By Gonda Buursma, Travel Editor, Tour Guide, Diplomat Magazine.
For a full photo album of this excursion please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157644609368811/
News published in The Local Expat: http://en.calameo.com/read/000733685115591d6fcb0
Diplomat Magazine’s first One Day Excursion was a huge success. Last Saturday 10 May, 45 diplomats, amongst them four head of diplomatic missions and their family and friends, enjoyed the first of a series of trips by luxury coach to visit the province of Zealand. These excursions represent a unique opportunity for diplomats to visit Dutch top attractions at the best level. We departed at 10:15 am from Carlton Ambassador Hotel, heading directly to the Deltaworks, a place that is of capital importance for the ‘survival of the Netherlands’ in terms of protection from the sea.
Here Mr. Van de Hoef, Director of the installations, was expecting his diplomatic guests and companions for a VIP guided tour. After a short welcome speech with coffee, tea and pastry the guests got to see a movie about the building of this huge project that protects the lower area’s in The Netherlands against flooding. Then we had a private tour to see the Storm Surge Barrier on the river Oosterschelde, declared as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
At 13.30 we all got back on the bus, where we could enjoy our delicious included lunch, before heading to Middelburg, the capital of the province of Zealand. Upon arrival, around 2pm, the Mayor of Middelburg Mr. Bergmann was very honoured to receive such special guests. He welcomed them in the spectacular historical City Hall, one of the top three most beautiful buildings in The Netherlands. His warm speech was followed by a reception, a tour of the building by a professor from the RooseveltAcademy and a goodies bag with free souvenirs. Afterwards, ambassadors, diplomats, family and friends had some free time in Middelburg. Most ambassadors opted to follow Mrs. Buursma for a short walking guided-tour in the historical city centre.
At 16.30 we were all welcomed back on the bus with champagne and Leonidas pralines, courtesy of Mr. Marc Stockbroekx, CEO of Diplomatic Card. Fortunately, after a wet and windy start, it was very sunny in the afternoon and we all enjoyed the scenery on our way back to The Hague, where we arrived around 19.00 o’clock. After this very successful diplomatic tour participants were already signing for next trip in June!
It was my privilege to share with distinguished members of our volunteer staff , such as our English-Spanish translator, Mrs. Sonia Meijer, owner of Direct Languages Center and Henry Arvidson, our official photographer for Diplomat Magazine.
For a full photo album of this excursion please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157644609368811/
