Golden Tulip De Nachtegaal Lisse

It's a fresh morning and we're ready to explore Amsterdam. I must say, getting into the city last night was quite the experience. I only thought the Parisians were nuts when it came to driving. Now I'm of the belief that it's Amsterdam that takes the prize for obscenely confusing traffic. Just when you thought cars and perhaps a pedestrian or two was the only thing you'd have to manuever, this city throws in a few million bikes, trams, cars AND pedestrians. Going through an intersection ...

My main goal in visiting the Netherlands was to see the bulb fields. I suspected we were a little early and I was right. We went to the famous Keukenhof Gardens and although very few tulips were in bloom, lots of crocus were blooming everywhere. We also saw inside displays at Orange Nassau pavilion and the William Alexander pavilion. There were beautiful displays of cut flowers as well as planted flowers ...

... is going to be INTENSE in every sense. Mentally, physically and visually! A new challenge, new adventures! For how long? Probably about 3,5 months, being back in Holland beginning of November (my friend Olga will get married then). For now I will stay in Amsterdam and my home (as I still have one now) for another few weeks, then it's time to pack up and start cycling! The preparations, new adventures and photos will be posted in a new blog: An intense cycling adventure begins...

... with much water, of course, canals, dykes, etc. Because of this, there are many birds nesting, swans, geese, etc. We opted not to go to Amsterdam upon our return as I have been nursing a cold. So, again, we chilled in our room. Tonight our friends from England asked us to join them for dinner and we also invited our friends from Hawaii. Of course, we ...

Well that was not a fun flight. Walking onto the plane I was dissapointed to see that I was in the very last row of seats, directly in front of the restroom. About halfway through the flight I became thankful for our seating arrangement-- and realized the first obsticle of this journey... health.

... but I like to remember it as a nice walk through Amsterdam:) The bus back to Maastricht left around 5:00 that evening, so after catching a quick dinner at a cute little Italian restaurant, it was time to leave. I would like to go back sometime while I'm here to see a few more museums, possibly take a trip down a canal, and experience the Red Light District. Despite the sleaziness that it is most known for, the area also has a lot of history.

... to Leidsplein and meandered with the late night crowds to Febo. Febo is perhaps the worst the Dutch cuisine has to offer, and I am somewhat ashamed to say it was pretty much the only Dutch food I ate on the trip. Febo works like a newspaper vending machine. You put your coins into a slot next to the particular morsel you would like to risk your gastrointestinal system for, the coins unlock the door, and you pull it open and retrieve your kaassoufle or whatever deep fried ...

... imaginable, varieties of lilacs, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, daisies (including Gerbera), and cherry and apple blossoms in pink and white. They're absolutely amazing.

In addition to the healthy stellar flower displays, there are other things to keep one busy and mind stimulated at the gardens, including:
- old wooden windmill
- interesting, fresh foods to eat from cart vendors
- outdoor/indoor cafes to stop for tea, cappuccino or a beer ...

... park we hit lots of traffic and soon realized that this was just a testament to how amazing the gardens really are - a must see if you're ever in Holland during April or May. The place was enormous and we spent many hours exploring the numerous flowers and displays and took tons of pictures. We also really enjoyed learning about the whole bulb fields industry and the optimal method for growing tulips.

... then tallied and displayed. For most, it was very difficult to choose. Here is an example: Should Muslim girls be allowed to wear headscarves in French schools? This clip directly followed a similar question of whether Muslim police officers should be allowed to wear turbans on the beat. Though the French government is trying to ban religious apparel from public schools, I think it is an infringement upon student's rights. It is their religious belief as individuals. Conversely, I ...