Archive by Author
3 in 1 – De Plakken for the Dutch Speed Skating Team! Posted by Sten on Feb 12, 2014
Last Monday, February 10th, the Nederlands Olympisch Schaatsteam (Dutch Olympic speed skating team) did something that no Dutch team has ever done. At the Olympische Winterspelen (Olympic Winter Games) held in Sotsji (Sochi) in Rusland (Russia) Michel Mulder earned the gouden plak (gold medal) on the Vijfhonderd meter – 500 meters x 2 (meaning that there are two races of 500 meters. The times are then…
The Koopavond and Koopzondag Posted by Sten on Feb 3, 2014
In the Netherlands, shops and stores are opened more and more on Sundays. There is a general trend in the world, also known as the 24/7 economy. However, as obvious as it seems nowadays for shops opening their doors on Sundays, you might be surprised why it is not in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has…
Elementary School 2.0! Posted by Sten on Jan 9, 2014
Helemaal in het Engels In the Netherlands, a bill is proposed to let schools teach 15% of their lessen (classes) in another taal (language). Helemaal (completely). Especially English is attractive for many schools, because it is used everywhere. It is on TV, in movies, on the internet, and basically all around the small state. It…
Vuurwerk! – Dutch fireworks Posted by Sten on Dec 30, 2013
Generally, Dutch people are very fond of vuurwerk (fireworks). In the Netherlands, they love them around this time of the year. Back in the days, it was believed that the noise and flashes of fireworks would scare away the evil spirits that would bring misery in the new year. Nowadays, the only misery in the…
Patatdag – Dutch and Fried Food! Posted by Sten on Dec 13, 2013
Patatdag French fries, as the name says, are often seen as being from France. Now, it has been proven that they are actually from Belgium. Just go to Brussels once and try them there. Without ketchup or mayonnaise – only salt. That is how they are to be eaten. In the Netherlands, French fries are a…