Today marked our second full day in the Netherlands. Our group tours today were much slower than those back in the center of Amsterdam; a change of pace that I greatly appreciated. This morning, we traveled outside the city to visit a family-owned tulip farm. From the moment we arrive d, we were greeted with enthusiasm and kindness: qualities that seem to be the norm here.

This same warmth carried into the afternoon, when we had the opportunity to tour a sustainable floating community. Our guide treated us like friends from the very beginning and was eager to welcome us into his home. Once again, this sense of openness and hospitality has been a common theme among the Dutch people we have met so far on our trip.

The floating homes, located in a community known as Schoonschip, were incredibly sustainable, unique, and beautiful. These houses were built on the water partly to address the challenge of limited land in the Netherlands. The homes use very little energy, aim to minimize waste, and foster a culture centered around building a cleaner future.

Schoonschip highlighted the public’s commitment to sustainability—something that is rarely demonstrated on such a large scale in the United States. As the days continue, my perspective continues to expand as I experience a culture and environment that are completely new to me. I’ve been excited to not only observe but also take part in a different way of life, and the Netherlands’ strong emphasis on sustainability leaves me eager to see what tomorrow has in store.