Archive by Author
Binnenhof: Tweede Kamer Posted by Sten on Aug 3, 2020
The Binnenhof (Inner Court) is the center of the Dutch overheid (government). Located in the heart of Den Haag (The Hague), it oozes Dutch geschiedenis (history) and verhalen (stories). In this series, we’ll go building by building and explore what each is all about. Today, we look at easily the biggest complex of the Binnenhof: the Tweede…
How to Get a Bike in the Netherlands Posted by Sten on Jul 27, 2020
So you’re moving to the Netherlands and you need to get around. Unlike the United States, the essential mode of transport is not a car, but a fiets (bike)! Their love for fietsen (to bike) is one of the most famous cultural distinctions of the Dutch. But how do you get one? Do you buy a nieuwe fiets (new bike)? Tweedehands (second-hand)? Or…
Binnenhof: Eerste Kamer Posted by Sten on Jul 21, 2020
The Binnenhof (Inner Court) is the center of the Dutch overheid (government). Located in the heart of Den Haag (The Hague), it oozes Dutch geschiedenis (history) and verhalen (stories). In this series, we’ll go building by building and explore what each is all about. Today, let’s check out the Eerste Kamer! For more posts in the Binnenhof series, click…
Knalplanga! Posted by Sten on Jul 13, 2020
July 4th was a little more than a week ago. Happy late 4th of July, dear Americans! It’s a day with parties, events and fireworks – and during the pandemic mostly the latter. But fireworks lead to injuries each year, even deaths. In the Netherlands, we have such issues too. Not in July, but in…
What’s a Dutch Zwembad? Posted by Sten on Jun 22, 2020
Ever since I moved away from the Netherlands, there have been things I’ve missed from my home country. Not only foods, like stroopwafels and good patat, but also places to go and see. This morning, I really felt like going to a zwembad (public pool, also refers to just a “pool”). Unlike in the United States, when the Dutch…
Binnenhof: Trêveszaal Posted by Sten on Jun 15, 2020
The Binnenhof (Inner Court) is the center of the Dutch overheid (government). Located in the heart of Den Haag (The Hague), it oozes Dutch geschiedenis (history) and verhalen (stories). In this series, we’ll go building by building and explore what each is all about. Today, let’s check out the Trêveszaal! For more posts in the Binnenhof series, click here. What…
Curious Words in Dutch 6: Telefoonbotje Posted by Sten on Jun 1, 2020
Have you ever called your arm? The Dutch word telephone bone suggests that you can. Or is that not what it means? Let’s take a look at this curious word. Previous posts in this series: Curious Words In Dutch The Telephone Bone You may have heard of the “phone bone” before. It refers to bone growth…