Tiptoe Through the Tulips - Holland
Keukenhof, Holland tulip fields
Greetings from Holland!
We sadly had to say goodbye to our eight month long chapter in New Zealand, but we’ve happily begun our month and a half long journey through Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Greece and Turkey. In under 4 days we've already had the most amazing time with friends and family on this side of the world.
After landing in Dusseldorf, Germany our first order of business was to catch up with one of Chip's friends from back in the day, David Norton (aka Dnort). David and his wife, Meghan have been living in Germany for a few years now and Chip made a promise that he would visit sooner than later. After spending our remaining twenty days in New Zealand on the road, in addition to a long plane ride from LAX to Germany, the welcoming faces of Meghan and David at the train station couldn't have come at a better time! And I must say these two need to be nominated for some sort of hosting award because they showed us the BEST time in Germany and Holland (they live right on the border). I can't tell you how refreshing it was to hang out in a house, be in the company of friends, drink Belgian beer (and then fall asleep on the couch), make popcorn on the stove, sleep in a comfy bed (that smelled of fresh laundry), ride bikes to town, sight-see without having to research, and the list goes on. With being on the road (with no house to call your own), it's the little things that make you smile!
In the 2 days that we spent with Meghan and Dnort we were able to see the charming cities of Sittard by bike and Maastricht by foot. Both cities have beautiful picturesque squares and historical buildings (I have a feeling I'm going to be saying this a lot...).
We owe a huge, massive and ginormous thank you to Meghan and D.Nort for making us feel at home in Germany. We look forward to returning the favor when you visit Colorado.
Delft, Holland
Next up, a short 2 hour ride and we landed in Delft, Holland, home of J.Michaele, Chip's uncle and yet another charming city. J. Michaele was kind enough to let us crash in his pad for a few nights and let me tell you this was hands down the coolest place we've ever stayed. His newly renovated flat a few blocks from the main square in Delft is utterly amazing. Besides the multicolored lights on all levels of the house (see photos), on the main level alone there was a dance floor (equipped with beat sensing lights), a cinema with auto reclining chairs, and a sauna. The second level housed the kitchen, bedroom, living area and outdoor balcony. Last but not least, the third level, which was the guest floor had 3 beautiful bedrooms (and lofts) and where we stayed. I feel a little spoiled now as I write this blog while staying in a hostel with loud children running around outside my door. It’s time for bed little kiddies, I think. I wish we could go back :)
Jeremy, Chip's cousin and I enjoying a stroopwafel which is a thin Belgium waffle with caramel in between. Can be eaten any time of day, so I shall!
I digress...On our visit in Delft, we were also fortunate to hang out with Jeremy, Chip's cousin who was also visiting. With spring in full bloom in Holland, what better way to kick things off (with our third spring in a row) with none other than a visit to Keukenhof, the WORLD'S largest flower garden. Here, approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually in the park which is only open in the spring time for about 6-7 weeks a year. I can't begin to describe how vivid the colors of the flowers are (check out that tulip field picture!! Who knew tulips grew like corn here?). After our day at Keukenhof, we dined in an Indonesian restaurant for a rijsttafel (or "rice table") which is an elaborate meal adapted by the Dutch from the Indonesians that consists of several small dishes served in many different ways. We ate pork, beef, chicken, lamb all prepared differently but tasting equally as amazing. What a fun experience!
Keukenhof, Holland tulip fields
All in all, Delft completely exceeded our expectations and we will definitely be back for a future (and longer) visit. The city had charm, history, beautiful old buildings and churches, and a lovely canal that made its way around the city limits. Another colossal thank you to J. Michaele and Jeremy for showing us an unforgettable time in Holland.
Sadly, we parted ways with friends and family, off to explore Germany on our own! Next up, we head to the south where the Bavarian Alps soar. And the only real way to get there...the German Autobahn!!! More on that later...that is, if we survive. Mwah ha ha...