Tulips Everywhere

Welcome to Keukenhof, Home of the Tulip.

We visited Keukenhof shortly after arriving in Amsterdam on Saturday (12 April 2008). Flowers were everywhere even though it had been a pretty cold Spring. There were certainly large amounts of bulbs not yet in bloom, but we couldn't complain.

The flowers came in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. The only thing more abundant than flowers were people. Of course the people came in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes as well, but we tried to just focus on the flowers.

Notice that most of the people have cameras. Their website boasts that it is the most photographed place in the world. I think that might be stretching the truth a little since they are only open for 2 months during the year. They probably only rank 2nd or 3rd.

I think the little white flower is looking a bit lonely in the picture above (right), maybe searching for others of it's kind. Possibly it's a bit envious and is dreaming of what it might become with just a little more water. It could possibly just be a small white flower next to a bunch of purple ones...that can't be it.

Anyway, even though there were an awful lot of flowers and still even more people there were still hidden treasures to be found. I found this gem hiding in a maze no less.

Keukenhof is a happy place. A place that makes you feel happy to be alive and allows you to express your inner self.

This is Dirk and Candice frolicking around in the flowers. The curious people passing in the background had just finished their bit of frolicking and seemed keen to start up again when we moved on a little ways. By the way, Dirk and Candice were our hosts in the Netherlands (for the 2nd time, I can't believe they let us stay with them a 2nd time) so just wanted to say Thanks (Again).

With all this frolicking going on one might think it was all fun and games at Keukenhof. Not so, there were dangers lurking in them flowers. I layed down for a nap and was promptly attacked by a giant dragonfly.

I'm thinking cool, a giant dragonfly is eating me, I wonder what species it is? Luckily Cheryl, after snapping a pic, came to the rescue. Yes I did survive, but it was close. Other dangers included this giant music machine.

I know what you are saying. How dangerous could a music box be? You could easily get lost in the melodious sounds emanating from the giant speakers. Or more likely you could be subjected to the organ muzak version of the Grease soundtrack. Would have been brilliant to have this at the marathon in Rotterdam. Muzak Greased Lightnin would be really good to run from, I mean run to.

Back to the flowers.

There were several instances where we found misplaced flowers. Of course we had to ask the staff what was going on. Unfortunately, we didn't speak Dutch, so here is what we think they must have said. The flowers are bad, so we punish them by placing them in with prettier flowers. This teaches others not to disobey the rules. I'm thinking the Dutch are really odd, either that or something was really lost in the translation.

Oh, I just had to show this one. The tulip version of heaven.

I'm guessing, it's just a whole lot better for a Tulip to just remain in the ground where it's nice and warm. Ok now for some classic Dutch scenes.

Not the most comfortable seat and the smell really not that great. Here are just a few more pictures. Keukenhof is just a great place even with the hordes of people. If you find yourself in the Netherlands during the Spring, go see the Tulips at Keukenhof.