Archive for 'Culture'
Yellow and Dutch – All you need to know about Dutch kentekenplaten! Posted by Sten on Sep 7, 2015
This March, a new kentekenplaten (car plates) system was introduced in the Netherlands. The old system was exhausted. Again! Here on the Dutch-German border, in the German part, we see the yellow kentekenplaten more and more. Famously here are the many Dutch that cross the border to do their groceries at the local supermarkets in Germany. Allegedly because they…
The surprising Dutch sweetener for savory warm dishes Posted by Sten on Sep 4, 2015
When you think about the Netherlands and sweet, you may come up with things like Stroopwafels, Hagelslag or Vla (a post on that one soon!). I am talking about a sweet treat that is eaten with warm dinner. It is more of a side. Especially with potatoes. Yes, those yellow roots we eat. In the Netherlands, you eat…
For Dutch Kids…It’s Back to School! Posted by Karoly Molina on Sep 2, 2015
Schools and education systems vary in every country. The type of schools, the programs covered, the liberties and responsibilities of the students and parents are just some of the ways in which schools in every country vary. As a person who has been to schools in two different countries, I am intrigued with the manner…
The Dutch Alternative for the Elfstedentocht Posted by Sten on Aug 28, 2015
The Dutch Tocht der Tochten (tour of tours), the 200 km (120 mi) long ice skating tour that runs through eleven cities in the province Friesland in the winter, has an unfortunate fate. Everybody is hopeful each year again that the Elfstedentocht (eleven cities tour) will happen, though sadly this is usually not the…
More Harry Mulisch Posted by Karoly Molina on Aug 27, 2015
Harry Mulisch is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors of all time. His writing style is simply captivating without it being pompous or pretentious. In my opinion, Mulisch’s talent lies in his story-telling abilities: his plot is impeccably executed through his simple yet enrapturing writing. His books are the type you cannot put down…
Driving and All the Exams Posted by Karoly Molina on Aug 26, 2015
I previously wrote about my latest integration project consisting of getting my Dutch driver’s license. Everyone I have spoken to seems pretty surprised that someone who already knows how to drive and has a driver’s license needs to take some classes and the exam all over again. While I share their surprise, I also think…
Showing Pride and Solidariteit at the Amsterdam Canal Parade Posted by Jakob Gibbons on Aug 6, 2015
This weekend was the climax of the famous Amsterdam Gay Pride, the festival in celebration of LGBT culture and equality in one of the most tolerant and gay-friendly countries in the world. As Karoly pointed out last month in her post ‘Love Wins!‘, the Netherlands has long been a forerunner in the LGBT rights movement, so…