Day 21: Last Day of Class, Super Stroopwafels, and Spirit-Tasting at a 17th Century Distillery

Today was our last day of class. Dr. Myers decided to take us to Oosterpark to discuss final preparations for assignments; i.e. when he expects to have journals (or in my case, blogs) finished, when he wants our final reflection papers, surveys, etc. Colin and I suggested that, in the future, instead of doing the diamond factory or the Hash, Hemp & Marijuana Museum, take the tour at the Heineken Experience and consider the economic differences between a large commercial brewery like Heineken and local microbreweries like our favorite windmill spot, Brouwerij't Ij. No comment on pronunciation there. Just call it "The Windmill"

Later we went to visit another street market on the other side of the park that we hadn't been to yet. What set this market apart from others I've seen in town was that prices were posted for most goods. Dr. Myers was kind enough to buy everyone warm, fresh super-stroopwafels, which are almost 4 times bigger than normal stroopwafels.

Later in the afternoon, a handful of us went souvenir shopping near a flower market in town. Dr. Myers picked up tulip bulbs to take home for a new "International Garden" on campus while some students bought some to take home.
After that, we visited the famous Wynand Fockink distillery just off of Dam square. Since 1679, they've been known for their jenevers and flavored liqueurs. (Fun Fact: The barman told us that the distillery down the street had been functioning since 1679 and that the building we were sampling spirits in opened 10 years later in 1689.)

I had a glass of their "Superior" jenever, which just refers to the kind of distilling process it undergoes. What makes this jenever "Superior" is that it's aged in Jack Daniel's barrels, allowing for a strong kick and wonderfully smooth finish.

Since picking up Dad's souvenir at The Windmill earlier, I've been finishing some laundry and trying to get myself arranged for quick, easy packing later tomorrow. We will be home on Friday!

P.S. I've moved back into my single room on the 2nd floor to make way for Mrs. Doctor Wilson who will be arriving early tomorrow morning. I'd like to thank Dr. Dennis Wilson for being a wonderful mentor and roommate on this trip. The man's been like a father to me, and I can't thank him enough helping make this trip a success.