Archive for 'Culture'
Living in the Netherlands Means Integrating Posted by Karoly Molina on Mar 9, 2015
The Netherlands was the first country to require a language and culture exam for those who want to live here (except for expats or students). The purpose of the exam is to push immigrants to integrate or integreren into Dutch life by learning the language, history and culture of the country. This seems to me like…
The thrilling question – Wie is de Mol? Posted by Sten on Mar 8, 2015
Wie is de Mol? is a Dutch TV game show that attracts millions of kijkers every year. In 10 episodes, 9 candidates and the Mol play many well-thought out games in a country far away from the small Netherlands. This year was the 15th edition of the show, and it was staged in Sri Lanka. The game is about…
Celebrating Carnival in Limburg! Posted by Karoly Molina on Feb 19, 2015
From Thursday of last week until Tuesday of this week, some areas of the Netherlands (specifically Brabant and Limburg) celebrated carnaval. These areas are traditionally more katholiek than the rest of the Netherlands, and perhaps that is a reason why the celebrations are still so big. It also helps that neighboring Duitsland, another big carnaval country, celebrates it…
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…
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…