ACCESS Autumn 2014

autumn 2014 S E R V I N G T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O M M U N I T Y

WWW

.ACCESS-NL.ORG

Music

the international language Special features | Learning language through music |

a circus of blues | the accidental music festival organiser | music therapy | Dutch craft beer | Connecting south africans |

Setting the standard for outstanding International childcare Zein has provided international childcare to expatriate families for over 10 years.

As a trusted partner to all International Schools in The Hague, Zein’s services ranges from Day Care, Playgroups, After School Care to Holiday Camps

The Estate Features

RECEN TL OPENE Y D: Premiu m Care C Child e Benoo ntre in rdenho ut, The Ha gue

• Great natural playground of 3,000 m2, with fun tree houses, a petting place with chicken and rabbits, sport court & vegetable gardens • Passionate, highly educated and loving staff that make the difference • Unique ‘personalised care’ formula – your input is the basis for our care • Fresh organic warm meals and snacks, prepared by a full-time chef • 3 times more indoor space than traditional Dutch childcare centres • Private parking, parents espresso & juice bar, dedicated parents room with WIFI

Zein was founded by commited international childcare professionals who understood the importance for international working parents to give their children the best start in life.

Zein has won several awards for their innovative and progressive approach to childcare and was recently nominated for ‘best childcare provider in The Netherlands”.

Call now to arrange a personal tour 070 326 82 63 or contact us at info@zeinchildcare.nl www.zeinchildcare.nl

Where the whole family feels at home

Letter from the editor

At ACCESS, we took advantage of our writers’ love of music and mixed a medley of musically themed articles.

Discover talented singer-songwriters at the latest of the year’s festivals and refresh with a taste of Dutch craft beer. As the season changes, combine a discover trip of new beer with a trip south to find new places in the Netherlands.

Dear ACCESS readers What a Summer it has been for sun, fun and music and, of course, if you were at a festival the usual mudbath that is a Summer festival.

It’s not too late to get to one as Summer turns to Autumn.

Music brings internationals together and not only gets those hips moving but helps us understand the culture of another nation.

Getting to know why someone loves Blues, a crazily named band or a new type of sound can spring your friendship to new heights.

Music has relaxing and soothing qualities as well as educational aspects but did you know it can also be used as therapy? Our Counsellors inform us how music can provide therapy for more curative purposes.

Pick up some tips for improving your memory by learning a language; with so many new techniques for learning, you can’t fail to find a method that suits you. Then the step from your mother tongue through Dutch to Afrikaans to converse with our featured community, of South Africans, will be even easier.

Our partners move to every beat from slow to lively tempos and inform us how music helps to expand the brain and the body.

So with a spring in your step, dance into Autumn with whatever tune takes your fancy.

We wish you happy leaf catching!

Sally Squirrell

about aCCess is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation that serves the needs and interests of the international community in the netherlands.

It is supported by Dutch, inter national and expatriate businesses and organisations through donations and sponsorship.

What we do

Established in 1986 ACCESS is a unique volunteer-based organisation. Representing an impressive cultural and linguistic variety, its dedicated volunteers work to: • provide guidance, advice, information to help individuals with settling, and/or living and working in the Netherlands • promote friendship, understanding and well-being of the members of the international community in the Netherlands • contribute to community development through skill training schemes and courses • serve as a bridge between local and international communities • assist the HR departments of international employers in preparing for and receiving international staff

Executive board

• Chairman: Gary Hays,

Valshebnik Consulting • Vice Chairman: Kiri Kikis, Shell • Treasurer: ‘to be appointed’

• Secret ary: Imanda Wapenaar, WFIA

Members

• Willemijn van Oppen-Stuyt, Educaide • Jessie Rodell • Koosje Ploegmakers, ABN AMRO • Godelijn Boonman, GMW Advocaten

4 | access | autumn

ACCESS Laan van Meerdervoort 70 2517 AN The Hague The Hague International Centre City Hall Atrium, Spui 70

0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377) local rate 20c per minute helpdesk@access-nl.org www.access-nl.org Join ACCESS on

• aCCess news • Community news • Cover story: the accidental music festival organiser • Food: the exciting revival of Dutch craft beer • Community: Connecting south africans • arts & ents: a circus of blues • shopping: spread the music • health: music therapy • travel: southern surprises • education: Learning language through music • meet our trainers

Cover story

The accidental music festival organiser

Food

The exciting revival of Dutch craft beer

Publisher Stichting ACCESS - Zeestraat 100, 2nd floor, 2518 AD The Hague Editorial content editor@access-nl.org Advertising 070 345 1700, adv@access-nl.org Editor Sally Squirrell Design & Layout Marek Moggré Contributors Allison Hamilton-Rohe, Carina Hyllested, Christopher an-Traumer, Deborah Valentine, Emmy McCarthy, Godelijn Boonman, Ellen van Woerkom, Lily-Anne Stroobach, Mandie Rose van der Meer, Olivia van den Broek-Neri, Richard Morris, Sally Squirrell, Sue Lawrence.

Cover image ra2studio Copyright©ACCESS 2014 All rights reserved.

No part of the ACCESS e-zine may be used in any form without explicit permission in writing from the Publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at the time of going to press. However, ACCESS and its writers cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information included.

phOtO: WOuter veLLekOOp

Autumn 2014 Vol. 27 No. 3

phOtO: kbC

ACCESS e-zine

autumn 2014

travel

Brabant a province in the south that offers plenty of surprises

phOtO: van CLaus Langer

Contents |

ACCESS partners & associates

Thank you for your support!

Platinum ****

Gold ***

Banking, taxation and personal finance ABN AMRO *** J.C.Suurmond & zn. * AAme Accountants & Tax advisors A

Silver **

Bronze *

International Health Centre The Hague A Housing and relocation RSH Relocation and Immigration Services * Tulip Expats Services *

The Community Learning Dutch

Xpat Media (Xpat Journal) *** ICP – International Community Platform ** Candles Flame Computer Training * The Hague Online * The Hungry Mind * Alliance Française A CheckNL A Expat Events A Amsterdam Mamas M AngloINFO SouthHolland M DutchBuzz M Dutch News M IamExpat M

Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort *** ASPA A Paard van Troje A STET The English Theatre A

Government support

Partner support

City of The Hague **** City of Delft * City of Leidschendam-Voorburg * City of Rijswijk *

Royal Tropical Institute * Unique Multilingual * Webster University *

Healthcare Bronovo Hospital * 6 | access | autumn

BSN Language Centre * Direct Dutch * Kickstart School * Legal matters GMW Advocaten ** Kortman Immigration Lawyers A Lifestyle

Associates A

Media Partners M

Zestee Social Media School A Connecting Women M Volksuniversiteit Den Haag M Women’s Business Initiative International M Your child American School of The Hague *** British School in the Netherlands *** Zein Childcare *** International School of The Hague ** American International School of Rotterdam * Big Ben Kids * British School of Amsterdam * German International School of The Hague * International School Utrecht * True Colours childcare * Passionate Parenting A

There are many ways in which you can support the work ACCESS does: as a Partner, Associate and Advertiser. Click here to see our Helping ACCESS 2014 Media Pack for opportunities.

ACCESS

News Autumn

by Christine Fischer

It is a small world, and a small country

New Office for ACCESS If there is any group which can quickly adapt to a move, it is the team at ACCESS. All of us have been through at least one relocation in our lives, so packing up boxes and equipment was a piece of cake, and, unpacking and getting s­ ettled “idem ditto”. As of 1 August 2014 the ACCESS back office team joins the international NGOs located in the Bertha von Suttner Building at Laan van Meerdervoort 70.

