Archive for January, 2015
Gunman in NOS Studio Posted by Karoly Molina on Jan 30, 2015
Yesterday night, around the time of the 20:00 news, an armed gunman went into the NOS studios demanding air time. The young man, identified as Tarik Z, entered the offices with a weapon. He said he was sent to give an important message that concerned the people. Although he was armed, Tarik didn’t hurt anyone…
Snow day!!! Posted by Karoly Molina on Jan 24, 2015
Today was for me the winter morning I have been waiting for since I moved to the Netherlands. I woke up early hoping the weather predictions were finally true, and that today I would finally enjoy a snowy day. To my amazement, our garden was a winter wonderland….white with snow! My first instinct was to…
Campaigns in NL 4 – “Klein Bedrag, Pinnen mag!” Posted by Sten on Jan 21, 2015
Pinnen (paying by debit/credit card) is very widespread in the Netherlands. There is even a verb for it! Pinnen comes from the word pinpas, which means debit card. This kind of payment got the honor of a verb of its own because it is used so much in the country. In many countries, there is an extra charge…
The Stadprins is elected! Posted by Sten on Jan 20, 2015
On Sunday, the 18th of January was the official day to elect the Prins van Carnaval (Prince of Carnival – Mardi Gras in Europe, which is also called vastelaovond in the Dutch province Limburg). This person symbolically reigns over the city during the days of Carnival, which is this year from Saturday, February 14 until Wednesday, February 18…
Do I use “de” or do I use “het”? Posted by Karoly Molina on Jan 13, 2015
Something I’ve struggled with in Dutch is distinguishing when a noun (person, place thing) uses de or het. I remember going over that while I was still living in Mexico, and although I know some of the rules, I cannot say I really KNOW them. Perhaps some of you already have this de or het dilemma out of the way, but…
Dutch New Year’s Resolutions Posted by Karoly Molina on Jan 8, 2015
2015 has begun and I am happy for all the opportunities it will bring. I am not the type to make too many resolutions, but considering this will be the year to culminate my Dutch language learning process (at least school wise), I need to set up a plan. By the end of this year…
Missing the Netherlands Posted by Karoly Molina on Jan 1, 2015
I have been in Mexico for a week, and I am surprised at how many things of the Netherlands I miss. I am enjoying a lot of family time and food, but there is no doubt that I am becoming Dutch and I am missing ¨home.¨ 1. Silence- Mexico City is a busy city with…