a copy of the magazine here

Transcription

INFORMATION
,
ADVICE AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR LIFE IN THE NETHERLANDS
Spring 2011
pick r
u
up yofree
own py
co
The expat
entrepreneur
Special features | Time to study | Spring spritz your home |
Ten reasons to run | visit Texel for springtime sunshine |
Museums: the hidden gems | Dutch beer and cheese pairings |
The future
of international
education …
> First class international education for students
11-18 years in our IB Middle Years and Diploma
Programmes
> Fully integrated into the wider school population
> Students are challenged to their full potential in
a culturally diverse environment
> A broad and balanced curriculum to prepare
students for university entrance worldwide
with a Dutch
Touch
> Adjoins the city of Leiden and is closely linked
to both The Hague and Amsterdam
www.isrlo.nl
Apollolaan 1, Oegstgeest, The Netherlands. Tel. 00 31 (0) 71 519 35 55
International Education with a Dutch Touch
| Spring 2011
ACCESS Magazine
Spring 2011 Vol. 24 No. 1
The expat entrepreneur
Circulation: 15,000
Readership: 60,000
Contents
5
Letter from Lucie
7
ACCESS news
8
Community news
11
Whats on...
14
The expat entrepreneur
14
22 Spring spritz your home
24 Time to study
26 Volunteer profile
28 Books
29 Museums - the hidden gems
35 Ten reasons to run
38 Visit Texel for springtime
sunshine
Spring spritz
your home
visit Texel for
springtime sunshine
43 Dutch beer and cheese pairings
38
47 ACCESS courses
Copyright©ACCESS 2011
All rights reserved. No part of the ACCESS magazine may be used in any form without explicit
permission in writing from the Publisher. Every
effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at the time of
going to press. However, ACCESS and its writers
cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy
of the information included.
22
ACCESS - The Hague Zeestraat 100, 2nd floor, 2518 AD The Hague, Tel: 0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377), local rate 20c per minute, [email protected].
Visit ACCESS Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at: The Hague International Centre, The Hague City Hall Atrium, Spui 70, The Hague
Colofon: Publisher Stichting ACCESS, Editorial content [email protected], Advertising tel: 070 345 1700, Subscriptions [email protected], Editor Cathy
Leung, Assistant Editors Carina Hyllested, Morgan Wood, Design & Layout Marek Moggré, Consultants Dijkman Publishers, Images Cathy Leung, Contributors
Christine Fischer, Karen Slingenberg, Nikki Young, Printing HENK Grafimedia Center
ACCESS magazine is widely distributed throughout The Hague and Amsterdam regions – you can also find our magazines in and around
Eindhoven, Utrecht, Maastricht and Rotterdam. You’ll find our magazines in local municipality expat centres, libraries, Chambers of Commerce,
Embassies and in shops, health centres, hospitals, relocation agents, hotels, and restaurants and cafes that offer a warm welcome to the expatriate international community living in the Netherlands. If you know somewhere that should stock the ACCESS magazine, or you would like to
stock it, please contact [email protected] Also if you work for one of the major expat employers and the ACCESS magazine is not available
through your HR department, please ask them to contact us – and ask them why it’s not available!
access | SPRING | 3
“American School of The Hague
nurtures and inspires character,
commitment, creativity, and
learning.”
University preparatory program for students aged 3-18 years
AP®
Your CHILD is our mission
Rijkstraatweg 200 2241 BX Wassenaar The Netherlands +31 70 512 1087 www.ash.nl [email protected]
the
preschool
✆ 070 3272088
The Windmill Preschool is an English speaking preschool for International children aged 2 to 5 years old.
We use a carefully planned curriculum giving all children an opportunity to succeed in an atmosphere of care and
of feeling valued. Each session is designed to develop your child’s creative, physical and social skills.
We endeavour to provide a stimulating environment for your child to learn progressively and to support your
child’s learning through a mixture of planned play activities and education to promote
their creativeness and imagination.
www.thewindmill.nl
the
windmill
toddlers
0 to 4 years old - Every Friday 09:15 to 11:30
Session times to suit
your child’s needs
all day - 09:00 to 14:45
or mornings - 09:00 to 12:00
or afternoons - 12:15 to 14:45
or a mixture
providing a solid foundation for your child’s education since 2000
4 | access | SPRING
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear
ACCESS
readers,
Walking in my local wood recently with my friend visiting from
Perth, Australia, we spotted the first snowdrops. Spring has
arrived! Perth only has two seasons; I lived there for seven years,
as a British expat like my friend, before I came to the Netherlands.
The four, distinct seasons we have here is something I have relearnt to cherish, and something my friend misses.
The move to a new country is often a time for change, and we lead
this Spring issue with an article on expat entrepreneurs; their stories and tips for you on how to set up your own business. For those
who prefer something a little more leisurely, our travel article
features Texel, one of the islands in the north. As a family, we’re
guilty of not exploring as much of the Netherlands as we could,
and this article reminds us all of the beautiful country in which we
live. I would also nudge you to visit Keukenhof, a celebration of
Holland, and an event we visit every year – with or without visitors!
This is a fantastic year for ACCESS, as we celebrate 25 years of
serving the international expatriate community in the Netherlands.
We’ll tell you more about the celebrations in our Summer issue.
We’re always looking for new volunteers but are particularly in
need of people with event management experience to help us over
the next few months. Please do contact me.
Finally, I have to end on a sad note. ACCESS is a non-profit organisation, and consequently has to be particularly careful about how
our funds are spent. We recently announced that we are closing
our Amsterdam back office, and recentralising our national service in a single back office in The Hague, that can be contacted on
0900 2 ACCESS and [email protected]. We will continue to be
active in the Amsterdam region, with many volunteers still based
there. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all
those volunteers who have dedicated their time to helping the
international community in Amsterdam.
Warm regards
Lucie Scott - [email protected]
ACCESS Partners
Thank you for your continued and generous support
Platinum
• Gemeente Amsterdam
• Gemeente Den Haag
• Netherlands Foreign
Investment Agency
Gold
• ABN-AMRO Bank
• Deborah and
Eric Brulo-Nisenfeld
• Kamer van Koophandel
Haaglanden
• West-Holland Foreign
Investment Agency
Silver
• Adams Multilingual
Recruitment Agency
• American School of
The Hague
• The British School
in the Netherlands
• International School
of Amsterdam
• International School
of The Hague
• GMW Advocaten
Bronze
• Academy for Counselling and Coaching
• American Book Center, Amsterdam
• The Xpat Journal and Xpat Media
• Crossroads International Church,
The Hague
• Direct Dutch Institute
• Kickstart School
• Language Courses German School
The Hague
• The Windmill Preschool
• Thomas Green’s, The Hague
ACCESS Associates
Thank you for your support
Associates
AngloINFO South Holland, Bureau Kraamzorg Extra,
Crunch Café, Isa Belle Linea, Koenders Makelaardij,
Language Institute TaalTaal, Melvin Spry - English Painter
and Decorator, Sealife Scheveningen, The English Theatre,
Together Abroad, Tulip Expats Services.
The ACCESS Associate scheme is aimed at small and start-up
businesses to enable them to reach a diverse international
audience. With our Associate scheme we offer the benefits
of a listing both on the ACCESS website and in the ACCESS
Magazine, and promotional opportunities to our Facebook
and Twitter audience. Contact [email protected] to find out
more about becoming an Associate.
Your organisation’s name here? Supporting ACCESS means helping over 20,000 people in the expat and international community each year.
access | SPRING | 5
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Now Accepting Students for Suzuki Group and Individual Instruction
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[email protected]
News
Finding your feet
in Holland
In February, ACCESS and the International
Community Platform* (ICP) ran a free
workshop offering practical help and support to newly arriving families to The Hague
region – the event even offered a crèche to
help with the age-old problem of finding
babysitters in a new country. This was a
pilot event to assess demand for an ongoing programme.
Attendees chose from eight seminars
including housing, healthcare, employment and education, and with over 60
people from organisations including
Shell, Europol, EPO, OPCW and NATO,
it was extremely successful. Following
great feedback – to quote one participant,
“I think it’s a very good initiative, maintain
it I’d say!” – we hope to run this workshop three times a year. Details will be
posted on www.access-org.nl at the beginning of April.
A new telephone n umber
for ACCESS
You can now contact us on 0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377). You
will be charged 20 cents a minute for your call, wherever you call us
from within the Netherlands. If you’re calling us from outside the
Netherlands please see our website www.access-nl.org for our number.
About ACCESS
Established in 1986, ACCESS is a non-profit
organisation committed to supporting the
international expatriate community in the
Netherlands. We have since grown to become
the leading source of free, personalised
information in English for this community.
What we do
Our office is staffed by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who
have experienced the expat relocation process and are able to
provide comprehensive information, advice and support on all
aspects of living and working in the Netherlands. ACCESS also
offers a free referral service to a private, professional counsellor
network as well as cancer support services.
* The ICP incorporates the main employers in The Hague
region and works to improve the work and living environment for their international employees and their
families. The British School of The Netherlands is a
member and kindly hosted the first event.
New ACCESS
website on its way
Work has been started on a new ACCESS
website, with our team planning a brand
new, interactive design with lots of new
areas and functionality to explore. The new
website will have a web-based content
management system, so if you have experience in online content management and
you are interested in volunteer oppor
tunities to help develop the website even
further, please contact our Volunteer
Resources Department ([email protected]).
www.access-nl.org
How we do it
ACCESS is supported by Dutch, international and expatriate businesses and organisations through donations and sponsorships.
In return for their generous support, our partners benefit from the
provision of help, advice and direct support to their expat employees. ACCESS is governed by an Executive Board made up of representatives from the business community, whilst an Executive
Director is responsible for overall management of the organisation.
Volunteering for ACCESS
We offer volunteering opportunities in areas such as marketing,
event management, advertising, fundraising, IT, finance, database
research, copywriting, and much more. The core of our team is
made up of our Help Desk volunteers, this is the front line of our
service - helping and advising expats over the phone, by email or
personal consulation at the expat desk at The Hague International
Centre. You can volunteer for as little as six hours per week, and
our hours are flexible. access | SPRING | 7
Community News
Creative
Awards
Ceremony
in April
The Awards Ceremony for the annual ACCESS Creative Contest
will be hosted by The British School of Amsterdam on 2 April,
including an exhibition of the children’s art. Expat children
and young adults from across the Netherlands have submitted
artwork for the competiton. Primary school children were given
the theme, ‘My favourite place in the Netherlands’, and for Senior
School students, the theme was ‘Essentially Dutch’.
It is clear that participating young students have already been
inspired by the artistic heritage and current art culture of the
Netherlands. Jo Jakabfy, Teacher of Art and Design at the
International School Hilversum, participating for the first time,
explained how the students have had the unique opportunity to
visit and work in the studio of a local artist. “The students have
been exposed to a different creative environment and have been
encouraged to exchange ideas with each other”, she said.
Momoko, in Year 7 at the British School of Amsterdam said,
“The ACCESS contest is the first art competition in my life that
I have taken part in so I am very excited. I have made a piece of
work based on Amsterdam in the night. I have used colour pencils
on paper and in the picture you can see the shop ‘Small Talk’.
I worked on A2 paper and it took me two days to make”.
The prizes have been kindly donated by the Van Gogh Museum,
Staedtler, and the American Book Center. This spring, the Van Gogh
Museum celebrates another young expat artist’s work with the
exhibition: Picasso in Paris, 1900-1907 (18 February - 29 May).
The Hague community
centre expands
International school
to open in Breda
The Hungry Mind Centre, for local and international
residents in The Hague, has grown into a vibrant meeting
place in just a few months. Located behind the International
School of The Hague and open daily from 8:30am until
4:30pm, the centre has now added bridge, digital photo
graphy, first aid lessons and a variety of exercise classes
to its many other activities. www.thehungrymind.nl
In August 2011, the International School Breda will open its doors to
cater for the needs of internationals in West Brabant and Zeeland.
The school will provide international education combined with day
care and after school care. IS Breda’s Primary School will offer the
International Primary Curriculum, whilst the Senior School will
offer the IB Middle Years Programme for students from 11-16.
