Today started with going on a bus ride to the Watersnoodmuseum. The museum was very moving and sad. Around 1,836 lives were lost as a result of the flood that happened in the Netherlands in 1953. There was a storm that breached all protective infrastructure, bringing about a massive flood that would destroy numerous lives in its path. There was a darkened room with water-like projections displaying a scrolling list of all those who were lost, their names a continuous flow of waves on the sea’s surface. You can see in the image below.

In one of the rooms were 11 objects describing the emotional impact of the disaster. The art was done by Ik Ben Van. I thought it was most interesting as the art is represented in objects rather than in a painting that we normally see. Some of the objects include a radio, passport, water filter, a cell phone, etc. These objects remind the artist of the event and its history. They were displayed in boxes on the wall that you opened to look at. Other rooms had videos talking about the history and what was going on during the event. Overall, I enjoyed the museum even though it was sad.

Our second stop of the day involved more learning, specifically with a 3D simulation room of the 1953 flood itself and demonstrated some of the ways that the Netherlands has taken control of their surroundings. This was on the island of Zeeland. A walk, tram ride, and short boat cruise around the grounds showed us some of the previously discussed infrastructure in practice. For lunch I got to try some more Dutch food including kibbeling and frites (fried fish and fries) before heading back to Amsterdam. As you can see below, they have a lot of wind turbines throughout the island.

Finally we arrived back in Amsterdam to the Generator Hostel where we all got to unpack our stuff and relax. For dinner I got to try pasta from a local Italian restaurant and eat it in the park with my friends. The park was very crowded on a Saturday.