Keukenhof

This was one of the reasons L wanted to visit the Netherlands and it was not a disappointment.  Not only that, today was Koningsdag - ie Kings Day - the birthday of the Dutch King Willem and so there were lots of orange wigs and hats etc.  I enjoyed the flowers, but it was a bit overwhelming - how many colors are there??  What I did find very interesting was the whole history and business surrounding this very impressive display.  Apparently the name Tulip comes from the Turkish Tulpanam - which means turban and it was from there that the tulip originally came.  It is quite clear that the Dutch have taken over the flower industry - one staggering statistic being that they are responsible for 62% of ALL FLOWERS sold worldwide accounting for nearly 900 million Euros per annum.
After yesterday's cycling adventure we did 10,000 steps just walking around this beautiful garden and I had to have a lie down afterwards - I think age is catching up with me!  A good day and great to share it - glad we were able to be here at this time of year - this only lasts a few weeks.
I posted a couple of extras as there were so many to choose from.