Keukenhof

Keukenhof might be one of the largest tourist attractions in the Netherlands.
Sure, it is packed with tourists.
Sure, it is overly busy.
Sure, it might be pricey.
But... it is stunning.

The Keukenhof features the outside tulip gardens. These are of the finest gardens I have ever visited, complete with entirely landscaped parts, large ponds, a windmill, garden inspiration side "cubicles" and all sorts of vendors. Some of these vendors sell all sorts of plants, while others sell ice cream, waffles or bread with sausage. I had some poffertjes (small pancakes) there are they were very tasty.

The main roads in the Keukenhof connect some pavilions which all have their own theme. The tulip pavilion is probably the most impressive, but the pavilion with the orchids and the one with gerberas are also breathtakingly beautiful.

If ever you visit the Netherlands in spring, you definitely should go to the Keukenhof. It's too pretty to miss out on it.

A few places worth visiting in Amsterdam

Last Saturday, I celebrated my previous roommate's birthday together with my current roommate in Amsterdam. I don't live in Amsterdam, I don't know the city at all. I've been to Amsterdam about 5 years ago during a summer camp, and I never really got the "feel" of the city. But my previous roommate knows the city, and she took us to a few wonderful places.

Lunch at a canal

We had lunch on a pontoon on one of the canals. Even though it is still winter, we could sit outside, out of the wind and in the sun.

Puccini bomboni

Chocolate approved by a Belgian! They sell really really great chocolate in their chocolaterie, as well as delicious pie in their neighboring coffee place.

Nieuwe Kerk

We spent the majority of our afternoon marveling over the gems of Islamic art from the Khalili collection which are currently on disply in the Nieuwe Kerk. If you like art and have some spare time, it's a must visit.