Greetings!
Spring has sprung for the most part! I am fortunate to live in a part of the country where the whether has been wonderful. Spring is in the air. Dare I say even up north where we have just has snow!
While working from home, I find it is necessary to get outdoors...take a walk. How strange it is these days...there is little traffic, very few people, what I do notice are the birds that sing and the trees and flowers that are blooming all around. Perhaps you are able to see some flowers emerging from the snow covered ground...Spring may be a little behind...but it is here.
If you do like gardens, here is a look at some of the most beautiful spring flowers and gardens around the world. It is Tulip season in Holland.
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One of the most famous gardens in Spring is in Holland tulip fields.
During this time of year, thousands flock to Holland to witness a once a year event: the tulip blooming.
Over the decades, tulips have become practically synonymous to Holland. Otherwise known as “Tulip Mania”, millions of tulips bloom between April and May resulting in Holland becoming the flower shop of the world.
Did
you know?
Dating back to the sixteenth century, the flower originates from the Ottoman Empire in present day Turkey. The word “tulip” derivers from the Turkish word “tulbent” meaning turban.
During spring time, a visit to the flower markets are a must in Holland. The world famous floating flower market in Amsterdam, otherwise known to locals as
Bloemenmarkt, stretches the Singel Canal directly in the city's center (pictured below).
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While this year's tulip markets and field viewings have been cancelled due to coronavirus, the sign of them blossoming reminds us that spring is here. What better way to support the flower farmers, many of whom face economic hardships due to the lack of purchases, than going to visit these markets next year.
Nevertheless, you can view Netherlands' tulips fields from you home
virtually
! Browse the flower gardens of
Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, one of the world's largest flower gardens,
here
!
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Many other public gardens around the world have followed suit similarly to Keukenhof and have posted virtual tours for the public. Enjoy the flora and fauna of these beautiful gardens from home.
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Where did I put those garden gloves?
Not sure about you, but I do not have a green thumb. For those who do, you may be taking time to work on your gardens. I understand it can be very theraputic! As many of us are working indoors, it is important to bring nature in.
A great way to create an environment that is healthy and productive is with office plants
.
Some of the best house plants can live right in your home office. If your space has tons of sunlight,
aloe plants
would be a great addition. If you are like me and are looking for a plant that is hard to kill,
cacti
can survive in practically any condition. If your office is on the smaller side, try hanging
air plants
.
No matter the species, including plants in your home office reduces stress and enhances.
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Virtual Travels with AirPano
Another way to incorporate nature indoors is utilizing
AirPano's 360°
photos and videos
. They have a wide variety of photos from around the world showcase nature’s beauty. Just type in your favorite locations and get an aerial view of anywhere in the world. The photography is absolutely breathtaking!
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What's for Dinner?
Recipe of the Week: Bitterballen
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Native to Dutch cuisine, bitterballen are deep-fried and crispy breaded rounds with a tender, savory filling.
Traditionally made with beef, they can also be prepared with chicken, veal or even with mushrooms, for those that prefer a vegetarian option.
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Happy Hour - it is 5:00 pm somewhere!
Drink of the Week: Dill Martini
Super easy Icelandic cocktail recipe that requires very little ingredients but still packs a punch. Pairs lovely with bitterballen.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Reyka Vodka
- .5- 1 part kosher pickle brine
- Rinse dry vermouth // 10 mustard seeds from the pickle brine
Instructions: Combine all the ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake, strain, and garnish with kosher dill pickle and a sprig of dill.
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This weekend the world event "One World: Together at Home" Concert goes live. Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, the
April 18
event will celebrate health workers globally and supports the
COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund
for the World Health Organization (WHO).
The concert will be broadcast by ABC, NBC, CBS and international broadcasters.
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With so many people not having the option to distract themselves from coronavirus, I keep reminding myself how fortunate I am. I am grateful for the entire medical community, grocery workers, delivery service runners, and local utility workers who are putting themselves on the line, so the rest of us can remain safe.
While we are unable to travel right now, this too shall pass. I am grateful for this community of clients and friends who all share the dream of exploring the world as soon as it is safe again.
And it will be
.
We make it personal.
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Stay safe! Be well!
Yours in Travel,
Lee
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”…
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305.443.5441
Contact us today to start exploring the world your way.
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