From August 2012 it will also offer the International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme for students from 16-18. www.isbreda.nl
8 | access | SPRING
Community News
Appeal for
fire-hit
cat refuge
In January a fire destroyed the Relief Centre of
Stichting Amsterdamse Zwerfkatten, an organisation which helps improve the lives and control the number of stray-cats in Amsterdam
and the surrounding area. Nineteen cats died
but luckily another seven were rescued and
have since been taken for care and observation
to an animal clinic in Osdorp.
Although the seven surviving cats are doing
well, Stichting Amsterdamse Zwerfkatten have
lost their shelter and all their belongings and
resources. The cats still need their help and
the organisation have continued to catch and
assist cats since the fire but are urgently looking for both financial and material assistance.
For donations: Giro number 6914
Stichting Amsterdamse Zwerfkatten
www.zwerfkattenamsterdam.nl
Top Chinese Medicine
comes to Holland
Yu Zu Tang Health Garden, a market leader in China, has chosen the
Netherlands for its first European branch. The new centre in The Hague
offers preventative wellness treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine and is open seven days a week from 9am until 9pm. Yu Zu Tang Health
Garden “fits the international profile of The Hague” said Vice-Mayor Henk
Kool as he opened the new centre in February. www.yuzutang.nl
Strippenkaart phased
out in The Hague
In December we updated our Public Transport guide and added further information about
the OV Chipcard. Zuid Holland province, including The Hague, follows the cities of
Rotterdam and Amsterdam in phasing out the strippenkaart this year. Although at the
time of going to press, the 3 February deadline for the crossover was put back, readers
are advised that the OV Chipcard is now essentially the only way to pay for bus, tram
and Randstadrail in Zuid Holland. To download the ACCESS Guide, Public Transport,
visit www.access-nl.org.
access | SPRING | 9
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- 7 Ambassador Suites with The Hague city & ocean view
- 3 boardrooms and 1 penthouse boardroom
- 300 comfortable hotel rooms
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- Trendy Restaurant Purple
- Noise reducing partition walls and build-in beamers/screens
- Brasserie, Bar Lounge and Embassy Jazz Bar
Johan de Wittlaan 30
2517 JR
The Hague
T: 070 - 352 53 54
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What’s on Spring 2011
Special events in March
WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access publications at [email protected], please title your mail as ‘what’s on’.
From 3 March onwards
The Temporary Stedelijk
Amsterdam
The Temporary Stedelijk at the Stedelijk Museum reopens
on March 3, 2011, with an entirely new programme
devoted primarily to the museum’s acclaimed collection of modern and contemporary art and design.
www.stedelijk.nl
19 March
Stille Omgang
(Silent Procession)
Amsterdam
Commemorating the 1345 ‘Miracle of Amsterdam’.
A dying man at a house on Kalverstraat took the last
rites, including the Blessed Sacrament. He later vomited and what he had brought up was thrown on the
fire. The next morning the host was discovered
undamaged in the ashes. It was put into a box and
taken to the parish church but twice it miraculously
made its way back to the house on the Kalverstraat.
Every year since, local Catholics make a silent nocturnal walk that begins and ends at Spui; a candlelit procession through the Red Light District at night.
www.stille-omgang.nl
11 March - 24 July
Soulscape Road exhibition
Amsterdam
Black and white photography by Indonesian photographer, Oscar Motuloh, who travelled along disaster areas in
Indonesia. His photographs show, among other things, the effects of the tsunami, the earthquake in central Java
and the mud flows in East Java.
www.tropenmuseum.nl
24 March - 20 May
Keukenhof
24-30 March
Lisse
Movies that Matter 2011
World famous gardens and pavilions show a fantastic
collection of: tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids,
roses, carnations, irises, lilies and other flowers.
Seven million flower bulbs have been planted in this
former 17th century hunting area, ensuring that
Keukenhof can be experienced in all its glory throughout the spring. Herbs for the kitchen of the castle of
Jacoba van Beieren were also collected here; hence the
name Keukenhof. Many events scheduled.
Filmhuis, The Hague
“A film festival where Amnesty International does
more than just showing a movie. It’s a platform where
human rights and human dignity are at stake.”
Creating awareness for poignant situations across the
world. Watch the movies and participate in talk shows
and debates.
Open daily from 8am until 7.30pm.
Tickets: adults €14.50, children €7
www.moviesthatmatterfestival.nl
www.keukenhof.nl
access | SPRING | 11
Special events in April
2-3 April
16 April
National Museum
Weekend
Bloemencorso
Haarlem
across the Netherlands
A 40-km long parade featuring stunning floral floats
with wonderful scents, and marching bands. Route
from Noordwijk to Haarlem. On Sunday 17 April, all
the floats are on display along the Dreef in Haarlem.
Kodak moments!
PHOTO: George Burggraaf
Around a million visitors flock to one or more of the
500 state-funded museums, which offer free or discounted admission and special activities during
National Museum Weekend.
www.museumweekend.nl
12-23 April
Amsterdams Kleinkunst
Festival
16 April
Amsterdam
The Amsterdams Kleinkunst Festival is the annual
highlight of the cabaret season in the Netherlands.
Since its founding in 1988, the festival has focused
on stimulating the future and honouring the past.
The festival focuses on Kleinkunst in the broadest
sense of the word: cabaret, musical and Dutch songs,
by producing performances, tributes and several
leading awards.
www.amsterdamskleinkunstfestival.nl
Nationale Bloesem
Wandeltocht
Utrecht
Every spring the Red Cross organises the Nationale
Bloesem Wandeltocht (National Spring Hike), a hike
in Geldermalsen near Utrecht. You can choose one of
the following tracks: 8, 15, 25 or 40km. Register
online, cost €6.50.
www.rodekruisbloesemtocht.nl
www.bloemencorso.nl
29 April
Koninginnenach
(Queen’s Night)
The Hague and across
the Netherlands
The Hague’s Koninginnenach (note no ‘t’) will have
a different set-up starting this year, with music and
performances at more locations. There will be around
six small stages spread throughout the city. According
to Deputy Mayor Marjolein de Jong, “we are kind of
returning to the old set-up with lots of good bands
performing in the cafés and bars in the city centre.”
Having originated in The Hague, there are now
Koninginnenacht celebrations across the Netherlands.
www.denhaag.nl
30 April
Koninginnedag
(Queen’s Day)
Originally celebating the late Queen Juliana’s birthday. People are allowed to set up stalls and sell their
own wares. Don’t forget to wear your orange.
Amsterdam’s Vondel Park becomes one huge busking
spot for the city’s children.
www.denhaag.nl
www.iamsterdam.com
12 | access | SPRING
Special events in May
4 May
Herdenkingsdag
(Remembrance Day)
PHOTO: Ewoud Koster for Bevrijdingspop
Remembrance Day National
Monument, Amsterdam
Remembering those who died in World War II, in the
prescence of the Queen. After the laying of wreaths,
there’s a two-minute silence at 8pm.
www.4en5mei.nl
6 February to 15 May 2011
‘I promise to love you’
Kunsthal, Rotterdam
5 May
For the 40th anniversary of the Caldic Collection,
‘I promise to love you’ is a selection of over eighty
paintings, photographs, installations and sculptures
purchased over the last ten years. The main focus is
on acquisitions that have never been shown to the
public before, showing “the guts, diversity and originality of one of the most important privately-owned
art collections in the Netherlands”.
Bevrijdingspop - on Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
Includes recent works by contemporary renowned artists like Ai Weiwei, Louise Bourgeois, Damien Hirst,
Anselm Kiefer, Yayoi Kusama, Ernesto Neto, James
Turrell, Sam Taylor-Wood and Robert Zandvliet. The
exhibition presents an accurate image of the current
state of affairs in the international art world to a
broad and diverse audience. The title of the exhibition
was derived from a neon work of the same name by
British artist Tracey Emin.
www.kunsthal.nl
Stadspark de Haarlemmerhout, Haarlem
Part of Haarlem’s Liberation Day festivities. Dutch and international artists entertain an audience of 150,000 with a
mix of pop music, street theatre and kids entertainment.
www.bevrijdingspop.nl
14-15 May
27-28 May
National Windmill Day
Amsterdam Comedy
Festival
Windmills are a part of Dutch heritage (we’ve even
incorporated one into our own logo). On this weekend,
hundreds of windmills will be opened to the public.
www.nationalemolenengemalendag.nl
29 May
Dag van het Park
Day of the Park: activities going on in various parks
across the Netherlands.
www.dagvanhetpark.nl
Melkweg, Amsterdam
Contrary to previous years, the 4th Amsterdam
Comedy Festival will present English speaking standup comedy only. Confirmed comedians inlclude:
Richard Herring (UK), Brendon Burns (AUS), Dave
Fulton (USA), Earl Okin (UK), Danny Bevins (USA),
Nick Helm (UK) and Wil Hodgson (UK). Tickets will be
available from mid March onwards.
Win free tickets!
For a chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to this
year’s Amsterdam Comedy Festival, just email your
name and address to [email protected].
Closing date: 31 March 2011.
www.amsterdamcomedyfestival.nl
Cover story
The expat
entrepreneur
By Morgan Wood
Starting a new business is no easy task; there are business plans to write, finances to be
arranged, logistics to be planned, materials to be sourced, and customers to be targeted.
Accomplishing all of this while living in a foreign country complicates the process.
However, the challenges and risk of failure does not seem to deter new entrepreneurs.
The European Commission estimates that, on average, 1.8 million new enterprises are
established annually within the European Union.
Indeed, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are the engines of national
economy. In the Netherlands, SMEs
account for 99.7% of all enterprises, with
micro-enterprises (less than 10 employees)
comprising a robust 90%. Despite the
recent global economic downturn, there
has been an overall increase in micro-enterprises in the Netherlands, from approximately 660,000 in 2006 to 770,000 in 2009.
It is important to understand that there is
no instruction manual, no ‘one size fits all’
solution to getting started. Individual
entrepreneurs are faced with their own
unique set of challenges and will draw
upon individual experience to confront
those challenges. While a lot of information is in English, more support is available
in Dutch, so learning the local language or
partnering with a Dutch national will only
increase the chances of success.
as an entrepreneur “you need to somehow
become integrated into the business community here.”
The Amsterdam American Business Club
(AABC) works to help improve business
contacts between Dutch and American
companies in and around Amsterdam.
John Mahnen, an AABC Board Member,
explains, “The Amsterdam American
Business Club is in fact a great incubator
for expat startups. Many of our members
have done just that and are proactive in
helping new ventures with the right information and leads.”
A great way to learn more about starting a
business is to speak to those that have been
through the process already. We sat down
with three expats to hear their stories and
to get some good advice. »
Professional networks
In addition to government-run resources
that provide “what you know,” several professional organisations exist to help with
‘who you know’. The Women’s Business
Initiative International (WBII), an organisation that includes both local Dutch and
international members, provides the tools
and network it takes to strengthen a new
enterprise. Suzy Ogé, founder and director
of the WBII stresses that in order to survive
Resources
KvK (Chamber of Commerce)
www.kvk.nl
The Hague International Centre
www.thehague.com
WBII
www.womensbusinessinitiative.net
AABC
www.aabc.nl
Answers for business
www.answersforbusiness.nl
Cover story | The expat entrepreneur
Jim Bowes
GreenGraffiti®
www.greengraffiti.com
As founder and CEO of GreenGraffiti®,
Jim Bowes has been creating a buzz with
an environmentally-friendly form of outdoor advertising that combines reverse
graffiti and stylish design.
Originally from the US, Jim has spent the
past 20 years in Amsterdam. After working
in advertising and building his network,
he came across a project involving the
repurposing of steel from decommissioned battleships. The idea of using old
to create new in an environmentally
friendly way, inspired him to look at new
options for his industry. After a bit of
“It doesn’t have to be
reinventing the wheel”
research, he found that although the green
movement was picking up momentum in
other areas, the advertising industry had
decidedly hit the snooze button.
“Traditional outdoor advertising is anything but sustainable,” Jim points out,
which means that while an organisation
can be ‘green’, their choice in an advertising partner may not. This is where he has
positioned GreenGraffiti® to his customers, saying “now you have a choice.”
Jim admits that what he is doing may not
be new but points out, “it doesn’t have to
be reinventing the wheel, it just has to be
using the wheel in a slightly different way.”
