Visit To Tulip Gardens In Holland (Michigan USA)

Niagara Falls and the White water walk by Niagara river side enthralled us with its beauty, deceptive calmness, huge waves crashing on centuries old rocks making roaring sound, it also instilled some fear of the raw power water has. I felt like nature is sending message to humanity that I am beautiful, I am meant to be enjoyed and make good use of, but if you interfere or disrespect me then my fury and wrath will be your nemesis.

After restful sleep next day we were ready to leave for Holland (Michigan USA).  Drive through the winding broad roads, was very pleasing and enjoyable.  It was sunny day with clear sky and crisp air, best weather to enjoy the garden and outdoor activity. The Windmill garden is spread over 36 acres of land. Bright beds of tulip and a beautiful gate led us to white hut “The Visitors Welcome Area”. 

Tickets were purchased from the counter and brochures collected, we headed to the open arms of calming, beautiful garden.

As I said in my earlier articlehttps://mylifesandstories.blogspot.com/2020/12/visit-to-niagara-falls-canada.html that winters had spilled over to spring season. Even in the month of May snow and cold weather was persisting, not an ideal weather for Tulip blooming, thus we had our fingers crossed, praying that we get to see the Tulip in full bloom.

When we entered the garden area my dream of seeing my favorite flowers in its full glory came true.  Even though the flower beds were not as full as we expect them during Tulip festival yet they were neither empty nor wilted,thus filling the visitors with happiness.  In fact they seem to be saying ‘let the weather play tantrums we have strong will power to bloom and welcome you all with open arms.’

I was clicking the photo every now and then when I was told “Mom this is just starting, just a teaser the real full beds of Tulip are ahead so have patience and move ahead”.  But I was like an innocent child who when gets its favorite candy starts drooling even before it is unwrapped.

The garden is replete with display of old artifacts of historical importance and artwork displaying the Dutch heritage. 

The lady at the Old Dutch printing press (which is maintained in working condition), was more than happy to explain to the visitors how the machine functions by giving practical demonstration.  

The historically important Street Organ, built by famous organ maker Carl Frei in 1924, was donated by city of Amsterdam out of gratitude to US, for its role in liberating Netherlands in WW II. It required restoration so it was dismantled and sent for restoration. After years of work when it returned with its former glory it was given a home in 1997 where it is kept now. This organ is played 10 times a day during tulip festival season. It’s melodious music in that floral surrounding was having hypnotic effect, No words to describe the feeling I had at that moment.

A bridge of old architect, windmill, the river, dyke, pond and sculptures showing Dutch beauty and culture and heritage was transporting the visitors to the Dutch countryside.  I was feasting on the beauty of each and every thing and was capturing it in camera for posterity.

Windmill Island gives a palate of colors with green grass, colorful Tulips, daffodils, larkspur, and many exotic varieties of colorful flowers. It also takes pride in having the only working authentic Dutch windmill in USA. The” De Zwaan windmill”.

The residents of this beautiful city wanted to create an authentic feel and aura of Dutch village, thus were keen on bringing the Dutch heritage “A windmill” from Netherland. It was the Dutch govt. who acceded to the request of the Michigan authorities and consented to dismantling of dysfunctional WW2 era windmill and be transported to Holland (Michigan) for installation. The windmill has been brought from Netherlands in 1962, installed in this garden, and was open for public viewing in 1964. This wind mill is five storied in which the farmers gallop in their horse or drive their carriages to deliver the wheat. The sacks of wheat are taken to the top floor by a lift again operated by wind. The flour from the grain is sold in the shops in the garden shopping cum recreational area.

Going for a guided tour of the mill would have been desirable but because of paucity time we skipped it. Thus we went around the area around the mill and then crossed the bridge to reach the vast expanse of the Tulip beds. These beautiful red, pink, yellow, orange, violet, white colors of beds reminded me of the Hindi movie “Silsila” in which Rekha and Amithabh Bachchan had romanced amongst the Tulip beds of Kashmir (India).

