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serving
t h e i n t e r n at i o n a l
community
www.access-nl.org
The bicycle
of tomorrow
30
years
2016
Summer
In this issue | Learning to bike as an adult | Sporty summer |
Groningen: a little of everything | Goodbyes, hard for leavers and stayers |
Refreshing raspberry popsicles | Editor’s picks for summer reading |
HELLO HOLLAND!
The perfect holiday camp for new arrivals!
Looking for ways to help your kids settle in, meet
new friends and generally have fun this summer?
‘‘Hello Holland’’ has the answer!
‘‘Hello Holland’’ - the newest addition to our summer programme
- is aimed at introducing children to their new surroundings.
Whether it’s clog painting, cheese making or playing new Dutch
games - there’s something for everyone!
Based in The Hague, our award winning holiday programme
features exciting trips, workshops & activities all summer...
Visit www.holidaycamps.nl for dates & more
info on this and our other theme camps!
• holidaycamps.nl • [email protected] • 070 326 8263 •
Trusted partner to all
International Schools
in The Hague
Letter from the editor
PHOTO: LYSSA RAMOS PHOTOGRAPHY
Dear ACCESS
readers
Mandie van der
Meer-Danielski
ACCESS Editor
[email protected]
On New Year’s Day I biked with my husband, Jeroen, to his parents’ house – a good hourand-a-half one way from our place. This was considered a feat deserving of two thumbs
up from my in-laws! It was a special occasion, to be sure, but even a reluctant cyclist like
me had to appreciate the crisp, sunny afternoon cycling alongside De Kaag.
What about you? Are you a casual, ‘fair-weather biker’ like several of us at ACCESS? Or are
you a hard-core cyclist – like 240,000 Dutch enthusiasts – with proper gear who rides for
the journey, not the destination? Either way, summer is your season!
Given the prominence of the bicycle here, if we are to remain a part of the culture and
landscape, then it behooves us to keep up with the innovations of bike designers,
engineers and environmentalists who are developing a better life on two wheels. Gemma
Gahan has the scoop about what the future holds for the bicycle in the cover story.
What if you haven’t yet learned to cycle? It’s never too late. Vera ter Beest got a first-hand
account from brave souls who took up cycling as adults. Find your inspiration in the
centerfold story and start enjoying the benefits of daily cycling. Plus, you’ll win points with
your Dutch neighbors and family. They just love to hear when a foreigner has embraced
the bicycle.
Read on for more in this edition where Tracey Taylor
helps us stay active with other sports. Ute LimacherRiebold tells us what it’s like to say goodbye to
friends, whether you’re leaving or staying behind.
Our pals at DutchNews.nl invite us to get to know
them better. Don’t miss the news from ACCESS (hint: Amsterdam, we’re talking to you!).
And let us know how you liked Magdalini Zografou’s special recipe for raspberry sorbet
popsicles – perfect for those hot days I just know we’re going to get this summer.
They just love to hear when a
foreigner has embraced the bicycle.
Our readers’ feedback is always welcome: [email protected]. Share your memorable international experiences with the ACCESS community on facebook.com/ACCESS-Netherlands.
ACCESS | SUMMER 2016 | 3
Colophon
About ACCESS
ACCESS is a volunteer not-for-profit
Publisher Stichting ACCESS
Laan van Meerdervoort 70,
1st floor, 2517 AN The Hague
Editorial content
[email protected]
organisation that serves the needs and
interests of the i nternational community in
Advertising
070 345 1700
the Netherlands. It is supported by Dutch,
[email protected]
international and e
xpatriate businesses and
Editor
organisations through donations and
Mandie van der Meer-Danielski
sponsorship.
Design & Layout
M-space, Marek Moggré
What we do
Established in 1986 ACCESS is a
unique volunteer-based organisation. Representing an impressive
cultural and linguistic variety, its
dedicated volunteers work to:
• provide guidance, advice, information to help individuals with
settling, and/or living and working in the Netherlands
• promote friendship, understanding and wellbeing of the
members of the international
community in the Netherlands
• contribute to community development through skill training
schemes and courses
• serve as a bridge between local
and international communities
• assist the HR departments of
international employers
in preparing for and receiving
international staff
Printer
Executive Board
•Chairman: Gary Hays
,
Valshebnik Consulting
Members
•Koosje Ploegmakers,
ABN AMRO
•Godelijn Boonman,
GMW Advocaten
•Lowri van der Linden
,
the Netherlands Foreig
n
Investment Agency
• Pauline O'Brien, Coun
cil
of International School
s
Edauw en Johannissen Drukkerij
Cover image
TU Delft Bicycle Lab
Contents images (clockwise)
Mission Bicycle Company,
Steven Pisano, Erik en
Petra Hesmerg, Magdalini
Zografou
Contributors
Steven Ecott, Gemma Gahan,
Ute Limacher-Riebold, Aafke
Mertens, Robin Pascoe, Tracey
Taylor, Vera ter Beest, Deborah
Valentine, Mandie van der Meer,
Magdalini Zografou
Thanks to
Martha V. Costa, Antonio
Gutierrez, Lyssa Gehenna Ramos,
Katrin Windolf
0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377) local rate 20c per minute
[email protected] www.access-nl.org
4 | ACCESS | SUMMER 2016
Join ACCESS on
12
Summer 2016 Vol. 29 No. 2
Circulation: 3,500
Also available online at: magazine.access-nl.org
Contents
7 ACCESS News
20
Amsterdam, here we come!
9 What’s On for Summer
12 Cover Story The bicycle
of tomorrow
19 International Community
Get to know DutchNews.nl
20 Arts & Entertainment
Sporty summer
23
23 Food Raspberry sorbet
popsicles
24 Education Learning to bike
as an adult
Retraction: In the Spring issue,
“Choosing an international secondary
school” (p. 41), the article states
that “At Senior High school level, all
international schools and internationallyminded foreign national schools offer the
IB Program.” However, not all schools
offer the IB Program. Please confirm with
individual schools about curricula.
28 Health & Wellbeing Goodbyes
are hard for leavers and stayers
33 Dutch Lifestyle The Dutch
formula for cycling
36 Travel Groningen: a little
36
of everything
43 Reviews Editor’s picks for
Summer reading
44 Orange Pages Classifieds
from the community
Copyright ACCESS 2016
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.
ACCESS news
Amsterdam, here we come!
PHOTO: MARTHA V. COSTA
We are excited about working together with the
Expatcenter Amsterdam to offer even better services
to the international community in the Amsterdam
region, and are looking forward to providing local
internationals with volunteer opportunities there.
Another treat in our 30th birthday year. This time,
The ACCESS Helpdesk model is a tried and tested
way for expats to help expats. The experience of those
who have arrived before you is invaluable to navigating
the waters of a new home. After all, when you are new
somewhere and you do not know what you do not
know, who better to help guide you than someone who
travelled the same path? Some questions our Helpdesk
has received in the past:
being able to serve and offer volunteer
opportunities to internationals in Amsterdam.
“Help, I’ve lost my Dutch residence permit card! Who do
I contact to replace it and how long is the process?”
We are proud to announce the opening of a new
ACCESS Helpdesk at the Expatcenter Amsterdam.
We have been at the Expat Center Utrecht since 2015,
and at The Hague International Centre since 2010,
and now our volunteers are in the capital – in person.
“There’s an abandoned bicycle chained in front of my house
that’s been there for months. Any advice on how I can get it
legally removed?”
Starting in June, ACCESS volunteers will be available at
the Expatcenter Amsterdam on Monday and Wednesday
mornings, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and all day
on Fridays to answer the questions new arrivals have
about living and settling in Amsterdam.
Have a question? ACCESS volunteers are happy to help!
Drop in at one of our helpdesks, or send us your inquiry
via [email protected]. Want to know the answers to
the most frequently asked questions? Take a look at our
ACCESS Guides on www.access-nl.org/guides. «
ACCESS Helpdesk
at Expatcenter Amsterdam
World Trade Center Amsterdam
D-Tower, second floor
(entrance via Zuidplein)
Strawinskylaan 39
1077 XW Amsterdam
Monday and Wednesday 09:00 – 13:00
Tuesday and Thursday 13:00 – 17:00
Friday 09:00 – 17:00
“Where in Amsterdam can I buy memory foam pillows?”
ACCESS Helpdesk
at Expat Center Utrecht
Stadsplateau 1
3521 AZ Utrecht
Tuesday and Thursday 09:00 – 17:00
ACCESS Helpdesk
at The Hague International Centre
City Hall (Atrium) Spui 70
2511 BT The Hague
Monday through Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Education | Partner feature
DISDH Holiday Programme
Great holidays guaranteed
Summer, sun, beach and school? At the DISDH, a successful

combination. When the
summer holiday season begins in the Netherlands, the German International School
The Hague remains alive. Participation in the Holiday Programme offers the children
interesting and diversified activities including sports, cooking, crafts and lots of fun.
A wonderful time is guaranteed for all.
070 354 9494
www.disdh.nl
After two years of the DISDH Summer Holiday
Programme taking place at Kijkduin Park, this year
the programme returns to the school’s own premises. During this time, the children can again look
forward to exciting and varied holidays. Besides
excursions in the forest or museums in the neighbourhood, good weather will bring the children to
the North Sea, within walking distance of the school.
It only remains to be seen which child will be able
to build the biggest sand castle or find the most
beautiful stones and interesting shells. In order to
allow the children to optimally relax and enjoy, they
are given the space and freedom of mind they need.
