Monday, April 30, 2007

Lisse (Keukenhof) & Amsterdam (Queen's Day), Holland - 30 April 2007


Two of the must-sees in Dutch-land would be the Spring blooms at the Keukenhof Garden in Lisse (southwest of Amsterdam) and the Queen's Day fest in Amsterdam - which we covered all in one day.

Noted the world's largest flower garden for years, the Keukenhof Garden opens to the public from the last week of March to the middle of May (typically and weather depending). The best times to see the Dutch tulips in bloom glory are usually in the last two weeks of April. I highly recommend the Keukenhof to those who love a beautiful and serene walk in the park. The colors and variety will take your breath away!











Above left: Nederlandse' national dish - The raw herring sandwich (cold, soft, mushy...not a fan)

April 30th is the Queen's Day (or Koninginnedag) and a national holiday in the Netherlands. The Queen's birthday is celebrated and solidarity and national unity commemorated on this day. People will go out and deck themselves in 'orange craze' (as a tribute to the Dutch's House of Orange-Nassau) to participate in the day's activities like food fests, fun rides, freemarkt (flea markets) and free musical performances (planned or impromptu). The largest Koninginnedag celebration is in Amsterdam, where we spent the day soaking in the festivities and a whole lot of second-hand pot smoke (yuck!).



Sunday, April 22, 2007

Lions Club Culinaire Walk through South Limburg (Thull to Schinnen, the Netherlands) - 22 April 2007

One splendid spring Sunday, our school's Director Dean, Professor Tuninga, invited us to join him for a delightful "taste-and-trail" experience organized by the Lions Club Hoensbroek-Brunssum. The weather could not have been more perfect - sunny skies and a gentle breeze made it ideal for a countryside hike.

Along the trail, each stop offered a culinary surprise: savory soup at Kasteel Terborg, a fresh wrap with salad in Puth, a hearty plate of rice and meat in Wolfhagen, and a sweet finale of cake and coffee in Schinnen. Each pause offered a chance to savor not just the food, but also the company and setting.

It was a brilliant and inspiring way to blend gastronomy, local scenery, and community spirit. Professor Tuninga inspired me with his servant leadership, personally serving us during one of the stops. This was a Sunday well spent and fondly remembered.

Above: Professor Tuninga