tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60028551255310699862024-03-21T15:44:38.168-07:00Traverse City West Netherlands ExchangeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-88086645669143110692014-10-19T12:32:00.001-07:002014-10-19T12:35:54.714-07:00The Dutch Arrive in Traverse City!<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_20141015.00_p0/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/DutchArrive2014?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCO3-soau0d_Z5AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RlAvgBJrbNs/VEQPi04j1FE/AAAAAAAASsY/rdlOS2UxK_E/s160-c/DutchArrive2014.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/DutchArrive2014?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCO3-soau0d_Z5AE&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Dutch Arrive 2014</a></td></tr></table>
On a beautiful autumn day, the Dutch have arrived safely to a warm Traverse City welcome! Tomorrow they will attend classes at Traverse City West Senior High School.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-68661371161058090612014-04-08T13:57:00.001-07:002014-04-08T13:57:54.254-07:00Leiden<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_224.04/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014Leiden?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCL3W666qh8nzOA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RmCG7LwepEA/U0RayR3P2tE/AAAAAAAAQ9Q/R-MvxcIjKrs/s160-c/Netherlands2014Leiden.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014Leiden?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCL3W666qh8nzOA&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014 - Leiden</a></td></tr></table>
Our final stop on our Netherlands tour was Leiden, an old university town about a 15 minute train ride from The Hague. We visited and walked up to the top of the Burcht, the old citadel built in 1150. From there we had a beautiful view of the city. We then walked to the Antiquities Museum of Leiden where we saw Egyptian mummies, and ancient artifacts from Greek and Roman times. Many of the American pilgrims lived in Leiden for a while after they left England, and before they came on the Mayflower to America. We took a group photo at the church where many of those pilgrims worshipped in Leiden. Tomorrow we return to America on our own version of the Mayflower. See you all in Traverse City!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-41650292111263555432014-04-07T13:13:00.001-07:002014-04-07T13:13:25.568-07:00Delft<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_214.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014Delft?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCICAjeT19fiFDw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lwI5j172dPE/U0MBCVEwMTE/AAAAAAAAQ5M/5gA6nfNyVpA/s160-c/Netherlands2014Delft.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014Delft?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCICAjeT19fiFDw&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014 - Delft</a></td></tr></table>
The morning began with a short train ride from The Hague to Delft, where we had a fascinating tour of the Royal Delft factory. We saw Royal Delft Blue pottery in the various stages of development, including the hand-painting of a plate. Students toured the New Church in Delft. New means 1300's, as the old church is from the 1200's. In the new church they saw the tomb of William of Orange, the "George Washington" of the Netherlands. Tomorrow the final city of our trip.... Leiden.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-10406802575640191712014-04-06T12:51:00.001-07:002014-04-06T12:51:04.745-07:00Keukenhof, The Hague and Scheveningen<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_214.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014KeukenhofTheHagueSchevinengen?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNWjkPCUlOI7&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p6W_P8waCAo/U0GoM25pITE/AAAAAAAAQyE/dDarwBf200s/s160-c/Netherlands2014KeukenhofTheHagueSchevinengen.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014KeukenhofTheHagueSchevinengen?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNWjkPCUlOI7&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014-Keukenhof/The Hague/Schevinengen</a></td></tr></table>
