Keu Keu for Keukenhof!

Keu Keu for Keukenhof!

This obnoxiously extravagant place is not only the largest bulb flower park in the world, we're talking 80 acres here, but it is also the most photographed place in the world. More than 7 million flower bulbs are planted, by hand, in this heaven-like land.  It is only open for two months each year which is why so many (over 44 million in the last 60 years) flock to this attraction for its out-of-this-world beauty.

You cannot go anywhere in Amsterdam without seeing advertisements for Keukenhof - SCREAMING:  If you miss it, you are crazy and, possibly stupid.

Getting there could not have been easier.  We took the train to Schipol Airport (Amsterdam International) and hopped the bus (which departed every 5 minutes to accomodate the masses) for a 35 minute ride through the countryside to Keukenhof. 

I am sure we were among thousands of tourists, but because of its size, Erik and I found a way to dissapear, feeling like we were all alone.  We wound our way through the park - finding paths that went in any direction we would want to go.  We entered one section and an immediate aromatic wonder surrounded us.  Looking down, were surrounded by perfect little "teacup" tulips that reminded me of Wonka Land.  We were both thinking it, but Erik said it first "It smells like Skittles!" I retorted "No, Cotton Candy!" It was tempting to reach down and nibble on one of the tulips, just like Willy Wonka would want me to.  It was, after all, too good to be true... we turned the corner to see a pleasant little man smoking his pipe, it wasn't the teacup tulips, it was his pipe - BLAST!  Surely it had to taste as good as it smelled.... but I resisted the urge to ask for my turn.  Good decision.

I will do less writing ... and more pictures on this post .... you deserve it ....

 There always seems to be something random about Europe... like the all-of-a-sudden explosion of The Mamma's and The Pappa's "Monday Monday" which immediately drew me to the source ... which happened to be a fashion show - not just any fashion show, a HAT fashion show.  We stuck around for a few minutes.

I LOVE this song....

"Monday Monday"

What was even more hilarious were the hats of the onlookers - quite a variety, too.

 A four hour walk through the still and serene park, it was time to get back to the hustle of Amsterdam.  We grabbed a bus and headed back to our "home".

It was, as it has been, a blessed day in the Netherlands ...

Cheers,
Kate & Erik/

4/26/2011