The “wheel” in this case is a high-pressure
water sprayer and a customised steel template used to clean an advertisement out of
the dirt on a surface. To offset their water
consumption, GreenGraffiti® contributes
to water projects in developing countries
by setting aside 10 cents per litre used.
Advice for expat extrepreneurs
Jim cautions prospective entrepreneurs to
be aware of the national labour laws and
the strong rights of workers. The costs
associated with firing an employee has a
big impact on SMEs and he says that “this
is a challenge that the Netherlands hasn’t
really cracked yet.”
Asked where he sees the business going
in the next five years, Jim’s eyes light up
with the same fire that has brought him
this far, “we want to get away from the
‘bumper sticker’ on the ground and move
more into city beautification projects.”
An ambition with roots in social entrepreneurship, GreenGraffiti® hopes to bring
cities and advertisers together to clean up
neighbourhoods.
Zoe Elizabeth Gottehrer
CAKE Amsterdam
www.cakeamsterdam.com
Attention to detail is essential to the success of a small business, even more so
if the business is baking. Luckily, Zoe
Elizabeth Gottehrer has baking in her
genes and with the launch of CAKE
Amsterdam in October 2010, Zoe has
brought her unique style and approach
to the evolving tastebuds of the Dutch.
Born and raised in New York City, Zoe
traces her culinary lineage back to her
mother and grandmother, both American
home bakers. With an education in visual
arts, and professional experience in
graphic design and the music industry,
she brings a fresh approach to an age-old
profession, “I am an artist first and cake
is my medium. I work with clients to produce delicious custom made cakes.”
Time for a change
After getting caught up in the human swell
of big-city living, in 2002 Zoe decided it
was time for a change of pace. Having
initially planned a short-term stay in the
Netherlands, this bloomed into a new
life in a country she now calls home.
“My decision to move to Holland was
personal. To find work I’ve relied on a
network of expats and Dutch friends I’ve
made along the way.”
“ zoe stresses the importance
of patience and clear
communication”
In a previous position as Head Cake Artist
at a specialty cake shop in Utrecht, Zoe
learned first-hand what it took to run a
cake business. “I was constantly taking
notes of how I would do things differently
and that’s when I really came to terms with
the fact that I wasn’t going to be happy
unless I was doing it for myself,” she says.
Zoe stresses the importance of patience
and clear communication, “It can be quite
frustrating, you ask a question and get an
answer, nothing more, nothing less.
Choosing your questions well, rephrasing
and asking them several times over, is
sometimes necessary.” She also notes that
the KvK and the local stadhuis (townhall)
have been very helpful in opening doors to
subsidies and small business counsellors
that she never knew existed.
Using social media, especially Facebook,
Zoe sees her client base growing at a
healthy pace. Within two years, she hopes
to have her own small bakery and shopfront with 1-2 employees. »
Cover story | The expat entrepreneur
“I ’ve learned that for things
that I’m not an expert in,
to go seek advice.”
Nina sets herself and her business apart in
her detailed, thorough approach to interior
design. Her process begins by interviewing
the client to find out exactly what it is they
want to achieve, “it’s really important for
me that I am attuned to my client’s needs,”
she emphasises. After taking a survey of
the room, she creates a master plan with a
furniture layout, lighting plan, and a sample board of suggested materials (sourced
locally). Her approach is designed to create
unique spaces by combining the underlying values of practicality and beauty.
Doing business in a foreign country is
not always as easy as copying and pasting,
so Nina has turned to organisations such
as the Women’s Business Initiative
International and the KvK for help. She
greatly values these resources, saying,
“I’ve learned that for things that I’m not
an expert in, to go seek advice.”
Nina du Pré
Interior Solutions
www.ninadupre.com
Sometimes, moving to a different country
just means new customers. When Nina
du Pré came to the Netherlands it didn’t
stop her from continuing to do what she
loves, interior design. Through her business, Nina Du Pre Interior Solutions,
Nina’s aim is to help her clients realise
their dream interiors.
A mobile career
After gaining a diploma from the KLC
School of Design in London, Nina worked
on several interior design projects back
in her native UK before moving to the
Netherlands with her husband in 2005.
After getting oriented, she decided to continue with interior design and establish a
business in The Hague. “I always say that if
you are a hair dresser you can work all over
the world and for me, interior design is the
same, I could do this anywhere”, Nina says.
As an entrepreneur, Nina can point to three
things that have brought her success thus
far; being passionate, seeking advice, and
being open to opportunity. She stresses
that “if you are running your own business,
it is hard work, so it has got to be something you believe in.” «
Are you inspired?
Do you think it’s time to get the gears turning on
your own small business idea? For further advice
and information visit www.access-nl.org to
download our ACCESS Guide, Starting Your Own
Business (PDF). And as the Dutch say, “Succes!”
Advertorial
Legal aspects of setting
up a business in Holland
Statistics show that an increasing number of expats and/or their
spouses create new business ventures. Statistics also show that
the entrepreneurial enthusiasm often gets dampened once the
unfamiliar rules and regulations start to kick in. Let me therefore
provide you with some legal tips.
Legal structure and liability
Most expats who set up a business in the Netherlands establish
either an eenmanszaak (sole trader) or a VOF, Vennootschap onder Firma,
(partnership). The legal structure has consequences regarding liability. For sole tradership, there is no distinction between your business and personal assets: the sole trader is personally liable for the
fulfilment of business obligations and personal creditors can make
a claim on your business assets. It’s even trickier when you are married on the basis of the ‘general community of property regime’.
Then, there is no distinction between your business, your personal
and your spouse’s business and personal assets! Business creditors
can demand that you pay your business obligations from your
spouse’s assets and that your spouse’s personal creditors can also
make a claim on your business. It is wise, therefore, to draw up a
marriage settlement to limit liability. For partnerships, the partners
are both personally liable for business obligations, and when married without a marriage settlement, your spouse’s assets are also at
risk (legislation to limit personal liability is pending). Private creditors, however, cannot make a claim on your business assets.
Experience shows that a sound debtor policy and the accuracy of
written warnings to be quite effective.
Employment contracts
Once you can afford to hire employees, your employment contracts must include, among others: an accurate job description,
the type of employment agreement (permanent, temporary, oncall, zero hours), the length of the employment (definite or indefinite period), the length of the trial period, the notice period, rules
on sickness leave and holiday allowance, salary agreements, work
conditions, and pension schemes if any. Furthermore, contracts
should not be in breach of mandatory law or a collective labour
agreement, which unfortunately is often the case.
Lease agreement
As a lessor of business premises it is of great importance that you
use a lease agreement that protects your interests. Most probably
you’ll be faced with a standard contract usually covering a period
of five years. Standard, but not compulsory! These terms, like
many others, can be negotiated. As you don’t know whether your
business is going to be a success, it’s wise to start with a shortterm lease (one or two years). This is just the tip of the iceberg - should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Agreements
Even though Dutch law recognises verbal agreements, it is of
the utmost importance to put down all agreements in writing.
Remember the saying: ‘Verba volant, scripta manent’, that is ‘spoken words fly away, written words remain.’ No need to elaborate
on this one.
René Willemsen,
Corporate Law Specialist, GMW Advocaten
070 3615048
[email protected]
www.gmw.nl/en
General terms and conditions
As too many unpaid invoices may very well jeopardise your business’ financial balance, it is wise to draw up sound general terms
and conditions to limit the number of outstanding invoices.
Advertorial
Start-up help from the KvK
The Den Haag Kamer van Koophandel (KvK), or The Hague Chamber
of Commerce, plays a vital role in helping entrepreneurs to make
their dreams of starting a successful business a reality.
Not only does the KvK assist in the administrative aspects of setting up a business, they also provide strategic advice and support.
With a staff of knowledgeable and experienced Business Advisors,
the KvK can help to refine a rough-draft business idea into a sharp
business plan.
Available to new and existing entrepreneurs, the KvK’s services
include:
• a detailed website with key business information and links to
valuable resources
• knowledgeable Business Advisors available on a walk-in or
appointment basis
• seminars and group information sessions.
An important tool for every business owner is his/her network.
The seminars and group information sessions offered through
the KvK provide valuable information and insight on important
topics and also allow for attendees to share ideas and even to conduct business with each other. With a strong network of tax,
insurance, and legal professionals, the KvK can help answer difficult questions that may arise when setting up a business or during
the operations of an existing business.
Margreet Niemansverdriet, Business Advisor at the Den Haag
Kamer van Koophandel, has helped many entrepreneurs strengthen
their business plans. Her advice to those thinking of starting a
business is to be realistic during the planning stages. “I see far too
many entrepreneurs inflating their sales and deflating their costs”, she says.
By starting out with a realistic expectation of business operations
and growth, the chances for success are increased.
If you are thinking of starting your own business, call to make an
appointment with a Business Advisor or visit us at Koningskade 30,
The Hague.
We look forward to working with you to create a successful
business!
Den Haag Kamer van Koophandel
Tel: 088 588 8000
[email protected]
www.kvk.nl
Do you have international ambition? Ten steps to start your business:
Are you interested in shipping flower bulbs to Japan or do you see an opportunity to import clothing
from Morocco to the Netherlands? If you think your company has international opportunities the
International Trade Day at the Chamber of Commerce may help you to realise your plans.
• evaluate your entrepreneurial skills
• explore and define your market
• define your market strategy
• choose a name for your business
• choose a legal form
• define your business terms
On Thursday 7 April 2011, the Kamer van Koophandel will host workshops and a roundtable session to
inform you about the aspects of international trade. Several network partners and fellow entrepreneurs
will be present to help you get the information you need. For further information and registration please
check our website www.kvk.nl/ihdagdh or contact Marco van Hagen, 088 588 8026.
Besides the location in The Hague, the International Trade Day will also be organised at ten other
locations throughout the Netherlands.
(payment, delivery, returns, etc)
• write a business plan
• organise and retain funding
• register your company with the KvK
• network.
Advertorial
Banking in
the Netherlands
First impressions
Picture this: you just accepted a great new job in the Netherlands
and you have to move within a few weeks. You just recently found
out where this country is located on the map and you’re expected
to arrange everything as soon as possible. Working abroad is a
great experience in one’s life but it can be stressful at the same
time. One of the most important things to do is to secure your
financial situation in a foreign country. This is a very delicate
matter and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
When an expat is exposed to our country for the very first time, the
impressions can be overwhelming. One of the things that is characteristic of the Netherlands is that everything is well-organised
and systematic. The local people are down to earth and the working pace is very fast. We don’t like to waste money and tend to save
it. And when we serve coffee you get one cookie to go with that.
at strategic points in the country. ABN AMRO International
Clients has branches at Schiphol Airport close to Amsterdam,
in The Hague and in Rotterdam. We are distinctive for our services,
in that we reserve time for our clients to look at their personal
situation with them. Our advice on banking products is focused
on what the expat specifically needs.
You’re welcome at our branch
We have a team of experts ready to set you up with a bank account,
insurance, a mortgage and a credit card. And most importantly,
a friendly face to help you find your way in the Dutch financial world.
All the best,
Lars Tomson
Director International Client Services
ABN AMRO Bank NV
What do the Dutch think?
The Dutch are very internationally minded. Since our Golden Age
our culture has been focused on maintaining international relationships. Expats have always been very welcome in our country.
Our second national language is English and because of the
globalisation of our culture, expats can adapt to Dutch life very
quickly - for example, almost everybody in the Netherlands speaks
English. Also most of the websites of Dutch companies and
governments are available in one or two European languages,
English being the most frequent one.
Getting started
The first step to starting a life in the Netherlands is to set up a
bank account as soon as possible. Without an account it is virtually impossible to get any kind of subscription or tenancy agreement here. That is why ABN AMRO created a special department
for expats who have found a job in the Netherlands. We make sure
the client is set up with a basic package to use all the banking facilities needed. Our departments for international clients are located
International Client Services
The Hague/Rotterdam
[email protected]
Tel: +31 (0)70 3752050
International Clients Amsterdam
Schiphol Airport
[email protected]
Tel: +31 (0)20 4466720
Shopping
Spring spritz
your home
It’s time for some spring cleaning everyone! living in a
densely populated country such as the Netherlands
also brings particular challenges - oddly shaped houses,
small gardens or barely-there balconies, and just a plain
old lack of square-metres.
Three tips if you want to help make a small
room feel larger:
• use pale colours and light tones
• use neutral colour schemes
• incorporate reflective surfaces, like
mirrors or glass which reflect light.
Always have flowers in the house. Nothing
lifts an area quite like a vase of fresh flowers. Keep it simple: a vase containing a
bunch of tulips looks wonderful. We are in
the heart of tulip land, make the most of it.
Nina Du Pre Interior Solutions
Sweet Cake
sand-pit
Canal House
Box
Who doesn’t recognise it? The old fashioned cup cake
case, now enlarged to extraordinary proportions!
Can be used as a baby’s bath, flower box or garden pot
and a nice basket for a dog or cat.
Sweet Cake, 70 x 27cm, polyethylene (environmentally-friendly),
€149, www.beerdvanstokkum.com
Spiral Spider
Memo Board
The metal frame allows you to brace
photos, business cards and other
important bits of paper in place so
you don’t have to pierce them with
drawing pins. Buy several and make
one mammoth memo board.
Spiral Spider Memo Board, 40 x 4 cm,
available in several colours, HY0474,
€9.95, www.dutchbydesign.com
Jewellery
tree
Fed up with a cluttered
dressing table or just want
to show off your accessories? Try a tree.
Jewellery Tree Dress Up,
white plastic, 31 x 10 x 20cm,
PT0273WH, €21,
www.pt-products.eu
Based on the original 17th century Dutch canal houses, these
carton boxes are perfect to store papers, toys, files and photos.
White on the outside so you can decorate it yourself and make
your own little street . The inside is printed in bold colours.
Made of biodegradable, durable and recycled carton.
Canal House Box, assorted set of 3 pcs, 21 x 33.5 x 53 cm,
TK1003, €24.95, www.dutchbydesign.com
Cleanup
soap
With a simple act of washing our hands, we
can help wash the earth clean of landmines. Cleanup is a line of all-natural soap formed in the shape of
landmines, raising funds for
landmine removal, survivor
assistance and promoting awareness of the global landmine crisis.
Cleanup soap by Hideaki Matsui, €8.50,
www.droog.com
Tea towels
These will certainly
brighten up the
kitchen but might be
too nice to get dirty!
Set of 2 silkscreen
printed tea towels,
Two Tea Towels
“Souvenir”, 50 x 65cm,
100% cotton, €29,
www.otherist.com
Education
Time to study
Many people decide to take advantage of the
opportunity to study during their stay in the
Netherlands, either because they can’t find work here,
or, the timing is just right for post-graduate study,
working towards an MBA or pursuing a field of
interest to supplement their educational expertise.
by Nikki Young
The Netherlands enjoys a long tradition
in education and research; its oldest university was established in 1575 in Leiden.
There are 84 institutions of higher learning; including 14 classical universities.
Besides these, there are 43 colleges offer-
Open Days
15 April from 4-9pm
The Hague University of Applied Sciences
www.thehagueuniversity.com
16 April from 10am-2pm
School of Economics & Management
The Hogeschool van Amsterdam
www.international.hva.nl/opendays
12 May from 3-9pm
RSM Master’s Orientation Day
Rotterdam School of Management
www.rsm.nl
Info
www.nuffic.nl
www.study-in-holland.com
ing 200 different programmes for a variety
of professions, as well as one open university, 54 universities of professional education (hogescholen) and 15 institutes of international education. In addition, there are
numerous private academies and schools,
ranging from fine arts to business, hotel
management, and other specialist fields.
What about the language? Don’t worry,
there are plenty of options if you wish to
enrol on an English-taught degree programme or short course. Or, if you speak
Dutch well, it’s possible you could enrol on
a Dutch programme. The NT2-II Staats
exam (Dutch as a second language) provides proof of Dutch proficiency sufficient
to study in Dutch.
i nternational studies in the Netherlands.
In their database you will find 1,560 international study programmes. The majority
of these programmes, ranging from short
training seminars to full-fledged bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes,
are taught entirely in English. They also
provide information on internships.
Open days are held at Dutch universities
and institutions throughout the year,
details can be found on their websites.
The Association of Universities in the
Netherlands provides a listing for all
institutions at: www.vsnu.nl.
Degrees and doctorates
Students in higher education study in one
of three streams: universities, university
of professional education (HBO) or hogerberoepsonderwijs, and international education.
The first year of required studies is termed
a propadeuse and must be completed before
you may continue to study. University students follow a four-year study and receive
a masters degree, which is at the same level
as a master’s degree in the UK, USA and
Canada. After researching and writing a
doctoral thesis or dissertation based on your
original research, generally as a paid
employee in a research position, you are
eligible to pursue a Doctorate, through a
process known as a promotie.
Finding course information
The Netherlands Organisation for
International Co-operation in Higher
Education (NUFFIC) provides much of
what you will need to know. Their website,
www.nuffic.nl, lists all of the possible
The Dutch doctorate is equivalent to a PhD.
Engineering, natural science, mathematics
and agriculture requires five years of study;
medical and health sciences take five years,
for dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and vet-
“... there are plenty of options if you
wish to enrol on an English-taught
degree programme or short course.”
erinary medicine, six years. HBO professional education institutions (hogescholen)
have a specific career orientation and
internships with companies are a significant part of the programme. HBO degrees
do not require students to conduct research
and do not allow you to pursue a doctorate.
Academic titles range from Doctorandus
(drs) for a master’s degree, Ingenieur (ir) for
engineering, or meester (mr) for law, equivalent to a master’s degree (four to six years).
Additionally, you must successfully defend
your dissertation in a public ceremony
before a committee of professors to earn
Funding
the title of doctor. For HBO degree graduates, baccaleureus (bc) is used, or the title
Ingenieur (ing) for engineering and agriculture graduates.
Nuffic manages various grants, including
those available from the ministry of
Education, Culture and Science. For information on financial assistance contact the
IB group in Groningen, www.ib-groep.nl.
The lower costs of education here, which
is subsidised by the Dutch government,
is attractive when compared to the fees
for a university education or postgraduate
degree programme in other countries.
Eligibility for a higher degree requires a
postgraduate diploma and master’s
degree, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
PhD, or a master’s degree along with the
ability to conduct research. For the evaluation of foreign qualifications, international students may submit their diploma
to the Information Centre for Credential
Evaluation (IDW), www.idw.nl, or to DUO,
www.ib.groep.nl.
If you are an EU citizen, the fees are around
€1,700 per year. However for non-EU citizens the tuition fees are higher. Many
schools offer grants and scholarships to
foreign students. Tuition fees can vary
from about €300 to €24,000, but in general
most courses cost between €1,700 and
€12,000. To search for student grant information in particular, visit the website,
www.grantfinder.nl. «
Volunteer profile
Fireside chats about
One of the first questions any expat gets asked
is: “What brought you to the Netherlands?”
I came here on the advice of my graduate
school professor. She said that if I ever wished
to be a competent multicultural counsellor
I had to live abroad, not just travel abroad,
live abroad. I took those words to heart.
by christine fischer
Around that same time my partner Bram,
a “Dutchie”, was returning to the
Netherlands and he said I should join him.
I thought about the opportunity for a year
while I finished my studies. Friends always
joked that he made this suggestion because
it was cheaper to bring me to the
Netherlands than to keep paying the telephone bills for the daily four-hour phone
calls. With an adventurous heart, and literally three days after I handed in my last university paper, I was on a flight to the
Netherlands. That was nearly 12 years ago.
From that time until now I’ve lived in various places in Delft and The Hague. I currently call the Segbroek area of The Hague
my home. I am literally 15 minutes away
from everything – the city centre, the
Haagse Markt, and the Scheveningen
shore. On one street alone you can see
mosques, churches, a Polish supermarket,
an Egyptian restaurant, a Turkish pizza
shop, an Islamic butcher and a traditional
Dutch bar. I adore having this variety so
accessible to my daily life. I am mesmerised
by the different languages I can hear;
Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, English, Dutch,
Arabic, French, Farsi…
My personal experiences have been overwhelmingly good in the ‘lowlands’. In my
first two years here I took a Dutch language
course. My teachers taught me well enough
that I passed the NT2 Staatsexamen on the
first try. Want to do well in learning the
language? Make sure your teachers are
positive and encouraging is my advice.
During those first two years I made lots of
multicultural Holland
lasting friendships. I’ve met so many people from so many countries that my cup literally overfloweth with diversity. I’ve met
people from Cameroon, Poland, Pakistan,
Iran, Latvia, Ukraine, Spain, Chile, Japan,
China, Venezuela, I could go on but I’ll end
up naming every country on the globe.
guest instructor for Dr Dienke Hondius
for her History of Racism course at the
Vrije Universiteit. As a co-teacher, when
I wasn’t providing lecturing-coaching
assistance, I also developed teaching
material and an international database of
academic research on race and racism.
about diversity in a positive, informed
manner. I’ve been busy setting up my website (www.fischersfiresidechats.com) and am
doing all the things a new business owner
must familiarise themselves with – terms
such as KvK, Belasting, BTW are being
incorporated into my Dutch lexicon.
On the flip side, my professional experiences in the Netherlands have been challenging. My background is in multicultural
counselling psychology - a mouthful,
My most intensive and ongoing activity is
the work I do as a volunteer researcher for
the European affairs correspondent Khalid
Hameed Farooqi. I am responsible for col-
My interest in multicultural issues is one
reason I began volunteering with ACCESS.
The organisation shows how a diverse
workforce can work together successfully
and effectively. I chose the Community
Education Department and became its
co-ordinator because its primary goal is
helping the community. It often handles
issues of diversity in a practical manner:
each of the trainers on my team, in their
own way, helps expat clients adjust to
living in the Netherlands.
“I hope to get people talking about diversity
in a positive, informed manner.”
I know. Most of my research at Columbia
University, Teachers College focused on
racial identity and racism issues in a counselling context. A concept quite foreign to
Dutch universities. This was the biggest
culture shock I experienced. I suddenly
became this unknown entity. However,
I am always up for a challenge. You can’t
always wait for people to give you permission to make a difference. Sometimes you
need to make the differences yourself.
Lacking opportunities to do PhD research
through the universities I found other ways
to do the research I love. I met with various
professors in various fields. For a time,
I assisted Dr Philomena Essed in doing
article and internet searches relating to
her cultural cloning research. I was also a
lecting news sources and research articles
in the western media regarding minorities
(particularly Muslim minorities). Anyone
that reads a newspaper or a magazine will
know how busy I am with this task.
My latest pursuit is my own business called
Fischer’s Fireside Chats. Through discussion groups, workshops and seminars
characterised by a warm, intimate, and
informal tone I hope to get people talking
Plenty of people might be asking: “Yes – but
how does one adjust? Really adjust. I don’t
feel at home. How am I ever going to feel
settled?” I think it is a balancing act. It is
learning to value your own culture and
identity, even when people may be pushing
you to forget your roots. Once you realise
your own identity should be valued, it is
an easy transition to value and respect the
cultures around you. «
My favourite spot
This would have to be a little place called Casa Di Bella on Abeelplein. I have a soft spot for
great coffee and they serve the finest Italian black gold that I’ve ever been graced to drink.
Casa Di Bella, Abeelplein 2, 2565 XS The Hague, 070 326 4048
Books
Local expat
authors
Not one but two expats living in The Hague
have just published their life stories. Both
The Singing Warrior
by Niamh Ni Bhroin, ISBN 978-1-904881-31-5, €27.60
write about surviving traumatic childhoods
and how, for different reasons, living in the
Netherlands has helped them leave the past
behind and lead fulfilling lives.
Niamh is Irish and has lived in the Netherlands for 20
years. After a childhood and adulthood filled with pain,
she found herself, at last, at the age of 52. Her harrowing
memoir tells how singing has been her salvation.
Black and Abroad:
Traveling Beyond the limitations of Identity
by Carolyn Vines, ISBN 978-9490906-01-6, €17.99
Leaving the US at thirty years of age Carolyn gave up her career, culture and country to live
in the Netherlands with her Dutch boyfriend. She chronicles her physical and emotional
journey in this engaging and intimate memoir. Readers are told: “don’t be fooled by the
title for this book is not about race; rather, it is about identity”.