Today we bid a teary and heartfelt goodbye to our Dutch friends in Doetinchem. We boarded a bus to the western part of the Netherlands for the final three days of our journey. We spent three hours walking through the beautiful grounds of the Keukenhof Gardens.... 79 acres of tulips, birds, ponds, and windmills. Our bus then deposited us off at our Hostel in The Hague. After a quick walk through the city center of The Hague, we took a tram to Scheveningen to walk the beaches of the North Sea. The evening concluded with a good dinner at the hostel. Tomorrow...... Delft, and a more thorough visit to parts of The Hague.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-24271626085793527342014-04-04T09:40:00.001-07:002014-04-04T09:40:29.702-07:00Kroller-Muller Museum in De Hoge Velluwe National Park<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_214.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014KrollerMullerMuseum?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCP3xrJrytOLuNQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8co_iWTeL9s/Uz7bKLQWmHE/AAAAAAAAQqA/cBS46VOexxo/s160-c/Netherlands2014KrollerMullerMuseum.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014KrollerMullerMuseum?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCP3xrJrytOLuNQ&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014 Kroller-Muller Museum</a></td></tr></table>
After a fun but long day in Amsterdam yesterday, we all had a chance for a more leisurely pace at De Hoge Velluwe National Park today. Inside the 55 square kilometer park are miles of bike paths through heath lands, sand dunes, and wooded areas. Free white bikes are available for visitors to pick up and use all over the park. Also inside the park is the Kroller-Muller art museum, which includes the second largest collection of VanGogh paintings in the world, and a large sculpture garden. Students are with their Dutch families this week-end, and we leave Doetinchem for The Hague on Sunday. We will post again on Sunday night.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-83158339719918503342014-04-03T14:45:00.000-07:002014-04-03T14:45:46.684-07:00Amsterdam<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_214.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014Amsterdam?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKernf3-yIfc4wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uapLrE8MAys/Uz3PbTCppFE/AAAAAAAAQkw/pNdAW9Gqqdk/s160-c/Netherlands2014Amsterdam.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014Amsterdam?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKernf3-yIfc4wE&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014-Amsterdam</a></td></tr></table>
After a painfully early start (at least for a vacation day!), we arrived in Amsterdam on the bus, beginning with a visit to the Anne Frank House. A moving visit to the museum was followed by a cross-Amsterdam walk along the Prinsengracht canal to the Rijksmuseum - following in our President's footsteps! (minus the security, of course) It was a quick buzz through the Honorary Gallery full of Rembrandts, like "The Night Watch", and then out into the Museumplein before whipping through the Van Gogh Museum. We ended the day with some free-time and shopping before an easy bus ride home. The beautiful weather is showing with all of the bicyclists and joggers out and about - our very own tropical holiday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-59982652684782004102014-04-02T13:20:00.000-07:002014-04-02T13:23:44.034-07:00Ulenhofcollege-Physical Education Day, Presentations, Banquet & Twin Photos<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_214.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014PhysEdDayTwinShots?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKDaoPykw93dHA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6be27F1Fj5Y/UzxoOSVazDE/AAAAAAAAQW0/V3y6pWu93H0/s160-c/Netherlands2014PhysEdDayTwinShots.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014PhysEdDayTwinShots?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKDaoPykw93dHA&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014-PhysEd Day & Twin Shots</a></td></tr></table>
This morning, students went to Ulenhofcollege, and created a presentation on various Dutch topics to present to their fellow students. They also took and printed photos of themselves to enter into our photo contest. Students voted for their favorite self portrait. In the afternoon, students were involved in physical education classes in the Ulenhofcollege gymnasium. We ended the day with a banquet of Chinese food and ice-cream at the school. Tomorrow....... Amsterdam!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-50083958980874387782014-04-01T15:10:00.000-07:002014-04-01T15:14:53.705-07:00Open Air Museum - Arnhem<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_214.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014TuesdayApril1?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNCNlq6U9ZHcfQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TanFFltv73s/Uzs2Q7vn8DE/AAAAAAAAQI0/hLrlCQ7T3ro/s160-c/Netherlands2014TuesdayApril1.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014TuesdayApril1?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNCNlq6U9ZHcfQ&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014-Tuesday April 1</a></td></tr></table>
