During our last full day in Amsterdam (May 6), we started the day at 9 a.m. and took a 30-minute train ride to Zaandijk. From there, we walked for 15 minutes to Zaanse Schans. This place was filled with large wooden windmills, as pictured above. Thanks to Enno, we learned that this geographical area served as a natural battlefront that helped the Dutch win the war for independence against the Spanish. I also learned that all the windmills from the Zaandijk area were relocated to Zaanse Schans during the 1970s in order to preserve them as much as possible. This was the most sustainable activity we experienced that day, as wind is one of the most accessible and efficient energy sources the Dutch take advantage of. Throughout our entire trip, there hasn’t been a single day in which we haven’t encountered windmills. I find it interesting that in the U.S. this type of energy is not utilized more, since it is such a simple and effective system that could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make our air cleaner and safer.

After this, we headed over to Central Station, where we used our free time to visit the Rijksmuseum. We only had 40 minutes, but we still managed to see iconic paintings such as Wheatfield by Vincent van Gogh and one of his self-portraits. Later, we went to the Anne Frank House, where we learned more about Anne Frank and her family’s story. We went into the annex where she hid for two years during the war. It was a very surreal moment because, as a kid, I learned about the Holocaust and even read part of her diary. I couldn’t believe that I was experiencing such an important part of history in person. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. Overall, today was a very productive and impactful day filled with Dutch history, sustainability, and art in deeply meaningful day.