*Welkom* to our blog! We are the 2008 Group Study Exchange team representing Rotary District 7620 which includes Central Maryland and Washington DC. We will be visiting District 1600, located in the southwestern part of the Netherlands as a part of a professional exchange with members from their district. This exchange is a part of the greater goal of the Rotary Club to promote world peace through the exchange of ideas and the understanding of other cultures. District 1600 includes Rotterdam and The Hague, which are the second and third largest cities in the Netherlands, following Amsterdam. We will be in the Netherlands from April 26 through May 24, during which, we will live with host families, give presentations to several Rotary Clubs and visit vocational sites related to our respective professions. Most of all, we will be immersed in Dutch culture and have many wonderful experiences. We hope you will enjoy reading about our experiences and adventures! *Dank u*

Sunday, May 11, 2008

On the Farm...

Yesterday we arrived in Hellevoetsluis, a fortress which used to be a marine harbor. I think we may have scared our new hosts because when we arrived we 1) were crying 2) had about 30 suitcases. Nonetheless, our hosts welcomed us with open arms. We had lunch and tea and then headed off to our new homes for the week. My hosts Monika and Gerat (hope I spelled that right) live on a farm that was built in 1805. The house is almost as old as the United States! The house is beautiful and very large. It is built in the old Dutch farm style with bricks, old tiles, and an attached barn. There is even a section which used to be the carriage house. Monika teaches German and Gerat is a cardiologist. Once again, they both speak several languages and are sure to be great hosts. Animal count: 3 and 3/4 cats (one has half a tale), 2 shetlon ponies, a goat, sheep, chickens, very loud early-rising roosters, an adorable little dog, and 6 humans. There is also a beautiful garden and a pool. The weather has been amazing and I was able to spend a couple of hours by the pool before heading to dinner!

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