It was a cold, blustery day in Amsterdam last fall as my friend Amy and I bundled up and happily wandered the streets and canals. We had a map, but rarely used it, a sketchy plan, and didn’t follow it. We’d already explored an old canal house, discovered a fabulous flea market full of all sorts of odd and marvelous treasures, and as we crossed a bustling intersection filled with people, bicycles, cars, and trams, we found the Bloemenmarkt – the world’s only floating flower market.
From the back it is nothing special, but inside the floating barges hold a myriad of delights.
Bright bouquets, handmade wreaths, and seeds by the thousands made even me wish I had inherited my mother’s green thumb.
There’s something so wonderful about a flower market on a cold day, rounding a corner expecting gray stones and drab buildings and instead seeing a rainbow of colors, brilliant and alive, filling the air with the scent of roses and greenery. I loved the tiny cacti housed in protective cases like beautifully decorated confections.
Bloemenmarkt
Located: Singel, 1071 AZ
Tram: Muntplein: tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 & 25
Open: Monday – Saturday 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
After our day of wandering we went to my brother’s girlfriends place where we were welcomed with hugs, glasses of wine, and a platter of delectable cheeses and sausage.
After bowls of my brother Ryan’s fabulous chili, we all gathered on the couches under cozy afghans for an old movie night with dear friends, lots of popcorn, and Old Dutch potato chips I brought over from Canada. It felt just like home.
This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday.
The photos of the flowers are beautiful! Lovely post, Krista!
I love the idea of the floating flower market, I had no idea it existed. What beauty and what a splash of color.
Thanks for the lovely pictures and the little trip. =)
Hi Krista,
Beautiful pics and a fun, informative post! Just lovely 🙂
That is very, very cool. Now I must go.
How magical! A floating flower market.
Ohh, how adorable do you look! and what a fun evening 🙂 Love to get cozy like that & watch movies… & flower markets are one of my favorite things in the world…how can you not be happy when surrounded by so much color & beauty, lovely Krista!
Another great evening, shared with friends. We have friends who live in the Netherlands, have visited twice. Both times included a visit to Amsterdam. What fascinating place. How did I miss this floating flower market? 🙂
What a lovely day in Amsterdam! I was just recently at that flower market. 🙂
What a wonderful evening. I was there in the summer, but it was raining the entire time. I saw those markets, but never when they were opened and didn’t know what they were… greenhouses, I thought… so wonderful to get this view. The cheese charcuterie board is a favourite of mine… I love eating that way… and popcorn under a blanket for a movie!
That is like home… and Old Dutch chips? You are the best sister.
🙂
valerie
The contrast of grey cobblestones & then the big bursts of colour would have been amazing Krista. Awesome photo too…, you guys all look so tucked in and having fun.
All of those flowers and the idea of a floating flower market brightened my gray morning so much!
A real flower/plant paradize! Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Rosa
I want one of those wreath’s. They’re stunning!
I’m so glad you like them, Zita. 🙂
You’re so welcome, Breanne. 🙂 Such a thought delights me too. 🙂
Hi Karen! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Yes, dear Lauryl, you must!! 🙂
Isn’t it splendid, Duchess?! Truly magical indeed. 🙂
Awww, thanks so much, Tuula! It was such a jolly night, so laid back and fun with the most lovely people. 🙂
How wonderful to have friends to visit, Velva! 🙂 That’s the best way to visit a place, I think. 🙂 Now you must return so you can visit the market. 🙂
Oh how lovely, Andi! 🙂 Maybe one of these days our paths will cross, eh? 🙂
Dear Canadian Foodie, oh, how dreadful to have rain your entire visit! I do hope you get to go back soon to experience sunshine AND flowers! 🙂
It really was, Anna. 🙂 The contrast delighted me no end!
I’m SO happy to hear that, Joanne! Sounds like we both needed some cheering up yesterday. 🙂
You’re welcome, Rosa! 🙂
Me too, Tracy! 🙂 I thought they were so darling. 🙂
I’ve planned for 2 years to hit the bloemen markt but…..haven’t. Thanks for bridging the gap! LOL
Absolutely beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing!