It was a great last day in Holland. We were up at 7:30 and met Puhls at 8 for the hotel breakfast buffet. They were already there, and as we went to sit down, Tony came out with an amazingly orange, amazingly tacky hat with orange tulips on it. It still had the tag on, and had gotten it for me because I was "just a wonderful, enthusiastic tourist to Holland". He was so pleased to give it to me, and I was really tickled to receive it. Pictures were taken of me in the hat and Tony, and the few other guests at breakfast just smiled at the crazy American. I wore it all through breakfast. Orange is the color of the Netherlands (think William of Orange) and the Queen's celebration is April 30th every year - a huge national party, so I am sure these kinds of things are sold all over. It was great fun, and I was proud to wear the hat.
Puhls left at 9. We were sad to part, but we all agreed it was a great weekend except for the cold and rain. Bill decided it would be fun to go back to Keukenhof Garden today to see some of what we missed yesterday. We left at 10:15 and were in the park at 11:15. It wasn't as crowded as yesterday, and even though it rained a few times, it was mostly sunny.
First we went to the windmill to buy tickets for the boat ride on the canals through the flower fields. The next one left at 1:30, so we signed up. We both climbed to the viewing platform on the windmill where I took photos of the fields. Bill got a freshly made stoopwafel. This one was larger than the normal cookies we have seen sold. The girl heated up the very thin waffles, smeared honey syrup on them and pressed them together. Pure sugar, but Bill enjoyed it.
We headed to the Orange Nassau Pavillion, one of 11 or so large buildings scattered around the 79 acre park to see the Chopin display since this year's honored country is Poland. It was raining a bit, so we went inside to see the daffodil display. I never imagined there were so very many varieties of daffodils. Outside the pavilion was a large headshot of Chopin done in flowers. It was impressive. We walked down the Walk of Fame where there are small beds of tulips named after famous people. Our favorites were Mickey Mouse (his bed was in the shape of mouse ears) and Vladamir Putin. We wandered around paths we had not taken yesterday and grabbed a "warm beenham"sandwich like we had yesterday.
Then it was time to line up for the canal boat ride. This was in an open, shallow boat holding about 40 people packed in tightly. We got seats in the center at the front. We first passed the hyacinth fields and the scent was heavenly. The fields were amazing in color and fragrance. The cruise lasted about 45 minutes, and I got some beautiful shots.
After we disembarked, we went through the small Japanese garden. Then Bill went to see the orchids again while I went to the souvenir shop and finished much of my Xmas shopping. We wandered down more paths we had not seen yesterday, and it all was just as jaw-dropping as yesterday. We left about 3pm.
Traffic was heavy on the way home, and we stopped for gas, so we didn't get back to the hotel until 4:30. Tony was still here, thank goodness, because I wanted to thank him again for his hospitality and the hat. We chatted for a bit about our families, our vacation here, while Bill went to the room. Tony asked if Bill drank liquor, and when I said yes, he said he had a small gift for Bill. We came down a bit later, and Tony poured us all a small glass of orange bitter. It was an interesting drink. He then left with his girlfriend after exchanged pleasant farewells.
Bill wanted spaghetti for dinner, so we went around the corner to Spaghetatta. It was really quite nice and inexpensive. Bill got his spaghetti carbonara, and I had gnocchi with spinach, mushrooms, cream, and parmesan. Both were excellent. We also shared a salad. It seems the salads here are much more interesting (various greens and great dressings) than we have in the US.
Now we are back at the hotel packing. I will send the email and head to bed since we are getting up at 4:30 for the 45 minute drive to Amsterdam airport to hopefully catch the 9:15 flight to Newark. There are 6 seats open in business first and overbooked by 2 in coach, so keep your fingers crossed. The loads look even worse the rest of the week.
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