Archive for 'Culture'
Let’s Make Oliebollen! Posted by heather on Dec 15, 2011
The number of days before we ring in the New Year is getting less and less. So, now is the perfect time for you to get to work practising your Oliebollen making skills. These round doughnut like food items are made with yeast and deep fried before being covered in powdered sugar and are an…
Classic Dutch Films: Bert Haanstra Posted by Elena on Dec 11, 2011
When I asked my father which Dutch filmmakers I should look into, he immediately thought of Bert Haanstra. “There are some really good ones,” he said, “with no sound.” I expressed surprise, and my dad made a joke about cheap Dutchmen. But I don’t think it was parsimony that motivated Haanstra’s choices, and in most…
Things to Do in December Posted by heather on Dec 6, 2011
If you haven’t realised it already, it is December – one of my favourite months in the year. And just what Dutch goodies can you look forward to for the month? Here’s a small selection. Dickens Festival – Visiting Deventer from the 17th of December until the 18th of December might make you think you…
Pepernoten and Kruidnoten Posted by heather on Nov 29, 2011
As the studio lights dim and two spotlights focus on two white plates with brown cookies on each, you hear the presenter ask, “and Transparent Language reader, which plate has the pepernoten on them?” You glance to the plate on the left and then you glance to the plate on the right. While both plates…
Folders, Folders Everywhere Posted by heather on Nov 27, 2011
folder (de) – leaflet; brochure If you are going to live in the Netherlands, then the word “folder” is one you are going to get to know well. On an almost daily basis, these folders – advertising the current items on sale and the special offers being made – will shoot through your mailbox. There…
The Joy of Chocolate Letters Posted by heather on Nov 15, 2011
It is that time of year again. The time of year when you head into a shop, spot the chocolate letter display and search for a chocolate letter that matches the first letter of your name. Infuriated that your letter is no longer available, you begin the process of coming up with a “letter alternative”…
Het Sinterklaasjournaal Posted by heather on Nov 10, 2011
Sinterklaas will arrive in the Netherlands on Saturday. In the weeks between his arrival and his departure on December 5th, he will fill shoes that have been left out by children, with goodies. He will also package up any naughty children in a sack and take them back to Spain with him when he goes…