The qualified staff at DISDH pay attention to regular
rest periods where stories are read and quiet projects
are worked on together. Experience has shown that
many facets of the Holiday Programme have a positive impact on the development of the children who
have the chance to make new friends and intensify
existing friendships. Since the participants are of different ages, the younger ones benefit from learning
from their “elders”. This strengthens the self-confidence and social skills of all children. The caregivers
and organisers of the programme are all German or
Dutch native speakers, giving the children a wonderful opportunity to improve their language skills.
All these factors ensure that the children are not only
well rested but equally motivated to start the new
school year.
The DISDH Summer Holiday Programme meets the
prerequisites for a great summer. Students enjoy
being in their familiar surroundings during their
“school-free” time and the range of varied possibilities offered reinforces the positive association they
have with DISDH. Field trips to nearby museums
or climbing forests are considered true highlights
during the students’ vacation time. We can only
hope that the sun plays along and appears as much
as possible in the blue sky over The Hague. «
What’s On
Special events in June
Want to post a community event in this magazine? Contact ACCESS magazine at [email protected] subject: ‘What’s on’.
Museum Het Schip
Holland Festival
www.hetschip.nl/en
www.hollandfestival.nl/en
4 - 26 June - Amsterdam
12 March onwards - Amsterdam
Music, theatre, film, visual arts – the Holland Festival presents the most packed performing
arts program in the country. Discover the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music, engage
with Chinese philosopher Tu Weiming, or watch the Wunderbaum actors’ struggle in the
film Stop Acting Now, where they attempt to challenge their own idealism. The event spans
the month of June in various venues in Amsterdam, so take a look at the programme online.
PHOTO: MICK OTTEN | NIEUWE WENDING PRODUCTIES
The Museum Het Schip reopened in
March after an extensive renovation to
celebrate 100 years of the “Amsterdamse
School” of architecture. The museum
reveals the fantasy, inspiration, and
craftsmanship behind a movement that
sought to break from the more utilitarian
style of its time. Visitors can enjoy interactive features suited to both adults and
children, such as soundscapes, touch
screens and mirrors, or adventure out
to see the real thing on a guided tour
through Amsterdam.
Urban Farm De Schilde
www.urbanfarmers.com/intro
Tours on demand
PHOTO: MARTIJN ZEGWAARD
De Schilde is a newly opened rooftop
urban farm, housed at the top of an
abandoned Philips building. Although
home deliveries for some of their
50 tons of vegetables and 20 tons of
fresh fish will only begin in September,
the farm is now open to visitors. Book a
guided tour to learn how food is grown
responsibly inside cities, enjoy the views,
and marvel at how the space has been
repurposed in the greenhouse and
aquaculture room.
Flag Day
www.scheveningen.com/en/event/241/
flag-day-scheveningen.html
18 June - Scheveningen
Flag Day, or vlaggetjesdag, is a long
standing Dutch tradition. Don’t let the
name mislead you – it’s actually a festival celebrating the arrival of the new
Dutch herring catch! Flags are flown and
people gather to enjoy the Hollandse
nieuwe with music, traditional crafts,
costumes, and games. Make sure to try
your herring the Dutch way, covered in
raw onions and eaten by knocking your
head back and lowering a dangling fish
into your mouth!
Vermeer is
coming home
www.prinsenhof-delft.nl/en
Until 17 July - Delft
The location of Vermeer’s iconic
Little Street has long been a matter
of contention, but researcher Frans
Grijzenhout has finally solved the
mystery! More than an art exhibition,
Vermeer is coming home takes us
through years of Delft history in a fascinating artistic detective story. Follow
the steps of the Delft master around the
city with the museum’s free app to truly
immerse yourself in Vermeer’s life and
the places that influenced his work.
What’s On
Special events in July
FASHIONCLASH
Festival
www.fashionclash.nl
Summer Carnival
Tilbug Kermis Funfair
www.rotterdamunlimited.com/en/
summer-carnival
www.detilburgsekermis.nl
22 - 31 July - Tilburg
30 June - 3 July - Maastricht
FASHIONCLASH is a whirlwind of fantastic catwalk shows, exhibitions, and ateliers taking place throughout the city of
Maastricht. More than just a show, the
festival also spearheads initiatives such
as LET’S (AD)DRESS THE PEOPLE, a
social design project that works with the
elderly to bring together crafts, heritage,
and culture. And if you’re looking to
update your style with some unique and
eye-catching pieces, the market is a must!
29 - 30 July - Rotterdam
Take to the streets of Rotterdam in a
bold and bright celebration of international arts and culture. This huge summer carnival attracts more than 900,000
visitors each year with a myriad of live
performances, parades, parties, and a
street-food market. Get caught up in the
wave energy that is this giant street party
while you dance, eat, and gawk at gorgeous costumes. Performance highlights include a Battle of the Drums.
You can’t have summer without a
funfair, and the Tilburgse Kermis is the
biggest in the Benelux! For 10 days,
the whole city becomes a playground
with over 250 attractions, ranging from
huge modern rollercoasters to old fashioned rides in the Willemsplein square.
If you visit on the 26th, make sure to
wear something pink to take part in
Pink Monday, a festivity promoting gay
emancipation and integration. A fun
experience any day of the week.
Four Days Marches
PHOTO: PETER STIGTER
www.4daagse.nl/en
19 - 22 July - Nijmegen
The Art of Banksy
www.theartofbanksy.amsterdam/en/
the-art-banksy
For four consecutive days, over 40,000 people from all over the world come to the historical city of Nijmegen to participate in the largest marching event in the world. Although
registrations for the march itself happen months in advance, it’s well worth to witness the
event as a bystander: thousands more gather in the streets to cheer the walkers on and
share in the moment, and it’s especially impressive to see those in the military category
tackling 40km a day in full kit.
Infamous for his challenging and subversive graffiti, Banksy is part street-artist
part political activist. For the first time
in the Netherlands, The Art of Banksy
showcases a series of canvasses,
paintings, sculptures and interactive
storytelling charting Banksy’s rise to
fame. The pieces presented come
from both private collectors and the
curator’s own collection, so this may
be a o
nce-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
see some of this artwork in person.
PHOTO: GER LOEFFEN | STICHTING DE 4DAAGSE
18 June - 30 September
Amsterdam
What’s On
Special events in August
Fireworks Festival
www.vuurwerkfestivalscheveningen.nl
PHOTO: DELFLANDDAG
12 - 13 and 19 - 20 August
Scheveningen
Westland Floating Parade
The yearly fireworks festival in
Scheveningen brings together competitors from across the world to give you a
dazzling show. The sea and sky light up
as fireworks go off from a pontoon at
sea, creating a truly magical sight. Make
it a full day out and enjoy the beach and
boulevard beforehand! Since the event
draws huge crowds, do make sure to
look up the traffic restrictions beforehand and arrive early to get a good spot.
www.varendcorso.nl/en/Voor-bezoekers
5 - 7 August - Riverbanks across Westland
Pluk de Nacht Open
Air Film Festival
Veerhaven Concert
www.veerhavenconcert.nl
www.plukdenacht.nl/en/about-the-festival
27 August - Rotterdam
3 - 16 August - Amsterdam
This free open air film festival boasts a
mix of Dutch films, international features
and shorts, documentaries, and even
animation: the common trait being that
none of the films have been acquired or
released by local distributors. On top of
film showings, there are talks, debates
and parties. An exciting meeting place
for any lover of cinematography.
There are blankets and even an indoor
location reserved should it start raining!
Spend a relaxed, or maybe even romantic, evening listening to classical music
while floating on the waters of a
Rotterdam canal at the Veerhaven
harbour at this annual free concert.
The atmosphere promises to be something special, with a repertoire of a
classics and opera performed by world
renowned musicians on a transparent
open-air stage, surrounded by antique
yachts. You can watch the concert from
a free space at the docks or even bring
your own boat!
Amy Winehouse:
A Family Portrait
www.jhm.nl/english
Until 4 September - Amsterdam
In this exhibition of memories from
Amy Winehouse’s family and earlier
school days, the Jewish History Museum
opens a door to the more intimate side
of her life, away from the sensationalised
media focus she received at the height
of her career. The collection is a touching reflection on the hidden facets of
an artist, and allows you to share in a
special moment with her family, who
wish to share her pride for her JewishLondon roots.
PHOTO: THE JEWISH MUSEUM
Two great Dutch specialities, growing flowers and canal-faring, come together in threeday long floating procession across the region of Westland. More than 50 boats decorated
with flowers and vegetables will cruise by for your viewing pleasure, as people gather on
the riverbanks to enjoy picnics and local parties. The parade is accompanied by music and
activities at various points: for example, on the third day, or Delftlanddag, the boats make
a one-hour stopover in Delft for you to examine them more closely.
PHOTO: MICHAEL D. SPENCER
The
bicycle of
tomorrow
Cover Story
Today, I’d like us to talk about bicycles. As residents
or visitors of the Netherlands, you’ll have noticed
that the bicycle has taken pride of place in local
hearts and day-to-day life, be it through leisurely
rides in the countryside, the thrill of training for
sport and races, or as the go-to mode of
transportation. Despite the widespread appeal,
the bicycle hardly comes across as the innovative
vehicle of the future.
BY GEMMA GAHAN
Although the overall frame appears to have stayed the
same since the end of the 19th century, major advances
in the past 100 years have pushed the bike forward.
What exciting developments does the future hold for
the bicycle? First, let’s remind ourselves of its past.