There were some buds of blue Tulips but they were yet to bloom. Birds were enjoying the nectar of variety of flowers, ducks were seen in and around the pond and butterflies were flitting around the flowers and children were playfully noisy. The whole scenario was very captivating and delightfully fascinating.

I was wondering about the two different beautiful aspects of nature and its calmness. Where on one hand Niagara Falls and White water walk was immensely enjoyable, beautiful, thrilling and deceptively calm, instilling respect for the power of nature, on the other hand the floral beauty was truly calming, soothing side of nature, where birds, butterfly, human and every living being  could enjoy the playful welcoming nature of Nature. Everything was looking so innocently beautiful as if saying do not fear come near me and feel my love.

After going around the flower beds and feasting on their beauty marveling at the creation of God we all were seeking food so we headed to the eating area. The huge hall has children and elders dressed in Dutch costume serve authentic Dutch food. The food, little girls and boys fritting from one table to other to serve the customers and bowing so politely was an experience to be membered always.

After satiating our hunger and thirst we exited to the shopping and recreational area. Again this neatly maintained area compliments the Dutch aura created by the authorities. Nice curios, and artifacts are in display and one is spoilt for choice.

This area is also surrounded by Tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, crocus, Larkspur, and many different species of plants and flowers. Many flowers are labeled with their botanical and common name. The icing of the cake was authentic, antique wooden, kiddie carousel (which was brought in 1970 from Holland) and merry-go-round. The ride was enjoyed without fear, by our grandson Ajay giggling away all the time.

After resting a bit we headed to the Veldheer Garden  which was started as a hobby by Vern Veldheer by planting few hundred bulbs in 1950 and now after years it has more than 5million  bulbs planted each year. This garden is maintained by Veldheer family.  Brightly colored wooden shoes, children and elders in traditional Dutch cloths surrounded by brightly colored rainbow of tulip beds was giving an indication of the cultural richness of the Dutch people. 

Evening had approached and eyes satiated, heart full of happiness and mind enthralled and enchanted by nature and its different, beautiful powerful facets we headed to back to Chicago.

I am thankful to Almighty for blessing me with such a wonderful children, becauseof them we could make this trip. The wonderful memories of time spent together, works as tonic for maintaining a healthy body and mind during these depressing Covid time.

Visit To Niagara falls Canada

Niagara Horseshoe falls Ontario

Sunset On Niagara falls Ontario

There are so many things to do and places to visit in my bucket list, in my own beautiful country India, as well in many foreign countries. But now due to covid pandemic it seems all will be kept at hold for long time to come. Niagara falls we wanted to see and my son and daughter in law wanted to take us to Ontario Canada for the same.

We had visited east coast and west coast and of course in and around Chicago (Because my son, daughter in law are stationed in Chicago) in 2016. Even though visa and other formalities were done, due to unforeseen circumstances we could not visit Ontario Canada to see Niagara Falls. In 2018 July our son and DIL were blessed with a son. So when we went to Chicago to see our dear grandchild Ajay, I had wished to see Niagara Falls and Holland (Michigan) to enjoy the Tulip garden in full bloom. I am so much thankful to my son and daughter in law who made plan to take us for visit to Canadian Horseshoe Niagara falls before we left USA for India.

Spring start in USA from 20^th March so May first week was apt time to drive and go to Canada. But O! Dear what a spring it was in 2019. With polar vortex, heavy snowing, lashing rains, sleety outpour from sky, it hardly felt like spring. On the top of that my little grandson had suffered bad cut on finger. 

With weather playing tantrums and our little one hurt, I was not sure of, if we should go ahead with our plan. In the end children prevailed over me and the travel bug in me also started wriggling, we decided to proceed as planned.

It was indeed the best decision we made. The drive was as pleasant as it could get. The leaf less trees had started showing signs of life again. Different color leaves were sprouting from trees and bushes. The grass had started to look greener. Vast open lands, some dry-some green, trees some leafless–some colorful, some cherry trees with glorious pink bloom, the beautiful changing vista was an indication of what to expect ahead. As we approached our hotel in Ontario the misty weather welcomed us. Quick unpacking done, and after feeding the baby, changing his cloths, making him comfy (For the cold weather) we immediately left to see the falls in evening light.