Today students took a train from Doetinchem to Arnhem. We then took a short bus ride to the Open Air Museum (similar to Michigan's Greenfield Village). Students had the opportunity to visit several windmills, witness paper being made, and generally experience what life was like in the Netherlands 100 or more years ago. Tomorrow students will attend Ulenhofcollege again. There they will prepare some presentations on various Dutch topics. They will tour a local windmill, attend Dutch physical education classes, and have a Chinese dinner banquet at the school.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-22585652483613797142014-03-31T14:07:00.000-07:002014-03-31T14:07:07.387-07:00Ulenhofcollege<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_214.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014MondayMarch31?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKbI0PaOoOnC2gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NW2lHxVsXeM/UznTI31OwBE/AAAAAAAAQEQ/pzE4ESg-32s/s160-c/Netherlands2014MondayMarch31.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014MondayMarch31?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKbI0PaOoOnC2gE&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014-Monday March 31</a></td></tr></table>
Today students biked to Ulenhofcollege and parked in the crowded bike parking lot. Once in school, students attended classes in Dutch history, and geography. TC West students also worked with their Dutch twins to present a short skit using only the Dutch language. Students are having a great time and learning a lot! Tomorrow students will take a train to Arnhem, where they will visit the Open Air Museum (similar to Michigan's Greenfield Village). We will post some photos again tomorrow. Weather the last several days has been dry, mostly sunny, and in the low 70's!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-38983680801703386492014-03-28T08:12:00.000-07:002014-03-31T13:50:06.881-07:00TC West Netherlands Trip 2014 - Day 1 Travel Day<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_213.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014TravelDay1?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKHw_cTlhpal-QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZN-y5uSvW0/UzWL_AKCmWE/AAAAAAAAQAM/gNOOD-PGTMQ/s160-c/Netherlands2014TravelDay1.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2014TravelDay1?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKHw_cTlhpal-QE&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2014-Travel Day 1</a></td></tr></table>
We arrived today at Schipol Airport in the Netherlands, safely and on time! We took a few pictures in front of the "I am Amsterdam" sign at the airport, and then took a two hour bus ride to Doetinchem. As you can see from the photos, Traverse City West students were greeted by their Dutch friends with signs, cheers, hugs, and 68 degree weather!!! The Americans are now with their Dutch twins and their families for the week-end. On Monday, students will learn about Dutch history, language, geography, and art when they attend Ulenhofcollege. We will post to the blog again on Monday.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-56739662520126190672013-10-23T21:23:00.001-07:002013-10-23T21:23:45.450-07:00Dutch and American Students Visit Mackinac IslandOn Wednesday, thirty four Dutch and American students, and four teachers, visited Mackinac Island on a cold, but dry fall day. Mackinac Island is a 15 minute ferry ride into Lake Huron - one of the five Great Lakes. The island sits near the five mile long Mackinac Bridge in Lake Huron, in between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. We visited Fort Mackinac and watched actors portraying American soldiers shoot a cannon and antique rifles. Students rode bikes on the island that does not allow motorized vehicles. The island was settled by Native Americans, and later inhabited by the French, the British, and eventually the Americans. It served as a key beaver fur trading post. Fur trading was a major source of revenue in trade with Europe. Mackinac Island is now a major tourist destination and vacation resort. All of the students stayed warm and had a great time. Tomorrow we will visit Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park.
<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_136.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/DutchOnMackinac201302?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIOa5_2ro9H53wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ESVcdv48OHM/UmiVvlmCMsE/AAAAAAAAPqM/Cz6tTi0HDhM/s160-c/DutchOnMackinac201302.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/DutchOnMackinac201302?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIOa5_2ro9H53wE&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Dutch on Mackinac - 2013</a></td></tr></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-45594030265207569002013-10-23T21:01:00.004-07:002013-10-23T21:01:47.260-07:00Dutch Arrive in Traverse CityThe Dutch arrived safely and on time in Traverse City on Sunday evening. They were greeted at the airport by excited Traverse City West students holding welcome signs.
