Keukenhof

The first stop on my trip was Keukenhof. If you've never heard of this place, it's called the largest bulb flower park in the world. There are fields and fields of tulips, as you can see below.

It's one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands and over the last 60 years, more than 44 million visitors have passed through their gates. It covers over 79 acres and there are 4.5 million tulips in 100 different varieties.

There are over 9 miles of footpaths (and I felt like I walked each one) and is the largest sculpture park in the Netherlands. I loved the Flintstone car.

Over 7 million bulbs are planted by hand here. Some are in beds and some are in containers.

Each year, they choose a theme. This year, the theme was "From Russia with Love". There were great statues of the wooden nesting dolls. Most incredible was the mosaic of St. Basil's Cathedral done with 65,000 bulbs. I'll have to post those pictures later as I need hubby's help getting them off the camera.

I'm leaving you with more photos of the beautiful flowers there. Tomorrow is the wooden shoe and cheese farm we visited. I have a video of the owner making wooden shoes. 

Peek-a-boo

Okay, so Spring is playing peek-a-boo here in Bavaria. Yesterday it snowed. Granted, it was just a bit of spitting, and then there was the frozen rain later. This after Thursday and Friday were beautiful and in the 60s. Today is rainy, dreary and cold. It's only supposed to get as high as about 40 or so.

On the bright side, the ground is green as can be and the farmers are getting their fields ready for planting. Raps is a popular crop here, but that's another post. The trees should start greening up soon and then, oh, it's so pretty. We did get our patio furniture, but a picture will have to wait. I tried to take one in the store but the lighting was no good. Once the weather clears up here a bit, hubby will get it put together and I'll post a pic.

If you remember, I mentioned an experiment I was trying – working on my novel during the week and a novella on the weekend. This past week was successful so far. I finished chapter 16 of OOTS, which leaves 4 more chapters to finish the first draft. That was even with having to work 3 days at the part time job. I completed the characterization and plotting of the novella, so when Saturday rolls around, I'll be ready to sling some words down. I've even got the opening sentences in my notes. Speaking of openings, I've come up with a better one for OOTS and even though I don't revise until I've got the first draft, I'm going to sneak it in there so I don't forget.

Today I have a meeting with an attorney to deal with some problems with my landlord so off to work for me. What's your day like? Ready for spring? I know I am.