Dutch Ditz
By Reinildis van Ditzhuyzen, ISBN 978-90-230-1259-7, €13.50
Excerpt:
Do you need to request something from your Dutch
colleagues or subordinates by e-mail or letter? Then be
careful about being too blunt and first briefly introduce the matter. Remember: the Dutch do not like
being issued commands! They like to be informed and
prefer to be asked to do things in a friendly manner.
According to some expats its more like ‘you have to
beg them on your hands and knees to get something
done, because, yes - you mustn’t think you’re better
than the next guy...’
Good & Green Guide:
The Hague
Good & Green Guide: The Hague,
ISBN 978-94-90409-03-6, €19.90
A directory of all that is
environmentally friendly in
The Hague is now available,
adding to editions covering
Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Arts & Entertainment
Museums
- the hidden gems
Holland has a treasure trove of museums worth
visiting. The Museumkaart is your ticket to over
400 of them. The costs of the card are earned
back after only a few museum visits. After that
it is free entry ...
By Karen Slingenberg
The Museumkaart revealed
It is surprising that a country as small as
the Netherlands counts more than 700
museums, an indicator of the country’s
cultural and historical wealth. The
Museumkaart (Museum card), run by a
non-profit organisation, is one of the cultural bonuses of living in the Netherlands.
Camille Boyer, spokesperson for the
Museumkaart explains, “Almost 30 years
ago, an initiative was set up by a group
of museums to create an instrument to
generate more museum visitors and to
encourage people to visit a more varied
selection of museums.”
Some 400 museums are linked with the
Museumkaart organisation and every cardholder is allowed free entry into a museum
that accepts the card. There are some
exceptions where special or temporary
exhibitions may charge a supplement fee.
“There are 735,000 Museumkaart holders
and the amount is on the increase. Only
five years ago, it was 315,000. It is not subsidised, so we are completely dependent on
the income generated by the purchase of a
card. From the revenue, two thirds of the
full price of an entry ticket is paid out to the
museums when a free Museumkaart visit is
declared back to our organisation. Part of
the revenue is used for Museumkaart overheads with residual money flowing back to
the museums,” says Camille.
Using the website
When browsing the Museumkaart website,
it becomes clear that all information is in
Dutch. Let this not discourage anyone, as
the benefits of owning this card outweigh
any deciphering of the Dutch language.
The site lists all 400 museums under the
heading; ‘Welke Musea doen mee?’ They are
listed according to name of Museum,
Town and Province. Links to individual
museum websites are also included on the
Museumkaart website. Additionally, a
selection of museums in English can be
found on www.museum.nl.
Cardholders receive both printed and email
newsletters which provide regular tips for
museum visits (both in Dutch).
Where to buy
Order online or at any large museum.
www.museumjaarkaart.nl »
Practical info
The Museumkaart
costs €39.95 per year
for adults (first time
purchase €44.95 incl.
€5 admin costs).
The Museum Youth
Card (up to 18 years)
costs €19.95 per year.
Arts & Entertainment | Museums - the hidden gems
Tips for exhibitions
Spring 2011
The Mauritshuis (The Hague)
Jan Steen 3 March - 13 June
The Mesdag Collection (The Hague)
reopening 12 May
The Hermitage (Amsterdam)
Splendour and Glory:
Art of the Russian-Orthodox Church
19 March - 16 September
Museum Volkenkunde (Leiden)
Maori: A Family Exhibition until 1 May
“Teylers museum in Haarlem is Holland’s
oldest dating back to 1784, the time of
the Enlightenment.”
Try some new museums
Step back in time
One of the bonuses of the Museumkaart is
that it also opens doors to less well known
museums. Most international expats are
aware of the main museums in the
Netherlands, the usual suspects, yet there
are also many secret gems just waiting to
be discovered.
Teylers museum in Haarlem is Holland’s
oldest dating back to 1784, the time of the
Enlightenment. When most other museums were being renovated in the 1960’s,
Teylers remained intact so that all its collections of fossils, scientific instruments,
coins and paintings can be viewed in their
original setting. There is a free audio tour
in English and French. Teylers will satisfy
fossil lovers and for science buffs, the laboratory has a fascinating display of assorted
scientific instruments. Before you leave the
room, look out for the fossil of a two
horned monster from Egypt. Whether it
was an Egyptian freak of nature or just a
common pest of that period, I suppose
we’ll never know! Paintings and unique
Rembrandt etches add variety, while there
is also space for temporary exhibitions.
Froukje Budding, spokesperson at Teylers
gives her perspective. ‘Teylers seems
unique in the world because of its distinctive 18th Century interior. Another rarity is
that the museum houses both art and science collections because they came about
in the Age of Enlightenment which strove
to bring together all types of knowledge to
represent the outer world’.
An exotic option
The Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam focuses
on indigenous cultures around the world.
There are three floors of exhibitions scaling the continents. An audio tour in
English complements the exhibitions
which concentrate on shamanism, animism and the influence of Buddhism on
various cultures. The vibrant collection of
Tibetan singing bowls, mandalas, prayer
cloths and an array of lanterns made from
multicoloured strips of cloth make for an
eye-catching display. The sound of chanting monks in the background combines in
such a way that you are transported to a
world of quiet contemplation. Luna
Bremer, Wereldmuseum spokesperson,
adds, “Our most exceptional exhibitions
are those of Tibet and Japan with objects
nowhere else seen in the world, such as
the Tibetan Temple which can only be
found in Tibet itself.”
Tips for kids
Some museums are interactive, an
attractive alternative to going to a
playground. You are also more
likely to visit regularly when you
have a Museumkaart!
Gemeentemuseum (The Hague)
The Wonderkamers or Wonder Rooms
are interactive, concentrating on
sound and music.
Naturalis National Natural History
Museum (Leiden)
Science Centre Nemo (Amsterdam)
Rembrandt revealed
The Rembrandthuis in the heart of
Amsterdam is a jewel. The exterior of the
museum is deceivingly modern, but inside,
Rembrandt’s world is revealed. There is a
free audio tour in 6 languages which provides details about the house and how
Rembrandt worked. The rooms display
Rembrandt’s paintings from which the
reconstructions are made, such as where
his easel would have been, creating a very
authentic atmosphere. You half expect the
man himself to appear with brush and
paint in hand. Paintings of his contemporaries, furniture and objects are also exhibited. Demonstrations are given on how
Rembrandt made his etchings and how
his paints used to be mixed by hand.
One the kids will enjoy too!
Museon, in The Hague, is an educational
paradise for children as well as adults. The
emphasis is on interaction as a means to
learning. Museon aims to pass on knowledge about man and his relationship with
nature and culture. The ground floor hosts
temporary exhibitions that are especially
set-up for children, a great way to entertain
little ones as well as older children.
The permanent exhibition can be found
upstairs; it is a space worthy of exploring.
Discover geological artifacts such as fossils,
rocks and minerals or flora and fauna from
around the world. Look out for the stoneage woman from Scheveningen whose face
was reconstructed from a skull discovered
in The Hague area. Her face looks familiar,
yet she lived in the pre-historic age! The
musuem also has an extensive Science and
Technology section that includes interactive
devices and instruments illustrating the
laws of nature.
It seems that there are numerous benefits
to owning a Museumkaart. As well as the
cost-benefits, it brings personal and cultural development and for parents it can be
the perfect answer to finding constructive
amusement for restless children. «
Advertorial
Creativity to
beat cancer
If you, or anyone close to you, have ever been
diagnosed with cancer, there’s a likelihood you have
suddenly become open to lot of different methods,
in addition to the conventional treatments, to survive.
Until you heard the diagnosis, words such as ‘death’
and ‘cancer’ might have been whispered, but rarely
spoken out loud.
By Audrey Gran Weinberg
Many people want to be involved in some
way in their own healing, but if they aren’t
doctors, how? Some physicians, feeling
this frustration and also realising the limitations of conventional medicine, have
tried to find ways to assist patients in coping with cancer. Dr Bernie Siegel saw that
patients were not always being completely
healed by the regular treatments offered.
He started support groups for what he
called ‘exceptional cancer patients’ and
taught his cancer patients ways of assisting
in their own recovery by not just complying
with the doctors, but doing extraordinary
things to help themselves.
Clearing the blocks
Dr Pinki Feinstein, an Israeli doctor with
an artistic passion, continued in Dr Siegel’s
footsteps. To clear creative blocks,
Dr Feinstein came up with a method called
‘Intuitive Painting’, loosely based on The
Artist’s Way, by which people would combine a process of psychological reflection
on their creativity with a 12-week course
in which they would practise the art of
creativity.
“T he most significant benefit of
Intuitive Painting is its ability to
empower people and to reconnct
them with the basic urge to create”
were forced upon us, doing things we
‘should’ more often that what we want and
yearn to do. Sadly, it often takes a scare
with cancer or the death of a loved one to
realise that life is too short to just do what
you ‘have to’.
Workshops
Dr Feinstein’s first Intuitive Painting group
included people in a cancer support group
called ‘Cancer Patients Fight’. I too was in
that first group, working through my own
grief. Although Intuitive Painting has never
claimed to actually save lives, it does promise to enhance life - and I enjoyed many frivolous as well as deep moments while doing
the writing and the drawing tasks set out for
me in the course. The little girl in me came
alive again, and despite a reality that was
difficult, to say the least, I found myself
singing as I painted and feeling extremely
alive. Remember the taboo word ‘death’?
Turn on some loud sad music and fill a page
with color while thinking of that word.
The most significant benefit of Intuitive
Painting is its ability to empower people
and to reconnect them with the basic intuitive urge to create. While this is common
in children - think of the two-year-old who
is able to stand up to the adult parents in
his life and proudly display his crayon
scribbles all over the wall - as adults we
seem to have lost our way. We find ourselves all too easily stuck in habits that
What happens in an Intuitive Painting
workshop? You take the first step to overcoming your fear of failure, that terrible fear
of not getting it right. Cameron and
Feinstein are not alone in the realisation
that we are our own worst enemy. Once
given the permission to ‘go for it’ along
with the safe structure of how long you
may paint and on what size paper, it’s quite
amazing how people are able to relax and
enjoy the experience. As one former student of Dr Feinstein put it: “The more you
do, the easier it is to let go. Letting someone else draw on your paper was hard at
first! But the painting is refreshing, relaxing, enjoyable. You lose yourself for those
two hours - focusing on something different, being absorbed into another activity
which is even mysterious at times.”
Research into the value of creativity in healing continues worldwide. “Individuals can
do things (in the creative arts) to affect
their health and functioning,” says Gene D
Cohen, Director of George Washington
University’s Center on Aging, Health and
Humanities.
It’s not easy to break old habits, nor to try
new things, but the threat of cancer can
actually help unshackle those chains.
Combine that with an empowering workshop that allows you to paint while shutting off your internal critic and you will be
taking that first brave step towards discovering someone you once knew and loved
very dearly: your own self.
So, if you know someone who is living with
cancer, or if you yourself want to give it a
try, I will be giving a workshop on Intuitive
Painting in April 2011, hosted by ACCESS
Cancerlink in The Hague. Please contact
Kathleen Sheridan ([email protected]) for more details and check the
ACCESS website and www.icconnections.org
for an announcement of the time and date.
Look forward to seeing you there!
www.creativetherapy.nl «
References
Siegel, Bernie S, Love, Medicine and
Miracles, HarperCollins, New York,
1986
Cameron, Julia, The Artist’s Way,
Tarcher/Putnam, New York, 1992
Cohen, Gene D, The Creative Age:
Awakening Human Potential in the
Second Half of Life, HarperCollins,
New York, 2000.
Health
Ten reasons
to run
1
A marathon is 42.195km and a halfmarathon is 21.09km. We do not all
have the ambition to complete a marathon. But then
again wouldn’t it be cool to say you have run a marathon once in your life. The races in the running calendar provided are all annual events, so if your goal
is to run your first marathon, why not go for one in
2012 and for now get busy training?
The sun is back, the days are getting longer
and the city is awakening. It is time to get
out there and enjoy nature painting the
palette green.
BY CARINA HYLLESTED
Cool facts
2
The Great Outdoors
The Netherlands has some idyllic scenery, and even though Amsterdam and
The Hague are pulsating cities they both offer green
recreational areas ideal for walking, running and
getting fit. In Amsterdam you will find Vondelpark,
Beatrixpark, Amsterdamse Bos, The Amsel river,
Frankendael, Sarphatipark, Amstelpark, Oosterpark
and Westerpark. In The Hague you can enjoy Haagse
Bos, Zuiderpark, Westbroekpark and Clingendael.