<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://www.gstatic.com/pwa/s/v/lighthousefe_136.01/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/DutchArriveUS2013?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNXO3bXE_I2KWw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rern4oLlCLk/UmiVpxjUn_E/AAAAAAAAPgk/Skg_pDQ_wsA/s160-c/DutchArriveUS2013.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/DutchArriveUS2013?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNXO3bXE_I2KWw&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Dutch Arrive US 2013</a></td></tr></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-68060681896117411992013-04-03T14:07:00.000-07:002013-04-03T14:07:53.300-07:00Delft & The Hague<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013DelftTheHague?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOiAv73jreXvlgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xcHYB4GwjAY/UVyRXbykT6E/AAAAAAAANT0/w99I3AOjJ0A/s160-c/Netherlands2013DelftTheHague.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013DelftTheHague?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOiAv73jreXvlgE&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Delft & The Hague</a></td></tr></table>
On our final day in The Netherlands, we walked from our hostel to the center of Delft, to see the Dutch parliament building, and the Knights Hall, where Queen Beatrix has, and soon King Willem-Alexander will, give the equivalent of the state of the union address. We also walked past the building where Prime Minister Mark Rutte has his working office. From there, we took a tram to Delft. Delft is famous for being the home of "Delft Blue" hand painted pottery, as well as the home of Vermeer. Perhaps most importantly, it was the home of William of Orange, the George Washington of The Netherlands. In Delft, students climbed the narrow staircase to the top of the steeple of the beautiful New Church, where they had a gorgeous view of the city. Most everyone shopped for a while in Delft, before taking the short tram ride back to The Hague. In the afternoon, we visited the M.C. Escher museum, and then most students continued with last minute shopping. Tomorrow morning we leave the hostel very early in the morning for the train ride to Schipol airport, and our return to the United States.
All fifteen of our students have been awesome travelers. The first day we checked in to the hostel in The Hague, the hotel manager asked me what we have done to make our kids so calm and respectful. Thanks to all of you for an amazing trip!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-49869515729194233912013-04-02T14:59:00.000-07:002013-04-02T15:02:32.916-07:00Amsterdam<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013Amsterdam?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOeMst6ggrCV2wE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iGG0RsbZHXM/UVtRLTtugSE/AAAAAAAANO8/KXxbFwutuXg/s160-c/Netherlands2013Amsterdam.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013Amsterdam?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOeMst6ggrCV2wE&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Amsterdam</a></td></tr></table>
Today we took an early morning train from The Hague to Amsterdam. We then walked to the Anne Frank house. All students said it was a powerful experience. Students had some time to shop and eat lunch in the Dam Square area for a few hours. At the "Ship's Museum," students were able to tour a replica of a Dutch East India Company sailing vessel from the 1700's. As today was Logan's birthday, Logan had another birthday cake for dessert. Not many Americans can say they celebrated their birthday in Amsterdam. Tomorrow we will visit Delft, and further explore The Hague.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-81811094492035831892013-04-01T13:49:00.001-07:002013-04-01T13:49:43.978-07:00Leiden, The Hague & Scheveningen<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013LeidenTheHagueScheveningen?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMzf26X71Z3_Yg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2YJFnnP5t4M/UVno5LXo-vE/AAAAAAAANKs/eav49wA7BDw/s160-c/Netherlands2013LeidenTheHagueScheveningen.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013LeidenTheHagueScheveningen?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMzf26X71Z3_Yg&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Leiden/The Hague/Scheveningen</a></td></tr></table>
