We are lucky that the farmers on Goeree-Overflakkee, the island south of the peninsula where we live, grow tulips. That way, we don't have to go to the extremely crowded tulip fields around Lisse, the center of Dutch tulip cultivation. The crowds of tourists there sometimes make it impossible for the growers. Growers don't mind tourists taking pictures of their tulips. They don't mind wanting to stand as close as possible to those tulips. But they do expect tourists to stay neatly on the paths between the tulips. Or in the spots between the tulips that the growers have marked out specifically for photo opportunities (!).
Many don't do that. They trample tulips, making harvesting a problem. That makes the growers angry (crazy, right?). That is how growers and tourists can end up coming to blows. Strange times. Respect is a word that fewer and fewer people seem to understand.
And that while everyone (at a proper distance and with understanding and respect) can fully enjoy the vibrant colors of the tulip fields for free.
See you soon!