And then of course there is the beach and the dunes
in Scheveningen. Use running websites to find
running routes in your area that other runners have
tried, tested and uploaded (www.runtheplanet.com and
www.mapmyrun.com).
3
Running is inexpensive
You will need a good pair of shoes but
no registration fee, no membership
fee, and there’s no requirement to sign up for a year.
The asphalt, the soil and the sand are out there ready
for running on.
4
Improve your health
Running is among the best aerobic
exercises for physical conditioning of
your heart and lungs. It helps ensure the efficient
flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body,
which are proven to help to decrease the risk of a
heart attack. Exercise is one of the best ways to naturally reduce your blood pressure if it’s above normal.
If you have high cholesterol, running can also help
keep it in check. It also improves your immune system, so your body functions are more effective and
efficient at fighting off germs. Running and other
weight-bearing exercises increase bone density,
which can fend off osteoporosis. 2.5 hours running
per week has also proved to keep the risks of diabetes
and its secondary diseases away.
5
Get smarter
6
Boost your energy
Run and nurture your brain and memory. A Swedish study has shown from
a test done on 1.2m young men that the more fit you
are the higher your IQ result. When we exercise,
the protein Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
(BDNF) is released in your brain, and can make the
Hippocampus grow. The Hippocampus is your
brain’s intellectual centre, and what we use when
we learn new things and are concentrating.
Using energy generates energy.
Running helps release feel-good hormones like endorphins, which help boost energy
even hours after exercising. Research has shown that
healthy adults who exercise regularly are generally
happier than those who don’t and the release of the
endorphins is a great cure for stress, emotional
strain and even mild depression.
7
Beat snoring
8
Expand your social life
A US study shows that 70% of Sleep
Apnea patients are obese. By reducing
their body weight by 10% they would get a better and
calmer sleep – for themselves and their partners.
Some runners enjoy the quiet and solitude of running on their own, but
other runners see running as a social opportunity.
Finding a running buddy or running with a group is a
great way to develop a sense of community. You can
set goals and accomplish them together. It can make
all the difference in keeping that motivation going.
Some runners also share advice and motivation via
online forums. Run2Day Netherlands has shops and
running groups at various levels in 22 cities through-
out the Netherlands. They offer the iRun Clinics,
which are running groups for beginners where you
will get inspiration, training tips and useful information for your ongoing running life. www.run2day.nl
9
Cool tools
Use iPhone and Android applications
to combine routes, training results,
and music on your mobile phone.
Nike+: As you run, your iPod or iPhone tells you your
time, distance, pace, and calories burned. It gives you
feedback at the halfway point and in the final lead-up
to your goal. When your run is finished, your workout data gets uploaded to nikeplus.com where you
can see all your completed runs and share motivation
with runners across the world. www.nikeplus.com.
Endomondo: Track your workouts, challenge your
friends, analyse your training, and share your results
on social media. www.endomondo.com
10
Set a goal
On Sunday 13 March the City Pier City
race in The Hague takes place and you
might be wishing that you knew about this sooner.
But not to worry, there are many runs throughout the
Netherlands during 2011. «
Sources: www.runnersworld.com and www.lobnu.dk.
Running calendar 2011
13 March: City Pier City, The Hague, www.cpcloopdenhaag.nl
10 April: Marathon Rotterdam, www.marathonrotterdam.nl
16 October: Amsterdam Marathon, www.amsterdammarathon.nl
15 May: 20th Leiden Marathon, www.marathon.nl
15 May: Marikenloop, Ladies Run, Nijmegen, www.marikenloop.nl
10 June: adidas Ladies Run, Rotterdam, www.ladiesrun.nl/home
9 October: Eindhoven Marathon, www.marathoneindhoven.nl
December (date tbc): Bruggenloop, Rotterdam, www.bruggenloop.nl
Ignore your health and it will go away
CH I ROPRAC TIC C ARE
Why
Our experienced chiropractors are trained to examine you for distortions or misalignments in your spine that can irritate your nervous system. They can choose from
a range of chiropractic techniques freeing you from these unhealthy distortions.
Whom
The short answer is: for “everybody with a body”, ranging from babies to the elderly.
When
Not just for acute pain, but also for early pain. Early pain is often so mild that most
people ignore it altogether. Prompt chiropractic attention can help prevent low back
pain, hernia, sciatica, neck pain, headaches etc.
PRAKTIJK
C H I R O P R A C T I E
STEGEMAN
Where
At the well established Stegeman Chiropractic Clinic, where we have been treating
well over 17.000 people since 1987, you will find our four dedicated chiropractors,
all trained in the UK or USA.
Wow!
If you bring this article to our clinic, you will receive a Euro 26,- discount on your first
visit.
Praktijk Chiropractie Stegeman: Zwolsestraat 197 2587 VB Den Haag 070 3502638 [email protected]
www.chiropractie-stegeman.nl
DEF 4 advertentie.indd 1
29-1-2011 18:06:11
EUROPEAN CONGRESS FOR CHRIST (EUROCON)
THEME:
RESTORATION
ATION 2011
A
Pastor Jan Sjoerd Pasterkamp
Evangelist Jan & Henny Zijlstra
Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) E.A. Adeboye
General Overseer RCCG
Pastor Sritawong Phitsanunart
Other Guest Speakers:
Pastor Jean Bertoti (France)
Pastor James Fadele (USA)
And others
Venue: Uithof Sport Centre
Jaap Edenweg, 10, 2544 NL Den Haag
(Randstad Rail 4 from Den Haag Central Station to
Uithof)
Date: 20th - 23rd April, 2011
For more information, please contact:
Koningin Sophiestraat 45, 2595 TG, The Hague, The Netherlands.
E-mail: [email protected] ; Telephone: +31 70 444 2922
Websites: rccgeuropemainland.org, rccgnetherlands.org
Pastor Kunle Ajayi
Also Featuring:
- Elisa and Reni
- Swedish Band
- Ron Kenoly
- RCCG Mass Choir
Advertorial
A demanding school
– a school in demand
Why parents should make a careful decision – now!
By Peter Kotrc, Secondary Principal
Moving to a new country and to a new job is always stressful for
the whole family. Will all the boxes arrive on time? Is the new place
big enough? Is there enough sun? Or rain? Many factors are difficult to influence, so what you need most of all is some stability,
a pattern, something that keeps your children focused and happy
at the same time. The right school. This choice is crucial and we
are fortunate to be offered a broad variety of schools with an international touch.
The challenge is, at the beginning, on your side: how will your
career continue? Is it likely that you will be posted back to your
home country soon, then it is essential to look at curricula and
exams recognised or compatible, or in the best case also available
in your country of origin. Will your children profit from education
in a particular language? Is it important that now, or at a later
stage, there are enough subject options accessible to support a
particular talent of your child, be it sciences, business and economics, or foreign languages. Do you think about tertiary educa-
tion already, looking for portable qualifications and worldwide
recognised diplomas? How relevant are sports and after school
activities to you? Surely, the location matters – are there tram
stops, school buses, or safe bicycle routes nearby?
My recommendation is to put these factors all in a long list and
assign a different number of points to each, weighing by agreed
importance. Only then should you embark on the journey of
school choice, check out websites, call admission offices, and talk
to colleagues about their experiences. If you are in the country
already, then of course, go and visit.
One option is The International School of The Hague, located
in Kijkduin, a few minutes from the beach by tram 3 and linked
with the centre by public and school buses. A school which, by
statute may only accept internationally mobile students – this
explains the mix of over 85 nationalities amongst the 1300 students. A school offering English, Dutch, Spanish, French and
German as both mother tongues and foreign languages. The
school offers the International Primary Curriculum and the
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, leading
to the IB Diploma, with constant pass rates of over 95%.
The building is just a few years old with adjacent sports fields,
offering a variety of competitive and recreational sports. At the
ISH, holistic education is not just a trendy term, as all students up
to 14 have drama, music and visual arts as mandatory subjects.
Demanding for the students but also rewarding – everybody can
experience success here. Not surprisingly, the ISH is a school in
demand. Parents are well-advised
to contact us as early as possible
to secure a place. “Learning is the
Heart of the International School
of The Hague”. «
Travel
Visit Texel for
springtime sunshine
What better way to throw off
the harsh Dutch winter than to
seek out the sunniest spot in
the Netherlands, and one of the
warmest welcomes.
BY CATHY LEUNG
Of the five Wadden Sea Islands spanning the coastlines of Noord Holland, Friesland and Groningen,
the biggest, Texel, is also the most accessible and
versatile. With a regular car ferry from Den Helder,
just over an hour’s drive or direct train from
Amsterdam, you could be on this island haven enjoying a creamy Texels Tripel (one of the local beers), in
less than two hours.
On Texel
PHOTO: VVV TEXEL
On a land mass 15 miles long and 5 miles wide
there’s room enough for large nature areas, a significant farming culture and seven small villages. In an
area roughly the same size as the capital, there are
less than 14,000 inhabitants - not including the
sheep. Den Burg, the biggest of the villages, is both
charming and vibrant, boasting plenty of interesting
local shops and even a cute little cinema.
The island is renowned for its bird-watching opportunities, and although I haven’t taken up this hobby,
it’s fascinating to discover that the island is a vital
stop-off point for migrating birds from across the
world. This place is essentially the equivalent of
Schipol airport for our feathered friends, and like
De Slufter is the only area in the Netherlands where
the sea is left to do its thing. Here it is allowed to
flood the dunes; every six hours it makes its way
inland, unrestricted by dykes and dams. It’s a
reminder of the sea’s persistence - the sea that the
Dutch have been fighting with for so long. The area
is enchanting, a wide and open space where you can
meander past pockets of water and sand dunes on
the way to the sea mouth. This living, breathing,
fresh and tidal place is a complete contrast with
Holland’s more typical waterways; the murky canals.
PHOTO: vvv TEXEl
many of us expats, they might well stay a while to rest
and forage for local delicacies before they set off on
their next adventure or their journey home.
Did y
know ou
are mor ... there
e sheep
than
people
living o
Texel? n
The island is well-developed for tourism, campers
especially are spoiled for choice, as are families seeking a holiday rental - the Dutch are keen on their selfcatering holidays. For couples seeking a romantic
break, however, Texel Design Suites (www.texelsuites.
com) in the harbour village of Oudeschilde are perfect; finished to the standards of a fine boutique
hotel. Arriving on the last ferry over, we weren’t too
late to snuggle up on the comfy sofa with a woolen
blanket, a DVD and a bottle of good red wine. Come
Friday morning and it was time to watch the fishing
boats returning home for the weekend whilst we
made our breakfast from the well-stocked kitchen.
A stay at De Krim (www.krim.nl), near De Cocksdorp
at the northern tip, is a good bet for families. It’s a
well-designed holiday park with indoor and outdoor
swimming pools, playgrounds and organised activities. Make use of their inhouse bicycle rental and ride
over to see De Slufter - it’s an easy 20-minute cycle,
the sand dunes are even nearer.
PHOTO: vvv TEXEl
Where to stay
renowned for its special saltiness. Between Mother’s
Day and Father’s Day is the time to try the local
grown asperges (white asparagus). Since farmers
introduced it relatively recently, Texel is now recognised as one of the best sources of asperges in the
country. Too early for spring lamb on our visit, I tried
out an intriguing offering from a Den Burg eetcafe:
lamb bouillion with lamb salami. The clear soup was
rich in flavour and the crumbly salami was tasty but
more like tiny meatballs.
Texel produce
In spring, especially in April, the countryside
becomes a teeming hotspot for bouncing baby
lambs. The Texel breed of lamb has been exported
and bred all over the world but the original is still
Info
VVV Texel
(Texel Tourist Office)
Emmalaan 66,
1791 AV Den Burg
Tel: 0222 314741
[email protected]
www.texel.net
Ferry from Den Helder
www.teso.nl
Wadden Sea life
In search of some local sealife we boarded a boat in
Oudeschild. Shrimp cutters take tourists fishing for
garnalen (shrimp) - combined with some seal-spot- »
PHOTO: VVV TEXEL
Travel | Visit Texel for springtime sunshine
“A land bank off the coast of
Texel provides an ideal resting
place for grey seals”
ting for good measure. A land bank off the coast of
Texel provides an ideal resting place for grey seals,
and when the tide is low, they bask in the sun for
all to see (research shows that out of all of the
Netherlands, Texel has the most hours of sunshine
per year). The seal population is growing due to
greater numbers of fish in the area, in turn following
a concious effort to reduce pollution.
