[1] [2]
[3] [4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
Dec'06 - May'07 - Dec'07
Visit to Netherlands
Netherlands was a paradise to us with long canals, fresh tulips, traditional windmills and beautiful houses. We five senior Rainbows. (Sharine, Padma, Najimun , Sunita and Shefali) went for the first time abroad. It was also first time on a plane and even an escalator!
Netherlands was like a refrigerator for us. We had never experienced such chilly weather but it was fun. We stayed in two grand hotels Figi and Okura for five and three days respectively. Our rooms were very comfortable with cozy warm mattresses and modern techniques toilets, which was a puzzle to us…and we had to solve the puzzle of how to use the toilets and taps. We would each time experiment before using because the whole system was new to us; we had never used such kind of furnished toilets…and it would be an enjoyment. We would burst into laughter after we solved the puzzle. We had very good Dutch food- cheese, chocolate havocs, hot chocolate, pan cake, puddings and apple pie…and they were delicious.
We had the honour to meet Princess Maxima …the future queen of Netherlands. She was very friendly and polite to us and took interest in our micro credit project. The people of Netherlands are very simple, natural and friendly. Whomever we met were very generous to us and gave us a smile.
We visited the Mini Holland (Medorodam) and it is really very well made. The whole city of Holland can be seen in a few hours. We also went to the museum of Madame Tussoe where we saw wax models of great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Queen Beatricx, George Bush and others. We had lots of fun and felt as if we really have met these famous personalities in person!
We went to the zoo and saw many animals such as the lion, polar bear, deer, snakes and crocodiles. We loved the butterfly garden that has beautiful colourful butterflies.
We met and interacted with many students, teachers, parents and businessmen of different schools such as Stebo and Christian school. We also met the Mayor of Ziest in the Town Hall. He is a very nice person, soft spoken and took interest in talking to us.
We were even invited by uncle Ferdinand to his house for lunch and dinner. Aunty Luce and his daughter Rani took a lot of care. We felt as if we were at our own home. Mr. Ruis the manager of Figi Hotel was also a very nice gentleman; he welcomed us on our first day in Netherlands and gave us a lovely room in his hotel. He made us feel very much at home and took our photographs. He accompanied us and explained to us all good things about Netherlands. When we visited the Royal Castle he showed and explained to us everything about the Castle as if he was the guide.
We also went to a fair where we went for a ride, which was so thrilling and exciting that we screamed and laughed to our fullest! We also went for the canal ride, tram ride and even visited the flower market which was fun. We saw the hidden churches of Netherlands…So was elegant with designed pillars and ceilings.
Our visit to Netherlands was a great experience. We learnt a lot about the western culture and the people there. Sr. Cyril accompanied us throughout our journey and made it very comfortable and easy for us. Under her gentle care and guidance we came back home safe.
Our experience cannot be understood by just reading this ….but by looking at the expressions on our faces!
Theresa Mendes
[1] [2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
