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What kind of flowers grow in the Netherlands?
Why, tulips, of course!
Everyone should know this answer!
Now, does everyone know the tulip’s origins? Where the tulip got its name? Or how many varieties of tulips there are?
Despite my love of the beautiful flower that I plant in my yard every year, I must confess, I knew none of these answers.
A rainy afternoon, led me through the saturated streets of Amsterdam to the small museum located on Prinsengracht. Though my umbrella was in rough shape when I arrived, the museum was light and airy…and dry!
After paying my admission and watching an introductory film, it was time to head downstairs to the exhibition rooms. So much tulip information is presented here from its origins, to how it arrived in Holland and the roles it played in Dutch history and in current times. An additional film is also presented on the street level which identifies what transpires in each season for the farmers who grow them. I have to admit, I was intrigued! I guess I thought that I knew more than I really did!
See how much you know…
Is the tulip native to Holland? Tulips originated in the high plains of Central Asia, (present day Kazakhstan and surrounding countries) and can still be found growing wild in many areas. Recognized as something special, the tulips were brought to Turkey and introduced to the gardens of dignitaries. Suleyman the Great, the ruler of the Ottoman Regime, a plant enthusiast, gave bulbs to De Busbecq, a Flemish scientist, who worked in the court. In turn, De Busbecq passed some on to Carolus Clusius, a friend and another Flemish scientist, medical doctor and botanist during the 16th century. As a professor at the University of Leiden and the head of the Hortus Botanicus, founded in 1590, he planted the bulbs, but did not share his knowledge of them. When the bulbs were stolen and subsequently sold, this was the beginning of the commercial tulip trade in the Netherlands.
How did the tulip get its name? Because it was a symbol of power and wealth, Ottoman sultans wore the tulip on their turbans. Since the tulip’s shape resembles a turban, the Latin word tulipa (derived from the Persian word tulipan, meaning turban) became commonly used.
How many kinds of tulips are there? One. There is one kind. The tulip. This statement is quite misleading, however, because there are many different groups of tulips each with their own specific characteristics and classified into a system of 15 different groups, broken down into shape, heritage and flowering season.
Where do tulips grow best? Tulips like sandy-clay soil in areas not far from coastal areas as well as mild winters and summers. Because of this, tulips tend to grow well in certain parts of Holland, however, they may grow successfully in other parts of the world provided the soil conditions are similar and they receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.
What is the best time to plant tulips? The only time of year to plant tulips is during the fall, more specifically, from October until mid-December. The bulbs need to develop good roots before winter starts and the frost penetrates the soil and should be planted twice as deep as the height of the bulb.
Will tulips return every year? In warmer climates, not likely. In zones 3-8, it is possible but not guaranteed. In cooler climates, it is more likely providing the bulbs are planted extra deep, watered well, protected with extra mulch and fertilized.
Should bulbs be dug up every year? In warmer climate zones, digging of the tulip bulbs is advised after the flowering periods and new bulbs planted during the following fall season. For zones 3-8, the bulbs do not need to be removed.
How to care for cut tulips? The tulip stems should be cut at an angle and placed in a water-filled vase. Care should be taken to ensure that the flowers remain in a cool area during the night and narcisses/daffodils should not be placed in the same container as they produce a toxic substance detrimental to other flowers.
Were tulips bulbs once eaten? During the winter of 1944-1945, starvation in Amsterdam was rampant and many died. Since the bulbs had a high percentage of starch, they began to be sold as food. After removing the brown skin and remnants of the roots, the bulbs were cut in half, the flower stem removed and then washed thoroughly. They were then cooked for about a half an hour and coincidentally, tasted much like potatoes.
Can tulips be brought to your home country (USA)? Ensure that the bulbs have been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Flower bulbs remaining within the European community can be exported throughout Europe with no problems.
So, how many did you get right?
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The Tulip Museum
- http://www.amsterdamtulipmuseum.com/en/
- Address: Prinsengracht 116; 1015 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Hours: Daily, 1000-1800. Closed April 27 and December 25.
- Admission: Adults, €5.00, Children, €3.00 and Families, €10.00
- Getting There: Located in the Jordan district, near the Anne Frank museum.
The audio guide led me up the stairs and to the various parts of the theater, including the VIP room, the secret, almost-hidden Moroccan room and the main theater, the Grote Zaal.
The beautiful details throughout the building…the light fixtures, the stained glass, the woodwork…all lend to the opinion of it being considered one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. However, not just a place of beauty, the theater in its time was considered to be revolutionary with its unique heating and ventilation system which kept an even temperature throughout the building and the state of the art Wurlitzer organ with 850 pipes that could make just about any sound, including voice.
