I shifted my backpack, now noticeably heavier, on my shoulders and pushed my way through the growing crowd. I had just bought a bunch of bulbs to plant in my back garden when I returned home. The rest of the wares — plants and flowers of unbelievable variety and color — would be too big to take back on the airplane.
It’s no surprise to find this flower market here in a country known, in part, for its horticultural history. The entire nation witnessed an economic boom and bust in the early 17th century brought about by mania for one flower in particular, which famously sold for prices as high as several years’ wages.
I wandered through the stalls: bonsai, tulips, bamboo, cacti, geraniums and sunflowers that looked like they jumped right out of a Van Gogh; dried flowers hanging from awnings; brilliant blues and reds, oranges and yellows that seemed alive, colors I’ve never seen before. I ran my hands along fresh-cut flowers, feeling their damp petals. They smelled of earth and rain.
It wasn’t until later, as I was preparing to leave, that I realized with surprise the entire market was floating. It shouldn’t have been too shocking, I suppose: Much of the country is below sea level. Floating shops have been selling flowers here since 1862, when barges brought plants from the surrounding area. Now the barges are permanently moored and, at first glance, I never knew I was leaving solid ground.
Where am I?
Send your answer to goworld@goworldpublishing.com. All readers correctly identifying this location will be entered in a drawing to receive a recently published travel book.
Answer to the April 2007 “Where in the World” Contest
Last month’s mystery destination was Kolmanskop, Namibia. Our photo showed the ruins of an art deco building from this ghost town, where over a ton of diamonds was produced until 1914.
Thanks to all who wrote in their guesses. This month’s winner is Stew from Vancouver, B.C. Congratulations, Stew!
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