From here, and The Hague International Centre we will continue to serve the needs of the international community. «

Helpdesk on Facebook As of the summer the ACCESS Helpdesk Team will be facilitating our

new ACCESS Netherlands Open Group Page. Everyone is welcome to post and answer questions, share suggestions, and the team at ACCESS will fill in, add

The tragedy which struck the Netherlands early in the summer affected many ­people. Many may recall newspapers commenting at the time at how many Dutch knew of someone, or were in some way linked to one of the victims. Even though ACCESS is an international family – we live here – and were in many ways also affected by the tragedy. From all of us, we extend our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and wish them strength in the days, months and years ahead. «

to these when and where necessary. We look forward to ­serving you, and offering a platform through which you can help each other. « access | autumn | 7

Luxury Fitness + Spa Resort

Fitness • Group classes • Personal training • Yoga studio • Swimming pool

Spa • Whirlpool • Saunas • Hamam • Steam bath

Beauty • Massage • Facials • Rasul • Tanning

MAURITSKADE 10 • DEN HAAG • TEL. 070 820 99 10

WWW.CAESAR-DENHAAG.NL

Community news

If you haven’t already, then it is time to get your Ov chip card ns (Dutch rail) is introducing a new policy that affects your travel: no access to stations and no passing through stations without an Ov chip card.

Woerden in Utrecht province is the first NS railway station to close off its platforms to non-smart card holders.

From now on, only people with the public transport smart card will be able to access the station by checking in.

Anyone wishing to wave off or collect someone will need a smart card, but will not have to pay for a train trip. Checking in gives you one hour at the station without having to pay the basic tariff.

Woerden is one of five stations where the NS has been experimenting with closed barriers during rush hour since January. The NS plans eventually to close off 82 stations completely and is testing this at 26 stations this year.

In cities such as Amsterdam Central, Leiden and Amersfoort the station is also a throughway from one side of the city to the other. In these cases, people will be able to load a “right of passage” onto their smart card or apply to the local council for a special pass. «

Ov chip card app available View your online transaction overview easily and securely wherever you are with the official free OV-chipkaart app. You can use the app for personal and anonymous cards. « access | autumn | 9

Community News

“ i am not a tourist”

The “i am not a tourist” Expat Fair serves the international community ­living, working and studying in the Netherlands and has become an annual institution, catering for newly arrived expats, long-standing residents, ­individuals and families alike.

Order your FREE tickets via the event’s website.

air & International Job Fair in F Amsterdam on 2 November 2014

movie: ExpaticaCommunity

Expatica presents for the 11th time the “i am not a tourist” Community Fair for internationals and for your convenience also the 3rd annual International Job Fair on the same date and under the same roof: 2 November 2014, 10:00-17:00 at Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam.

Note: Regrettably there

won’t be a Feel at home in The Hague this year due to a lack of funding, However the organiser, The Hague Online, is not going to let 10 | access | autumn

Whether you are new to the Netherlands, have already settled in or still live abroad, the International Job Fair can help you find your perfect job. You may have just graduated or have an extensive CV, be currently working or in between jobs. Join workshops, meet employers looking for candidates and enter the candidate pool with your own online job profile, which is made available to all exhibitors. « Order your discounted tickets here.

that stop them from bringing us the great International Community in The Hague together - but this year it will happen ONLINE! Each day in September, The Hague

Online will feature one or more of the wonderful community organisations on their website, and also on their social media channels.

So stay tuned. «

Amsterdam’s mayor Eberhard van der Laan and the organisers of the Sinterklaas festival have unveiled plans to overhaul the image of “Black Pete” - the sidekick to Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus - after protests that the character exhibited racist qualities.

Zwarte Piet, “Black Pete”,

Zwarte Piet’s appearance will be changed over several years from his current blackface to make him look like he has been merely covered with soot from going down chimneys to deliver presents.

to get a new face in Amsterdam

In July an Amsterdam court agreed with findings by a Dutch discrimination vetting board and a U.N. advisory panel that Zwarte Piet’s look is offensive.

photo: NBTC

A large majority of the Netherlands’ ­population says that Pete is a positive f­igure and deny any racial insult, ­therefore other towns, businesses and indivi­duals across the country are not expected to want to change his look.

Stay tuned for an article on the history of Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet and everything about this Dutch tradition where Sinterklaas arrives on a steamboat laden with gifts, accompanied by numerous Zwarte Pieten. Available on our website end October. « access | autumn | 11

Internationally Curious Great teachers spark a curiosity and love of learning that can last a lifetime. The British School in The Netherlands nurtures every child’s natural desire to investigate, question and inquire - developing it into a skill that will help them thrive anywhere in the world.

www.britishschool.nl

Internationally British

What’s on Autumn 2014

Special events in September WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access MAGAZINE at EDITOR@access-nl.org, SUBJECT: ‘what’s on’.

photo: No Fit State BIANCO

5-28 September Bianco of NoFit State Circus Utrecht

Is it a circus show or a pop concert with exciting live acts? This is a ­contemporary circus that combines live music, dance, stage design, text, and film with traditional circus skills. www.nofitstate.org

12-14 September Rotterdam Philharmonic Gergiev Festival The theme of this annual classic music event is the First World War with iconic works by Ravel, Prokofiev, Shostakovich and their contemporaries. The festival also includes chamber music, lectures, a night concert, jazz and theatre. www.gergievfestival.nl

20-21 September Dam tot Dam Loop Amsterdam-Zandam A very popular 10 mile fun run with tens of thousands of participants running from Dam square in Amsterdam to Dam square in Zaandam. Run with the best and raise money for charity too.

You can test your night vision with the English 4 mile night run the night before! www.damloop.nl

13-14 September Open Monuments Day Various Cities During Heritage Day, thousands of historical buildings and sites (about 4,000) are open to the public free of charge. Besides opening their doors, many locations also organise on-site activities such as exhibitions, musical performances and guided tours. www.openmonumentendag.nl

13-16 September Jewish Music Competition Amsterdam This year’s festival promises the customary blend of top-class concerts (from renaissance to rap and classic to klezmer), workshops and a Jewish cultural market. A major element of the festival is the International Jewish Music Competition, which never fails to attract acclaimed musicians from all over Europe. www.joodsmuziekfestival.nl access | autumn | 13

What’s on Autumn 2014

Special events in October WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access MAGAZINE at EDITOR@access-nl.org, SUBJECT: ‘what’s on’.

The commemorations of the Spanish siege and subsequent relief (ontzet) of the city in 1574, transforms Leiden into a great festival with entertainment on every street corner with parade, fun fair, market, concerts, parties, food and fireworks. www.leidensontzet.com

11-12 October Stripfestival Breda If you are lover of the legendary Comic books, here it is, a unique event for you! Breda Comics ­festival (Stripfestival) is a two day event to celebrate the art of comics. www.stripfestivalbreda.nl

photo: kunsthal

2-3 October Leidens Ontzet

12 October 2014 – 8 February 2015 Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style Rotterdam

22 October Origin Chocolate Event Amsterdam

photo: Origin Chocolate

A unique celebration of fine chocolate! Here you can experience, taste and learn more about the chocolate of the finest quality cocoa from a specific region. You can even enjoy a unique Origin Chocolate dinner!

www.originchocolate.eu 14 | access | autumn

Hosted by Kunsthal Rotterdam, this fantastic exhibition created by the Barbican Centre, London, celebrates the world of the most famous secret agent from 1962’s DR. No through to 2012’s Skyfall with more than 500 gadgets, costumes, iconic vehicles, storyboards, graphic designs and props and numerous film fragments. www.kunsthal.nl

Special events in November WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access MAGAZINE at EDITOR@access-nl.org, SUBJECT: ‘what’s on’.

7-16 November TROMP Percussion Competition Eindhoven

www.tromppercussion.nl

photo: Crossing Border Festival

At TROMP Percussion Eindhoven you can see the best percussionists of the world and also ­discover up-and-coming talents.

It includes a percussion compe­ tition and a weeklong percussion festival. Close your eyes and feel the different beats and styles of music.

13-16 November Crossing Border Festival The Hague

Crossing Borders Festival brings together big names and new talents from the literature and music, breaking boundaries between arts forms. www.denhaag.crossingborder.nl

19-30 November IDFA - documentary film festival Amsterdam

photo: IDFA

It is one of the biggest and one of the most important festivals of its kind in the world. With a selection of over 200 movies, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the Public Prize Award giving your opinion on the movies. www.idfa.nl

20- 23 November Le Guess Who? Festival Utrecht This is your unique opportunity to discover the finest contemporary Indie music the world has to offer - the festival is situated in different music venues across the heart of Utrecht. Listen and enjoy the most bizarrely named artists in the Netherlands. www.leguesswho.com access | autumn | 15

Cover story

photo: kees van der niet

The accidental music

16 | access | autumn

festival organiser It has been said that music is a universal language. Scientifically linked to its effects on human emotion, music may actually pre-date humans by millions of years as creatures such as pre-historic ancestors of today’s whales may have been crooning beneath the seas long before Sinatra, Bono or Lady Gaga.

By Richard Morris

As one of our planet’s smaller nations, what the Netherlands lacks in geographical proportion is certainly eclipsed by the breadth of its musical talent, which is every bit—if not more—abundant than tulips and cheese! Though there hasn’t been a Dutch song atop the global music charts since Shocking Blue’s Venus hit number one in the US in 1970, the Dutch music scene—which includes thousands of expat musicians from dozens of countries—is one of the most vibrant anywhere. In 2013, quite by accident, I founded The Holland International Singer-Songwriter Festival, aimed at celebrating the art

and craft of the singer-songwriter.

These individuals from all walks of life create a universal language of music, melodies, lyrics and the love that flow from their songs. Here’s a photo essay depicting what happens when you put one person’s passion together with the music of 300 singer-songwriters.

Sing for a cause

Around the time I stumbled upon a weekly open-mic session at a local pub in November 2012, there were 60 undocumented refugees living in a makeshift tent city near The Hague’s central train station. In a matter of a few days I was able to mobilise a group of 15 local singer-songwriters and organise what was to become the first of more than 100 live music events that I would organise in the coming 18 months. On that evening, each of the 20 refugees who had been invited to the event courtesy of a local charitable trust, returned to the tent city with a 70-litre rubbish bag filled with essential supplies that had been generously donated by those in attendance at the event. » access | autumn | 17

Feature header

20 years to The Hague to spend a weekend reminiscing and playing music.

Word soon got out that I was organising a singer-songwriter “festival,” something that I had neither discussed with anyone nor contemplated. On 14 March 2013 Amsterdam-based singer-songwriter Lily Kiara became the first artist to officially sign up for the premiere edition of THISSFest.

photo: THISSFest

Sing it large

“…for me it’s all about music and my steadfast devotion to providing a platform for those singersongwriters and musicians…”

Pleasantly surprised to see the number of talented singer-songwriters coming to the open-mic session every week, I decided to invite some musician friends of mine met over the course of having lived in Europe for nearly 18 | access | autumn

After the success of the first edition of THISSFest, which featured more than 200 artists from 30 countries performing original music over four days in seven emblematic music venues in The Hague, I launched a monthly showcase, the Secret Singer-Songwriter Sessions, that featured a dozen singersongwriters each month at Poppodium SuperMarkt. Since October 2013 I have had the pleasure of presenting more than 150 artists at the Sessions and other live music events, such as the first edition of THISSAwards in January 2014.

Create a charitable career

Equally committed to fostering the careers of singer-songwriters as to promoting awareness of humanitarian causes, I am proud to have been involved in a number of charitable

Cover story | the accidental music festival organiser

events such as Songs For The Philippines in November 2013, a 24-hour song-a-thon which raised more than a thousand euros for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.

A benefit for the City Shine Foundation raised 300 euros towards the construction of new toilets at the foundation’s secondary school in the Soweto slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Five Dutch singer-songwriters joined me at a special holiday concert at the Scheveningen Prison.

In addition to organising my own live music events and festivals, I feel honoured to have been invited to collaborate with a variety of organisations in the capacity of music competition judge (Grote Prijs Rotterdam, Talent Event 2014) and organiser of a number of singer-songwriter stages at other music festivals and events (We Are The Hague Festival, ShoppingNight The Hague, Dreams Free Festival, KadeRock, Parkpop).

2014 saw many changes to THISSFest including the expansion to five additional cities (Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Rotterdam and Utrecht) to be able to accommodate the more than 400 artists who originally signed up to play in the second edition. THISSFest 2014 presented a total of 70 individual shows in 30 venues featuring more Âť access | autumn | 19

Cover story | The accidental music festival organiser

than 300 musicians from 30 countries over seven days. The festival culminated at our own singer-songwriter stage at the renowned Parkpop festival in The Hague on Sunday 29 June.

30 musicians performed, many of whom realised a lifelong dream of playing at one of the Netherland’s ­oldest and most widely attended free outdoor pop music festivals.

anything in return. My investment pays huge dividends every time I see the hundreds of artists who I have been involved with doing what they love while connecting with so many new fans and other likeminded artists from all over the Netherlands and beyond.

While facing many challenges as an expat trying to follow my heart and passions promoting independent music here in the Netherlands, I have been confronted by my share of detractors—both individuals and organisations—who don’t always share my vision and ways of getting things done.

But for me it’s all about music and my steadfast devotion to providing a platform for those singer-songwriters and musicians who, for whatever reason, have been unable to extend the reach and scope of their music further afield.

In March 2014, on a trip to Liverpool, England with four Dutch singer-songwriters, one of the artists told me how grateful they were that I had the courage and ambition to do what I do for so many people—a huge commitment of time and money—without expecting

movie: THISSFest

Follow your heart

And of course there are the literally hundreds—if not thousands—of songs that fill my ears, heart and soul every single day. That’s the real reward.

That’s the universal language of music. «

About the author Richard Morris is the founder of The Holland International Singer-Songwriter Festival (THISSFest). He now manages the Dutch band Tim Dawn and has recently started up the indie record label, In2itiv Records. access | autumn | 21

Law | Partner feature

Does an employee need to take a non compete or relations clause seriously?

Most employment agreements contain a non compete or business relations clause.

The big misunderstanding is that many employees. Many employees seem to believe that these clauses can be violated without any consequences.

by Godelijn Boonman

22 | access | autumn

Let me help you out of that dream as soon as possible. When such a clause has been agreed upon in the right way – namely in writing and with an employee above the age of 18 – it is binding. In the case of a breach, the employee will incur an immediately payable contractual penalty.

Of course an employee can take action if he wants the clause to no longer apply. Most often an employee will inform his employer of his intention of leaving and will then try to negotiate. An employee can state that the clause will not stand up in a court of law because it is too far reaching or has lost its validity (due to another job or bigger responsibilities). An employee can

also claim that the new position that has been offered will lead to a substantial improvement. The employee’s interests should therefore prevail above those of the employer. Depending on the employee’s arguments, an employer will be prepared to either limit the clause or to annul it. Whatever happens, an employee must make sure the clause is no longer in place when he starts working for clients or competitors.

The next question that often arises is the interpretation of the clause: is the new employer a competitor or a client? In a recent case a judge was asked to interpret the word “relation” in a business relations clause. The cantonal court decided that not only existing relations but also contacts that might become business relations fell within the scope of the clause.

The whole context

The employee appealed and the court of appeal judged that the interpretation given by the lower court was too restrictive. Not only should the court have looked at the linguistics of the clause, the whole

context should have been taken into consideration. In the opinion of the court of appeal, a general answer to the question whether can be spoken of a relation of the employer is not possible. Each case has to be looked at individually and depending on the specific circumstances, one must determine who can be seen as a relation.

Godelijn Boonman

When in doubt, call us.

In general it is wise to make sure the non compete and/or relations clause are as clear in wording as possible. Try to negotiate and make the clauses as restricted as possible.

In the case of a non compete, the term should not be longer than one year and the geographic span can be limited to the region that is mostly worked. In the case of a business relations clause, try to be as specific as possible and limit the term to one year.

Contact: GMW Advocaten 070 361 5048 led@gmw.nl www.legalexpatdesk.nl www.gmw.nl/en Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook

When in doubt, call us. It is cheaper to get good legal advice before taking action than trying to solve problems afterwards. « access | autumn | 23

phOtO: bIermagazIne.nL

the exciting revival of Dutch craft b eer

by eLLen van WOerkOm

It’s booming! small Dutch craft breweries with new beer styles are popping up just about everywhere (from 70 registered microbreweries in xyz year, there are now over 240), inspiring even well-known large breweries to rethink their traditional strategy.

24 | access | autumn

Young brewers, passionate about great flavour and experiments, are creating innovative beers with aromas ranging from citrus, tropical fruit, rye bread to roasted coffee. Exotic hop varieties, wild or even champagne yeast, lagering on used whiskey barrels and use lots of hop and other ingredients which result in pleasant, interesting and sometimes extreme beers.

Food

While “een pilsje” (pilsner) and a ­seasonal bockbeer are still the most ordered beers, now IPA’s, Porters, Stouts or the recently re-instated ­historic Kuit beer style are more widely available.

Beer instead of wine?

The wide variety of sweet, bitter, sour and umami flavours, together with the carbonisation, makes craft beer an interesting (and sometimes better!) alternative to wine in combination with cheese, meals and even dessert!

Like wine, light beers combine with lighter dishes and stronger beers with heavier and spicy meals.

Try a Weizen or Witbier with fish and a hoppy IPA or Triple with your BBQ or spicy Eastern food. The best combinations have not yet been discovered, so have fun experimenting!

When touring the Netherlands.

Check out specialty beer cafés and be sure to ask the local café for a regional brew on tap. Don’t miss visiting wellknown craft breweries like Jopen in Haarlem, ‘t IJ in Amsterdam, de Molen in Bodegraven, trappist brewery De Koningshoeve in Berkel-Enschot or Maallust in the penal colony of Veenhuizen just to name a few.

To find the best beer destinations like cozy brown cafés, beer pubs or buzzing beer festivals, a great English ­language guide Beer in the Netherlands was released a few months ago.

Tip: To enjoy Dutch beer with friends at home: Buy a few (four to six) different styles and a variety of good cheeses from a specialty cheese shop. Serve the beer elegantly in wine glasses (rinse them well with soda to make them “beer clean”). Start with the lightest and least bitter beer and explore the exciting taste experiences together!

Curious?

In cities like The Hague or Haarlem, you can find workshops and master classes where you can learn about the different styles, how to better appreciate or combine them with food, guided by comparative tasting to sharpen your palate and above all have a good time.

Welcome to the wonderful experiences Dutch craft beers can offer you! «

About the author Ellen van Woerkom has lived and worked in 10 different ­countries over 25 years and is one of 18 internationally certified Diplom Biersommeliers in the Netherlands. www.thedutchcraftbeercompany.com access | autumn | 25

Education | partner feature

music is often referred to as a “universal language� - a good tune, song or melody is something that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their cultural background or the language that they speak.

the universal language of music There are a range of well documented benefits linked to studying music, most concluding that children who have the chance to learn an instrument or study music from an early age, stimulate and develop their brain in a unique and important way.

Learning music can help to improve memory, boost confidence and foster creativity as well as develop the virtues of patience, hard work and self-discipline. The British School in The Netherlands (BSN) recognises and values these benefits and ensures that music forms an integral part of school life from the moment children start at the BSN. Lessons are fun and performance oriented with everyone given the 26 | access | autumn

chance to develop a love for music in whatever form. As a result, many older students elect to continue studying music as part of their GCSE programme and beyond.

Throughout their time at the school, students of all ages are offered the opportunity to become involved in choirs, orchestras, bands and ensembles, with regular concerts and shows being organised to enable students to experience the thrill – and challenge – of live performance. Students participate in collaborative instrumental and choir days, during which they are able to further develop and share their musical talents with young musicians from other international schools.

For children wishing to learn an instrument individually, the BSN provides access to an extensive ­network of qualified, dedicated and enthusiastic instrumental teachers.

These specialists work within the school providing one-to-one tuition both during and after the normal school day. The variety of instruments on offer is vast, and includes the saxophone, flute, violin, clari-

net, double bass, piano, keyboards, drums, electric guitar and trumpet.

The BSN is an official centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams in the Netherlands, as well as an official exam centre for the Trinity Music School. These external exams are designed to motivate young musicians and provide them with a series of realistic goals and rewards for their achievements at a variety of levels and grades.

Centre for Young Musicians

In addition to the opportunities on offer at the school, the BSN also supports the work of the Centre for Young Musicians (CYM), a centre providing high quality musical opportunities in an international English speaking environment – an ideal atmosphere for young musicians to further develop their potential.

Contact: The British School in The Netherlands 070 315 4077 or visit www.britishschool.nl

Whatever their age, and whatever their passion, the BSN aims to ensure that it provides its students with as many chances as possible to expand their creative boundaries and use music as a way to further enrich their lives. « access | autumn | 27

Community

South Africans settling in the Netherlands

by Lily-Anne Stroobach

Summer and autumn are the best times for spotting South Africans relaxing in the Netherlands. You can see the smoke coming off their braais for miles and smell the aroma of spicy boerewors as family and friends c ­ ollect around barbecues for their favourite outdoor pastime.

Moving to the Netherlands with its colder and wetter climate in no way inhibits this deeply ingrained recreational habit and it’s little wonder that Heritage Day on 24 September is also National Braai Day in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela established Heritage Day to celebrate his Rainbow Nation’s diverse cultures, customs, histories and languages. Popular anti-apartheid campaigner, Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu, put his stamp on it by becoming the patron of Braai4Heritage day on which this nation cele-

28 | access | autumn

brates its diversity. It’s a tradition that has spread to South African communities abroad and reflects the hospitable, easy going and colourful nature of its people and their lifestyle.

According to the Central Bureau for Statistics, there are about 18,300 South Africans immigrants in the Netherlands.

CBS statistics show that on average a thousand South Africans immigrate to the Netherlands annually – up to 1018 last year. The South African Embassy in The Hague said it had no current figures for the number of South African expats living and working in this country but added that the South African community in the Netherlands was “huge”.

Settling in the Netherlands

It’s a good sign when the list of things you like about a host country exceeds the list of things you miss.

A snapshot survey showed that South African immigrants and expats enjoy: • The safety and security in the Netherlands; good schooling and education system; cleanliness in public places; abundant cultural events; reliable public transport; traffic safety and good driving

Cultural and social websites and groups

• www.southafricanclub.nl (for braais and camping weekends with fellow South Africans) • South Africans in the Netherlands Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/ • Nederlands Zuid-Afrikaanse Vereniging (NZAV) www.zuidafrikahuis.nl/en/ • Business www.sanec.org • South African food outlets www.diespens.nl www.kellys-expat-shopping.nl www.thomasgreen.nl www.boerewors.nl

behaviour; cycle paths and waterways; and easy access to Europe and the rest of the world.

South African immigrants and expats miss: • Sunny skies; the ease of popping in unannounced; the beauty of unspoiled nature and wildlife; a more relaxed and laid back attitude; family and friends; and, of course, boerewors and biltong!

Historical links with the Netherlands

You only need to scratch the surface of any history book on South Africa to learn that the cultural, political and » access | autumn | 29

Innovative International Education

Dutch & English courses at The BSN Language Centre > Adult Courses > Childrens English Courses > In-company & private lessons > Summer School for Children > CELTA Teacher Training

“Learning is the Heart of The International School of The Hague” E: ish.admissions@ishthehague.nl

I: www.ishthehague.nl

T +31(0)70 328 1450

Contact us on 070 315 4080 or email languages@britishschool.nl

www.bsnlanguagecentre.nl

Community | south africans settling in the netherlands social ties with the Netherlands go back a long, long way. The Dutch first put foot on South African soil in 1647 when the Dutch ship, Nieuwe Haarlem, was shipwrecked off the Cape of Good Hope. The castaways were rescued by a fleet of 12 Dutch ships nearly a year later. On board one of the ships was Jan van Riebeeck who headed an expedition of settlers to start Did y o u the first Dutch settlement k That wh now... e near the Cape of Good South A n speaking f Hope in 1652. The rise of light is rican: A traffic a “r Afrikaans, a language that sneaker obot”; pair of s is is strongly influenced by a picku “takkies”; p truck 18th century Dutch dialects, “bakkie is a ”.

