Archive for 'Culture'
The Humble Stroopwafel Posted by heather on May 14, 2011
At first glance, there is nothing that spectacular about a stroopwafel. It’s thin, it’s round and it’s brown. But hidden behind that waffle grid exterior is a gooey, sweet, caramelness that challenges even the best home cooked meal from your childhood. Stroopwafels are a waffle made from two thin layers of baked batter with a…
Remembering and Celebrating Posted by heather on May 6, 2011
Two important days for the Netherlands have just passed – May 4th was Remembrance Day and May 5th was Liberation Day. If you were in the country, especially in Amsterdam, over these two days then you were probably aware of some of the events taking place and perhaps you even participated in them. Remembrance Day…
Get Into the Orange Party Spirit Posted by heather on Apr 14, 2011
Queen’s Day – the once a year event where everyone covers their immediate surroundings (including themselves) in orange, drags out their unwanted possessions to sell at the free market and for many, consumes large amounts of alcohol. If you aren’t able to catch a flight to the Netherlands and live in the United Kingdom, then…
Kom in de Kas: Stepping Into a Greenhouse Posted by heather on Apr 7, 2011
If you look out the window as you fly into the Netherlands at night, it is hard to miss all the greenhouses that are in the country. It is the orangey glow, visible even high up, that gives them away. You may have seen one of those greenhouses from afar but have you ever had…
Happy Birthday Rotterdam Museum Night! Posted by heather on Mar 10, 2011
On March 5th was the tenth edition of the annual Rotterdam Museum Night. Forty-five galleries and museums threw open their doors from 8pm until 2am, many with special activities designed just for the night. Tickets went on sale at the beginning of February but these were no ordinary tickets. For €13.50 you got a pin-on…
Dutch Commercials – Part Two Posted by heather on Mar 3, 2011
In last week’s post I shared with you three unusual/interesting/creative/funny commercials that currently air or have aired in the Netherlands. Today I will continue with the second part of the list and share with you a further three commercials. 3. Delta Lloyd Groep Delta Lloyd is another Dutch insurance group with operations in the Netherlands…
Dutch Commercials – Part One Posted by heather on Feb 24, 2011
With shows like World’s Funniest Commercials and Funniest Commercials of the Year, it is easy to get a glimpse into what commercials are airing in other countries and how humor differs from country to country. One thing I have noticed about Dutch commercials is that they tend to be pretty creative and funny. Of course…