The sun was going down drowning the whole area of falls with earthy hues of gold and pink. The mighty falls were spraying water creating mist over the river and walk way by the river, wetting everyone by riverside. The first sight of the falls is so captivating that I wanted that moment to last for ever.

What looked like cloud from far was actually the fine droplets of water from the Falls travelling hundreds of feet above forming a thick layer of mist all over the Falls and river.

The name of the falls “Niagara” comes from the natives staying there in earlier times. The other variations of Niagara are Lagara, Yagero, Niagra, Niagro and Oneargoragh. The spelling used now a day is corruption of these earlier spellings.

It is also said that in native language the name Niagara meant neck referring to the river which is like serpentine neck connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. It is also known as thundering waters due to thunderous huge white foamy waves of the Niagara river.

Niagara falls are formed because of three great lakes; Lake Superior, Lake Erie and Lake Michigan empty their water over the cliff which falls from a height of 57meters to form river Niagara. The crest line of the cliff is approximately 670 meters and the plunge pool beneath is 35 meters deep. The humungous nature of the fall can be judged by the fact that the amount of water which flows over the falls every second is 3160tons,that is 681,750 gallons per second in Canadian horse shoe falls and 75,750 gallons per second from Bridal Veil Falls and American side of fall.  The color of water before it falls off the cliff to make the mighty falls looks from Deep ink blue to greenish blue. It is amazing to see such different colors merging to give white cascading fall. These different color of water from different lakes reminded me of Port Blair India where the sea has transparent colorless water to green and deep deep blue.

Once the sun set and darkness fell the light show over the falls started illuminating the imposing waterfalls with myriads of colors. It seemed to me that heaven has descended on earth. I did not want to budge from there, but was assured that dinner will be by the river side hotel with seats near window. 

We enjoyed the superb food watching the color display on the falls with great company of our son, daughter in law and my cutest heart throb my grandson.

Next day is more fun filled, exhilarating and exhausting, so I was told to take good sleep and rest. Completely refreshed and rested next day we went for watching the falls from the platform which could be reached only through 46 meters winding tunnels, and the tunnels could be reached by going descending 125ft, by the help of elevator.

Welcome Gate leading to Beautiful garden and museum.

Tunnels are wet in many places so tourists are cautioned before entering the tunnel to be careful also placards are put for the same. History of tunnel, engineers who made it all is explained with the help of text and pictures very nicely.  Gathering all information from the writings on the walls of the tunnel and the boards placed at every 100 meters, treading carefully on the wet floor, we reached the platform from where tourists watch the falls. The thunderous sound, the vibrations on the platform and the water shower from the fall was awe inspiring. We were in absolute proximity of the cascading, roaring thunderous water fall. It was truly unique, exhilarating once in lifetime experience. 

Snowy platform and the falls

At the base of Falls (View from platform)

Sometimes words fall too short of what one experiences. Nature is too big, too expansive and powerful to be described in words. One has to experience this great feeling on the viewing platform of Niagara falls to understand the true power of water and in particular Niagara waterfalls. Since snow had not thawed completely thus on the platform heaps of snow added to the beauty of the whole scenario.

The platform full of snow

Heaps of snow on the banks of river

Snow had not thawed completely so ferry rides had not started, but we had the privilege of solid, liquid and vapor all forms of water with it’s full beauty and glory.

 On one side were the falls spraying water on visitors and on the left side the mighty river with the water of  the falls, splashing its waves on the banks as if telling visitors where ever you go you cannot escape my playful shower so enjoy getting wet. I certainly did enjoy it.

The vibrations and sound of Falling water could not scare our little one

I would have liked to stay on the viewing platform the whole day, enjoy the beauty and power of waterfall and river, but we were falling short of time, my children had to force me or may I say drag me out from that place like parents do to stubborn children.

Once out from the tunnel we enjoyed the bright sun by the side of river. They have such beautiful green patches, benches to sit and enjoy with friends and family. I am a shutter bug so after resting a bit, while rest of the family was relaxing under sun, I went off to click more pictures. I wanted to capture the river and the falls in different moods and color.

