... is that tulips came from Persia to Turkey and were then given to the Dutch. It's the tulip festival in Istanbul and they are plenty and beautiful. In Persia, to give a red tulip was to declare your love. The black centre of the red tulip was said to represent the lover's heart, burned to a coal by love's passion. To give a yellow tulip was to declare your love hopelessly and utterly. Just a little random knowledge ....
A few colourful hyacinths from the Topkapi Palace crept in as well. Back to certainly not spring like London tomorrow, but we enjoyed a little sun and colour, as well as, of course, loads of sightseeing! xx
(photos my own)