Over time, the theater underwent many changes including one to its name when it was retitled “Tivoli” during the Second World War and began screening German made Nazi anti-semitic films. Sadly during this time, Abraham Tuschinski and most of his family were deported to Auschwitz, never to return. The theater name was changed back to Tuschinski in 1945 and used for many concerts starring big names of the day such as Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich, Dizzy Gillespie and Fats Domino. More changes came in more recent years when the theater was renovated to its original style between 1998 and 2002 and expanded to add more auditoriums. Today, the theater goes by the name Pathé Tuschinski and the Grote Zaal has a capacity of only 784, however, five additional screens can accommodate 105 to 191 more patrons each.
As I walked through this incredible, historic theater, I was moved at how much attention to detail and thought could be put into a place of business and I imagined that I would see movies more often if I could come to a place so extraordinary.
As I returned my audio guide and collected my complimentary cup of tea, I checked the time schedule and discovered that “The Greatest Showman” was playing later in the day.
What I did find, however, is that the Katten Kabinet offers a look at the role of the cat in art and culture throughout the centuries, displaying hosts of art in the forms of posters, original paintings and sculptures paying homage to cats. The most interesting display, however, was a host of letters written to the museum and its cats from other cat lovers expressing their love of felines!
Founded in 1990, by William Meijer, a wealthy Dutchman, the museum pays homage to his feline companion, John Pierpont Morgan (1966-1983) and is housed in a structure that commands more attention than the collection displayed in it. Built in 1667, for William and Adrian Van Loon, the museum faces the historical Museum Van Loon, an identical floorplan, just across the canal. After a draw, which decided which of the brothers were to receive either of the homes, it was William who acquired the property at 497 Herengracht. Throughout its history, the house has hosted several famous people, such as the Mayor of Amsterdam, Jan Calkoen and former American president, John Adams. It has been rebuilt and redecorated several times, though most of its current state represents the 19th century.
After walking through a couple of the rooms in the museum, I finally did encounter two of the five cats that are reported to live on the premises. Stretched out on a window sill, a black and white feline stared impassively at the visitors wandering through its home. A short while later, another mostly white cat paced back and forth behind a glass-pane doorway, obviously hoping to be released from its confines by the owner who currently resides on the top floor.
One museum, the Sexmuseum Venustempel, located on busy Damrak Street, has been around since 1985, welcoming curious visitors by the thousands. With its convenient location near Amsterdam’s Central Station and many of the city’s hotels, plus its relatively cheap admission, it has evolved into one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands, with 675,000 visitors in 2015 alone.
As you make your way up the stairs, plastic body parts line the stairwell and each floor offers encounters with various exhibits including Asian Art, Sex Through the Ages, Sex and Artists (with a depiction of Rembrandt painting a nude subject, Demons and Sex and numerous phallic representations, displayed singularly and in groupings. In the architecturally compelling atrium, which houses the Venus Gallery, make sure to look up at the window where a leather clad sex worker perches asymmetrically atop a stool.
Though not for those easily offended, the museum is both amusing at times and quite compelling. Judging from people’s reactions when I mentioned that I visited, it is also probably not what most people imagine it to be. You’ll definitely get your five euros worth (and maybe more!).
Sailing into the Bay of Maimon, early in the rainy morning, we had our first glimpse of the port with its overwater cabanas, pristine shopping area and resort-style pool complete with waterslides and lazy river. The port also offers a great transportation hub in which visitors can access rental cars and taxi services.
Meeting our guide, Daniel, we were soon on our way to the province of Montecristi, to the small seaside community of Estero Hondo, home to the country’s Marine Mammal Sanctuary. The sanctuary, a natural refuge for the endangered manatee, is about a two hour drive from Amber Cove along narrow, winding roads, through vibrant and colorful communities.
After a bit of paddling, we entered a larger part of the estuary where and we noticed the other members of our group on the observation deck on the shore. Scanning the mirror-like surface constantly, we were disappointed to only see a manatee minimally break the surface twice. Extremely difficult it was from our vantage point at the waters surface, it was a bit of a letdown to not have seen more of the amazing, docile creatures from a closer distance.
Quickly making our way out of the grove to the other side, we found ourselves in a protected area; waves crashing on the other side of the reef and calm waters surrounding us in clear, swimming pools. Languishing in the beautiful, clear waters, we rested a moment and admired the view.
We then boarded an open-air safari truck and headed down the overgrown road to the observation platform. From the high vantage point, we soon saw the water’s surface breaking. Though the manatees did not stay at the surface for very long and we mostly saw only their backs or noses as they came up for air, we did see many during our time observing the water’s surface.
As you make your way around the church, however, there are two famous reliquaries to take note of. The tomb of Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of Puerto Rico, most well known for his search for the Fountain of Youth, has been laid to rest in the cathedral. Though, the conquistador’s remains were originally interred at the Iglesia de San José, his family’s place of worship, he was moved here in 1912, to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of evangelization. The white marble tomb, created by Spanish sculptor Miguel Blay, near the church’s transept, is not to be missed.