After 15 minutes of hugging, the Traverse City West students bid a teary farewell to their now life-long Dutch friends. A one and one half hour bus ride to the Western part of the country found the students in Leiden, a beautiful university town. After spending three hours in Leiden, the Americans headed to The Hague, the seat of the Dutch parliament. We explored the city center a bit, walking by the working castle of Queen Beatrix. We also took a short tram ride to Scheveningen, a resort town on the North Sea. Tomorrow we leave the hostel bright and early to take the train to Amsterdam!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-15022735714290163582013-03-29T08:58:00.000-07:002013-03-29T08:58:33.630-07:00De Hooge Veluwe National Park/ Kroller Muller Museum<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013KrollerMullerMuseum?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKL3-NSug4ygSw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RABPLJKncDA/UVWxjmjjyTE/AAAAAAAAM5w/cjGp-pCGUKQ/s160-c/Netherlands2013KrollerMullerMuseum.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013KrollerMullerMuseum?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKL3-NSug4ygSw&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Kroller Muller Museum</a></td></tr></table>
On Thursday we traveled to De Hoge Veluwe National Park, and the Kroller Muller Museum. De Hooge Veluwe National Park is the largest actively managed conservation area privately owned in the Netherlands. The park covers 5,400 hectares of woodland, heathland, peat bogs and drift sand. The Kroller-Muller Museum is an art museum and sculpture garden located in the Hoge Veluwe National park. The museum has a considerable collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh, such as "The Potato Eaters", and the "Cafe Terrace at Night." The American students had a guided tour of the sculpture garden at the Kroller-Muller Museum. Students will now spend the week-end with their Dutch families. We leave Doetinchem for The Hague on Monday morning. We will post photos again on Monday.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-76016455882258798862013-03-29T08:47:00.001-07:002013-03-29T08:47:34.915-07:00Twin Photos - Banquet<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013TwinPhotos?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIPlh_6u9rbDbg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N2nYyR3hWOs/UVWwmf-gfuE/AAAAAAAAM4E/1K7cx7nV_IA/s160-c/Netherlands2013TwinPhotos.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013TwinPhotos?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIPlh_6u9rbDbg&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Twin Photos</a></td></tr></table>
Also on Thursday, after visiting a castle, and playing sports, students gathered at Ulenhofcollege for the Chinese dinner/banquet. Before dinner, students posed for their official "twin photo."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-3847940934099644142013-03-29T08:40:00.002-07:002013-03-29T08:40:50.176-07:00Sports at Ulenhofcollege<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013Sports?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPX279Kgv4KAOA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5svXFOmn7BY/UVWyLU2M4IE/AAAAAAAAM-8/_PhX548CjrY/s160-c/Netherlands2013Sports.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013Sports?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPX279Kgv4KAOA&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Sports</a></td></tr></table>
After we returned from Doornenburg Castle in the early afternoon on Thursday, American and Dutch students played sports in the school gymnasium. Athletic activities included soccer, dodge ball, gymnastics, unicycle riding, badminton, and wall climbing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-24946814479967211802013-03-29T08:35:00.001-07:002013-03-29T08:35:29.404-07:00Doornenburg Castle
<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013DoornenburgCastle?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIjb7rn7w_vAUw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pIp2A3-ROtM/UVWyxQAUswE/AAAAAAAANC8/rw386ZCs62Y/s160-c/Netherlands2013DoornenburgCastle.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013DoornenburgCastle?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIjb7rn7w_vAUw&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Doornenburg Castle</a></td></tr></table>
Thursday was a busy day for the Ulenhofcollege/TC West exchange, so I will divide this in to several different posts. In the morning we traveled about 45 minutes via bus to Doornenburg Castle. The castle is first mentioned in 1295. The oldest parts of the present structure date back to the 14th century.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-70548557799673966242013-03-27T05:02:00.002-07:002013-03-27T05:02:54.555-07:00Ulenhofcollege Presentations<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013UlenhofcollegePresentationsDay?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOCj2P_P9OzQSA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OjKMdf6HC6I/UVLZAuZaeiE/AAAAAAAAMz4/rVe-jMYI1Aw/s160-c/Netherlands2013UlenhofcollegePresentationsDay.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013UlenhofcollegePresentationsDay?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOCj2P_P9OzQSA&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Ulenhofcollege Presentations Day</a></td></tr></table>
