Our cruise director (we started in Amsterdam) had a surprise for us - a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. We were so lucky as they are only open for 8 weeks of the year. They are absolutely beautiful and the aroma from the hyacinths was amazing. I'm hoping today to go to our local nursery and stock up on more bulbs - I think my planting in the past has been too sparse. However I'm sure their blooms are twice the size of mine. Also seeing the fields of tulips on our travels is a memory to keep forever.




Other highlights of the gardens were the many interesting sculptures - here is one of them.










This photo was taken from our cabin - and I honestly can't remember if it was a sunrise or sunset (forget to reset the time on the camera) as I lost touch with which direction we were facing! However I think it must be sunset as I'm sure those streams from the aircraft were from the airport which I think was West of Amsterdam but don't quote me!

Amsterdam

Well at last we are home from our travels and I will attempt to update my blog with a diary of our journey.
After Brussells we travelled by train to Amsterdam. Our first impression, on leaving the station, was the parking lot for the bikes! We soon found out that bikes have the right of way - I only got hit once!!













I loved the houses all crammed up together - especially the crooked ones - I think my camera may have straightened them in the processing! And we did do the grand tour of the Red Light district - but no photos - although I was impressed that the girls were working at 10.00 a m on Easter Sunday.

I like this picture of the Eiffel Tower - it is such a large construction.

And this view was taken from the second floor of the tower
A stroll through Monet's gardens - a little early for a lot of colour but truly beautiful.

At last I've managed to upload some photos - a bit of a guess really as \i wasn't completely prepared - now I have to remember what they are of!!!


Somewhere in Europe!
I think this is where Napoleon's tomb is in Paris

The statue of Joan of Arc in Paris - I remember this because we had lunch looking out at this beautiful statue twice!

And this was taken at the History Museum in Brussels - for the aeroplane buffs amongst our friends.

A report from across the world.

I am unable to upload photos at this point but our trip so far:

We arrived in Paris on Sunday 1 April - went to our hotel and had a stroll, dinner and an early night!
The next 2 days we used the on/off bus to see this wonderful city which included a visit to the Louvre where we saw Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Lunch opposite Notre Dame, a walk up the steps to Sacre Couer, a little bit of shopping and lots of eating and drinking.

We have also been up the Eiffel Tower and seen how huge Paris is. Sailed down the Seine - Under the Bridges of Paris - and saw the homeless in their one man tents!!!!

Our trip to Giverney and Monet's garden and house was very relaxing and enjoyable - the countryside was lovely after the bustle of Paris.

Images of Paris - doors, dogs, beggars, baguettes, Music in the Metro, glitz, cafes - I could go on for ever.

Yesterday (Thursday) we took the Eurail to Brussels - only 1 hour 10 minutes and very luxurious in 1st class. Brussels is a city of contrasts - the Gothic, the 19th Century and the modern. We went to the Museum of History and did the military section- once more on the on/off bus. Today I wandered around the Town Square which is just so old and beautiful. I also indulged in some chocolates - after all it is Good Friday - not that you would know as everything, except the schools, is open as usual.

Yesterday morning we had this
wonderful sunrise. I do love Autumn in Tassie.











The peacocks are back! I still say the only good peacock
is a stuffed one - but this was in our yard the other day searching
for what delicacies he could find amongst the flowers!










And one of the Queensland girls was looking for a stripey geranium
Is this like the one you found Melinda?

Crepe Myrtle

My mother has always loved crepe myrtles and had a beautiful one in her garden. About 18 months ago she moved to a nursing home with dementia. For my 60th birthday last year I bought myself a crepe myrtle from my Mum. They usually don't flower for a couple of years but this tree has defied the odds. I hope you like this photo.