We drive to the northern extremity of Holland to visit the superb gardens at Menkemabourg. The chateau and grounds are owned by the Museum of Groningen who have lovingly brought furniture and objets d'art to reflect Holland's 'Golden Age' and the whole site is a tribute to their care. After leaving here drive south to Liauckama Stins where the Princess of Nassau-Dietz, mother of the stadholder King William IV, and an ancestress of the present Dutch royal family, had an old house converted in 1730 to a small palace suitable for her. The house is now a museum containing ceramics from all countries and the largest collection of decorative tiles in the world. Continue on to Amsterdam and the Renaissance hotel where we shall be staying for the rest of the week.
Dinner is at the hotel.
Tuesday, April 30. An early morning start today as we visit the famous Aalsmeer Flower Auctions. These auctions have over 12 million blooms passing through five auction halls every day and flowers bought here are moved so quickly that they are on sale by early morning in New York. Besides the speed with which sales take place an interesting fact is that auction prices start high and reduced until a dealer presses his button and the sale is made. Wednesday, May 1.