Today was officially our last full day in the Netherlands. At around 10am, we headed to the metro and took a 45-minute train ride to The Hague. Upon arrival, our tour guide, Enno, explained how this city is home to the government and parliament of the Netherlands. We took a short but interesting tour around the city and saw different political buildings.

The most impactful part of the tour for me was our group discussion about how Dutch politics work, which took place in front of the prime minister’s office. Enno explained that the country has both a monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. This means that the king is mostly symbolic, while the prime minister is responsible for running the government and, therefore, the country. What I found most interesting was that there are around 15 political parties that actively participate in Dutch politics, which is so different from the United States. In their elections, Dutch citizens vote for political parties instead of directly voting for one main candidate. The parties with the most votes earn seats in parliament. He explained that there are currently both conservative and liberal parties in parliament, which makes it more difficult for liberals to pass laws and make changes to the country.

After the informative discussion, we headed to an Indonesian restaurant. Even though we had to wait a while for the food, it was definitely worth it. I had fried rice, beef, and green beans. The flavors were so different from anything I had tasted before, and it quickly became one of my favorite meals that I ate in the Netherlands. Afterwards, we walked around the city for a bit and had a stroopwafel for dessert. Later, we saw the impressive Peace Palace and continued exploring more of The Hague while enjoying our last day in the Netherlands. During this walk, I noticed how sustainability plays a role in the city. The bicycles, although obvious, are a great source of transportation because they do not emit greenhouse gases. I also appreciated how the city incorporated nature into its design, such as the beautiful lake and the tree-lined walkway pictured above.

I had so much fun on this trip, and I am so grateful for this experience. I met so many wonderful people that I know will continue to be my friends for years to come. Additionally, I want to thank April Dukes and Tony Kerzmann for being such amazing leaders and for teaching me what sustainability truly entails. I also want to thank our tour guide, Enno, because without him this trip would not have been possible. Thank you, Plus 3, for the amazing memories and experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime. Bedankt voor alles, Nederland!