If you're asked to name three things associated with the Netherlands, the chances are good that tulips will be one of them. When I was planning a trip to the Netherlands, I planned the entire holiday around tulip blooming time just so I couldn't miss seeing plenty of one of my favorite flowers. And when I did my research, it seemed like the Keukenhof Gardens in the center of the country is the best place to see tulips in the spring.

My trip to Keukenhof got off to a bad start: a mechanical problem with the car delayed me on the German side of the border a day longer than planned. But I barely remember that now because the colorful memories of my day out at Keukenhof are what really stick in my mind. You'll find Keukenhof near the small town of Lisse, south-west of Amsterdam. The easiest way to get there is with a car, although there are public buses from the town of Leiden.

The Keukenhof Garden is really a very special place. Only open to the public for about two months each year (usually late March to late May), it is 32 hectares of tulips and gardens that might just make them the biggest garden in the world - or at least the biggest patch of tulips! I arrived towards the end of the eight-week run in May, and I wasn't disappointed. Clearly every type of tulip that exists can be found here, along with other flowers and trues, all arranged in different types of gardens with ponds, lawns and bridges between them. There are also several pavilions, named after Dutch royal family members, housing special exhibitions. I particularly enjoyed the orchid show which included prize-winning orchids from across Europe.

Despite visiting Keukenhof on a rainy day, I couldn't stop pulling out my camera, and the vivid colors of tulips everywhere meant that the grey skies can be overlooked in the end result. I also enjoyed a casual meal at one of the restaurants of the Keukenhof - there are four self-serve style restaurants with heaps of seating plus a slightly more formal restaurant if you want a real break. My tip, though, is to eat a snack outside of normal lunch hours, as the restaurants do get quite crowded. When an attraction is only open for two months of the year, I guess you shouldn't be surprised that the bus loads of tourists are there, too.