Omafiets: a timeless symbol of Dutch culture
- or is it?
fact
There are
18 million
bicycles
in the
Netherlands
Despite the wheel being around for several millennia,
the bicycle is a relatively modern invention. It’s progressed from the original skater-like velocipede into
the iron-wheeled bone-shaker model in 1863, moving on to the first all-metal penny-farthing bicycle in
1870 and ending with the safety bike as we know it in
1890.
Since the bicycle is a symbol of Dutch national identity, many readers might assume that the modern
bike must originate from the Netherlands. Indeed,
the omafiets (grandma bike), whose classic design has
barely changed since 1891, is now referred to as ‘the
Dutch bike’ in some countries. However, it is originally an English Roadster design that was first produced around 1897. Dutch companies such as
Fongers and Gazelle directly copied the English
model and reproduced it in a smart marketing coup:
they promoted a practical, cheap, and unremarkable
bike that fell right in line with the Calvinist national
character.
The omafiets remains a giant of the industry thanks to
the durability of its design, both in aesthetic appeal
and sturdiness. Its most notable feature is the low
frame without a top tube between the handlebars and
the saddle. You can stylishly hop on and off one in a
crowded city, seamlessly transitioning from cycling
to walking in one step.
Keeping up with the times
The bicycle has come a long way since the original
roadsters, and Dutch streets are overflowing with
evidence of its versatility. One can't help but notice
safety improvements such as helmets, locks, jackets
and lights to signal the wearer in the dark. Bikes with
bags, baskets, even a bakfiets to ferry around preschool children for all your courier needs. Carbon
fibre frames, racing frames, adjustable saddles, tires
for different terrain and weather… Within the basic
shape of two wheels connected by bars, every tiny
component has been changed and specialised. The
latest advances in cycling technology can often be
seen during the Tour de France. It’s there that the first
modern derailleurs were trialled in 1937, allowing
riders to change gears without having to get off their
bike and change the wheel round. It’s where clipless
pedals, now a standard in racing, first premiered.
We can now choose not just to ride a bicycle, but
how we want to ride it. Ethan Kaufman, long time
mountain bike enthusiast, told us that “over the
past five to 10 years it seems like the technology in
outdoor recreational activities and biking has sky
rocketed. Weight and durability play a tremendous
role when using a bike for more than just commuting
to work. These advances in bike comfort have not
changed how I cycle but they have made it much
more comfortable.”
While the cycling industry is constantly leaping
further ahead, there are many developments now
available that aren’t yet widespread in use. Here are
a few reasons why the future bike is a force to be
reckoned with, from casual usage, to sustainability,
and safety. »
Cover Story | The bicycle of tomorrow
This range of additional gadgets is
enough to make anyone want to go
for a ride!
E-bikes: tackling distance and terrain
fact
40% of
imported
bikes in NL
come from
Asia
Electric bikes, as with many first iterations of an
invention, have a reputation for being a bit too
expensive. New materials, techniques, and competition in the industry do, however, promise to drive
prices down, which is great news: electric powered
motors now blend in near seamlessly with your own
effort, and batteries charge faster and last longer.
An e-bike adds between 7.5 to 20 kilometres to the
range of a conventional bike, and allows you to cycle
longer in hilly or difficult areas you may otherwise
not have the stamina for.
The Dutch-made VanMoof Electrified S is a great
example of a next-generation, optimised electric bike
(although there are many more on, and preparing to
enter the market). On top of all the usual features,
such as integrated pedal assist, its efficient battery
lasts up to 50km at the highest setting (120km when
cycling on a flat road at low power) and only takes six
hours to charge fully. It is also smart and connected:
the touchpad display on the front bar provides realtime information on speed, distance travelled and
battery charge, and comes with an associated app
which allows you to lock and unlock your keyless
bike remotely, as well as track it in case of theft.
This range of additional gadgets is enough to make
anyone want to go for a ride to try them all out!
If you want to explore outside city areas, the
StarckBike M.A.S.S. collection by notorious French
designer Philippe Starck offers an incredibly stylish
attempt at more globally viable e-bikes ready to
tackle all climates and terrain - mud, sand, snow
and asphalt. The downside here is that they do clock
in at a hefty amount of €7,000 minimum.
E-wheels upgrade
With millions of bikes already in existence, it makes
sense for innovators to play with what is already
rolling on the roads. The Copenhagen Wheel is an
example of an add-on technology with an e-bike’s
benefits. It was recently listed in a World Economic
Forum report as an example of a top-10 urban innovation. Indeed the near-silent kit makes biking even
easier and more appealing for everyday use, a sound
example of “the next generation of mobility”.
PHOTO: RUUD BAAN
The Copenhagen Wheel learns how you pedal and
integrates seamlessly with your motion, multiplying
your pedal power by three to 10 times. As a result,
distances feel short, hills feel flat. That latter point
may not be so relevant for cyclists here in the
Netherlands, but the Copenhagen Wheel is intended
for international application, to reduce carbon emissions on a global scale. The Wheel started as a partnership between the mayor of Copenhagen and the
SENSEable City Lab at Massachusetts Institute of
Technology in the US in an effort to answer the question, “How can we get more people to cycle?”
Their answer is an easy-to-install, small red hub on
a bicycle wheel, together weighing 5.9 kg (13 lbs),
that turns your bike into a smart electric hybrid.
Currently priced at $949.
muters on the train or bus. Often they are somewhat
clunky when folded, somewhat small when upright,
yet they remain versatile.
One improved model to pay attention to (not yet
available on the market, unfortunately) is Italian
product designer Gianluca Sada’s folding bike,
called Sada Bike. This bicycle provides a beautiful
alternative for city living and commutes. Sada’s
design allows the bike to fold to roughly the length
of an umbrella, and it’s meant to fold into a backpack
for ease of transport, despite its standard 66-cm
(26-in) wheel size. The design of the Sada Bike is
also remarkable because of the ‘hubless’ wheels,
meaning no spokes. Could hubless bicycles be a
wave of the future? That remains to be seen.
PHOTOS: R. BUCCHINO | FROZENLIGHT STUDIO
Forward-thinking sustainability
fact
21% of bikes
sold in NL
are electric.
Up from 10%
in 2008.
Working with space, urban living and
public transport
Today, design and technology blend together to
create bikes that fit into modern lifestyles in a way
never before achieved by simpler bicycle designs.
The folding bicycle especially reflects such progress.
You’ve likely seen some folding models with com-
Read on
• Bicycle Design: the search for the perfect machine - By Mike Burrows | 2008| ISBN
978-1905005680
• Biography of the bike: the ultimate history of bike design - By Chris Boardman with Chris Sidwells
| 2015 | ISBN 978-0760349892
• The Rider - By Tim Krabbé | 1978 (translated 2003 by Sam Garrett) | ISBN 978-1582342900
Matthew Wilkins and Christopher Deschenes, both
avid cyclists, met at George Washington University
in the US, and wanted, cliché as it might sound, to
change the world. They’re now the leaders behind
Pedal Forward, the company building a bamboo
bicycle, a design that won the 2012 Clinton Global
Initiative University Commitment Bracket.
Why bamboo? It’s cheap to produce, sustainable,
and a durable alternative to current bicycle production methods. Pedal Forward’s method of framebuilding allows for the tubes to be grown locally
(depending on the location), and to be truly renew
able in nature (bamboo can grow as much as 99 cm
in 24 hours!). Producing bamboo bikes also significantly cuts the amount of emissions associated
with the manufacturing process, as compared with a
conventional steel bike.
Right now proceeds from the purchase of each bicycle go to providing bicycles in the “Global South”.
However, Pedal Forward intends to set up production
facilities there, thereby creating employment opportunities in the areas where bikes are most needed.
“Our long-term goal,” say Pedal Forward on their
crowdfunding page on Kickstarter, “is to shift gears »
Personal training
Upbringing
•
•
Nutrition
Yoga for children
•
•
Mindfulness
Coaching
Posture
•
•
•
Massage
Yoga
Kinetics advice
WWW.BLOOMdenHaag.nL
Cover Story | The bicycle of tomorrow
from our current philanthropic model... eventually
turning each facility over to be managed and
employed by members of the local population.”
Having succeeded in raising funds, Pedal Forward
have introduced the bamboo bicycle to market. It
does seem to be a comfortable choice for cyclists;
treated bamboo is strong but lightweight, and four
times more shock absorbent than carbon fibre.
Currently priced at about $400 for the frame; $600
for a full bike, various sizes available.
Safety first
Safety is a concern for cyclists who compete for space
on the road, even in the Netherlands. Arend Schwab,
professor of Biomechanical Engineering at Delft
University of Technology (pictured on cover), runs a
bicycle dynamics lab where he and others are working on ways to make cycling safer still. At TEDx Delft
this past April, Schwab shared some of the advances
engineers are testing, such as bicycles with built-in
sensors. If a car drives too close to the left of the
cyclist, for example, then the left handlebar will
vibrate as a warning. If a car comes too close from
behind, you’ll ‘feel it’ in your saddle.
Schwab was joined during a panel discussion at
TEDx Delft by representatives from Vodafone who
introduced the Vodafone Smart Jacket for cyclists.
The jacket, engineered with TU Delft and still in prototype phase, links up with the route indicated on
your smart phone’s Google Maps. While you cycle,
the jacket’s lights signal your direction to fellow road
users, indicating turns to the left or right with bright,
electronic arrows. What happens if you suddenly
change direction during your trip? Well, Vodafone is
working out the kinks.
