The Netherlands

Just returned from a work trip to The Netherlands.  I'm always happy to visit The Netherlands, but it always reenforces just how hopelessly incompetent we Americans are at languages.  In addition to Dutch, English is compulsory and in school they are required to take another language.  Most folks take German, as it is close to Dutch, but, of course, the Scandinavian languages are popular, as our Spanish, French and Italian.  Most folks I met were fluent in four or more languages!

A view from EuroMast in Rotterdam, with gardens below

This was my first extended trip to Rotterdam.  I had only visited there prior on a trip to their port in 1996 as part of a conference.  Rotterdam is pretty different than the rest of Holland (the two large states on the coast of The Netherlands).  According to the story I heard, the Dutch told the Germans in WWII that they were giving in to their demands to occupation, but the message was misinterpreted.  So, instead of calling off a bombing run, Rotterdam got it full blast.  As a result, Rotterdam is a "modern city."  No narrow, windy cobblestone streets here ... normal streets and both a subway and tram system.  And, of course, the bikes!  The Dutch are famous for their passion for biking.  With a nice flat country and bike lanes EVERYWHERE, it does seem odd to see parking garages for cars (but you should see the parking sheds they have for bikes!). 

The purpose of my trip was to visit a colleague at Erasmus University.  It is the 4th-highest-ranked business school in Europe and my colleague is known as "the warehouse expert of Europe."  I gave a research seminar on my warehouse work and then later a seminar to the graduate students about publishing their research in top journals.  I also helped another colleague prepare for a big research proposal presentation that was coming up.  I think it is safe to say that they got their money's worth for my visit!  

I met many new colleagues and genuinely enjoyed learning about their system, seeing a few sites, and of course, eating some good food (although don't go to The Netherlands for a big lunch ... the traditional lunch is four pieces of brown bread!).  I had a thought-provoking conversation with my colleague's department head about the possibility of taking a position with them.  I told them I was years away from such a decision, but it is something that's crossed my mind a few times during the year.  As those of you that know me know, I do have a hard time holding onto a job :-)

On the way back, a business leader in my field from the US was hosting some meetings in the Frankfurt airport.  We coordinated our schedules for a long lunch meeting that hopefully will lead to a mutually beneficial partnership down the road.  

All in all, this was just about what I expected from my sabbatical ... meeting European colleagues and learning about different cultures.

Russ