American students observed Dutch classes today for several hours. In some classrooms the American students also presented to Dutch students a PowerPoint about Michigan, and the United States. Tomorrow we visit a castle!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-38821803965933375332013-03-27T04:49:00.000-07:002013-03-27T04:49:13.059-07:00Xanten, Germany<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013Xanten?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIP98K-N4uvKLg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tD6gPy6wVWE/UVLYFuhLcME/AAAAAAAAMyk/XzHhMm6QBkY/s160-c/Netherlands2013Xanten.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013Xanten?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIP98K-N4uvKLg&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013-Xanten</a></td></tr></table>
On Tuesday we left The Netherlands for a short 1 1/2 hour bus ride to Xanten, Germany, where we braved the cold temperatures to tour Roman ruins, explore the city, and visit the Roman antiquity museum. After returning to Doetinchem, all of the students enjoyed pancakes on the "pancake ship."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-31711942791695428172013-03-25T14:37:00.001-07:002013-03-25T14:37:07.061-07:00Ulenhofcollege & Windmill<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013UlenhofcollegeWindmill?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCP2GyLiG3NGiVQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VUwvw4IiZBw/UVC761O2dSE/AAAAAAAAMvY/lvXKgckn010/s160-c/Netherlands2013UlenhofcollegeWindmill.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2013UlenhofcollegeWindmill?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCP2GyLiG3NGiVQ&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2013 Ulenhofcollege & Windmill</a></td></tr></table>
Today, the Dutch and American students reported to school at 8:15 for lessons in photography, and Dutch history. Near the end of the morning, Dutch and American students created lessons designed to have the Dutch students teach the American students some of the basics of the Dutch language. After lunch we toured a windmill in Doetinchem - The "Benninkmolen"- that was originally designed to grind corn. Tomorrow we take a bus to the German town of Xanten, the site of some Roman ruins.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-11509259653567026152013-03-22T15:12:00.000-07:002013-03-22T15:12:00.138-07:00Doetinchem 2013 - Day 1<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Doetinchem2013Day1?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCL2Jt_K0oNGjfw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c9iVdkwVQts/UUzTmpfskAE/AAAAAAAAMlw/oRxUnSrzlfk/s160-c/Doetinchem2013Day1.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Doetinchem2013Day1?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCL2Jt_K0oNGjfw&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Doetinchem 2013-Day 1</a></td></tr></table>
We arrived safely in Doetinchem this afternoon. As you can see, the Dutch students kindly welcomed us with American flags, and home-made signs. The American students were tired, but very excited! TC West students will be with their Dutch families this week-end, and will report to Ulenhofcollege Monday morning for classes in photography, Dutch history, language, and geography. We will post photos again on Monday.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-614855889202675062012-10-20T09:01:00.000-07:002012-10-20T09:05:25.669-07:00Dutch in Michigan - October 2012Both our Dutch visitors and their American hosts have had a great time this week. Students have attended three days of classes at Traverse City West Senior High, visited Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, took a ferry to Mackinac Island, and attended numerous sporting events and music concerts. Click the photo below to see a photo album of the week. Our Dutch friends leave Monday morning to head to Washington, D.C. We look forward to visiting them in The Netherlands in the spring.
<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/DutchInMichigan2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCO2Zn9b_oJW6Cw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fBT9Sui1QoM/UIHABMREbnE/AAAAAAAAL7k/Hm5ybIsaEVY/s160-c/DutchInMichigan2012.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/DutchInMichigan2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCO2Zn9b_oJW6Cw&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Dutch in Michigan 2012</a></td></tr></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002855125531069986.post-45005572465821276402012-04-27T16:36:00.000-07:002012-04-27T16:36:12.134-07:002012 Netherlands Exchange Overview<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2012Presentation?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCP3o8r_ZibPQeQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6C3Jb6h8PDk/T5sjEBWeo1E/AAAAAAAAIU4/qbHZPWDrBwY/s160-c/Netherlands2012Presentation.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104787279049925837002/Netherlands2012Presentation?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCP3o8r_ZibPQeQ&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Netherlands 2012 Presentation</a></td></tr></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00378197918383619920noreply@blogger.com0