Canada is reopening. Tulips are blooming. The leaves dancing. It's finally Spring! I can taste it in the air. I can feel it in my body. The air warm. Humid. Liquid salt through the pores. Can we go to the beach? Nah, that can wait. Let's go somewhere accessible first. To the park where the blossoms are.
Commissioners Park is located just across the street from Dow's Lake. That's where I learned to ice skate in my first-try last winter. See here. We drop by last week to witness the late tulip blooms.
Ottawa's tulip festival is canceled this year due to the current pandemic issue. But the tulips are there. Showing off their bright colorful clothing. White. Yellow. Orange. Purple. Pink. They are incredibly beautiful to behold. The entrance is free. Parking is not. You pay by the hour.
Truthfully, I was surprised to see the number of people in the area. Some on their bikes. Others on their running shoes. Few with their dogs. And most, to take pictures of this perennial beauty.
Of course, social distancing was enforced. It's as if there's an invisible wall separating you from them. An unsaid rule, known by all. It's understandable though, it's for everyone's protection including the household members who aren't present. But is it illegal to send a smile? Why is it awkward to do so?
About
Canada's Tulip Festival has deep historical roots. It dates back to World War Two. The Dutch royal family called Ottawa their temporary home until the liberation of the Netherlands in May 1945. The Canadian forces also played a pivotal role in their country's freedom. While in Ottawa, the Dutch crown princess gave birth to a daughter. She is the first-ever European royal born in North America.After the war came to a victorious end from Nazi occupation, the Dutch express their respect and gratitude to Canada by sending thousands of tulip bulbs to the capital. The royal family followed suit. This has become a longstanding tradition since. Then in 1953, the Canadian Tulip Festival is born.
Fast forward to 2020, tourists and locals alike are still enjoying the two countries' friendship. I'm thankful for the opportunity to take part in it too. To learn more, check out the Canadian Tulip Festival's website here.
Here's a photo tour of these vibrant, eye-catching beauties in Commissioner's Park. See that outlier in the first picture below?
We didn't stay long. I don't want to rush getting the essentials at Walmart. Also, you have to queue to get inside and they close early since the lockdown. Anyway, I've already captured enough photos for you to see.
Not many will be able to experience these pretty blooms this year. But at least, I've immortalized them above. If you've made previous plans to see them in 2020 but can't, I hope you enjoyed viewing them here in my blog.
Will you be visiting Canada's Tulip Festival next year or when it's safe to do so? Or have you been to the tulip festival or farm before? What do you love most about your experience?
