Bergen, Norway April 17, 2026

The main reason for going to Haarlem was to see the flower garden then for Bergen it’s the fjords! After dropping off my gear at my new home away from home, I put my walking shoes on and was back out the door.  I needed a short stroll to stretch my legs and to get a little taste of this place. I feel like I walked into a fairy tail!  Bergen is known as the rainiest place in Europe and it lives up to that name.  I was happy to have a bit of blue in the sky for my welcome. 

These are a few of the sights I saw!

It was windy and cool, after all it is still April.  There is snow on the tops of the highest mountains, and they are not very high here. On a day like today here, you live outside.  So, wrapped in one of their wool blankets, I sat on the restaurant’s outside patio to enjoy my first Norwegian beer. I went for a big hot pasta dish to feed the hunger.  

How am I expected to sleep tonight with a view like this from my room?

It’s early yet, but I’m saying goodnight already!

Haarlem, North Holland, The Netherlands April 16, 2926

It was a twenty minute stroll along streets like this and over….

…..canals like this, to arrive at a ….

…..nature park!  This is where I chose to spend a couple of hours this morning. There is so much to see and do here in Haarlem in North Holland. The city is steeped in history and architecture. There are museums, churches, galleries and monumental structures. With such beautiful weather, I opted to admire all that from the outside and go inside the park.  

There were many dirt trails to follow.  

There was a symphony of bird song echoing throughout. 

 I was able to spot a few of the musicians to capture photos off.  

Eurasian Blackbird

Eurasian Blackcap

Song Thrush

a young deer

European Robin

a pond with Mallards, Gadwalls and Coots

also a barn with animals and a playground 

There is a teahouse with seating inside and out. I originally thought I would have lunch here but by the time I finished enjoying the park, I was not yet ready to dine.  I worked my way along the trails to the outskirts of the park then followed the narrow streets back to city centre.  

By now it was time to sip and savour.  I found a table on the canal’s edge. 

The locally brewed beer paired well with this sandwich and the scenery. 

Yes, that’s a sandwich not a salad!

After the late lunch, it was time to stroll again.  

The bridge opened….

…..to let this yacht pass through.

I made a quick stop at my home away from home to drop off my pack before continuing on with my walk.  While walking I got distracted.  I came upon a lovely looking spot that beckoned me.  I settled in! This time I paired an Aperol Spritzer with a serving of…..

….crispy frites with frite sauce.  

As the weekend approaches, the activity on the waterway is increasing.

The weather was beautiful, the number and variety of boats was interesting to gawk at. My spot by the water was perfect.  I could not let go yet.  So…..I ordered another beverage, this time nonalcoholic and paired it with a serving of bitterballen. Each restaurant serves it with a different kind of mustard, this was the best yet!

The boating activity continued!

Eventually, I left that perfect spot overlooking the canal.  

There was more ground to cover so I carried on.

There was a line up of boats to get through once the bridge was up. 

See that little orange heart at middle right, that’s where my perfect spot was!

 By now I was ready to call it a day and 

settle in for a laid back evening at my home away from home!

Haarlem, North Holland, The Netherlands April 15, 2026

So those of you who are loyal followers, you now know why I was painting and posting about tulips! It was all a part of my anticipation for the main reason for coming to Haarlem now. I chatted with a few locals at the Gardens today who all said they come to visit weekly during the period when the Keukenhof Gardens are open from late March to mid May. They said this week the flowers are all at their best and could not be happier for me coming this far at the most perfect time. On top of that, the weather today was ideal!  

The Keukenhof Gardens are located in Lisse, South Holland. It’s a thirty minute direct bus ride on the Qbuzz, a special setup just while the Gardens are open.  I booked a 7:30am ride and an 8:00am entrance ticket.  I’m a morning person, I like the morning light, so I was there as the gates opened.  For the first couple of hours, it was no issue getting photographs without people in them.  After that, I had to be quick, crafty and patient.  The photos of me were taken by others.  I returned the favours and snapped special seconds in time of others for them. 

I will let the photos tell the story!  I’m at a loss for words that would do the views justice. I captured so many pretty sights, I picked a few to share. They are not necessarily my favourites, it is just too overwhelming right now to go through them all.

I was thinking, don’t fall in!

Eurasian Blue Tit

Eurasian Wren

This is a view from inside the Gardens looking out to a tulip field.  After three hours of walking around, I was so fulfilled, so overwhelmed and so ready to sit for awhile.  I picked up a pasta dish at a food truck within the Gardens then ate while I people watched, and by now there were loads to watch. 

I exited Keukenhof Gardens. Qbuzz was waiting there. I hoped on, he took off, with only me onboard.  For the first few kilometres, the views were of tulip fields like the photo above. After arriving back to Haarlem then back to my home away from home, I needed one of those crash power naps.  It worked wonders!  Then…..

…..it was time to go from flowers back to the canals!  I strolled for awhile before heading to the outdoor patio where I was with the three ladies yesterday.  This time I picked a table right at the edge.  I ordered the same beer!  How about this view!  

 view of bridge to my right

Oh what the heck, I ordered more bitterballen!

The order comes with seven balls and a side of mustard.

The canal was busy!  

It was great entertainment!

At this point the canal was so busy! The Guard of the bridge came out and yelled at everyone in the boats to move to the right or quickly go back. I assumed that was what she yelled, I don’t speak her language.  Her hand gestures and the actions of the boaters were my language.  All this, so…..

…..she could swing the bridge open….to let…..

…..this barge get through! The flat part is the front, the back section has the car on the roof. 

Oh the excitement, as if the 🌹🪻🌷💐🌷 were not enough!

I had a little more life left in me so walked along the canal to the ice cream shop.

 Mango gelato on a waffle cone was the icing on the cake.