African cultural and is one of the many legacies of economic relations. Today this colonial rule; as is much of the Netherlands is South Africa’s third the architecture of this period. largest EU trading partner and the sevDiplomatic ties between the two counenth largest trading partner globally. tries had its ups and downs as the The Netherlands is the second largest apartheid regime and political events foreign direct investor in South Africa. in South Africa increasingly strained The main focus is on water managerelations with the Netherlands which ment, agriculture, transport and logissupported arms and oil embargos and tics and (renewable) energy. « economic, cultural, academic and sports boycotts against South Africa in the struggle to end apartheid.

About the author The release of Nelson Mandela and the first democratic elections in 1994 meant a new start in Dutch-South

Lily-Anne Stroobach grew up in South Africa and now works as a freelance translator, journalist, foreign correspondent and radio presenter in The Hague. You can listen to her weekly programme on www.dutchbuzz.nl access | autumn | 31

Lifestyle | Partner feature

Ask anybody about an experience they have had and they will usually describe it in terms of temperature and sound.

That also goes for exercise too. At Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort, temperature, rhythm, light and sound are important elements of the overall scheme of the resort.

Temperature, rhythm, light and regularity

By Sally Squirrell

Both can affect your mood and how you experience a space or activity.

Great care is taken at Caesar to ensure that the right balance is achieved in both facets. The music is specially chosen to lift or soothe your spirits and to suit the mood of the space. Each space is regulated in temperature by a special air treatment system to provide a unique experience for each activity, so come along and bask in the sizzling sauna, enjoy the bubbles in the 38°C whirlpool and then cool down in our cold rain street.

32 | access | autumn

The power of rhythm and regularity

It’s a well known fact that music can increase your enjoyment of ­exercise, it can even help power you along as you run or help you find a rhythm as you work out.

Twinning the perfect music with the perfect workout is part of the service at Caesar. But rhythm is not only about the beat of the music; it’s about the flow of stimulation to the brain, the release of endorphins that comes with regular ­exercise, any kind of exercise will release them; find the one that suits you best.

Ease the body and mind

Become one with yourself in the body and mind studio where you can practise yoga in a warmer temperature of 26°C with the perfect balance in space and light. The body is stretched; the mind is calmed.

The ringing of the Tibetan singing bowls stays with you long after the class has finished.

History resounds

The sound of history rings in the reconstructed swimming pool where many a resident of the

“it’s about the flow of stimulation to the brain, the release of endorphins…”

Den Haag of old learned to swim but otherwise the only music is the sound of arms splicing through the 28.5°C water. Experience the beautifully decorated spaces that await you.

Contact:

Balance yourself

Top trained therapists and instructors are available to advise you on the best treatment or workout in the gym with 19°C. It all awaits you at Caesar. Later on enjoy a hot cappuccino and crisp salad in the restaurant or café and let the feeling of well-being absorb you.

Easy listening music soothes many a stressed brow in the beauty parlour, hamam and rasul where you will be pampered and preened to perfection in a temperature of 26°C.

You can find it all under one roof on the Mauritskade, check out the website now for luxurious surroundings at a great price. «

Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort Mauritskade 10 2514 HC The Hague 070 82 09 910 www.caesardenhaag.nl info@caesardenhaag.nl

access | autumn | 33

phOtO: braDLey’s CIrCus

Arts & entertainment

a c ircus of Blues by sue LaWrenCe

blues is recorded cries of pain. It’s beat deep, the music lays down tracks of suffering. good blues music is driven by wild horses from the soul. If I can’t hear your dignified scream through your harmonic, if I don’t wanna rock my hips, if my heart doesn’t break from longing, then I don’t take that pain train.

34 | access | autumn

I am not a Blues music purist.

Evolution brings vigour. Legendary harmonica player Phil Wiggins explains the evolution of blues music: “what we play is blues but it’s not blues frozen in time. We have a lot of respect for the roots of the music.

People that came before us and built the foundation that we we’re standing on and we realise that it’s a living thing and that anything that is alive, changes and grows or else it dies. Nothing stays the same and we like to, rather than mimicking the voices of others, use our own voices, make our own statements and hopefully carry this music forward.”

Two Dutch-based musical groups whose tracks I’m following are The Damned and Dirty, and Bradley’s Circus.

and isn’t it a contrast to the happy man sitting next to him? The ZOT! of these cracking wires against each other creates a vortex of gorgeousness that shakes your insides to the point of crying. It’s a damned dirty trick to fall so hard in love so quickly. And it’s a love that’s worth the fall.

They write their own songs and they prefer it that way. They don’t do covers and because of that, it takes them longer to build up a repertoire of songs.

Kevin confesses to not being able to relate to the origins of blues – he’s “never picked cotton in his life”. Songs are inspired from a well-lived life.

Passionate and pain soaked, they yank the listener from stupor. Buy the Sell Your Soul CD and with Kevin’s approval, you buy their souls too... souls filled with big, beautiful notes »

The playground of Blues

mOvIe: the DamneD anD DIrty

The Damned and Dirty enjoy performing; guitarist Micha Sprenger’s smiling face beams as if we’ve been invited to his playground to play and he likes us being there. He draws you in. Kevin de Harde is more of the blues brute doing the macho thing with the swearwords and the mean thoughts of killing and shooting. And you wonder where did all that anger come from access | autumn | 35

THE DUTCH & THEIR BIKES

GET THE FREE APP

SCENES FROM A NATION OF CYCLISTS

XPAT Journal THE DEFINITIVE PHOTO GUIDE TO THE WORLD’S BEST BICYCLE CULTURE Available through bookshops, www.hollandbooks.nl and www.amazon.com

€ 29.90 Hardback with dust-jacket

352 pages | 700 photos | 7 x 9 inches Published by XPat Scriptum Publishers, The Netherlands | ISBN: 978 90 5594 899 4

14581-012-ADV XPJ App 95x127.indd 1

Are you looking to expand your horizons and meet new people?

15-08-14 12:48 BIKES 95x127.indd 1 14580-012-adv

Then connecting women is for you!

Come join us to meet an international community of diverse women and to listen to an inspiring speaker at one of our gatherings.

We meet on the first Monday of every month (except August and January) in The Hague.

You don’t need to be a member to join our events.

For more information visit our website... www.connectingwomen.nl

15-08-14 12:45

Arts & Entertainment | A circus of Blues

and harmonica playing that is an orgasmic cry straight from the bottom of longing. www.thedamnedanddirty.com

Mattanja Bradley travels “on the road of dazzling” in the song The Back Porch of My Dreams in Bradley’s Circus new album Kickin’ But Not High.

Bradley is also a “fan of the pain-train of blues”. Bradley’s Circus has been together since Mattanja met guitarist Andre van den Boogaart seven years ago and realized she had “finally met the person I could do that bluezy stuff with”. Joining them is Lidewij Veenhuis, best female harmonica in the Netherlands, an honour she reluctantly takes on. She loves her role in the band where she can “sometimes take a step forward, sometimes a step back”. Together they use the beauty of blues where Bradley says “there’s a lot of freedom to jam away and you can change it and it’s a basic song and there’s space and freedom to experiment with Blues”.

Bradley’s experience with men has fuelled many of her songs: “Men are not angels...and a lot of men are dogs.

