Then we went to the coast of the Netherlands or Holland. We went to an island called Neeltje Jans where we learned about the Delta Works Project. It was a huge storm surge wall or barrier built to resist floading of the Netherlands. In 1953, almost all of Holland was under water and thousands of people drowned. It was a horrible natural disaster. The project was the first open air dam with giant steel gates that are pushed down whenever weather threats arise. The project took 10 years at the time and has won numerous awards for its concrete work. It was amazing. When we first got to the island, however, we had lunch upstairs in the museum. It was nice. We had water, hot tea, and coffee to drink. The food was bread, ham, salami, cheese, jam, butter, and mustard. They also had some fruit for us. Then, they brought out this wierd dish. We called it fried gravy. It was basically a ball of meat and flour that was fried and tasted like gravy inside of it. Then, we watched a 30 minute movie about the 1953 flood and the storm surge barrier construction. We were able to walk through the actual bridge built above the piers of the storm surge and then we walked onto one of the piers. It was fun. However, after our tour ended around 4 PM, we were allowed to play around for a while. We rode a boat ride called the Moby Dick that went in circles. It was basically a carnival ride for kids. Then we went through a wind tunnel that simulated hurricane winds up to 130 km/h. That's why Ann and I are wearing goggles in the picture below. After that, we saw the seals. There is usually a seal show but we had missed it for the day. Then, Ann and I rode the giant water slide. We didn't get wet thought because you go down it in a raft. It pretty much dropped straight down though. It was super fun. Then we shopped in the gift shop of the museum for a little while. We left Delta Park shortly after 5 PM. We got back to the bus parking lot where our bikes were around 7 PM. Then I went to DelHaize with Ann to buy snacks for this weekend. I spend twelve euros. I got 2 pears, 2 grape fruits, a container of green grapes, a package of saltine crackers, some Spongebob cookies, a package of cheese tortellini, a cheese pizza, and a can of tomato/pasta sauce for the tortellini. When I got back to the house I cooked the tortellini and ate dinner in the garden. Then I uploaded pictures to my computer and took a shower. Now I am uploading pictures to facebook and writing this blog. Then I need to write my 5-6 page paper over the field trip. I made a 141/150 on the first field trip report. I want to do better on this one though. I am all caught up on grading papers thank goodness. I finished grading Tuesday's homeworks on the bus ride today. We have our midterm exams on Tuesday and Wednesday. I also need to pack my backpack for this weekend. I am leaving in the morning for Munich, Germany with Ann, Liz, Derek, Brad, Jake, and Jaime. We are staying in a 6 bed hostel at Wombats in Munich. It is supposed to be very cool. We are planning to go to the Hofbrauhaus tomorrow evening and then Saturday going to King Ludwig's castles. There are two of them, and they are located in Bavaria and are supposed to be beautiful. Then on Sunday I think we are going to visit the first Nazi concentration camp called Dachau. I heard it was disturbing but very worthwhile to visit. I am super excited about going to Germany, especially since I am 7/8 German! I am also interested in testing my German speaking skills. I took 2 years of German in high school and have grown up around my grandparents and dad speaking German. So, I guess we will see how I do. I think our train leaves around 7 AM tomorrow. I need to stop at the ATM on the way to the train station. I am out of euros again! The hostel is going to cost us each 81 euros since we are staying 3 nights. We are planning to come back on Monday morning so that we can finish our field trip reports and study for our midterm exams. I was able to talk to my mom, Carli, and Lea today on Skype. It was super fun.
My bug bites are persisting. My arms and legs are almost completely covered. I am beginning to get worried. I even have a bite on my left eye-lid. The only thing I have to treat them with is a chortizone cream that I bought here in Belgium. I talked to the professors today about the problem, but they told me to talk to our RA, Vincent about the problem. I hope it gets better soon.
I really miss my family, but I am having such a great time here! I probably won't be posting another blog update until we get back from Germany on Monday. Or maybe even after our exam on Tuesday. But I will definitely be thinking about all of you this weekend while I am in Germany. I plan to taste the beers there in Germany and hopefully purchase a beer stein for my dad and grandpa. I love you all - my trip is almost halfway over :(
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