Hi all!
Today was a great day because we were able to sleep in! I acquired as much sleep as possible and had a quick breakfast before meeting in the hotel room lobby at 9:00 sharp. We had a bike ride tour scheduled in the quaint town of Kinderdijk in the later morning. In order to get to our destination we took a train and a water taxi. The bike ride turned out to be more ambitious than I had realized. Our bike ride turned out to be a 10K that took us through the country side and the small village. Despite the incredible workout, the scenery was incredible and we were able to view some of the original windmills that helped reclaim land from the sea. When our bike ride was finished we were treated to a hearty lunch. I have never been so grateful for a meal! I had worked up an appetite on the bike ride. After our water bus ride back to Rotterdam, Rose our interpreter gave us a walking tour of the city. She showed us a few of the remaining buildings that had been left standing after the Germans bombed the city during the second world war. I had no idea that most of the buildings in the city were essentially brand new. Once the walking tour was finished, the students were let lose on Rotterdam. Bethany (my roommate) and I took off like a horse out of the gate. We explored as much of the city as we could in the three hours we were given. We went to a small bar called Bierboutique where we had a Bitzenballen sampler. It was absolutely delicious! After a quick lunch we found a great souvenir shop by the waterfront. We stocked up on gifts for our families and ourselves. Once our main objectives were finished we just walked around the city. We came across some amazing murals and took pictures in front of them. The day was over all amazing and I am so grateful that we were able to experience the city!
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