I think I met a lot of dogs”. The power gained from being vulnerable through

movie: meis25

Freedom to jam

“ there’s space and freedom to experiment with Blues”.

love and then singing about the journey acts as therapy: “it’s great to be able to work through your emotions via the songs you write and every time you perform a song, you live through it and work through it”. She has used that vulnerability to fuel her music, her performances, making her the ­victor in love’s weary war. Check out Bradley Circus : bradleyscircus.com «

About the author Sue fell in love with Blues when she was 17 years old. It’s been a rocky relationship because Sue has also had flings with Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Bono. But Blues is her first love. access | autumn | 37

Shopping

spread the music For athletes & people on-the-go

music is undoubtedly the international language par excellence - a universal emotional experience that expresses the gamut of human emotions, uniting all humanity, cutting across cultures and languages.

Danish design meets international art: Limited edition of headphones in three stylish colours with artwork from Utrecht based illustrator and artist Merijn Hos, Argentinian street artist Zosen and young London based illustrator Hattie Stewart. www.beoplay.com

€ 14 9

by ChrIstOpher an-traumer & aLLIsOn hamILtOn-rOhe

€ 19 9 Eco-friendly option for your smartphone For home listening If you want different—or even the same—music to play in multiple rooms of your house from any source, using any of your gadgets or computers as a controller, then SONOS is the option for you! www.kieskeurig.nl

€ 49

The 12” vinyl LP gets a makeover in historic style.

This simple and elegant loudspeaker for smartphones will enhance any fashion conscious apartment. Listen to your music wire and energy free. paulcocksedgeshop.com

38 | access | autumn

For the DJ in you Transform your tablet into a true DJ station anywhere without compromising on the authentic feel of twisting a knob on professional DJ gear. Tuna Knobs are not on the market yet, but keep your eyes peeled! This is cutting edge!

€ 750 For the nostalgic This turntable isn’t just there to look good – it features class-leading sound quality, given a helping hand from its Rega RB303 tone arm. Available in 3 colours – silver, black and white.

www.tunadjgear.com

www.rega.co.uk

For the musician in you Want to record music? Just hook up this little system to your laptop, plug in the included microphone and you’re making music in the blink of an eye. The best part: the package includes headphones. www.bax-shop.nl

€233

€ 20

For the festival goer Enjoy the music without damaging your ears: The Elacin ER earplugs are made specifically for visitors to concerts and music festivals, DJ’s, and sound crews. www.elacin.com

access | autumn | 39

photo: Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy, NYU

Music Therapy

By Mandie Rose van der Meer

What songs really get you groovin’? Do you incorporate music into your daily rhythm?

Sing in the shower, perhaps?

Strum on an old guitar now and then?

40 | access | autumn

All of us have songs personal to us that cheer a rainy day, ease a tedious traffic jam, or trigger melancholy memories without warning. There’s no denying the power of music to move us. In this article, we find out how music and ­therapy can come together to improve our wellbeing, beyond a few minutes’ reverie.

Music for all ears and all talents

“There’s not just one kind of music that’s therapeutic,” says music therapist Meagan Hughes. “It’s all indivi­ dualised. The majority of people have some relationship with music already

Health

and we further explore that.” Meagan, who also volunteers for Music Without Borders, is trained in guitar, piano, djembe drums, and voice. She has worked with clients of numerous ­psychological needs, and musical ­preferences and talents. “We don’t want to be counterproductive. If my client is into heavy metal, well then we’re going to go with that.”

She recalls one patient, a teenager with a form of muscular dystrophy with periods of lengthy hospital visits. He and Meagan worked together using an iPad and the GarageBand app to create his own hip-hop beats and lyrics to express his frustrations. His mood was greatly improved through this method, where he might not have otherwise been open to communicating.

Meertine Laansma, a member of the Research Committee for the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Muziektherapie (Dutch Association for Music Therapy), says music therapy can be considered complementary, intended to reinforce verbal psychotherapy. It uses traditional clinical and cognitive behavioural approaches in combination with music.

It can be beneficial for depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders,

trauma, substance abuse, burn out, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism, Alzheimer’s, and others.

It is not the goal to master an instrument; although that may occur as the result of creating one’s own music ­during therapy. And you don’t need to be musically proficient to benefit from or participate in music therapy. But it is advisable to start with a personal goal to improve one’s mental health.

One-on-one, or in a group

The idea, says Meagan, is “to implement music interventions to accomplish goals that are individualised through a patient-therapist relationship”. »

Accepted by some insurances In the Netherlands certified music therapists are registered in the Federatie Vaktherapeutische Beroepen (FVB), or Dutch Federation of Art Therapies: www.vaktherapie.nl Music therapy is covered by a number of Dutch insurance companies who may list it as “alternative” therapy. Contact your general practitioner and your insurance company to check on referrals and coverage.

Nederlandse Vereniging voor Muziektherapie, or Dutch Association for Music Therapy www.nvvmt.nl (Dutch only site) Fivelingo 253, 3524 BN, Utrecht. Tel 030 280 0432 access | autumn | 41

With yesterday as a guide

for tomorrow’s opportunities

Bronovo offers general hospital services for the residents of The Hague and surrounding areas. At Bronovo, over 1,500 employees and 120 specialists work closely together in a multi disciplinary team to provide what we like to think of as health care with added hospitality. Nursing as a ‘labour of love’, as it was performed by devoted deaconesses in the past, has anchored certain fundamental values in Bronovo hospital. Today, the mindset of Bronovo’s employees reflects these values, expressed through kind assistance and qualitative service. Great value is attached to gracious manners, because at Bronovo personal attention is viewed just as important as medical attention. That’s why our motto is: ‘Courteous care’.

Information meetings In cooperation with medical specialists Nanda offers you customized or standard information meetings which can be held in Bronovo or at your own premises. Please send a mail if you are interested or ask Nanda directly when you meet her.

Patients Administration Financial issues, questions about your invoice or health insurance matters can be discussed with Deborah. Using her experience as a native english speaker, she can assist you straight away. Deborah can be reached on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 08.30 - 16.00 hours.

Deborah Warmenhoven-Walmsley Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro Overseas Administration Bronovo Expat Coordinator T: +31 (0)70 312 41 80 E: NJagusiak@bronovo.nl E: DWarmenhoven@bronovo.nl

General questions Do you have any questions about finding your way around the Bronovo Hospital, about the Dutch Health Care system, or are you considering having your baby at our hospital?

Then Anneke can connect you with the right person. She can help you find a General Practioner, Dentist or Midwife. You can reach her every workday from 8.00 - 16.30 hours.

Anneke van Kooten Expat Service Desk T: +31 (0)70 312 40 16 E: expat@bronovo.nl (not for appointments)

Bronovo hospital Bronovolaan 5, 2597 AX Den Haag • Wassenaar Health Centre Hofcampweg 65, 2241 KE Wassenaar Bronovo Satellite Outpatient Clinic President Kennedylaan 15, 2517 JK Den Haag • www.bronovo.nl

Health | music therapy

A music therapist would generally follow this process for each client: 1. undertake an assessment with the client; 2. determine the best course of therapy using music; 3. continually document and evaluate the client’s development and progress.

Group sessions can be effective too, such as those that Steve Davies has led at Arkin in Amsterdam and at a PsyQ clinic in The Hague. One group was fairly informal, meeting weekly for a kind of jam session with guitars, a keyboard and a drum set. Everyone could share their emotions in a safe, creative environment. The patients, some diagnosed with psychoses such as schizophrenia and manic-depressive disorders, benefited from the opportunity “to delve deeper,” as Steve says, “through a less-invasive approach than more traditional therapy. You work from a more subconscious level, more to the core beliefs.” This can be a truly profound experience for some, since, simply put, “music works on the brain differently, processing and understanding information on several levels from rhythm to melody and lyrics, all at once.”

For expats too

Did you k Plato: “ now...

I children would teach and phi music, physic s lo importa sophy; but mo st nt pattern ly music, for th s in e the arts music and all are t to learn he keys ing.”

Meagan adds that expatriates can especially benefit from music therapy as a “way to connect with home, and to feel more comfortable with where they are now.” Bringing music from your home country into your life here can help with adjusting and with normalising your circumstances, at any age.

