Tulip's... second lip

Having seen the previous “lip” of tulip growing and harvesting, we spent our last day in the Netherlands looking at the finished product so to speak, by visiting a world famous tulip garden

As it was the day before our departure, we were moored back in Amsterdam with all the big city trappings,

and even were parked across from one of Mr. Oliver’s venues

So near, yet so far

After the usual breakfast we boarded our coach(es) for a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens.  Once we left the city we began to see the now familiar vibrant strips of color

And upon arriving at the gardens joined the community of coaches, which are as numerous as the riverboats..

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After a short(ish) hike we arrived at the garden’s Hoofdingang (Main Entrance)

Once inside, our guide gave us a little overview of the garden, what is where, and what to expect and be sure to see

One of MFO’s and my first stops was a pavilion which contained (toilets and) some flower vendors as well as quite a large number of crafters (who did not want their works photographed)

We browsed around for a while and then headed out to the grounds. Fortunately there is so much area within the gardens, that it more or less easily swallows a huge number of guests, of which there were (bad English for Lots of People).  Once outside we could breathe a little easier and marvel at the flowers that seemed to stretch forever

You might notice there were still hyacinths as well as the tulips, with little islands as well as those long beds

Quick!   Where is MFO???  LOVE that yellow jacket

But nothing could surpass the variety and vibrancy of the tulips

Of course such beauty brings out all the more serious camera folks

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The main display hall within the gardens was preparing an exhibit honoring one of the more famous artists from these parts

And they even created a “living” portrait outside

Which isn’t bad with a little imagination.  Upon departing, we passed through the food court where they had a calliope playing

It really is an amazing place, open only shortly every year, but worth a visit... you can find more about the garden's and the dates on the thier web site.

People enjoy themselves however they enjoy themselves, so who am i to judge.  But, we were amused by a couple attached to a large group from (I guessed Japan).  They were young, maybe mid twenties (?) and perhaps newlyweds. Who knows.   Anyway the had a "selfie stick" with a phone attached, and all they did was go from place to place taking pictures of themselves.  No time to smell the roses, so to speak, just stand in front of a bed or garden feature, hold the selfie, grin, snap the shot, off to the next.  Maybe when they return home they can enjoy the flowers if able to see behind them.  As i said....

We returned to the ship for our lunch, and after that MFO and I went on the “Diamond Factory Tour” to one of the more famous diamond merchants of Amsterdam, the Gassan Diamond works.  The “tour” consisted of watching some men hunched over wheels working on the stones, and then we were ushered into a smaller room where we were shown some jewelry for sale.  Don’t much begrudge them much, was kind of fun.  No two carat stones sold...

Maybe I mentioned this here before or perhaps on Face Book, but that evening (our last abroad) was the one evening I had made a reservation for dinner off ship for us, but events, late shuttles, fears of midnight packing, and gathering fatigue led me to cancel somewhat disappointed but was for the best..

Even though this was our last day on the trip, it won’t be the last report.  Couple of things worth passing along yet..

DFD