The Amsterdam Flower Market

The Amsterdam Flower Market, or Bloemenmarkt in Dutch, was blissfully uncrowded on the day we went. Sometimes we specifically choose to do touristy things on gray or cloudy days, knowing full well that the vacationers and day-trippers will be off doing things indoors, and we can have the winding streets all to ourselves. We were lucky to arrive at the market fairly early, when there was just a slight drizzle and I could give a sniff to any flower I wanted without being elbowed or shoved aside - you know how pushy those gardeners can be.


(Let me assure you that I kid, lest anyone believe that I actually think gardeners to be a merciless breed. Though I have heard wild rumors about New York City's Orchid Show . . .)

The Bloemenmarkt is currently in its 149th year, having been formed in 1862. The flower stalls are actually boats that float and bob on the Singel canal, between Muntplein and Koningsplein on the south side of city center. Souvenir shops, florists, and a few cafés line the opposite side of the street, including one Christmas-themed store, which I promptly ran into and purchased our first souvenir since February: a tiny pair of wooden clogs, painted yellow, with "Holland" written in script across the front. They were only €2.95, and they were not made in China. They will look beautiful on the Christmas tree that we will have one day, of this I am sure.

Enjoying the scenery from a bench on a nearby canal - and laughing at Dan's consistent inability to frame a photo properly, despite my many attempts to demonstrate. (Also easy to see here why he has nicknamed me "Cheeks," amongst several other loving monikers.)

The sunshine came out later that day, and sparkled beautifully on the water at dusk. But how can I watch the canals when such a handsome fellow is sitting across from me?