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“Tiptoe through the Tulips” − what better way to spend an afternoon than knee-deep in a field of flowers.
Flower season in the Netherlands is now, starting with the crocuses and followed by the delightful daffodils. In April, fields of tulips will bloom and define the country as Tulip Town.
Just outside of Amsterdam, in Lisse, there are fields of tulips − rainbows on the ground. And that makes Amsterdam home to the world’s biggest flower auction where flowers are sold to buyers all over the world, according to the Web site, www. holland.nl.
And while you are visiting the flowers, take some time to enjoy this world-class city full of atmosphere, culture and history. In spite of its 17th century architecture and amazing gabled houses, Amsterdam still has the charisma of a modern-day big city. This “Grachten” city − water canals in Dutch − is home to canals that stretch throughout the city.
Amsterdam is friendly and hospitable, and visitors will know when they see the art and experience the cultural events that Tulip Town could be called Van Gogh Town or International Cuisine Town or Shop-Till-You-Drop Town.
***image4***Amsterdam has always been known for its cultural richness. In its world-famous museums you can find great names like Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer. There are 45 museums in Amsterdam and even the many smaller, specific and unique museums are an attraction for people from all over the world.
Amsterdam is an eclectic little world. On a typical day, you might see – in front of the Sluyswacht – a half-timbered witch’s house or young brokers with lap tops drinking an after-work beer. You might notice the new wing of the old Van Gogh Museum protruding onto the museum yard and next to it, skateboarders rocking a half-pipe ramp. And only 100 meters away, you could see a small trumpet ensemble playing Bach.
For music and theater lovers, a different performance can keep you occupied every day of the week. Festivals, jugglers, street musicians and artists attract visitors in the city all year long. For an up-to-date list of events, visit www.frommers.com/destinations/amsterdam.
It’s best to take your walking shoes to Amsterdam. This is a shopper’s paradise; there are more than 10,000 shops. And the assortment is tremendous − you’ll find everything from that which you didn’t know existed to all the things you didn’t think you needed. Huge department stores, including Magna Plaza, have all the designer clothes, from the well-known to the up-and-coming, you could ever want. And there are tons of boutiques lining the streets for those with a unique fashion sense.
If you don’t hop on a bicycle while you’re in Amsterdam, then you cannot say that you’ve lived among the people. This is how the Dutch travel. Instead of parking garages filled with autos, you’ll see garages filled with bicycles. Amsterdam is simply made for bicycles. You can bring your own or rent one.
Last year, more than 3 million visitors to Amsterdam toured the city by canal bus, according to the Web site, www.holland.com. Catching a ride in the boats or even riding on a paddle boat yourself is worth it.
If it’s night life you’re after, Amsterdam is where you’ll find it. Here, hip and fresh sounds will be found in clubs housed in old churches and chapels, former cinemas and even a refurbished 1960’s fishing boat, according to the Web site, www.amsterdam.de.
Grand Cafés offer a place to mingle and international restaurants offer elegant dinners. Most of these places welcome international guests and have menus in different languages. In general, most Dutch people speak English.
From Kaiserslautern, expect about a four-and-a-half-hour drive. The German rail can also get you there. For fares and tickets, visit, www.bahn.de.
(Story compiled by AdvantiPro staff)
