The Trip

First we wanted to share a few images from our (slightly unsucessful) trip around the Netherlands. We will have to chalk this one up to a learning experience. My interviews did not all go as planned, and then the food poisoning/whatever it was did not help.

Despite all of this we saw some of the country and had a pretty good time. I was able to see several wetland areas, including the island of Tiengemeten in the Haringvliet just south of Rotterdam. I spent a day hiking around the island which is in the process of being de-poldered, which means that the farmland formerly known as wetlands are being turned back into their original state. At this point in time this is a messy process including big cranes, but eventually it should be an extraordinary site. I am looking forward to comparing these photos to the wetland in a few years.

We really enjoyed our stay in Zeeland. The place we rented included access to an indoor pool. We were enthused. James was not. It was a little chilly if you weren't swimming around. The town, Oosterland, was charming and Middleburg- the capital of Zeeland- was wonderful. We had lunch at the resturant Peper en Zout (Pepper and Salt)-- it was a treat.

Naarden was not exactly what we expected-- it is a city in the Netherlands which is surrounded by this really cool star-shaped moat. We found a great second hand shop, but our accomodations were not baby-friendly.

We ended our journey in Hijum, Friesland. We stayed at one of our favorite places, Leafe Sâwntjin a B&B and restaurant. That is where the quest ended, with a sick Momma, an anxious Poppa and an oblivious Baby.

When we arrived home after a few tense hours in the car (no car sickness I am happy to report), I found the Fulbright notification in the pile of mail on the floor. I did not get the grant to go to Finland, but I am pretty comfortable with that now. Being nauseous and sick for days helps ease the initial shock! When we arrived home, it didn't bother me at all. As the news has set in I've been a little disappointed.

In related news, I was accepted to the Dry Toilet Conference in August, (yes, you read that correctly-- this is to present a paper about the waterless urinals installed in the College of Charleston Green Building). We are happy to have an opportunity to see the area. The week after the conference will be Keith and Dorthe's wedding in Haderslev, Denmark-- so we are planning to make a trip of it.

Now- the photos: the center of Middleburg, a rooftop shot of Zierikzee (both in Zeeland), the little guy catching some zzz's at the Natuurmonumenten offices in s"Graveland and an abandoned dwelling on Tiengemeten.