On my second morning in The Netherlands, after a good night’s sleep, I awoke bright and early for my bus trip to tour the Keukenhof Tulip Park, about an hour away from the city. I joined the nine hour bus tour to Keukenhof Tulip and Flower Park, located in the town of Lisse. It is said to be the most popular tourist attraction in the country! I recommend the nine hour tour because that gives you just the right amount of time to wander about the vast flower gardens, visit the castle, have lunch on the premises, and peruse the souvenir shops. Along the highway, we could see tulip fields with row upon row of vibrant colors! Geese and swans could be seen frolicking upon the canals, along the roadside. It made for a very pleasant and scenic journey!

Finally we arrived at Keukenhof! When we reached the entrance, there were costumed people in traditional Dutch attire greeting us. As we stepped inside, there were gift shops and cafes surrounding the environs. A water fountain was directly ahead, for visitors to unwind while sitting at little tables along its perimeter. Small and large clogs display through the park for visitors to step into and take photos.

Behind the water fountain lies an oldtime, giant, music box displaying mechanical figures that move in unison while playing classic music pieces on their instruments.

Strolling along the vast park, I soaked up the variety of colors displayed in the tulips, crocuses, and daffodils before me! Hues of every color palette beheld my eyes! Shades of purple, pink, orange yellow, red, and white were seen along every twist and turn of the landscape! Flowers surrounded the ponds with geese and swans swimming in their waters.

For lunch, there were five restaurants from which to choose. An Asian restaurant on the grounds there, probably had vegan options too. However, I opted for the Wilhemina Pavillion restaurant. I ate Belgian fries with a curry sauce and a plate of carrots. The chef assured me that they were not cooked in butter or animal fat.

Even a few animals, such as these two adorable pigs can be found on the grounds of the park. The little guy rubbed his snout into the mud, then walked right into my lap and smooshed his muddy snout all over my coat sleeve, when I leaned over to pat him on the head! So hilarious and precious! I love piggies!

There is even a windmill at Keukenhof. Visitors can climb to the top.

Keukenhof Castle resides across the road from the flower park. Vistors can walk the grounds and check the outdoor sculptures and buildings.

After my visit to the castle, I headed back to Keukenhof Tulip Park to make my rounds around the sections of the gardens which I had not yet seen.

I really enjoyed my day at Keukenhof Tulip Park! There was an abundant supply of tulips and other flowers to see. The color hues were splendidly varied and breath-taking! The flower arrangements were spectacular! As I rode back to Amsterdam on the tour bus, I realized that it was a day I will always remember with positive memories!

Upon arrival back in Amsterdam that night, I decided to pay a visit to the famous Van Gogh Museum. I was in awe as I saw the exhibit of his well known paintings, as well as his self portraits!

Dinnertime was upon us again. I dined at De Peper(De Peper), another vegan establishment in town. This reasonably priced cafe is located in a squat building. Musicians perform at night also. My meal was a plate of grains and salads, with a bowl of cauliflower soup. My dessert was an adzuki bean cake with a glaze topping. Everything was tasty.

After dining and listening to the band for a while, it was time to call it a night.