Wassenaar Village Tour

On our tour of village center, we visited the Wassenaar Dorpskerk (Village church). The current church has been in existence since 1573, which makes it the oldest church in Wassenaar. There were two rather curious holes (photo left) in the walls. These holes allowed people (such as lepers) who were not allowed in the church to hear the sermon.

That is preventing disease transmission at its best!

Bio Science Park at Leiden University

The visit to the Bio Science Park at Leiden University was coordinated by drs. Jaap Blaak, and it provided a look into the ever growing field of biotechnology. We had 4 presentations, 2 of which were from the CEOs of start up biotechnology companies (to-BBB and FlexGen). To-BBB is involved in modifying the delivery system of drugs for better entry into the brain. This technology may prove to be invaluable in the treatment of diseases of the brain with efficacious drugs that would otherwise have poor penetration. FlexGen has created a prototype instrument that can produce custom DNA microarrays within 24 hours. DNA microarrays play an important role in genetic research and medical diagnosis and potentially in population disease surveillance.

The Netherlands, small in land mass, big in innovation.

Rememberance Day (May 4th)

A great start to our week in Wassenaar, thanks to the members of the Rotary club of Wassenaar. Today the people of the Netherlands remember the lives of soldiers lost in past wars. Our GSE team was honored to take part in the annual walk of silence and place a wreath at the memorial statue. Pictured to the left is retired Luitenant General Ted Meines saluting the memorial statute.

Following the event, we had our photographs printed in 2 local newspapers, regarding our participation in the ceremony. We were even recognized by a local resident the morning the newspapers were printed. I think we deserve a parade from Rotary district 7620 when we get back for being the best GSE embassadors :-)

The Keukenhof

You have to see the Keukenhof garden to believe it.

The End of Week One

It has now been a week since we have been here. It's nice to have three more weeks and not feel rushed to see everything as I often feel when on vacation. We're learning a lot and we're exhausted. Yesterday we switched cities, host families, and host clubs. We are now in Wassenaar. The club in Delft had a nice little farewell party for us and the new club picked welcomed us with great energy. To transport us here, they sent a van for our luggage and a separate car for us! ha! As soon as we arrived, we met our new families and then attendd a classical concert performed by young students from the conservatory. This morning we went to the Keukenoff, which is a huge garden with thousands of different types of flowers. We also visited some of the flower fields which are just amazing. Today is Memorial Day here which remembers those who died in World War II. We were asked to particpate in a cermony at the local memorial. We marched to the statue, had two minutes of silence, and then laid a wreath at the base of the statue. The mayor and several other prominent leaders in the city were there and a reception followed. Tomorrow is liberation day and a day of celebration.

We have had several vocational visits, which have all been very informative. I have visited two colleges so far and have learned a lot about the education system here, which is quite different than our system. Students choose an education path at the age of 12 (or maybe 14, I have it written down somewhere). I can't imagine knowing what subject I would like to study at such a young age. We also visited several homes for the elderly and learned a lot about the healthcare system here. Tomorrow we are going to a bioscience center and then to have high tea and then we have another presentation to give. There is very little free time...which leaves little time to blog. I'm off to bed but wanted to add a picture.

Farewell Delft

Our team had a wonderful time in Delft. This was certainly a great experience to introduce us to The Netherlands. Our host roatry club, Delft-Koningsveld put together an excellent program, from which we gained much information on a variety of health care and education topics, as well as cultural visits and experiences. The rotary members here were warm and hospitable, and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you.

Eykenburg and Limburg Homes for the Aged

We were hosted on this visit by Anneke Augustinus on our visit to Eykenburg and Limburg homes for the aged, in The Hague. While on this visit, we learned about the problems facing the aged in the Netherlands, such as the growing shortage of physicians, skilled nursing staff as well as startegies to increase interest in this part of health care. We were given formal presentations on dutch health care policy and prevention as well as the relatively new Dutch heath insurance plan. We then toured these 2 facilities and learned about their quality management system. We later had the opportunity to interact with a few of the clients at these facilities. We had a very productive day thanks to Anneke and her colleagues.

Oude (Old) Delft

Lisa and I stayed with Frits and Janny during our week in Delft. They lived in a historic home on one of the canals that ran through the village. We enjoyed our stay here immensely. They both enthusiastically shared the history of their home as well as their village.

At the end of each day, Lisa would laugh as I staggered breathlessly into our room after climbing up two rather steep flights of stairs. Frits never seemed out of breath when he did it!!! I guess that was my cue to get more exercise. Thanks for the inspiration Frits :-)

Orange Day in Delft

On Orange Day, the day Queen Beatrix celebrates her birthday, Lisa and I (Monique) were guests of our host Frits and Janny at a reception honoring Delft residents who received a national service award. Yanny had received the award two years earlier. We briefly chatted with the Mayor of Delft, G.A.A. Verkerk (pictured with us), and mingled with long time residents of this historical community. Interesting note, the royal family's official resting place in Nieuwe Kerek (New Church) in Delft. The mayor has the important task of annually inspecting the graves. Lisa and I were curious when he did these inspections, but he laughed and said, "that is my secret, the reporters would love to know".

We spent the next few hours exploring Delft and soaking up the excitement of Orange Day. There were so many people out along the canals enjoying the day. At times it was scary because the canals that run in the middle of the streets have no guard rails, and I feared someone would fall in at any minute. No one else seemed worried though, I guess falling in would be apart of the fun.

Canals Cars Cycles

This is an incredible sight, canals, cycles and cars co-existing...on the edge.