Reflections on The Netherlands

God made the Earth, but the Dutch made Holland – Descartes

This quote by philosopher Rene Descartes speaks to the ingenuity of the Dutch people as they developed intricate irrigation and damming techniques to turn  swampy low lying land into a region with thriving agriculture and beautifully designed cities.  During our field studies excursion to the Netherlands we visited urban, rural, and historical areas that had adopted sustainable methods of water use to ensure that Holland would continue to thrive for generations to come.  This blog discusses more than just the physical geography of the Netherlands; it is dedicated to the art, culture, and vibrancy of the country and the many ways Dutch ingenuity has shaped the Netherlands.

A modern home in Ijberg.  These girls are typical Dutch cyclists without helmets.   Many citizens feel that the cycling infrastructure and culture provide such a safe environment that helmets are not needed.