Finally, designers at Mission Bicycle Company
wanted to build a bicycle using reflective technology
that was previously only available in 2D, on flat street
signs, for example. Mission have proudly introduced
Lumen, a bicycle designed specifically for night time
city riding with integrated retro-reflection. Whenever
light hits the frame or rims of the Lumen, light
bounces back to the source. This effect is something
like a cat’s eyes, which boomerang light, creating an
intense glow. On the road, cyclists can be seen from
as far as 300 metres (or 1,000 feet) thanks to this 3D
retro-reflection technology.
Mindful cycling future
In the future, the bicycle will be an essential tool
for combining technology with mindfulness, moving humanity towards sustainability and health.
Although the Dutch enjoyed a particular set of
favourable circumstances to boost their cycling culture, new technologies, infrastructure, and policies
can have the same effect long term nearly everywhere
else around the world. Compensating for geography,
attacking pollution, and promoting better physical
health and safety, the bikes of tomorrow promise to
make tackling social change a whole lot easier. And
you know what’s even better? That people will be able
to enjoy themselves and share the thrill of cycling in
the process. «
fact
25% of
home-work
commuting
in NL is
done by bike.
About the author
Gemma Gahan is an artist, crafter, and storyteller based in The Hague. Find her illustrations at
Ginger’s Atelier: www.facebook.com/gingersatelier
Lifestyle | Partner feature
Experience the city by water
with The Hague Boat
pating in sailing competitions. Jan’s love of boats
comes from these experiences while growing up.
He even spent his first three years of life on a vessel.
His father was a skipper, he lived on a freighter, and
now boats are a central part of his life.
From building a boat behind our family home, to
the restoration of a 26-metre Dutch barge, it started
with these wonderful projects as a hobby. Gradually,
Jan was asked to build a motorboat for an uncle and
then to design and build a new tour boat for
another company. The hobby was developed
professionally. The combination of
marine knowledge, and years of experience restoring old ships and designing
new boats has paid off – and now the
logical next step was to start our own
boat tour company in The Hague.
We are Leonie and Jan Persoon, natives
of The Hague who have dedicated much
of our lives to boating and sailing. Our familyrun business, The Hague Boat, provides a fresh
We built our boat Daisy last year and enjoyed
hosting our boat tours during the beautiful summer,
with Jan as the Captain and Leonie as the friendly
guide. Our daughter Laurien also joins us this summer, extending the family business.
experience of the city from the water with
our English-speaking tours explaining the hidden
histories and special highlights of The Hague.
06 39 82 35 46
www.thehagueboat.com
Our love of boating goes back through generations
of Persoons who have worked as sailors in the Dutch
region of Westland. They managed farmer ships
which transported fresh fruit and vegetables to
auction, and also sailed a special Westlander ship
bringing peat to the village of Vinkeveen. We honour
these authentic ships today, and we still enjoy partici-
Come join our unique boat tours for a pleasant cruise
through the canals, or join one of our many special
events. The 75-minute canal cruise costs €11 per person and departs from Mauritskade 10 (Caesar Fitness
& Spa Resort) daily from Wednesday through Sunday.
Our boat Daisy is open with 28 seats and is also available to be hired privately, whether for a corporate
event, family reunion, birthday, brainstorming
session or a VIP transportation service. «
Welcome on board!
International Community
Get to know
DutchNews.nl
The 10 Questions section on the DutchNews.nl
website offers a fascinating glimpse into the huge
variety of expats and internationals in the
Netherlands. The website turns 10 years old in
5
What’s your favourite Dutch food
and why?
The typical Dutch office lunch of cheese sandwiches
and butter milk of course, plus Limburgse vlaai on
birthdays. Okay, serious answer… the bitterballen at
networking events.
August, so we decided to turn the tables and ask
DutchNews.nl to spill the beans.
6
How Dutch have you become
and why?
If we become Dutch, we’ve failed at our job.
1
How did you end up in
the Netherlands?
Our founder Robin Pascoe had been living here for
15 years when she realised there was no comprehensive source of Dutch news in English and decided to
create one.
2
How do you describe yourself
- an expat, lovepat, immigrant,
international, etc.?
International – because we have readers all over the
globe. Around 25% are outside the Netherlands and
a good 15% are Dutch.
3
How long do you plan to stay
and why?
As long as our readers support us. We are funded
purely by advertising so please, don’t use ad
blockers!
4
7
Which three Dutch people (dead or
alive) would you most like to meet?
Prime Minister Mark Rutte, anti-Islam campaigner
Geert Wilders and Social Affairs Minister Lodewijk
Asscher have all rejected our interview requests.
8
What’s your top tourist tip?
Check out the features section of our website
and read up on some of the more unusual places to
visit. Forget overcrowded museums. Veere, Wiuwert,
and Eext are among our favourite places.
9
Tell us something surprising you’ve
found out about the Netherlands.
We are constantly being surprised. For example,
all those tulips you see in the fields in the spring
are being grown for their bulbs and the flowers
get chopped off by machine. The tulips you buy
in bunches are mostly grown in greenhouses.
Do you speak Dutch
and how did you learn? You have to speak Dutch to do this
job, because a lot of what we do is
providing background and context.
How else can you explain what an ATV
day is or who is entitled to Wajong? 10
If you had just 24 hours left in the
Netherlands, what would you do?
Pay our bills, thank our readers and make sure our
farewell headline is the best one ever. «
Arts & Entertainment
Sporty summer
Summer is fast approaching. She has booked a
ticket, packed her bags and is due to land here
very soon (pending no unforeseen delays!). When
she arrives she brings along special outdoor
opportunities to run, walk and play your favourite
sports. Get your running shoes ready for events in
North Holland, South Holland and Limburg.
BY TRACEY TAYLOR
the event. Activities will be open to young and old,
families, sports clubs and businesses whereby
everyone gets a chance to participate in an array
of fun and challenging team sports.
The organisers from Olympic Experience say,
“[There] will be over 30 different sports such as
beach volleyball, hockey, swimming, sailing, waterskiing, archery, cycling, BMX, running, athletics,
golf, basketball, horse riding, racing, Judo, Aikido,
boxing, rowing and surfing.” All of the activities
will be organized under the expert guidance of more
than 25 different sporting associations.
Rio comes to Scheveningen
This summer is set to be extra special as we eagerly
await Rio de Janeiro to play host to the 28th occurrence of the modern Olympic Games. For most of us,
the magic of the games will only be experienced via
the wonders of television, live streams and online
commentary but, all is certainly not lost. For those
of us who may not have a ticket to Brazil, there is a
rather unique event taking place right here in
the Netherlands. Allow me to present, the
Olympic Experience in The Hague!
Yes indeed… I said, The Hague. Some
rather clever and enterprising folks have
come up with the novel idea of transforming the seaside town of Scheveningen (in the
province of South Holland) into its very own Olympic
Park – encompassing a whopping 40,000 m2! – from
6 - 21 August.
Get tickets for the action!
Scheveningen’s Olympic Experience will be offering
a diverse programme of sports-themed activities –
Rio style! – all of which are set to appeal to the
myriad of Olympic fans expected over the course of
So what does a ticket get you? “If you buy a ticket to
visit the Olympic Experience, you can join all sports,
no signing up or extra payment needed. Some sports
are individual, some in groups, no need to create a
team yourself but of course it is fun to come with
your sports team... So basically you buy a ticket at the
door, and you are able to join sports, watch sports
and experience the Games in Rio all together!”
Watching the Games on the big screen
At the Olympic Experience at 18:00 each evening
(hopefully with an impressive sunset offering a
stunning background), the Plaza Maracaná will be
the place-to-be whereby visitors can come together
for some great music, food and drinks while watching the Olympic Games live from Rio de Janeiro on
the (very big) Big Screen. There will be a choice
of entertainment to enjoy, plus many former and
current Olympians are expected to visit Scheveningen
over the two weeks. A rather remarkable atmosphere
and setting from which to cheer on Team Oranje!
www.olympicexperience.nl (Dutch only) or write to
[email protected] for information in English.
Ready, set, go!
Now while on this sporty theme, let me give a quick
shout-out to other events coming up soon for those
looking to stay active. The first in South Limburg
is Maastricht’s Mooiste. Now in its 13th year, this
popular event will be held on Sunday, 12 June.
Starting at the Markt in the centre of Maastricht,
this also offers a choice of a 5km, 10km and, new to
this year, 10 (English) miles run. Each of the three
courses follows a different route across the city, and
varies in degree of difficulty.
www.maastrichtsmooiste.nl/en/
A similar item taking place is the Canal Run
(Grachtenloop) in Haarlem (about 20k west of
Amsterdam) which will take place for the 22nd time
this year. On Friday, 24 June, Midsummer’s Eve,
walkers and runners will, with the support of an
enthusiastic audience along the way, follow a stunning trail along the canals of Haarlem which takes
in local tourist attractions in the old city. The Canal
Run has three different running distances
(1km/5km/10km) from which to choose.
www.grachtenloop.nl (Dutch only)
So whether you are planning to walk, run or just
happily coast your way through the summer of
2016, be sure that you make it a memorable one.
•Maastricht’s Mooiste - 12 June, 2016
Registration fee varies.
Grachtenloop,
Canal Run - 24 June, 2016
•
Registration fee varies.
Olympic
Experience - 6 - 21 August, 2016,
•
10:00 - 24:00 daily
Adults: €10 | Under 18: €5, Children under 4: Free
(Note: Children under 18 should be accompanied
by adults.) «
About the author
Tracey Taylor is a freelance writer who loves food, wine and life in Limburg. Originally from
Ireland, now residing in beautiful Maastricht with Dave and their fancy cat, Tubbs.
