they have a tulip "Perestroyka"
A little snip of the park's layout
The traveling crew:(From right: Aditi, Maria, Guido, Mimi, Hans)
You can't be nice all the time
Chinese garden
2 comments:
AGAIN WOW!!!Truly I think you hit a wonder that exists for a small period of time. Considering that I am fond of tulips, this would have been a wonder for me to see. The pictures are really awesome, and I am so thankful that you shared them with the rest of us. I really liked the "Perestroyka" tulip. It really looks so unique!!!
The Chinees garden looks really cool too!!! Sending you my love!!!!
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