Tulipmania.

Season's Greetings from Amsterdam! I have been to see the tulips. And here they are:

One more time:

Maybe you'd care to see them in greater detail? I can provide close ups, head shots as it were. 

The variety here was astounding. Lacey edges, ruffled petals, bells and trumpets, minute and monumental sizes, nuances of shade and hue. Each was a gem in its own way.

The whole countryside was a riot of color. Rainbows growing on the ground.

I like to think that it's the reason the Dutch are such a happy people.

Apart from admiring the magical tulip fields (they were, in fact, very magical), I spend some time aboard a noble seafaring vessel. Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration. It was a canal barge that had been transformed into a floating hostel. Either way, the Amiticia was a pleasure to be aboard. 

 While in Amsterdam I went to see a film in this theatre:

Built in 1925, it was an enchanting setting to view The Artist. I felt very much like I had been transported back in time, sitting in an old theatre watching a silent film. Lovely theatre, lovely film.

And as a final word, I think that I have found a home lighting piece that could really steal the show. I'm thinking maybe for the bungalows?