May 15:

The Keukenhof is a beautiful park that was designed in 1830 by German landscape architect, J.D. Zocher. He also designed the park surrounding the Soestdijk Palace, which is just down the road from us. The name literally means "kitchen courtyard" because it supplied the needs of the kitchen of Countess Jacoba van Beleren in the early 1400's. In 1949, a group of prominent bulb growers came up with the idea of an outdoor display. It was to serve as a "window display" for the tulip industry. Today about 100 growers contribute their very best specimens to the display. Its the main reason we scheduled our visit a little early this year: To see the Tulips!! And, Deb and Ray were anxious to see them too.

As it turned out, today was the next to last day the exhibit of tulips would be open. So, even though it was a holiday weekend, we needed to get on down the road. We were there by 11:00 with no traffic and parked very close to the main entrance.

I don't know how many times you can say "stunning", or "wow", "beautiful", and it gets boring to keep repeating, so here are some of our pictures:


So many colors.

So many sizes.

And, artificial lilly pads to walk on.



At least they were bolted down - no wobbling.

A great way to spend a day. We now know why the Dutch are so famous for their tulips.

Dinner at home was stuffed chicken and broccoli. Afterward, a short walk down to De Lindenhof for a drink in front of the unlit fireplace.