It's been a fantastic past few days in the Netherlands. We couldn't have asked for better weather and the sights are gorgeous. We started off our morning with a fantastic buffet breakfast and then headed to the Seal Rehab and Research Center in Pieterburen. We toured the facility and heard from the on staff veterinarian and marine biologist. It was interesting to find out the trends they have noticed over the years regarding seal rescue and the most common problems that seals today face. It's hard to believe that this outstanding center started with just a backyard conservationist and has now grown to be a global resource for seal rehabilitation.
After our time with the seals, we headed to Groningen where Dr. Wasser and Stefie dropped us off at the train station for our free weekend to Amsterdam. The learning curve was a little steep at first, but with 3 train changes we managed to make it to Amsterdam with no problems :) What an awesome city! I think I'm in love... The structure of the city is basically concentric circles of canals and there are TONS of bicycles every where. We drink beer and eat ice cream at least one daily and we walk everywhere.... what a combo! We've seen the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum (and the Starry Night!) and toured the Heineken Brewery with lots of free samples of course! It really has been an eye opening experience to see the way other people live every day with their tiny cars and public transportation. The buildings in the city are older than America and have SO much character. It is easy to see why people fall in love with Europe...
Overall, I think the trip has been a major success and I think I'm learning a lot about how the rest of the world functions. This give me a little insight into how America is perceived and makes me more aware of the things that I love most about our country. Most of all, I think I'm learning the most about myself and how to navigate a completely foreign country. I'm so thankful for the group that I have with me on the trip and I love getting closer to them everyday.
After our time with the seals, we headed to Groningen where Dr. Wasser and Stefie dropped us off at the train station for our free weekend to Amsterdam. The learning curve was a little steep at first, but with 3 train changes we managed to make it to Amsterdam with no problems :) What an awesome city! I think I'm in love... The structure of the city is basically concentric circles of canals and there are TONS of bicycles every where. We drink beer and eat ice cream at least one daily and we walk everywhere.... what a combo! We've seen the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum (and the Starry Night!) and toured the Heineken Brewery with lots of free samples of course! It really has been an eye opening experience to see the way other people live every day with their tiny cars and public transportation. The buildings in the city are older than America and have SO much character. It is easy to see why people fall in love with Europe...
Overall, I think the trip has been a major success and I think I'm learning a lot about how the rest of the world functions. This give me a little insight into how America is perceived and makes me more aware of the things that I love most about our country. Most of all, I think I'm learning the most about myself and how to navigate a completely foreign country. I'm so thankful for the group that I have with me on the trip and I love getting closer to them everyday.
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