*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*

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Speaking of bicycles...

I guess the high gas prices have prompted some US city officials to seriously consider making their cities more bicycle friendly. Portland Oregan is trying to replicate a bicycle rental progam similar to Paris (sorry Nederland). There was also a competition in NYC to see the fastest mode of travel to work, I guess to show people that it is a better way to commute to work. The bicycle was pitted against the subway and driving. Guess what? The bicycle prevailed.

Employers are even getting in on the action by incentivizing cycling to work (money, showering facilities). Wow, I guess $127 a barrel can light a fire under some feet...

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