Why Did the Dutch Government Suddenly Decide to Leave? Posted by Sten on Jan 18, 2021
Last Friday, the Dutch regering decided that it was time to opstappen (resign). Minister-president (Prime Minister) Mark Rutte offered the ontslag (resignation) of his entire kabinet (cabinet) to the koning (king). The toeslagenaffaire was the big cause of the aftreding (resignation). What happened? And why now? And what does this mean for Nederland? The kindertoeslagenaffaire It’s a long word, but with a heavy load. The kindertoeslagenaffaire (child welfare fraud scandal)…
How the Dutch Dip Into the New Year under COVID Rules Posted by Sten on Jan 11, 2021
Everybody starts the new year differently. A common way for the Dutch is the nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s Dip). Dutch maniacs (that’s what I call them) all over the country dip into freezing January water in nothing but their swimwear. And, at least at the largest event, an orange unoxmutsje (Unox hat). With the sausage maker’s sponsorship, the…
The Unchanged Dutch NYE Treat Posted by Sten on Jan 4, 2021
Oliebollen – the tasty “oil balls” that is only eaten around oudejaarsavond (New Year’s Eve) in the Netherlands. We’ve discussed the fried dough treats before, as well as its companion, the appelflap. But we haven’t answered the question – who came up with them, and why is it only a tradition in the Netherlands? Today, we’ll uncover…
This Dutch Invention Revolutionized NYE Posted by Sten on Dec 31, 2020
It’s the last day of the year! On this day, we play games, reminisce about the past year, and have a drink at midnight. Perhaps there are some vuurwerk (fireworks) or you partake in some other tradition, like the German Bleigießen (“lead pouring”). The Dutch have a greasy, sweet tradition that is indispensable – oliebollen (“oil balls”) and appelflappen (“apple flaps”, apple…
Looking Back: The Best Dutch Posts of 2020 Posted by Sten on Dec 28, 2020
2020. This year has been quite a ride. And not necessarily in a good way – for most, the year has left quite a bitter taste, and it can’t end soon enough. But the year was also speckled with highlights, like our blog posts. Today, I bestow upon thee the honor to revisit these nuggets…
The Dutch & Chess – Part 3: Joining a Schaakvereniging Posted by Sten on Dec 14, 2020
With the miniseries The Queen’s Gambit, schaken (to play chess) has received a lot of attention. When I was a kid, I played schaak (chess) competitively with a Dutch schaakvereniging (chess club). I was never that good, let alone at Beth Harmon’s level, but I had my fun and victories. I could really identify with the long and exhausting games…
The Dutch & Chess – Part 2: Chess Vocabulary Posted by Sten on Dec 10, 2020
With the miniseries The Queen’s Gambit, schaken (to play chess) has received a lot of attention. When I was a kid, I played schaak (chess) competitively with a Dutch schaakvereniging (chess club). I was never that good, let alone at Beth Harmon’s level, but I had my fun and victories. I could really identify with the long and exhausting games…