It is wonderful to see
so many expats take up
the tradition of cycling
to school.
Dutch lessons about cycling
High on my list of some of the amazing things
people do and see in the Netherlands is that cycling
is such a popular form of transport.
The tradition of
cycling at ISH
In our Dutch lessons the students in Primary learn
about traffic and specifically about cycling. Bicycles
are brought in for observation to promote and learn
the language. The teachers also discuss the rules in
traffic and areas cyclists need to be careful about,
e.g., the blind spot for both trucks and cars. Keeping
safe on a bicycle is the first priority.
Cycling camp in Texel
Our Year Five camp is a cycling camp where the children cycle around Texel. This allows students who
may normally come to school by car to experience
the pleasure of cycling. To support good cycling for
the camp the children have practice sessions within
the school playground to go around cones and follow
instructions. Each year this trip is a big success.
In other news: ISH builds a new wing!
BY JULIETTE VAN EERDEWIJK, PRINCIPAL PRIMARY
070 328 1450
www.ishthehague.nl
Cycling is concept that is alien to many countries,
and it certainly was a positive aspect of returning to
the Netherlands. It therefore is wonderful to see
that so many expats take up the tradition of cycling
to school. Every morning when the Principal of
Secondary and I are outside welcoming the students
and parents into the school, we see so many of our
students and parents as well as staff cycling to
school, including the ‘bakfietsen’ with the younger
children. We encourage this form of transport as it
is both positive for our bodies as well as the
environment.
The International School of The Hague has been
preparing for the exciting building of a new wing.
Our new wing will cater for Reception to Year Four
and will be specifically designed to support the outstanding learning practice that we have within the
school. Our younger children will be able to continue
with the dynamic learning environment which supports a free flow method and access to a speellokaal
especially designed for our younger students.
The school wishes to have the same open feeling to
the new wing as the current building. We are certain
that we are going to have another amazing learning
facility for all our students. «
Food
Raspberry sorbet
popsicles
Ah, summer. When all we can think about is
the beach, the refreshing drinks and the neverending sunshine. Cooling off with a bowlful of
ice cream, sorbet or granita is another one of
life’s simple summer pleasures, especially
when the icy treat is a homemade one.
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY
MAGDALINI ZOGRAFOU
This sweet and sharp raspberry sorbet with the
vibrant flavour and colour of the small fruit is
guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings on a hot
summer day. Enjoy!
Make the sugar syrup
ts
Ingredienles
In a small saucepan, add the water and sugar and
place over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and turn heat up to medium-high. When the
syrup comes to the boil, turn heat down to medium
and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Then take the
pan off the heat, put the lid on and allow
the syrup to cool completely before adding it to the sorbet.
opsic
Yield: 9 p
ch)
(90 ml ea
ar syrup
For the sug
l water
• 250 m
ster sugar
• 110 g ca lsuiker in Dutch)
( fijne krista
et
For the sorb
erries
es
fr h raspb
• 400 g
zed
u
freshly sq ee
• 1 Tbsp
lemon juice
p
l sugar syru
• 200 m
Make the sorbet
In a blender or food processor, add the
raspberries, the lemon juice and 200 ml
of the sugar syrup. Blend until smooth
and pass through a fine sieve to get rid
of the seeds.
Not all raspberries were created
equal, so taste the mixture to see if it
needs more sugar syrup in case it is
sour, or a little more lemon juice in
case it is too sweet for your liking,
Sorb
keeps et
in
freeze the
r
one m for
onth.
bearing in
mind that
when sorbets freeze, they become less sweet.
Empty the mixture into popsicle moulds or vodka
shot glasses, filling them by 3/4, and place in the
freezer. Once the sorbet begins to set, add the
wooden sticks. Leave the popsicles in the freezer
for 3-4 hours or until completely set. To take the
popsicles out from their moulds/shot glasses, run
the sides of the mould/shot glass under cold running
water and holding the wooden popsicle stick with
your hand, twist and pull the popsicle out. You’ll
probably feel some resistance at first, but it will eventually come out. «
About the author
Magdalini Zografou, a Greek girl cooking in her little expat kitchen
in the Netherlands, blogs at mylittleexpatkitchen.blogspot.com.
Education
It’s Monday morning, 9:30. Fifteen women and a couple of men, all from different
backgrounds, are practicing how to ride a bike on the playground of the Schalk
Burgerplein in The Hague. Some make a first attempt to stay on the bike, others
already know the basics of cycling and try to stay between the white road markings
that are drawn on the ground.
Never too late: learning
to bike as an adult
BY VERA TER BEEST
Forty-year-old Hatice Koçak is standing with her legs
apart, hands at her sides in the middle of the playground. She is one of the eight volunteers giving
adult cycling lessons to this group of internationals.
“I mostly give tips on technique,” she says. “How to
keep balance, what the best position is to sit on a
bike…”
Learning how to cycle: basic steps
Tamme Hansma, a certified cycling instructor, was
an instructor for the adult cycling lessons organised
by the Dutch Refugee Council (VluchtelingenWerk
Nederland). He was so passionate that after these
classes were put to a stop, he and some other volunteers sought to partner up with de Paardenberg, a
community centre in Transvaal. Now Hansma
has been giving adult cycle lessons for over
10 years and he’s still very enthusiastic.
He makes clear that for an adult learning
how to ride a bicycle, the process is quite
complicated, because an adult
thinks too much about the steps.
Technique is an important aspect
when it comes to learning how to
cycle and he gives these basic tips
to get started:
• Use a bike with a low frame when you’re
just starting. This way you can still easily touch the ground with your feet.
Once you know how to ride, switch to
a bike with a frame that best fits your
height.
• First just sit on your bike and use it
as a ‘walking bike’. Get used
to the feeling and then
place one foot
on the pedal.
Try to keep
your
balance.
• Once you feel comfortable, check the position of
• To stop the bike, stop pedalling and lift your
your pedals. The pedal your foot is on should be in
an upright position. This way, once you push this
pedal the bike will gain some speed. Use the other
foot, the one that’s still on the ground, to push off.
Make one fast step, lift this foot and push the pedal
with the other foot.
• Stay in an upright position. For most cycling learners the steer is their guidance and they hold on to it
too tightly. Avoid looking at the ground and loosen
up a bit. Sit up and look straight ahead for best
control and comfort.
weight from the pedal that is down. Use the brakes
and slide off your seat, putting one foot on the
ground.
• Once you know how to pedal and stop, it’s time to
learn cycling with one hand, indicating directions
and looking back. This last part is especially difficult as your whole body tends to move when you
look back, meaning you can’t check what’s happening in front of you.
From cycle learner to cycle teacher
Koçak had the basic skills when she moved from
Turkey to the Netherlands. When she was young,
her father taught her how to ride a bike, but now,
after more than 20 years she wasn’t completely
comfortable anymore. Then she heard about
the adult cycling lessons organised by
Hansma and his team. She passed the cycle
exam of both the beginners’ and the
advanced course quite effortlessly.
She was such a great example for the other students that immediately after her exam Hansma
asked her if she wanted to help instruct adult
cycling lessons. She accepted because she likes
helping others and wants to share what she has
learned. At the same time, she
adds, “It gives me the opportunity
to practice cycling on the road in
a group, because cycling alone
still makes me feel insecure.”
Did
you k
now..
At ma
.
ny
schoo
ls in N
childr
L
en tak
e a cy
cling
exam
at age
10.
Gaining confidence
ILLUSTRATIONS BY AAFKE MERTENS | CURLYSKETCHES.NL
One of the female adult learners
affirms what Koçak says. She likes
the possibilities that a bike affords.
She doesn’t have to depend on anyone and it’s ideal for short distances,
meeting a friend, going to an
appointment. Besides, it’s relatively
cheap. The only thing is, riding a
bike on this playground or practicing
in the street with a group of other »
‘Excellent ‘ across all criteria:
Independent Schools Inspectorate
British Curriculum and IB Programmes Ages 3 -18
Discover more - www.britishschool.nl
Internationally British
Our goal is to solve
your problem
+31 (0)70 361 50 48 - [email protected]
Education | Never too late: learning to bike as an adult
cycling students is quite different from cycling all
alone. Then it’s all up to you to keep cycling at the
right speed, to give directions while paying attention
to others. Especially in busy intersections full of tram
rails, drivers opening their car doors, pedestrians
crossing, etc. Even in the Netherlands cycling can be
dangerous.
Hansma recognises that many adult cycling learners
hardly have any trouble cycling on the playground
as there is no other traffic and they can concentrate
solely on the cycling. Even when students practise
in the streets, they feel safe as long as they are in a
group and wear the fluorescent shirts handed out by
the volunteers. But once they are on their own, they
become nervous.
Therefore, in the lessons, the volunteers not only teach
the learners the techniques to ride a bike, they also
work on their confidence. The eight volunteers are
enthusiastic and encourage every single student in a
personal way. The students themselves encourage and
advise each other, too. It’s not just a one-hour class,
but also a way to socialise and create connections.
Teaching yourself
When Olga Mecking moved to the Netherlands seven
years ago she was eager to become part of the Dutch
community. To really fit in she would need a bike.
Her father even joked that if she didn’t get a bike in
Holland she would get arrested!
Buying a bike was a lot more difficult than she
expected, because she needed a bike with a short
frame, best to fit her height. The shop owner let her
try out different bikes. The last time Mecking had
cycled was when she was a student back in her home
country Poland, so she started cycling a bit wobbly.
