Today was our final day in Rotterdam and of our Netherlands Plus 3 adventure! For our last day, we started off the day by visiting Floating Farms and their floating cow and vegetable farms in one of Rotterdam’s port harbors. We learned about how Floating Farm, a volunteer-run group funded by private environmental investors, is…
Tag: Zoe Bergschneider
Rotterdam’s Rooftop Gardens and More
One of our final days in Rotterdam highlighted some of the most sustainable urban practices we’ve seen on this trip so far. From countless rooftop community gardens that often sell to local businesses, to repurposing old building materials into new space, Rotterdam’s sustainable infrastructure is one of the best I’ve seen on this trip. One…
Seals and Storm Surge Barriers
Delta Works, a storm surge project located in Zeeland, highlighted our 10th day of exploring the Netherlands. Taking over 30 years to complete, the project with the intention to help cushion the impacts of storm surges on the coast and protect the coastal Dutch. The construction of the Delta Works system was promoted by the…
TU Delft Students for A Day
Today brought us to the campus of TU Delft, a Dutch university with a focus on sustainability. From walking around the campus’ Green Village we were able to identify many spots where both students and local groups could brainstorm and workshop different sustainable techniques in construction and infrastructure. One of the most prominent examples we…
Our Coastal Future: A Day at the Watersnoodmuseum (Flood Museum)
After a slower morning due to religious observations, we rolled into a transport to the Watersnoodmuseum, a scenic hour drive through the rural farmlands outside of Rotterdam spotted with cows and wind turbines. The museum itself was an insightful reminder of our false sense of control over mother nature and how we can only do…
Exploring The Hague: Rembrant, Beaches, and Noodles!
Our first day in The Hague gave us the full sights and sounds of the city. Taking a break from professional touring for the day because of the weekend, we took advantage of the sun and walked around both the historical and modern parts of the city. After taking the train to a new part…
Roadtrip to Rotterdam!
Day 6 brought us, full business casual clad, to the gates of Nouryon, a chemical production site whose Polymer Production site was centered in their Deventer location where we visited. After gearing up in lab coats, tied up hair and safety goggles, we were guided around the facility’s many environmental compliance, testing and experimental laboratories….
Saying Goodbye to Amsterdam
We also learned about the history of the church across the alley, the Westerkerk church. The reformed Protestant Calvinist church was a symbolic haven for Protestants from all around seeking to escape Spanish Catholic rule, and remains an active Protestant church to this day. We learned how the wealthy of the city, including names like…
Ducks, Ducks and more Ducks
Our next adventure brought us to the windmill district of Zaanse Schans, a quaint, windmill-ridden town ridden with picturesque views of canals, ducks, sheep and Henri Willig’s historic cheese farm. We noted how the company, at least the historic plant we visited, used sustainable practices when producing their cheese, such as maintaining the natural environment…
Flowers, Floating Houses, and Fun
Our third day in Pitt first brought us to Royal Flora Holland, the world’s largest flower exporters. We learned about the betting process that takes place from 6am-11am daily as well as the incredible organization and turnaround that happens on the distribution floor. After walking over 4 km in laps on the sky bridge around…
Day 2 in Amsterdam: Beyond the Postcards
Day two begins! Starting the day off on a more rested foot, we began by splitting into two groups to tackle a walking tour of the city and experience a chocolate tasting from a local, ethically-sourced chocolatier. My group began with the walking tour and met with the charismatic Ian, a Dutch local whose family…
Welkom to Holland: Day One Adventures
Hallo from Amsterdam! After a restless day and night of travel, we have officially spent our first day in Amsterdam, Netherlands! Our immersion into Dutch culture began today with a self-guided, competitive scavenger hunt around the main areas of the city center, directed by a series of clues. Each question and clue were associated with…
Off to the Netherlands!- Zoe Bergschneider
Hey y’all! My name is Zoe Bergschneider, a first-year student from North Carolina! I am studying Economics, Politics & Philosophy in the Honors College, on the Pre-Law track. I am a researcher with the Pittsburgh Policy Initiative and a co-chair on the Honors College Student Council for Admissions and Alumni Relations. I am also a…