Things to do
Shrimp cutter
www.garnalenvissen.nl
(Dutch website only)
Ecomare
www.ecomare.nl
Maritiem & Jutters
Museum
www.texelsmaritiem.nl
(Dutch website only)
On our trip even though at hide tide, we saw a solitary seal swimming along quite happily in the distance. The shrimps and various other creatures from
the fish nets, we got to see up close and personal.
The crew guide spread out the catch in all its resplendent hues of grey and gave an animated description
of the pickings. Whilst we nipped into the onboard
bar to warm up with a cheeky juttertje (a herby Texel
spirit), the garnalen were cooked up and ready to eat.
I have never been that keen on tiny, brown shrimps
but fresh from the sea and more of a dirty peach in
colour, they were sweet and juicy. We all got to take
a big bag home to have with our borrel (5pm drinks)
and I finished all of ours: pulling the tiny bits of meat
away from the shells is a strangely compulsive activity.
Ecomare
Currently undergoing refurbishment, Ecomare is
still worth a visit, especially if you would like to say
hello to the zeehonden (seals) and learn more about the
Texel environment. The centre has lots of interactive
nature and wildlife displays, and it is only outside at
the back that you are conscious of the building work
in progress - the seals are to have more spacious and
stimulating pools come the summer. We were still
able to peek at the newly found seals through the
windows to the quarantine room (tiny Wenny had
been found that very morning), whilst in an outside
pool, Tonny was particularly happy to make our
acquaintance whilst he waited to be released back
into the sea. Ecomare is also the visitor centre for
exploring the 70 hectares of The National Park
Dunes of Texel and, amongst other things, provides
GPS-guided walks in case all that wide open space is
overwhelming.
Traditions and history
With no forest, and thus poor wood supply on the
island until 1898, the farmers developed tuinwallen
(turf walls) as a way of fencing property and fields.
In typically Dutch, neat rows, in time they become
alive with characteristic plants and flowers. The turf
walls are particularly prevalent in the oldest part of
Texel, known as De Hoge Berg (the High Mountain);
an amusing title, given that is in reality merely a
slightly raised area in the centre of the island.
On the lookout for washed up timber to build with
and other finds to supplement their income, poor
islanders became intrepid beachcombers (jutters).
Not one but two museums celebrate this tradition
and display a wonderful collection of finds, from
ornate VOC measuring weights to a painted toy
made of coconut shells.
Tourism is the main industry and I think you can tell.
We got a noticeably warmer welcome and better
service throughout our stay on Texel than we get on
a weekly basis in the bars and cafes of Amsterdam.
There is much information in English, but where
there is not, the tourist office in Den Burg will happily provide assistance, arranging tours and
accomodation.
We arrived at night and immediately noticed the stars
- it was a clear evening and the constellations were
there to greet us in all their glory. Indeed, throughout
our stay, the open skies provided a welcome contrast
with the narrow streets of our home amongst the
sardine-packed houses of Amsterdam. The countryside in daylight is also very different from the plain,
green fields of mainland Holland; the various grasses
and undulating terrain providing greater texture.
Perhaps due to more light, the landscapes bring to
mind the feeling of a watercolour as opposed to an
oil painting.
At the beach near Den Hoorn, we strolled along in
time to watch the sun go down, settling down to
watch the final effects in the gezellige Paal 9 beach cafe
(www.paal9.nl), with the comfort of a log fire and
sheepskin throws. Close to the ferry terminal, it was
the perfect place to chill out before the crossing back
to the mainland. «
PHOTO: VVV TEXEL
Lasting impressions
Events in spring
25 April 2011, 9 am, Lammetjeswandeltocht
Walk amongst the meadows to see the thousands of newborn lambs.
5, 10, 15, 25 and 40km routes. €3 per person.
www.hetgoudenboltje.nl (Dutch website only)
30 April, Meierblis
Every year the locals celebrate Meierblis, grabbing everything they can burn
to set up bonfires in the various villages. The tradition symbolises the end of
winter and the beginning of a new season, and a new start.
7 May
Nature market in the forest with an evening theatre show.
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Food
Dutch beer
and cheese pairings
While most of us are familiar with pairing wine with cheese,
matching a well-made beer with an artisanal cheese can be
an equally, if not superior gastronomical experience.
By MORGAN WOOD
The Dutch are masters in the production of
cheese and have been perfecting eponymous
varieties such as Gouda and Edam for ages.
This dairy-rich history coupled with the
more recent emergence of Dutch craft beers,
makes this the perfect time to introduce
your taste buds to a farmhouse tradition.
Beer and cheese are older than old, each
with origins that predate recorded history.
Beer was a safe beverage in an age when
water could kill you and the production of
cheese was part of a farmer’s source of sustenance and income. The two combined
became a typical farmers’ lunch (the
English know it as a ‘ploughman’s lunch’).
Why pair beer with cheese?
Beer and cheese share the same basic origin. Barley is a cereal grain essential to the
production of beer. This same grain, in
grass form, is fed to dairy cows to encourage healthy production of milk which is
then used to make cheese. In addition to a
common base, the flavors we often taste
and smell in beers and in cheeses - toasty,
creamy, sweet, nutty, rich, musty, fruity,
yeasty, earthy, floral - combine in a way to
heighten the experience. The differences
between beer and cheese add further pairing possibilities. Cheese, by its nature, is
high in fat and often creamy. The carbonation found in beer serves to cleanse the
palate before another bite is savoured.
Did you say Dutch craft beers?
The story is the same in many countries;
a handful of beers dominate the public
consciousness through ubiquitous availability and relentless advertisement.
But remove a few layers of the hop flower
and you will find that for each monolithic
brew, a militia of microbrewers, nanobrewers, and homebrewers has
formed to provide amazing
beers to those that seek
them out. Germany and
Belgium are more widely
known for their beers but
the Netherlands is quietly
building its own space »
“Beer and
cheese
share the
same basic
origin.”
OPEN DAY WED 9 MARCH
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Education
opens doors
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van Beuningen
advocaten
Specialist law practice in The Hague
THE BRITISH SCHOOL
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Wednesday 9 March
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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 8am - 9pm
Thursday: 8am - 4.30pm
Friday: 8am - 12.30pm
How and where you can reach us:
Jan van Nassaustraat 99
2596 BR The Hague
070 324 55 30
E-mail: [email protected]
www.janvannassau.nl
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Contact
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Nassaulaan 19
2514 JT The Hague
Phone: +31 (0)70 356 08 50
Fax: +31 (0)70 361 50 50
www.vanbeuningenadvocaten.nl
Flexible ways
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Flexibility is the key to improving
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Learn more
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070 360 7443
INSPIRING LEARNING
Food | Dutch beer and cheese pairings
“Aside from their compatitbility, beer and
cheese are relatively cheap to enjoy.”
Craft Beer Shops
Alien Brewing Company
Korte Koediefstraat 5
2511 CE Den Haag
www.abcbeers.nl
J.P. Alsem
Loosduinseweg 693
2571 AM Den Haag
www.alsem.nl
De Bierkoning
Palace Street 125
1012 RK Amsterdam
www.bierkoning.nl
Cracked Kettle
Raamsteeg 3
1012 VZ Amsterdam
www.crackedkettle.com
Dutch Cheese Shops
De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam
Runstraat 7
1016 GJ Amsterdam
www.kaaskamer.nl
Kaasland
Haarlemerstraat 2
1013 ER Amsterdam
www.kaasland.com
De Kaasspecialzaak
Fahrenheitstraat 625
2561 DC Den Haag
www.kaasspecialzaak.nl
‘t Hollands Kaashuis
Reinkenstraat 15
2517 CN Den Haag
Kaashuis Jan de Bruijn
Van Hoytemastraat 48
2596 ES Den Haag
in the beer lover’s heart with exceptional
beers from De Molen, Brouwerij De Eem,
Muifelbrouwerij, Jopen, and Emelisse to
name just a few.
Where do I start?
As with anything related to our five senses
(which is pretty much everything), individual taste is highly subjective. Most importantly, use your own personal preferences
to guide your selections. Enjoy a light, crisp
beer that won’t get your head spinning or
do you prefer your drink opaque and as
dangerous as a shot of whiskey? Do you
prefer your cheeses as a complement to a
cracker and a slice of meat or do you allow
it to dominate the palate with strong taste
and smell? Whatever the answer may be,
the beauty is in the near boundless pairing
possibilities and while beginning with
something you know will ease introductions, tasting outside of your preferred
range may bring new favorites to the table.
There are, however, a few rules to consider
when picking your pair:
• Pair light and delicate beers with young,
fresh cheeses.
• Pair malty and heavy beers with aged,
nutty cheeses.
• Pair hoppy or bitter beers with sharp,
spicy, or tart cheeses.
• Pair strong and sweet beers with blue
cheeses.
Specific suggestions to try tonight
Aside from their compatibility, beer and
cheese are relatively cheap to enjoy. Try
pairing six different cheeses with six differ-
ent wines and you may need to sell your
pants, depending upon the age and esteem
of the wines you choose. A great bottle of
beer won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Martin King sees the recent resurgence
in beer and cheese pairings as a natural
progression; “those who love cheese will
further enjoy it with a good beer and those
who like beer will see how well cheese
complements their tasty beverage”, he
says. Martin, along with his business partner Dean Southall, run the Alien Brewing
Company (ABC) in The Hague. Their bottle
shop sells an extensive variety of Dutch
craft beers and doubles as a tasting venue
for brewers to showcase their various beerv
recipes. With his culinary background and
deep knowledge of Dutch craft beers,
Martin has recommended the following
pairings to try:
Martins choices:
• Leidsch Aaipiejee (IPA) paired
with Cumin Cheese
• ABC Winterbieah Dark IPA
paired with Jong Cheese
(10-months)
• Brouwerij Eem Blond paired
with Oude Sheep Cheese
• ABC Haagse Harry Porter paired
with Andijker Sheep Cheese
with Fenegriek
• Muifelbrouwerij Broeder
Everardus Tripel paired with
North Holland Goat Cheese
• Kleine Duimpje Imperial
Russian Stout paired with
Oude Gouda
• Emelisse Barley Wine paired
with Dutch Blue Cheese
THE
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Kimpala Graphics
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Reflecting your uniqueness
Creative ser vices for individuals and businesses
Logos & Business Cards
A Spiritual home that develops disciples of Christ
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Contemporary Sunday Worship Service
10:00*
Writing & Editing
(Quiet Traditional Service)
(Traditional Service with Choir)
Brochures & Manuals
Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults
10:00
11:30
Advertising
Posters & Flyers
(with Praise Band)
Traditional Sunday Worship Services
09:00
11:30*
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(Children ages 2 ½ - 11)
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Photography & Photo Restoration
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Please visit our website for more information: www.apch.nl
For all your creative needs contact Kimpala Graphics
070 211 5264 ~ 06 202 90 142
Esther de Boer-van Rijklaan 20, 2597 TJ Den Haag
(070) 324 4490 | [email protected] | www.apch.nl
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courses
please register for courses online at www.access-nl.org, or telephone ACCESS ON 0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222377), CALLS COST 20 CENTS PER MINUTE.
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Contact
The British School
Amsterdam
€200
[email protected]
Childbirth & baby courses
Tuesdays, 5, 12 April,
3, 10 and 17 May +
one postnatal session
Childbirth
Preparation
Course
Popular six-session course, presented by a
Dutch-English speaking, qualified midwife. For
women in the last few months of pregnancy.
On demand
Childbirth
Preparation
– Individuals
Individual childbirth preparation sessions in the On demand
Amsterdam region.
€135
[email protected]
30 March (June due date), Childbirth
11 May (July/Aug due date), Preparation
18:45-21:00
Course
Six two-hour sessions on Wednesday evenings
preparing for childbirth in the Netherlands, led
by our very experienced trainers.