Another interesting shrine within the cathedral is dedicated to Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican and the first Caribbean-born layperson to be beatified.
Cisterns: These extremely large cisterns were used for the transport of water during the times of the Spanish Colony and also used as bomb shelters during World War II.
Flags: Check out the flags blowing in the breeze, the United States flag, the Puerto Rican flag and the Cross of Burgundy flag. The latter is a white flag with a red X and was t he Spanish military flag used from the 16th to 18th centuries to identify warships, forts and regiments of troops loyal to the king of Spain.
With so much to enjoy here, take your time to see all parts of San Cristobal. In addition to the photo opportunities it provides within its walls, its city and coastal views are incredible! I could see both the Carnival Sunshine and Royal Caribbean’s ships docked as well as other beautiful buildings throughout the city. Make sure to stand along the water side and take in the panoramic views of the coast from Old San Juan to Condado and beyond…truly spectacular!
After leaving San Cristóbal, it is approximately a one mile picturesque walk to Castillo San Felipe del Morro along Calle Norzagaray. Since I wanted to stroll through the center of town, doing some shopping along the way, I used Calle Fortaleza then, Calle Clara Lair to the Old City Gate. Walking along the outer walls on the Paseo de Morro, I walked along the water, looking out to El Canuelo, another smaller fortification on Goat Island, and made my way through the grounds of Castillo San Felipe del Morro to the front entrance.
My favorite part, however, is the restored lighthouse. Sitting 180 feet above sea level, the lighthouse was completed in 1908. On the upper levels you can also see the same three flags flown on San Cristóbal…the U.S. flag, the Puerto Rican flag and the Cross of Burgundy flag.
Looking out at the massive grounds, the property spreads out along 70 acres, including the killing grounds and the esplanade. Nearby, you can see the nearby Cemetery of Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi.
As I made my way through the gate, I made a stop to inspect the sentry box on the coastal side of the wall. Following Paseo del Morro’s flawlessly paved path, I marveled at the waves sometimes pounding the shore on one side and the ancient wall on the other, repeatedly marked with garitas. At the end of my one and a half mile trek, I suddenly realized that the path ended. Many people will tell you that you should retrace your steps back to the San Juan Gate, however, along with a German family, I found an entrance to the grounds of El Morro fort, a remarkable structure that was next on my list.
We noticed that our cruise itinerary included a stop in San Juan. Speaking with my travel representative, I was told at the time of booking that while Puerto Rico was still recovering, they were anticipating being able to accept tourists and cruise ships by the time of our arrival.
Although a few buildings were still boarded up, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the most of the Spanish colonial buildings in Old Town appeared to be in good shape and open for business, their colorful architecture standing strong with Puerto Rican flags proudly flying in the morning breeze.
Checking out our rooms, as we boarded the ship, we discovered nothing more than we had anticipated. Our boys’ room was outfitted with two twin beds plus a third pull-down bed from the ceiling and our room was rearranged into a king bed. Happy to find it clean and neat, we were thrilled to meet steward, Alexis, who did a wonderful job at accommodating two of our children’s late sleeping habits in his attempts to clean the room daily. He and the entire staff always had a smile and treated us with amazing towel animals!
Initially, our time was spent exploring the ship, discovering where the things that interested us were located and attempting to enjoy some relaxation. It was nice to see the ship decked out for the Christmas holiday and we even added to the spirit of things by bringing our own Christmas trees, stockings and door decorations.
Gym/Spa The gym area was well equipped and was not extremely busy when I visited. I did notice some classes that were offered, however, by the second morning, all spots had been signed for and only waiting lists were available. A walking track was also available on the upper deck, however, most people on this level did not seem to pay attention to the fact that some were trying to exercise, pulling chairs onto or walking aimlessly on the track. The Spa was located just before the gym and though we did not utilize any of their services, the waiting area seemed to be quite busy.
Communication One of the challenging parts of being on a cruise is that you can’t use your cell phone to check in with your party…until now. Carnival developed a great app, Carnival Hub, for this purpose. After downloading the app, everyone can sign up and pay $5, for the entire trip, to use the app’s messaging system. After working out, it was awesome to just send a message to my husband to find where they were hanging out, instead of wandering aimlessly, hoping to find them. The other plus about this app is that there is no checking the paper schedules each day. Although they did still deliver these to your room (a huge waste of paper), I would imagine that the app will one day eliminate the paper schedules. At any time of the day, you could check the app for the planned activities and even see what meals were being served and where. The app also offered maps of the ship and access to your on board sail and sign purchases so that you could monitor them regularly instead of at the end of your cruise. Way to go Carnival!
