To Holland we go!

I realize I have not written in awhile, and I have no excuses for that. I could tell you how busy I have been in Holland now for two weeks, taking classes, biking to Belgium and day trips here and there, but you will find it all hard to believe….well don’t. At this point in IBI, we take a little different schedule. We put much of the travel aside and buckle down for about 3 weeks in Oisterwijk, Holland for some academics.

Home of only 19,000 people, it is almost as if we are in the smallest town of Europe, but we are having a blast….there are less residents here than students at most state institutions to put it in perspective. The town itself reminds me of downtown Doylestown, quaintly outlined with boutiques and cafes, Oisterwijk has a charm to offer us relaxation and concentration for the 3 weeks we spend here. On top of that, IBI charters the Hotel Boschoord for the entire time for just our use. We all have our own single room, eating facilities and conference rooms situated in the woods surrounded by bike trails, running paths and tons of lakes. Better yet, the Hotel had been recently purchased and revamped completely, so it is rather comfortable for us to use…and we are given our own bike to roam here, there and everywhere!

At first, I was not really too excited to put all the excitement on hold for 3 weeks. I love being on the move and in a new country every 6 days. Speaking of this, next year, IBI will not be returning to the Netherlands and will instead go to India and China for the 3 weeks usually spent here. At first, I was a bit disappointed with feelings of missing out, however, 1.5 weeks into our stay here (plus already having been in China) I would not trade this time in for anything. If you don’t know better, India and China in the program will be a blast and smart for the strategic future, but knowing what Holland is like….I love having the break…. Plus Holland in the World Cup has made it even more interesting!

Our time in Boschoord is busy with class for most of the day, meals and some fun exploration of the areas around….all of which I love to talk about!