Bronovo Hospital
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€200
Nester Moyo/Lee Tolman
070 346 2525
[email protected]
Start dates: 29 March
and 24 May
18:15-19:30
Prenatal Yoga
Complete preparation for labour through
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Bronovo Hospital
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Joke van Roosendahl
070 326 2638
[email protected]
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Prenatal exercise
Two-session course led by qualified physiotherapist. For women in their 3rd trimester who want
to get fit before the birth of their baby.
Oegstgeest
The Hague
€120
Vera Atlas
070 346 2525
[email protected]
Tuesdays, 20:45-22:00
Register anytime,
six weeks after birth
Postnatal Yoga
Relaxation techniques, muscle strengthening
through Pilates, energy building through Hatha
Yoga. Eight sessions.
Bronovo Hospital
The Hague
€80
Joke van Roosendahl
070 326 2638
[email protected]
March 28, April 21,
May 16, June 9, July 4
Breastfeeding
Designed for first-time mums, this workshop
offers you the opportunity to explore breastfeeding in more detail.
Amsterdam
€25 per
person/
couple
020 470 0321
[email protected]
27 April, 10:00
25 May, 19:30
29 June 10:00
Breastfeeding
Course
Qualified lactation consultant offering one
2-hour information session on breastfeeding
for pregnant women. Nootdorp
The Hague
€30
Sharron van der Linden-Woodley
070 346 2525
[email protected]
Creative workshops
3 and 10 March
09:30-13:00
Definite Articles
How to write and sell winning articles based on
your life overseas. Learn how to craft, edit,
write, pitch and sell articles.
Bankastraat 20,
The Hague
€150
for the
course
Jo Parfitt
06 4847 3779
www.joparfitt.com
5 April
09:30-13:00
Blogging,
Tweeting and
all that Jazz
Learn how to blog, why to blog and what on
earth to write in order to promote your business
or attract followers.
Bankastraat 20,
The Hague
€75
Jo Parfitt
06 4847 3779
www.joparfitt.com
26 May, 9 June
09:30-12:00
Write Your Life
Stories
Lots of inspiration, examples and practise in
lesson with homework too. The classes cover
writing humour and writing in stories.
Bankastraat 20,
The Hague
€50 per
session
Jo Parfitt
06 4847 3779
www.joparfitt.com
Tuesday, Wednesday &
Thursdays, 10:00-13:00,
Friday nights, 19:00-22.00
Spear Your Fears
Find your creative self and release your singing
voice or inner author; great for artistic beginners who want constructive tips in a fun setting.
The Hague
€75 / 3hrs
Niamh Ni Bhroin
06 2674 7504
www.NiamhCelticWarrior.com
Challenge Your Talent (YCYT)
BEGINNER TO ADVANCED DUTCH & ENGLISH
Educational consultancy and training
IN-COMPANY COURSES
PRIVATE TUITION
LEGAL AND BUSINESS ENGLISH
● Specialized in gifted education
● Counselling and training for parents, children and teachers
● Coaching children in social skills
Contact: Yarona van der Horst (educational counsellor)
mobile: 06 1424 5010
www.challengeyourtalent.nl
DUTCH & ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING
KO N I N G I N N E G R AC H T 6 6 & 7 2 | 2 5 1 4 AG D E N H A AG
T 070-360 78 60 | M 06-55 88 56 18
I N F O @ K I C K S TA RT S C H O O L . N L | W W W. K I C K S TA RT S C H O O L . N L
Language Courses German School The Hague
(Statenkwartier)
German & Dutch
courses
All levels
Private tuition,
groups,
in-company training
Deutsche Schule
Den Haag
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S ti
f tu
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ng S chku
pr a
All t
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nati achers
ve s
pea are
kers
www.stiftungsprachkurse.nl
email:[email protected]
van Bleiswijkstraat 125, 2582 LB Den Haag, Tel.070-354 94 54
est. 1985
I N S T I T U T E
12 week beginners, intermediate, advanced, NT2 level II
2 week intensive beginners and intermediate courses
Private and in-company courses
www.directdutch.com
Laan van Nieuw
Oost-Indië 275
2593 BS Den Haag
Tel: 070 3654677
Simply the best
all-in-one guide
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65,000 copies sold
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�27.50
www.heresholland.com
courses
Date / Time
Title
Details
Location
Cost
Contact
Personal development
17 March, 5 April,
19 May, 9 June
09:30-12:30
Understanding
Yourself
‘Use your values as a personal compass’. Clarify what is important to you as a person and
identify your values, needs and limits.
The Hague
€88
Marie Dewulf
06 2440 1355
www.coach2moveon.com
From 22 March
19:00-21:00
The Wine Series
- Wine Course
Sign up for one or more evenings on a range of
wine-related topics. Certified WSET tutor.
Includes tapas.
The Hague
€55-€70
Anne Nielsen de Bérard
06 2631 7807
www.anneswines.com
31 March, 14, 21 April,
19 May, 2, 23 June
09:30-12:30
Confidence
Building for
People in
Transition
Gain valuable advice and tips to help you build
up your confidence for life in the Netherlands.
One coaching session per person.
The Hague & Haarlem
€120
Jacinta Noonan
06 5127 6691
www.jacintanoonan.com
14, 26 March, 11, 23 April,
16, 28 May, 11, 25 June
09:30-16:30
Find Your Passion
We are more effective, successful and happier
when we are doing things we are passionate
about. Let me help you Find Your Passion.
The Hague
€240
Jacinta Noonan
06 5127 6691
www.jacintanoonan.com
7 April-12 May
19:30-21:30.
POWERtalk
Short Course
Gain confidence in speaking and presenting
yourself in all situations from corporate and
community groups to daily life.
The Hague
€180
Marlene Burns
06 2027 7765
[email protected]
Check website
Diversity Series
- Fireside Chats
Learn about multicultural and diversity issues
through discussions, workshops, and seminars
characterised by a warm and informal tone
The Hague
Check
website
Christine Fischer
06 3615 0875
www.fischersfiresidechats.com
On demand
Mindfulness
Training
Eight sessions to help increase concentration
and focus, and enhances both energy levels and
quality of sleep.
Prinsengracht,
Amsterdam
€550
020 423 3217
[email protected]
www.presentmind.nl/en/
To be confirmed
The Wine Series –
Wine Course
Sign up for one or more evenings on a variety of
wine-related topics. Taught by a certified WSET
tutor. Includes tapas.
Amsterdam
€55-€70
Anne Nielsen de Bérard
06 2631 7807
www.anneswines.com
Caring for yourself
6, 13, 20, 27 March, 3, 10,
17 April, 1 May, 5, 12 June
14:00-18:00
The Healthy
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Taught by certified culinary nutritionist and
naturopathic doctor. For special needs such as
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Cucina Reale,
Paardemarkt,
Delft Center
€50-100
Barbara Reale
06 4805 8793
www.royalempowerment.nl
Start date: 28 March
Four sessions
09:30-12:30
Weight Loss Big on the Inside
Learn how to manage your weight without the
tyranny of diets and calorie counting. Learn
new skills to ensure long term results.
The Hague & Haarlem
€397
Jacinta Noonan
06 5127 6691
www.bigontheinside.com
Start date: 6 April
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Have a Better
Sleep for a Better
Day!
Learn how to improve your sleep and reduce
insomnia using Sophrology techniques. Ten
one-hour sessions, including audio CD.
A location near
the Peace Palace,
The Hague
€180
Mireille BARREAU
06 3003 0888
www.4moreharmony.com
Every third Thursday,
Friday & Saturday
09:30-13:00
Energy is Your
Best Medicine
Rediscover your natural resources of energy
through a combination of ancient healing arts
& modern day technique.
Statenkwartier &
Bezuidenhout
The Hague
€ 49 incl.
VAT
Ingrid Schippers
06 2213 3894
www. theportableyogacompany.com
courses
Date / Time
Title
Details
Location
Cost
Contact
Parent education seminars
4 April
19:30-21:45
Money Matters
for Mothers
Get on top of your family’s finances: learn from
Jose de Boer about home admin, budgeting,
insurance, tax breaks and savings.
van Hogenhoucklaan 89, The Hague
€35pp
€52.50
(couples)
Soul Robertson
06 4185 7773
www.passionateparenting.nl
9 May
19:30-21:45
Dutch Wills &
Testaments
Every expat parent should have a Dutch will to
avoid legal and tax related problems, should the
unthinkable happen. Especially guardianship.
€35pp
€52.50
(couples)
Soul Robertson
06 4185 7773
6 June
19:30-21:45
Expat Kids and
Global Nomad
Families
Each time we move, a small part of us is lost.
What is the impact of our international lives on
our kids? Learn how your family can thrive.
€35pp
€52.50
(couples)
Soul Robertson
06 4185 7773
Job seeking
10:00-12:00 March 7th
Career
Explorations in
the Netherlands
Insight into the specific situation of the expat
partner. Encourages and energises you to start,
and to give you ideas about ‘where and how’.
Amsterdam
€50
06 1537 4371
[email protected]
21 March 09:30-12:30,
24 May 09:30-12.30
Job Hunting in
the Netherlands
Strengthen your application techniques;
improve your CV and cover letter, practise interview skills and find out where to find the jobs.
Includes a personal follow-up consultation.
The Hague
€107
Teresa Moynihan
06 2665 4708
www.moynihan-hr-consulting.com
13, 27 April, 11, 18 May,
and 1, 15 June
10:00-13:00/18:00-21:00
Coaching Group
for Expat Women
Six sessions plus an individual coaching session. For women looking for their dream job
and want to discover their strengths.
The Hague
€499
Dorota Klop-Sowinska
06 1325 3655
www.dosocoaching.com
A location near
Valkenbosplein,
The Hague
€500 +
€92 for
book &
CD
Henny van Santen
06 5719 4646
[email protected]
Languages
Start dates: 7 March
and 9 May
09:15 -12:15
“At Home Abroad” An intensive language course with a certified
- Dutch for Starters Dutch language teacher, in a relaxed atmoLanguage Course sphere. Ten sessions over five weeks, in groups
of four to six people.
13, 20, 27 April, 11, 18, 25
May, 1, 8, 22 June
09:00-10:30,
Dutch for
Beginners
Nine classes of Dutch lessons designed to
improve communication skills in Dutch
Amsterdam
€250
06 1537 4371
[email protected]
13, 20, 27 April, 11, 18,
25 May, 1, 8, 22 June
10:30-12:00
Intermediate
Dutch
Nine classes, designed for those who have
received previous Dutch classes. Focus on daily
conversations
Amsterdam
€250
06 1537 4371
[email protected]
On demand
Eight Things to
Know in Chinese
Four-hour intro to the Chinese language.
Practise pronunciation, names, numbers and
some survival phrases. Private lessons also
available.
The Hague
€60
Wang-Ju Tsai
06 1217 3662
[email protected]
Quality day-care for your child,
peace of mind for you
Comme à la
Maison is an
international
childcare center
in The Hague. We
provide a warm
and welcoming
home for both
Dutch and
English-speaking
children.
• Special activities: art, gymnastics, music
and dancing
• Registered with the GGD. An active
Parents' Committee
• Warm, nutritional and balanced meals
available daily
• English and Dutch-speaking groups of
children aged 0-to-6
• Secure environment, fully equipped for
play, sleep and educational needs
• Swimming: unique to day-care, a chance
to experience the world of water
International Child Care House
Comme à la Maison
Duinweg 1, 2585 JT Den Haag
0031 (0) 70-404 9750
[email protected]
www.calmkid.nl
YOU’VE GOT ENOUGH
TO DISCOVER
That’s why we offer financial services especially for expats. At ABN AMRO
we are aware of the cultural and other differences you will encounter
in the Netherlands. That’s why we’ll do everything to ensure that you
won’t have to worry about your banking matters. Our International Client
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communicate in more than 20 different languages. For advice on more
complex financial issues, you can count on the expertise and assistance
of a Preferred Banker. Would you like to discover more about our service?
Please visit abnamro.com/internationalclients
ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (“ABN AMRO”) is not licensed to conduct banking business or sell insurance products in the United States under applicable federal and state laws. The offering, sale and/or distribution of this product or service can also be limited to other persons by the
laws and regulations of other jurisdictions. Every (future) client is obliged to make inquiries after and comply with such restrictions. Neither this document, nor any copy there of may be sent to or taken into the United States or distributed in the United States or to a US Person.

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