“The shop owner made a funny comment about my
cycling style. I laughed along; I was just so happy that
I was finally buying a bike.” Mecking, now 33 years
old and the proud mother of three children, mainly
uses the bike in her free time to cycle together with
her family.
Where to go for lessons
De Paardenberg offers a course of 12 lessons (one
hour each) for €15; beginners’ course and advanced.
You can follow the courses at your own pace based
on experience. The main language
used is Dutch, but the group of
students is very international and instructions
can be translated.
Low-frame bicycles
are provided so
you can still easily reach the
ground with your
feet. Classes take
place rain or shine.
STEK
De Paardenberg
Paardenbergstraat 1, 2572 XH
The Hague, 070 380 1667
[email protected], attention
Paardenberg
In Utrecht, the organisation Harten voor Sport
organises adult cycle courses in Dutch and/or
English. You can sign up for 10 lessons for €15.
The next courses start in September.
Harten voor Sport
Various locations throughout the city.
030 820 1130, [email protected] For more information adult cycling lessons
Elsewhere, contact the ACCESS Helpdesk at
[email protected] or 0900 2 222 377. «
About the author
Vera ter Beest, born on a bicycle and raised in Delft, is the founder of Verita’s Visit. She organises cycle tours through the Dutch countryside and events around local festivities and Dutch
products.
Health & Wellbeing
Goodbyes are
hard for leavers
and stayers
BY UTE LIMACHER-RIEBOLD
We can find a lot of practical advice for
people leaving for a new country; how
best to organise a move, what to pack
first and last, what documents we need,
etc. But what about preparing for the
The stages a staying person is going through are very
similar to those of the person who’s leaving. To help
us recognise what expats and their community are
going through, let’s consider the classic model of the
typical transition cycle that David Pollock describes
in the chapter ‘The Transition Experience’ in the
book Third Culture Kids: growing up among worlds, by
David C. Pollock and Ruth E. van Reken (Nicholas
Brealey Publishing, 2009, pp.66-73). The phases he
defines for those moving country, the leavers, can
easily be applied to the stayers.
PHOTO: LYSSA RAMOS PHOTOGRAPY
emotional experience?
Before, during and after a move to a new country,
we go through several phases. Understanding these
phases can help us to cope with the change – and
help our family and friends whom we leave behind.
After all, those who stay usually get told much later
in the process and don’t have time to prepare for this
new phase of life.
1 - Involvement
This first stage of transition is quite comfortable as
everyone still feels settled and contented: “We feel
a responsibility to be involved in the issues that concern and interest our community, and we’re focused
on the present and our immediate relationships
rather than thinking primarily about the past or
worrying about the future” (p.66). Leavers don’t yet
know for sure whether or when they will be leaving –
and their friends still don’t know about the big step.
So in this involvement stage everyone behaves more
or less in the moment, going out for lunch together,
playing football, performing at work as usual.
2 - Leaving
In this second stage, daily life begins to change.
The leavers learn that they’ll be leaving and start to
prepare. If the departure date is not too close, they
begin loosening the emotional ties. Leavers will start
to deny feelings of sadness or grief at this point in
order to avoid painful moments. They back away
from relationships and responsibilities. They call
less frequently and don’t start new projects at work.
This detaching process is really hard for the stayers.
They are confused and can feel anger or frustration.
The feelings of resentment and rejection – of both
parties – can produce anger and cause conflicts.
As stayers, we already feel the loss and tend to
exclude the leavers from decisions about future
events. This kind of behaviour is often related to
the fact that leavers don’t involve us in the process.
Instead of helping each other through the process,
leavers and stayers start letting go altogether.
Therefore, it’s important to let each other know
about these feelings, as well as others in your support network. Pollock writes, “Failing to acknowledge that we are beginning to feel like outsiders
(and that it hurts) only increases the chances that we
will act inappropriately during this stage” (p.68).
If the community pays special attention to the leaver
at this point, through ceremonies of recognition,
thanking them for being part of a team or a group,
for example, this recognition helps everyone
acknowledge that even if “they promise to never
forget each other, already there is a distance developing between [them] and those [they] will soon leave
behind” (p.69). Acknowledging each other, talking
about what we appreciated and cherished about
those who leave – and those who stay! – is an important aspect of leaving and being left behind. Leavers
need to have a proper closure in order to be able to
start afresh in the new place. The same goes for the
stayers: if they can find closure, they can start the
new phase without resentment.
This detaching process is really hard
for the stayers. They are confused
and can feel anger or frustration.
3 - Transition
The transition stage begins the moment leavers leave
one place and ends when they arrive at their destination and make the decision (more or less consciously)
to settle in and become part of it. If we are leavers,
usually we “lose our normal moorings and support
systems” and this sense of “chaos makes us more
self-centered than normal” (p.69). The only things
that matter to us in this first part of the transition
stage are our health, finances, close relationships,
personal safety, etc.
Family conflicts are very frequent in this stage
because it’s the stage of highest stress and insecurity:
How are we going to take care of our everyday aspects
of life like housing, banking, buying food, cooking?
What will the school be like, the new working environment, the neighbours, etc.? Especially in crosscultural moves adults have to learn life practically
from scratch: “As teenagers and adults, probably
nothing strikes at our sense of self-esteem with
greater force than learning language and culture,
for these are the tasks of children” (p.70). »
De Boer Financial Consultants (FVB)
is a financial consultancy agency with a focus on
servicing the Expat community in The Netherlands.
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Health & Wellbeing | Goodbyes are hard for leavers and stayers
If we are the stayers: This stage is the first stage that
the stayers are not directly involved but they are
affected nonetheless. They may try to cheer up their
friends who left by calling, Skyping, etc., but they
can’t really help them in practical ways anymore.
Stayers feel the grief: their friends are gone and it
is a sad and difficult period. Because it is grief that
we feel! We grieve for a time that is gone and that
won’t come back. We grieve for the things we
wanted to do with this person who is no longer part
of our daily life.
PHOTO: PETER LEGGETT
Sometimes, our cultural and linguistic mistakes
embarrass us or make us feel ashamed or even
stupid. We easily feel upset, angry and some may
even experience depression.
Did
you k
now..
Enjoy
.
ing
During the entering stage, leavers start to accept
that it’s time to become part of the new community
and they begin to figure out how to do it. They are
still vulnerable. People feel a lot of ambivalence in
this stage. They start to learn the new job, the rules
at school, the new language. “Emotions can fluctuate
widely between the excitement of the new discoveries… and the homesickness that weighs us down”
(p.72). We feel how different we are in this new place
and wish to go back where we were ‘normal’. At the
end of this stage, hope begins to grow and we feel
the first sense of belonging with the new community.
For stayers, this is a sort of entering phase too.
The phase where they have to go back to their lives
without their friends. In this phase they will also
have moments of homesickness. They will miss
their friends and wish for them to come back. It will
be an up-and-down flux of emotions, but they’ll
finally adjust.
strong
relatio
can re
nduce
deme
risk o
ntia, d
f
epres
high b
sion,
lood p
ressur
e
and m
ortalit
y!
ships
4 - Entering
Some may even feel a sense of
belonging, of intimacy and that
their presence matters in the new
group.
Stayers will have achieved a new balance, too, without their friends. They will have found new friends
and carry on. As Pollock says, “Time feels present
and permanent as we focus on the here and now
rather than hoping for the future or constantly reminiscing about the past” (p.73).
Knowing about this normal process of transition
helps us to prepare, to recognise where we are and
what will come next. It also helps with making decisions so we benefit from the new experiences “while
dealing productively with the inevitable losses of any
transition experience” (p.73). «
5 - Reinvolvement
This stage is like the light at the end of the tunnel:
reinvolvement is possible. Every leaver will need
some time and willingness to adapt before becoming
part of the permanent community in the new place.
About the author
Ute Limacher-Riebold is a Trainer at ACCESS. She supports Internationals during their life
abroad and helps them through transition at Ute’s Expat Lounge. A version of this article was
originally published on her website www.utesexpatlounge.com.
The very best
people, deploying
the very best skills
- every day
Every day we are affected and inspired by the
people who surround us. Whether they be our role
models, politicians, peers or colleagues - these
people help define the lens through which we see
the world. So, shouldn’t we endeavour to surround
ourselves with people who aspire to be the very
best they can be?
This is especially true within school systems. It is a
given that we want the people who teach our children
to be the very best at what they do. We trust them
to inspire the next generation to want to do great
things, to enjoy life and give them every tool they
need to succeed. This is why the continued development of teachers and school support staff is so
essential.
Admissions Department
070 315 4077
Email: admissions@
britishschool.nl
“The students’ experience is
purely predicated on the professionalism of the people they come
into contact with,” explained CEO
and Principal of The British
School in the Netherlands (BSN),
Kieran Earley.
“It’s purely about the very best
people deploying the very best
skills, in the best way - every sin-
gle day. We want our staff to feel committed, purposeful and ready to be challenged… and that doesn’t
just happen. That has to be supported and on top of
that, it has to be expected.”
And so, the International Leadership
Academy was born
The BSN’s International Leadership Academy (ILA)
is an in-house facility that will employ experts to
teach and develop current staff members, so that
they can be their very best professional selves. While
these kinds of programmes have long been part of
the BSN’s ethos, the ILA will add strategic direction
and a centralised (and physical) base of operations.
Its goal is to stream-line a number of pre-existing
development programmes and to find ways of
improving and adding to them. After all, what better
way to encourage constant self-evaluation and development in your staff, than by leading by example?