“Music therapy works across life spans,” says Meagan, “from infancy to elderly care. We look forward to working with more medical professionals to build relationships, and to build more programmes and awareness here.” «

About the counsellors Steve Davies is a member of the ACCESS Counselling Services Network. He is interested in applying innovative approaches to improve wellbeing, has a strong belief that physical and mental health are complementary and a passion for supporting others when needed. interactivetherapy.nl Meagan Hughes is a certified music therapist with extensive experience working in community and medical settings. She has a private practice in South Holland and is accepting clients for individual and group sessions. musicalmethods.weebly.com The ACCESS Counselling Service Network (CSN) consists of licensed psychologists, mental health counsellors and social workers from different cultural backgrounds. Find out more at access-nl.org access | autumn | 43

Performing for perfection:

music at the ISH Central to music at the ISH, is performing in public. ISH students find that taking part in music performances is not only tremendous fun, but that having fun and playing and singing to a high standard go very well together.

by David Butcher

The ISH Orchestra and Choir have recently been invited to perform at international conferences in awe

4 4 | access | autumn

inspiring venues, including the RAIÂ Theatre in Amsterdam, the Gertrudiskapel in Utrecht and The World Forum in The Hague. Facing an audience of two thousand educators from around the world brings out the very best in our young people as they rise to the challenge as individuals and as team players. In addition to these prestigious large scale occasions, the ISH Orchestra and Choir have performed at the

Education | Partner feature

Spanish Centre in The Hague and at the annual Education Information Day at City Hall. An approaching tour to London in the autumn will provide a further exciting challenge to perform, make new friends and learn new music through workshops.

Integrating the academic and performance elements of music to provide ISH students with a fully rounded music education.

Jazzing it up

A smaller but no less enthusiastic audience enjoyed our first ISH Jazz at The Pavlov, a restaurant in the centre of The Hague which doubles as a specialist jazz venue.

Of course there have also been numerous concerts at ISH and these have included the Concert Band, Jazz Combo and advanced soloists.

Keyboard students get the true feeling for Baroque repertoire at these concerts by playing and hearing the school’s harpsichord, a copy of a 17th Century Italian instrument built by local craftsman Mr Dick Verwolf.

Working in tandem

A recently held event entitled ‘Expect the Unexpected’ combined an exhibition of visual artwork with music by some of the most avant-garde contemporary composers as well as student compositions, some of which were improvised on the spot. True signs of talent and creativity.

Music theatre shows are a major commitment and are a great ­opportunity for the Music & Drama departments to collaborate: recent performances of Sweeney Todd will be followed in 2015 by Little Shop of Horrors and Oliver!

All the activities described above are open to all ISH students and are directed by music curriculum teachers: integrating the academic and performance elements of music to provide ISH students with a fully rounded music education. «

David Butcher Principal of Secondary International School of The Hague

Contact: The International School of The Hague Wijndaelerduin 1 2554 BX Den Haag Secondary School +31 (0)70 328 14 50 Primary School +31 (0)70 338 45 67 ish.admissions@ ishthehague.nl www.ishthehague.nl

access | autumn | 45

Travel

Brabant

A province in the South that offers plenty of surprises

By Olivia van den Broek-Neri

Commonly referred to as Brabant, the province of Noord-Brabant attracts expatriates working in the high-tech industry and boasts a healthy economy. Yet, it is not often at the top of mustsee destinations. Despite this, there is plenty to explore in Brabant on an autumn day.

photo: GLOW

Visit to the capital

46 | access | autumn

Also known as Den Bosch, ‘s-Hertogenbosch is the capital of Brabant and has retained its medieval character that continues to charm visitors. Begin your visit with a boat trip along the Binnendieze and discover the history

of the former hunting grounds for Duke Hendrik the First, which received its city rights in 1185.

Continue on by visiting Sint-Janskathe­ draal (St. John’s Cathedral), whose tower reaches 73 metres high. Next, visit the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre, which honours its most famous resident.

2016 will mark 500 years since the 15th century painter’s death, and will be celebrated with a year-long of festivities.

End your visit with a stop at Banket­ bakkerij Jan de Groot for a ­bosschebol, a pastry with chocolate and whipped cream that attracts a flock of enthusiasts.

the 20th and 21st centuries, the Van Abbemuseum boasts the largest El Lissitzky collection outside Russia, plus masterpieces by Picasso, Chagall, Beuys, Dumas, Appel and Daniëls.

End your visit in the Karel 1 Café where you can have a drink and meal while enjoying a view of the Dommel River.

Then, depending on the month, you are able to participate in one or more of the following events: The 13th edition of Dutch Design Week will present creative solutions for the future. The event offers enough to fill one or several days of exploring its exhibitions that are spread across the city centre. A highlight is the Design »

Smart and creative in Eindhoven

Each year, thousands of international students converge upon Eindhoven to study at the Technical University of Eindhoven and the Design Academy Eindhoven. This mixture of technology and design provides Brabant’s largest city with a young and international ­flavour that exudes creativity, especially during the autumn months.

Begin your day in Eindhoven at the Van Abbemuseum. The only museum in the country that focuses solely on modern and contemporary art from

Things to do Abbemusem www.vanabbemuseum.nl • Van Bosch Art Center • Jheronimus www.jheronimusbosch-artcenter.nl/en Efteling www.efteling.co.uk • Safari Park Beekse Bergen www.safariparkbeeksebergen.com • Events in autumn 18 September – 12 October, Lichtjestroute www.lichtjesroute.org 18–26 October 2014, Dutch Design Week www.ddw.nl 8-15 November 2014, GLOW www.gloweindhoven.nl

• • •

Info VVV Eindhoven www.vvveindhoven.nl/en ’s-Hertogenbosch www.vvvdenbosch.nl/env

• •

access | autumn | 47

slides

phOtOs: mIChIeL LanDeWeerD

Travel | brabant

the van abbemuseum boasts the largest el Lissitzky collection outside russia.

Academy Eindhoven Graduation Show where you can speak directly with the young designers.

In November, GLOW will turn Eindhoven’s city centre into a stage of light. A forum of interventions, installations, performances and events based on the phenomena of artificial light, explore the GLOW route on your own or with a guided tour. But be prepared: 520,000 people visited GLOW 48 | access | autumn

in 2013! End your evening at the GLOW CafĂŠ for a drink and snacks.

Eindhoven looks toward the future, but it also remembers its past, and this year will mark the 70th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi Germany.

Festivities will take place from 14-21 September, and will begin with 600 military vehicles passing through Eindhoven, and will end with a weekend full of festivities and music.

A yearly event that celebrates Eindhoven’s liberation is the Lichtjes­ route (Light Route), a 22 kilometre route through the city that is illuminated by hundreds of thousands of light bulbs.

Locals bike the route with children in tow.

Van Gogh’s roots in Brabant

Although Amsterdam has the Van Gogh Museum, people who want to see what made the great artist who he is must visit Brabant. It is where he was born and inspired to become the artist he is known as today; where he received his first serious drawing ­lessons, and where he painted his first masterpiece, The Potato Eaters.

Van Gogh Brabant is proud of its ­connection with the world-famous ­artist, and continues to educate the public about him, and to inspire the next ­generation of artists. They offer many opportunities to explore Van Gogh, including bike and walking tours. The Van Gogh locations are spread over the province.

A Day out for thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts

The province is home to Efteling, the largest and most popular amusement park in the country. Efteling resort is

comprised of the theme park, the ­four-star Efteling Hotel, an 18-hole golf course, the Efteling Theatre, and Efteling Bosrijk, a holiday park with bungalows.

See wildlife up close at Safari Park Beekse Bergen, the largest wildlife zoo in the Benelux. Go on an African safari and meet the African Big Five without leaving the country! Choose from a bus, boat or car safari, the daring can even go on a walking safari.

