The Sightseeing Smiths: April 2017

Ever since we've moved to Europe, I've wanted to see the famous tulips in Holland. We decided to take advantage of time off for spring break and went on a road trip to the Netherlands. We drove 2.5 hours and made a pit stop in Tongeren, Belgium to hit up a famous antique market. We loved the flea market, and spent about an hour browsing. I purchased a Dutch cookie mold and two paintings for 20 Euro. We then drove 15 minutes further to see "Reading Between the Lines-" a sculpture in the middle of the Belgian countryside that was the perfect place for a picnic lunch.

picnic in the Belgian countryside

"Reading Between the Lines"- Borgloon, Belgium

2.5 hours later and we reached our destination- Holiday Inn Leiden, Netherlands. We checked in and had a fine time here; it was very kid friendly with a play place and pool, and a good variety buffet for breakfast where we tried some famous Dutch pancakes. Although, we did have an issue with finding a flea on the bed- yuck (maybe it followed us from the flea market! haha bad joke)! So, we asked to switch rooms.

Anyways, next morning we made our way to Keukenhof Gardens, where the tulips were hopefully in bloom. The gardens were huge and I would say about 60 percent of the tulips were not bloomed yet, but it was still gorgeous to stroll around. LJ napped in his stroller for most of the time which made it easier on us to enjoy the stroll! There were displays set up throughout with windmills, Dutch girls, canals, wooden shoes, etc. The petting zoo was a highlight for LJ- he loved the baby goats and chickens!

We then made our way about 30 minutes north to an Airbnb in Zaandam. We easily met our host and checked in, then drove a short distance along the canals to Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is an open air museum with working windmills and little shops you can tour, like the cheese and clog farm or the chocolate maker. As soon as we stepped out of the car it smelled like the most amazing chocolate and I thought we were going to see Willie Wonka himself. I also ate the most delicious waffle of my life, smothered in honey!