By prioritising staff needs and ensuring career progression, the BSN and its new ILA make sure that
each and every member of staff will contribute to the
continued development of the school, and ultimately
its exceptional standards of education. «
For more information on the ILA, please visit
kieranearley.co.uk/2016/04/
keep-taking-the-red-pills-embracing-change-in-education/
Dutch Lifestyle
It is becoming more and more important to
find affordable, efficient methods of transport
compatible with today’s demanding, non-stop
urban lifestyle. From cars and trains to
skateboards and rollerblades, the wheel has
established itself as a potent symbol of
engineering and innovation, and this is no
more apparent than the transport of choice
for the Netherlands: the bicycle.
The Dutch
formula
for cycling
BY STEVEN ECOTT
The daily appeal
I spoke with Vera ter Beest, who has established
her own tour organisation ‘Verita’s Visit’, offering
cycling trips throughout the Dutch countryside.
“Cycling is part of daily life in the Netherlands.
According to research… the bicycle is used to get
from home to work, from home to an appointment,
from home to a restaurant or café. The distance
made is usually between 3 to 7 kilometres,” she
explains . But for Vera, the true strength in the
bicycle’s longevity is its adaptability; it’s for more
than just getting around.
“A bike is a mode of transportation but also a mode to
transport things. After shopping you can hang your
bags full of groceries in your bike bags, in a basket at
the front... You can take your children in a seat at the
front or at the back, you can even attach a child’s bike »
PHOTO: KEVIN MCPEAKE | HAAGSEFIETSCHIC.NL
educating for the future
UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS AGED 3 - 18 YEARS
American School of The Hague nurtures and inspires character,
commitment, creativity, and learning.
www.ash.nl / [email protected]
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for Tax Filings
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Have you inherited or gifted financial assets?
Depending on your tax regime, you may be required to
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Dutch Lifestyle | The Dutch formula for cycling
to the rear of your cycle. There is special equipment to
tie the leash of your dog to the bike... I think the bike
is slowly transforming into an object on which everything can be attached and added onto.”
Cyclists’ union
The bicycle’s versatility is one of its biggest strengths
and this hasn’t gone unnoticed to the Dutch Cyclist
Union, the Fietsersbond, boasting an impressive
35,000 members. The Fietsersbond campaign for
better cycling conditions in the Netherland, promoting the creation of long-term solutions to ensure that
cycling remains at the top of the mobility agenda.
They aim to keep cycling as an affordable, economic
and accessible method of transport, as well as
improving practical elements such as security, parking and traffic regulations. Amsterdam, the world’s
#2 ‘cycling city’ (Copenhagen is #1), already has
250,000 spaces for bicycle parking – but by 2020 they
will need 40,000 more.
Supportive infrastructure and government
The country’s success with cycling caught the attention of Kevin Krizek, the first ever Professor of
Cycling here, who joined Radboud University in
Nijmegen as a visiting professor from Boulder,
Colorado. Krizek works towards identifying sustainable and practical travelling solutions for urban
areas, and there is no better place to analyse and find
correlations in this field than here.
Why? Firstly, the Dutch approach to road design
eliminates conflict of interest among road users,
by prioritising cyclists over motorists. For example,
by purposefully restricting access to certain populated areas, deterring motorists from entering and
encouraging more cycling. Cycle paths are a seamless part of the road network with their own regulated set of rules and signals, meaning cyclists form
an efficient, flowing part of the infrastructure. Dutch
law also gives priority to cyclists involved in collisions with a vehicle, with a form of strict liability
that legally binds the motorists insurers to paying
for all damages (in most cases).
International influence
The Fietsersbond is an active member of the Dutch
Cycling Embassy, which collaborates on a wide scale
with authorities across the Netherlands. The
Embassy is also a major focal point for knowledgesharing and acts as a ‘middle-man’ between nations
to allow for collaboration on certain aspects of
cycling. They assist authorities around the world by
sharing information about cycling such as improving infrastructure, turning away from car-centric
urban planning and offering guidance on initiatives
such as bike-sharing, which in particular has its
roots in the Netherlands. The first bicycle-sharing
scheme was introduced in Amsterdam in the 1960s
by Luud Schimmelpennick, using a model far from
the futuristic cycling systems that now live in major
cities such as in Paris, New York, and Hangzhou,
China.
Did
you k
now..
Rick C
.
ree
The Dutch Cycling Embassy has welmers
comed partners from as far away as the
Utrec
(22, fr
ht) is
om
cyclin
US, where students from the University
g the
for en
globe
vironm
ental
of Arizona engaged in a study tour
ness t
aware
hecyc
lingdu
to analyse cycling behaviours. The
tchman.c
om
Embassy also organised sessions with
authorities in Austin, Texas, and Boston,
Massachusetts, to demonstrate the practicalities of two-wheeled transportation. Further,
the Embassy wrote an article for the United Nations
regarding the transportation situation in South
Africa, and how cycling could potentially alleviate
the commuting situation faced in the booming urban
sprawls that have begun to dominate the country.
With a future that will be more focused on and
concerned about the environment than ever before,
the Dutch way of life with the humble bicycle could
be the answer to the world’s transportation woes. «
About the author
Steven Ecott is a freelance journalist based in the UK, with a dream of moving to
the Netherlands. Follow him on twitter: @stevenecott
PHOTO: MANDIE VAN DER MEER
Groningen: a little
of everything
BY MANDIE VAN DER MEER
In the words of a good friend of mine,
“Groningen has a little of everything.”
I second the sentiment! Take a
weekend off, leave the crowds behind
in the major cities and travel up north
to the charming city of Groningen.
The city’s attractions entice enough,
but with its proximity to beaches, the
islands, and to Germany, Groningen
makes a great stopping-off point
during your summer excursions.
At the centre
Make your first stop the tourist office, located at
Grote Markt 29, for maps, open times for attractions,
and advice from the friendly staff. One of the representatives there told me Martini Tower, just a cross
from the office, is a must-do, for the history of the
tower and for the view from above. Named not for a
drink but for Saint Martin, Martini Tower has been
around for over 500 years (building began in 1469).
It’s open to the public a few hours each day and
visitors are welcome to climb up! Be prepared for
a challenge – it’s 251 steps to the viewing platform
(56 m / 184 ft high).
Groningen Tourist Office (VVV),
Grote Markt 29, 0900 202 3050
toerisme.groningen.nl/
Travel
PHOTO: ALLIE CAULFIELD
Once you’ve taken in the sights from up top and
return to street level, enjoy a borrel in the Grote Markt.
Step into what the tourist office says is Europe’s
largest bar called De Drie Gezusters, or The Three
Sisters, popular any time of year. Or indulge at Het
Goudkantoor, The Gold Office, a well-known caférestaurant on the other side of the Stadhuis. It was
originally a tax collection office, hence the name,
and is house #81 in KLM’s souvenir miniature houses.
Both restaurants offer outdoor terrace seating on fine
days. Also check out Grote Markt for its daily market
(except Sundays and Mondays), or the large general
goods market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Nearby, just walk southwest a bit, is Vismarkt. It’s
a smaller, more intimate square than Grote Markt..
Here you will find typical chain stores like Kruidvat,
H&M and Albert Heijn (in the neoclassic Korenbeurs
building). Don’t let those put you off from the local
attraction of the fresh market stalls with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and of course, fish! (Closed
Sundays and Mondays.)
Alternatively, explore around the campus of the
University of Groningen for some down time. Valia
Papadopoulou, a former Master’s student there, tells
me that De Uurwerker is a creative café-restaurant
popular with students and locals alike. “It’s amazing
PHOTO: MAARTEN TAKENS
PHOTO: ROB DE VRIES
for summer and winter,” she says. “In the summer
you can just sit outside in one of their big picnic
tables and have a beer. They are famous for their
wood oven baked pizza (which indeed is amazing).”
Address Uurwerkersplein 1.
Award-winning shopping experiences
Throughout the streets of the inner city you’ll find
delightful boutique home and garden shops,
tempting antique shops, unique clothing and accessory shops, fun children’s toy and games shops,
and numerous small art galleries – all within easy »
Plan around these summer events
Swingin’ Groningen 16 – 18 June
22nd edition of this jazz and soul music festival. Enjoy your choice of more than 20 bands and
musicians performing on five different stages throughout the city. Performances also in local
bookstores and retail shops!
www.swingingroningen.nl (Dutch only)
Op Roakeldais 23 – 26 June
Op Roakeldais is a folkloristic dance festival. International dance companies delight from
Russia to Colombia, New Zealand to Togo, Indonesia to Panama.
www.oproakeldais.nl (Dutch only)
DelfSail 29 June – 3 July
Sixth edition of the second largest sail event in the Netherlands, welcoming over 850,000 visitors each year for a parade of foreign and Dutch Tall Ships.
www.delfsail.nl/schips/
Three locations in the Hague
The Hague centre: Nassaulaan 26
The Hague centre
Nassaulaan 26
Benoordenhout: Van Nijenrodestraat 16
Small learning environments
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Benoordenhout
Van Nijenrodestraat 16
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Travel | Groningen: a little of everything
walking distance of each other. In fact Folkingestraat
was voted in 2014 as ‘Leukste winkelstraat van
Nederland’, the nicest shopping street in the
Netherlands, in the NL Streets Awards.
(www.nlstreets.nl/EN/)
Amongst the many intriguing storefronts on this
street you won’t miss Het Binnenste Buiten, meaning
‘the inside out’, a cosy shop chock full with handmade furniture and decorative items from China,
Tibet, Mongolia, Indonesia, India and other exotic
lands. Looking for colour or that one item that will
pop? Then amuse the senses here.
