Archive by Author
Driving in Winter Posted by Karoly Molina on Jan 18, 2017
January has been a cold month for the Netherlands with temperatures falling below zero. While the cold temperatures during the weekend are fun (sledding!), getting to work with gladheid or slipperiness is never fun. In order to be safe during these next couple of days of low temperatures, here are a few tips I’ve received…
Book Review: Amsterdam Posted by Karoly Molina on Jan 12, 2017
The latest Dutch-related read is Russell Shorto’s Amsterdam: A History of the World’s Most Liberal City which was first published in 2013. Shorto is an American writer who lived in Amsterdam for a few years and from what I can gather from the book, loved the city! According to his website, his writing is focused on narrative history…
How muscular is your Dutch? Posted by Karoly Molina on Dec 28, 2016
Those of us that are constant participants in exercise classes in the Netherlands and Belgium finish each class with not only a more fit body (or at least a lot of sweat), but also new Dutch words! Sometimes we understand what the instructor meant, but other times, we walk out hoping the word will stay…
The first Stock Exchange – the VOC Posted by Karoly Molina on Dec 21, 2016
The Netherlands can boast of many firsts in history that have changed the way we live and interact. One of these was right at the early stages of the country’s independence from Spain: the first stock exchange or the aandelenmarkt. First, a little history In the 1500s, Portugal was the leader of trade with the…
Birthday Songs and Pie Posted by Karoly Molina on Dec 14, 2016
In the past years of living in the Netherlands, I have been intrigued by the birthday traditions. These are slightly different than what I had lived in the U.S. and in Mexico, but are gezellig none the less. Here are a few facts about celebrating your birthday in Dutch! Birthday songs Lang zal ze leven Lang…
Magical Christmas Markets in the Netherlands Posted by Karoly Molina on Dec 7, 2016
December is here and the Netherlands is in full swing of winter / Christmas activities. There are many places to go and things to eat so get your winter jacket ready to hit the town! Kerstmarkten Many cities and towns have begun setting up their Kerstmarkten. Greatly influenced by the German Christmas markets, Dutch markets…
100 years of Schiphol Posted by Karoly Molina on Nov 30, 2016
For many of us, Schiphol has been the first piece of the Netherlands that we encountered. The vast size of the airport is felt on the long walk from the plane to the exit gates each time you fly into Schiphol. This year, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol celebrates its 100 years of existence as the gateway of…