Ambassador Pete Hoekstra visited the towns of Gouda and Oudewater on May 7, 2018. In Gouda he first visited the Driestar College where he met with students and administrators. He then went to Driestar Educatief to speak with administrators about the Dutch educational system and school choice. He was invited to join Mayor Milo Schoenmaker for lunch in the historic Old Town Hall.
They discussed the business climate of the city and the growing tourism. The city had 800,000 tourists last year. The Ambassador also toured the Sint Janskerk where the organist performed the U.S. National Anthem and Amazing Grace.
Ambassador Hoekstra then traveled to Oudewater where he was greeted by Mayor Pieter Verhoeve. He learned about the city’s 750+ year history during a boat tour and visited the Witches’ Weighhouse museum. The day ended with a reception with local business people at the Old Town Hall. We appreciate the work of the Transatlantic Christian Council in helping to organize this visit.