Folkingestraat 22, 050 311 2659
[email protected]
www.hetbinnenstebuiten.nl
Laif & Nuver is one of my top favourite shops in the
city, conveniently located at Vismarkt and a welcome
original. It’s a lifestyle and household furniture and
accessories shop with refreshingly creative choices
and a carefully designed and warm showroom. The
store is aptly named for, as co-owner Pier Tjepkema
told me, laif and nuver are two Groningen words
meaning sweet and beautiful, exactly what you’ll find
here. They sell distinctive candleholders, unusual
paperweights, colourful blankets and pillows,
beautiful mugs and glasses, curious lamps and rugs,
special frames, inspirational posters, oddly-shaped
mirrors… The surprises continue as you turn each
corner of the 200 m2 shop. Ask advice if you need to;
staff are helpful and friendly.
Vismarkt 40, 050 850 0562,
[email protected], www.laifennuver.nl
Facts and figures
• Population: 200,000, with the youngest average population in the country.
• Natural resource: The natural gas field in Groningen province is the largest in Europe.
• Schools: University of Groningen, founded 1614 (about 30,000 students); Hanze University
of Applied Sciences, founded 1986 (about 26,000 students).
High point: Martini Tower stands 97 m/318 ft. tall.
Coming in 2017: Groninger Forum, a 10-storey building at Grote Markt. New home of the
tourist office as well as a public space for exhibitions, films, talk shows, demonstrations,
plus rooftop restaurant.
•
•
The first place award was won by Ariola Delicatessen
(not their first time winning). This small, unpretentious shop prepares authentic Italian specialties
fresh from the open kitchen, and sells quality food
products imported from Italy. Grab one of the small
tables in the front and enjoy an espresso while watching the passersby. (Closed Sundays.)
Folkingestraat 54, 050 318 1948 »
…laif and nuver are two Groningen
words meaning sweet and beautiful,
exactly what you’ll find here.
PHOTOS: MANDIE VAN DER MEER
Among the top 10 ‘nicest shops’ in the national NL
Streets Awards 2015, the bakery Broodje van eigen
deeg on Brugstraat won the second place spot for
their fresh, additive-free breads in the French tradition, and classy, cozy atmosphere. Considering they
only opened in Spring 2015, it’s an impressive
accomplishment. (Open daily.)
Brugstraat 11, 050 553 5593
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Travel | Groningen: a little of everything
Groninger Museum and more
An exhibit of particular interest that’s on display now
until the autumn season is Rodin – Genius at Work with
plaster and bronze sculptures such as The Thinker and
Balzac, and never-before-seen photographs by the
famous French artist.
Groninger Museum is across from Central Station;
a 12-minute walk from Grote Markt.
Het Groninger Museum, Museumeiland 1
050 3 666 555, [email protected]
www.groningermuseum.nl/en
While the Dutch Comics Museum (Nederlands
Stripmuseum) has its nostalgic and colourful qualities – my husband appreciated a surprise visit down
memory lane with Suske en Wiske and even the more
contemporary Fokke & Sukke – the exhibits here are
only offered in Dutch. Unless you are comfortable
with the language, you may get more out of other
museums, such as the GRID Graphic Museum (sorry
I missed this one as it seems very hands-on and
English-friendly); or University Museum Groningen
on the campus; or the Northern Maritime Museum
(Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum).
PHOTOS: ERIK EN PETRA HESMERG 2014© GRONINGER MUSEUM
Earlier this year my husband and I travelled up to
Groningen specifically for the impressive and extensive David Bowie Is exhibit at the city’s largest and
most attractive museum, Groninger Museum. It’s a
museum that’s not to be missed, for as the museum
curators boast, “it is bursting with artistic energy”.
In fact you’ll feel charged by that energy from the
outside in. I was captured immediately by the
remarkable design by chief architect
Alessandro Mendini, amongst other
architects and designers. The buildDid
you k
ing reopened in 1994 with three
now..
Gronin
.
gen is
separate building ‘volumes’ in
the bir
place
th
of trip
le Oly
the water of the
cham
m
p
ic
pion in
swimm
Verbindingskanaal – in the water!
Ranom
ing
i Krom
owidjo
– connected through corridors,
jo
(age 2
5
)
.
2
making a total of 5,000 m of exhibition space like none other in the
country.
There’s hardly time to appreciate all that this small,
hip city has to offer with its history, culture, architecture, art, museums, eateries, bars and specialty
shops. Plus memorable locals who are warm and
welcoming. And I didn’t even get to mention what
more there is in the beautiful surrounding province!
Groningen doesn’t disappoint. «
About the author
ACCESS Magazine editor Mandie van der Meer writes You don’t know what you don’t know,
a column for internationals living in the Netherlands. She lives in Noordwijk with her husband
and her magazines.
Law | Partner feature
Proof of
cohabitation:
it remains
difficult!
It remains a frustrating situation
when you are almost positive that
your ex-partner is cohabiting but
you cannot actually prove it, and
tional relationship. The ex-husband is of the view
that there is cohabitation following section 1:160 of
the Dutch Civil Code, and that therefore his duty to
pay maintenance has ended. To support his argument and to prove that the ex-wife is cohabiting,
following the above section, the ex-husband had an
investigation bureau prepare a report based on their
observations of the cohabitation, or in other words,
of the fact that the ex-wife and her new boyfriend are
in an emotional relationship and often spend the
night together. A report on cohabitation can be
helpful but it is definitely not a simple solution and
certainly not cheap.
In this recent case, the ex-wife’s new boyfriend also
had separate accommodation. Once again the court
made it very clear that for cohabitation as referred to
in section 1:160 of the Dutch Civil Code to exist, it
must be established that there is mutual care and that
there is a shared household on a long-term basis. The
partners must therefore provide in each other’s care.
so you must continue to make
BY SUSAN MEIJLER
maintenance payments (partner
alimony). Anyone can imagine that
this frustration is hard to swallow.
070 361 5048
www.gmw.nl/en
Section 1:160 of the Dutch Civil Code determines that
the duty to pay maintenance ends if the ex-partner
(having been married) cohabits with another person
as if they are married. When reading this section,
nearly everybody envisages an emotional relationship
where the ex-wife lives with another man (this can of
course also be the other way around or relate to same
sex partners) and has an emotional relationship with
that person. Legally, however, having an emotional
relationship and living together, or being together
often, is not really important.
A recent ruling of the Court of Appeal ArnhemLeewarden in February 2016, makes this clear once
again. What is at issue? The ex-wife is in an emo-
A report on cohabitation
can be helpful but it is
not a simple solution
and certainly not cheap.
This is very hard to prove. The simple fact that the
new partners spend the night together, go shopping
together or go on holiday is not sufficient. The
request of the ex-husband to end maintenance payments was rejected by the court as it was not proven
that there was a contribution to the costs of running
a joint household.
Such a situation can be frustrating for anyone making maintenance payments, but according to Dutch
law, the burden remains on him or her to prove
cohabitation. «
Reviews
Editor’s
picks
ACCESS is proud of the international authors who
create works worth sharing, inspired during their
time living in the Netherlands. This summer our
editor recommends two very different books from
two American authors. Their years observing and
appreciating life here, respectively, have led to
entertaining, touching books you’ll want to pick
up this summer.
The Dutch and their bikes - Shirley Agudo
Hardback with dust-jacket
352 pages
XPat Scriptum Publishers
ISBN: 978 90 5594 899 4
www.dutchandtheirbikes.com
Shirley Agudo’s latest photographic journey through the country is an impressive hardcover book titled The Dutch and their bikes: scenes from a nation of cyclists, filled with almost
700 of Agudo’s photos documenting and celebrating this nation of bikes. Agudo has
lived here for more than 15 years, keenly observing the entertainment rolling by. There
are spotted bikes and spotted bikers. A Zwarte Piet on a unicycle. Riders in business
suits and riders in birthday suits (yes, completely naked bikers!). Bikers transporting
luggage, furniture, instruments and ladders. Bikers in the rain and on the ice.
Even if you’ve lived here for many years, you’ll appreciate the surprising variety of
cyclists here, plus the quotes from cycling experts and fans of cycling. You’ll get to
know the writer-photographer, too, seeing the Netherlands as she does: a country that
leads handsomely by example when it comes to the bicycle lifestyle.
Old Heart - Peter Ferry
O ld
Heart
Don’t let the title or cover of this novel mislead you. Author Peter Ferry’s second novel is an
insightful, moving story of a widowed, retired schoolteacher on a mission to reclaim love
and autonomy. The novel is told from unexpected perspectives, crafting a touching and
layered meditation on what it means to lose, to love, to grow, to learn, to fear, to act, to age.
a novel
And to paint chairs pink.
Ferry, a high school English teacher from the Midwest, was a Fulbright Exchange teacher in
Veldhoven in the early 90s. His main character in Old Heart, Tom Johnson, returns to
Veldhoven after 60 years, to search for a Dutch woman named Sarah van Praag
whom he fell in love with as a soldier in World War II. The bravery of an
American coming to the Netherlands for love – at age 85 – is a journey many of
Paperback | 256
P epages
ter Ferry
us expat and immigrant readers can embrace, but it’s Ferry’s talent for storytellUnbridled Books
ing, the revealing of Tom’s personal history that will capture all audiences. Old
ISBN: 978 1 60953 117 1
www.peterferrywrites.com
Heart is a deftly constructed book about life’s limitless potential to surprise.
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