Archive for the ‘The Netherlands’ Category

Silly World – Lisse – Keukenhof

Posted by Val on May 29th, 2008 at 3:04 pm | Permalink | No Comments » |

I’m sure all y’all know by now that I am slightly obsessive over ANYTHING that is considered the “World’s Largest” something…and while this may be a little more “legit” I think you have to give credit where it’s due…so here we are, the World’s Largest Flower Garden!

Keukenhof is a flower garden located near Lisse, The Netherlands. With over seven million bulbs planted annually in the park, it is the world’s largest flower garden — and the most photographed place in the world. And I could definitely see why: flowers there are breathtakingly beautiful.

Tulips at the world's largest flower garden, Keukenhof, in Lisse, The Netherlands.

Site: Keukenhof — the world’s largest flower garden
Location: Stationsweg 166a, 2161 AM Lisse, The Netherlands
Cost: Adults € 13,50
Hours: Open annually from the last week of March to mid-May. 8.00 a.m. to 19.30 p.m. daily.
Date: May 9, 2008
Check the website for current rates and times.

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Silly World – Amsterdam – Blauw Jan

Posted by Val on May 20th, 2008 at 3:26 pm | Permalink | No Comments » |

While wandering the winding streets (and canals) of Amsterdam I happened across this silly site one day. I really didn’t know anything about it and didn’t remember hearing anything about it in any of my guidebooks. But it was a silly site indeed: a grassy knoll covered in seemingly life-size statues of lizards.

Blauw Jan Lizard Garden in Amsterdam

Turns out that this site is Blauw Jan by sculptor Hans van Houwelingen, named so after Blaauw Jan Westerhof, a 17th century pub owner who had a small private zoo. Erected in 1994, some 40 lizards (monitors, agames and iguanas) dot the grass in Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen, close to the Leidseplein, in the city center of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Site: Blauw Jan — 40 Lizard Statues
Location: Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen, close to the Leidseplein, in the city center of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Cost: Free to see.
Hours: Always Visible.
Date: May 10, 2008

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Silly World – Amsterdam – Giant Wooden Clog

Posted by Val on May 14th, 2008 at 4:31 pm | Permalink | 1 Comment » |

Now, I know that America is full of the silliest sites just waiting to be seen…but sometimes an adventurer has to take a moment to explore the outside world. I just got back from a week in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and thought I’d share with you some “Silly Amsterdam.” I’m kind of sort of EXHAUSTED from a week of culture shock, canals, museums, and…well, let’s face it…partying. So I leave you today with a quick goodie…because you can’t go to Holland without seeing a wooden shoe…

Giant Wooden Clog in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Val in the Giant Wooden Clog in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Site: Giant Wooden Clog
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands — On Damstraat across from the National Monument at Dam Square, in front of a souvenir shop.
Cost: Free to see.
Hours: I believe it was out during the day, but they put it away at night.
Date: May 9, 2008

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