When the waves were hitting the rocks at the bank of the river the whole walk way and the visitors were being sprayed with river water. It felt like the river is saying welcome to the coming guests and beconing the visitors to come again. I was looking forward for proceeding ahead for more funfilled, venture Ontario and the river has to offer. 

A Buddhist Temple Near White Water Walk

Rested and baby fed and changed my son drove us around to show Ontario temples and landscape. We got down at a place called Park way, the road side near this stop has a board with the name, brief introduction and photo of Harriet Tubman “The slave lady who fought against slavery, freed innumerable slaves and their families risking her own life”. Since I had read the book on the life of this great lady, standing there and watching the notice board with her name, photo and short description made me feel like I am paying homage to Harriet Tubman. This place is almost 3 km from waterfalls and has beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples on the other side of the road.  Most btemples were closed when we reached. But we could pray in Buddhist temple which remains open for faithfuls whole day. There is a nice small shopmanned by very helpful people, tickets for the White water Walk has to be purchased from the shop.

From the road I could see the thin line of the river flowing below, so told my son Oh! It is like a stream huh. Listening to this my daughter in law and son had hearty laugh and they said chew your words once we are next to river. Hmm OK I thought.

After purchasing tickets we had to go down the elevator, Yes again an elevator is required to take visitors next to tunnel leading to river for “White Water Walk”. We descended 70 meters (230Feet) down to the gorge and then walk almost 73 meters through the beautiful tunnel to reach the first flat area ‘viewing platform’ before starting the walk by the gushing, river with raw power of huge waves. The color of water was ink blue, the river here has a suspension bridge which has two tiers (top for railways, and lower one for other vehicles and pedestrian). This bridge was built for increasing the trade between Canada and USA but was more effectively used by Harriet Tubman to smuggle slaves from America to Canada, leading to their freedom.

Tunnel leading to First platform of White Wayer Walk

Happy family just after exiting from the tunnel

Two Teir Suspension Bridge

Even the little one had fun

Small stairs lead to the beautiful trail which has greenery on one side and river with changing color of water on the other side. The blue color of water suddenly changed to beautiful green with foamy white huge crashing waves. It was so facinating to see the raw power, the changing color and the roaring white waves of the river. I really had to chew my words and thought how foolish I had been to suggest that it is like a rivulet. 

These humongous waves crash on the other side of hilly rocky trail leading to formation of foam and whirlpools. 168000cubic meter water flows every second with a speed of 48km/hr. from Niagara River.  Viewing decks are for visitors to experience the beauty of river from as near to river as possible. Due to snow in the river bank and the decks only first and last viewing decks were acessible when we went. Beauty, serenity and power of river keeps one mesmerized. Close your eyes and experience the decptive calmness amongst the roar of river. Birds can be seen perching on the rocks, as if challenging us to do the same.

Returning back from the white water walk a hot cup of coffee was all our body and mind was urging us to get. So after coffee break we went to see the whirlpools. Photos tell the tale where words stumble, and sometimes words and photos are just symbol for real thing is experiencing thing oneself.

Unfortunately since winters had spilled into spring and snow had not thawed completely many water sports activities and eateries were closed. So we were little disappointed, specially my son who wanted his parents to see all that Niagara Falls and River had to offer.

Closed Water Sports

But my daughter in law an optimist to core reassured him and us “Next Time”.  She is so good at planning that I have no doubt that next time when ever this pandemic gives relief and we are able to visit my son and family in Chicago Indira will plan again a trip to Ontario and Uday will drive us to places we could not, make us enjoy the thing we could not due to weather.

We followed the road by the river side to enjoy the beauty of winding, curving river till we reached country side, seeing the farms, huge silos, cherry bloom till night fell. 

While coming back we enjoyed the different decorations and displays.

One of the amny displays 

Back in our room tired, happy and fascinated I was deep in thought of the wonderful bounty of nature when I fell asleep, to get up next day and start our road journey to Holland (Michigan) to enjoy yet another aspect of nature.