Brabant also has its own desert ­nicknamed the Brabant Sahara, and located in the Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, the 30m2 desert is home to a variety of plants and ­animals. Go mountain biking, enjoy a picnic or go on a hike. Dogs are also welcome to explore the shifting sands.

Take a day or two to explore Brabant, and you are sure to come back for more! «

About the author Olivia van den Broek-Neri is originally from California, and has lived in Eindhoven for seven years. Olivia’s involvement with the international community has been extensive: from volunteering with ACCESS to her current position of Project Coordinator for Communication & Events at Holland Expat Center South. access | autumn | 49

Education

Learning language through music From the moment we are born music surrounds us, from the gentle low nursery rhymes our parents sing to lull us to sleep to the activity songs to help us get moving. music is everywhere. by emmy mCCarthy

Did ow... n k u yo s found t s i t n e i d “…sc e rewar h t n i s a e that are e brain becam f th rd centre o en people hea h active w for the first a song time.”

50 | access | autumn

Have you ever wondered why you remember the words to your childhood songs more clearly than the events of your childhood? Or why a song can get stuck in your head for days? That is because music stimulates the memory like nothing else can. In fact a 2013 study conducted by the University of Edinburgh showed that language learners’ memory skills are greatly improved when memorising to music.

If you think about it, it does make sense, songs are carefully constructed packed full of grammar and vocabulary which is all waiting to be unlocked when the songs are sung. Songs will expose you to a wide range of words and encourage you to work out their meanings in context.

A pleasant side effect of singing is that your pronunciation will also improve.

Really! You will be hearing the native pronunciation over and over again allowing you to refine your pronunciation of words for a more natural tone.

It will also help you recognise where words begin and end which is considered the most difficult challenge in learning a new language.

To give you a head start in learning Dutch through music there is an easy Rapid Dutch course available from Earworms, a company dedicated to teaching language through music. Their courses are available on CD, as an audiobook download or as apps for your smartphone and tablets. So you can have music with you wherever you go.

Other ways you can learn Dutch through music.

• Listen to the local radio, try to pick

one that plays predominantly Dutch music.

• Join a choir. If you are brave enough and can hold a tune, why not seek out a local choir. Not only will it help your Dutch but it will also expand your social network. If group singing isn’t your thing then you can also consider a singing tutor.

• Search for Dutch songs on YouTube and practice translating them. The translation will help fix the words in your memory.

• Watch Sesame Street in Dutch with the kids! It is a programme designed to facilitate learning which means that their songs are perfect if you are trying to learn a new language.

• For more tips, pick up a copy of Language is Music a comprehensive guide to learning languages through music. «

About the author Emmy McCarthy is the Managing Director of Stichting Amsterdam Mamas, a not-for-profit foundation providing information and support to families in Amsterdam and beyond. www.amsterdam-mamas.nl access | autumn | 51

ACCESS Trainers

Meet our Trainers ACCESS Trainers are an integral part of the ACCESS Community. They provide training opportunities on topics of relevance to the international community ACCESS serves, in English or other languages. Trainers who work with ACCESS are vetted for their relevancy to the international community.

learning new skills. The most popular of our courses are those related to ­preparing for a family, in which you meet others in the same situation (­having a family far from family) and gain insight to how things may be a ­little different to where you are from.

We offer courses in the following categories:

• Creative • Cultural awareness • Global mobility • Having a baby • Health and physical well being • Languages and art • Professional skills development Are you interested in being part of the ACCESS trainer network?

The courses offered through ACCESS are aimed at providing opportunities for personal growth; supporting the development of ‘community’; learning something new; preparing for a new direction; cultural adaptation; as well as pregnancy and childbirth.

Do you have a course, which provides value to the international community?

Contact ced@access-nl.org or click here for more information.

Have a look at all the courses and register online:

access-nl.org/courses-workshops.aspx ACCESS courses cover a variety of ­topics and they provide you with the opportunity to meet new people, while 52 | access | autumn

Meet our Trainers online:

access-nl.org/meet-the-trainers.aspx

r e g i s t e r fo r co u r s e s o n li n e a t www . a cc e s s - n l . o r g , o r co n t a c t t r a i n e r di r e c t l y .

Digital photography Megan Alter

Professional photographer & photography teacher Amsterdam

Learn to take better photos. Megan believes in learning by doing; her classes not only teach theory, but how to put that theory into practice. Sign up for a class now and take control of your camera so you can express yourself more fully and preserve beautiful memories with your images.

www.meganalter.com/classes

Career coaching Caroline van den Bogaard

International career coach Amsterdam & via Skype

www.cctransitions.com

Caroline inspires and motivates international professionals to look for ways to continue their career in a new country, and to make the transition easier through career coaching.

She knows the challenges and opportunities that professionals face when transitioning to another country, having lived and worked abroad herself. She is a certified career coach and has a Master’s degree in occupational psychology.

Presentation and speaking skills Marlene Burns Coaching in effective speaking The Hague

www.powertalkeurope.eu

Marlene is an accredited trainer for Powertalk International’s Short Course, which she presents with fellow trainer Angela Tait. Both are experienced speakers at both local and inter­ national levels. Are you a nervous beginner or just feel the need to improve? This course offers in-depth training at all levels for effective speaking.

Career and life coaching Marie Dewulf

International career and life coach

The Netherlands & via Skype

www.coach2moveon.com

Marie is an expatriate, a Life and Career Coach and trainer/ facilitator whose focus is on cross-cultural adaptation, communication skills, and career development/transition. She works with you to discover what your hidden talents are and how these can be identified and released to unlock YOUR potential. It’s about discovering what you can do with a guide by your side. access | autumn | 53

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s t e r fo r co u r s e s o n li n e a t www . a cc e s s - n l . o r g , o r co n t a c t t r a i n e r di r e c t l y .

Presentation and speaking skills Christine Fischer

Multicultural coach & ACCESS Community Education manager The Hague

www.fischersfiresidechats.com

Christine holds an M.A. & an M.Ed. in multicultural counselling psychology from TC, Columbia University, NYC. She created FischersFiresidechats discussions, workshops, and seminars to foster warm, informal, yet informed environments for learning cultural competence. Her programmes cultivate awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, attitudes towards cultural differences, and offer a variety of cross-cultural skills.

Art history Wendy Fossen

Freelance Art historian & Art history teacher The Hague

www.casadellarte.nl

Wendy is owner of Casa dell’Arte and works as a freelance art historian. She has been giving art history courses in both Dutch and English for over 7 years. She also works as a museum guide at the Gemeentemuseum, and as a tour guide in Italy. Wendy holds degrees from the Universities of Leiden and Amsterdam and from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.

Childbirth preparation Truus Gale

Experienced midwife and prenatal coach Amsterdam

www.childbirthclassgale.com

Truus has over 25 years experience in Dutch midwifery and related areas. She holds a Dutch equivalent of a BA in Educational Sciences from Amsterdam University and graduated from Amsterdam Midwifery College in 1988. Truus has been an ACCESS trainer since 2005, specialised in prenatal individual or group information sessions for expat couples expecting a baby in the Netherlands.

Workshops in coaching and counselling Jacqueline van Gent

Psychologist and trainer in Transactional Analysis The Hague

www.ta-denhaag.nl

54 | access | autumn

Jacqueline provides internationally accredited workshops for people wanting to enrich their coaching or counselling skills with very effective, ready-to-use tools. Workshops consist of a little bit of theory and lots of practice, and in a learning climate that helps people of all ages, feeling at ease and willing to engage in developing both personally and professionally.

r e g i s t e r fo r co u r s e s o n li n e a t www . a cc e s s - n l . o r g , o r co n t a c t t r a i n e r di r e c t l y .

IT and Self defence William Rumley-van Gurp Professional personal development trainer The Hague & Rotterdam

www.cftrainingtoday.com

William is a qualified and experienced trainer, able to offer tailor-made courses in a range of IT and Self defense areas.

He has 26 years experience in Self defence and Karate. He has also been teaching people to use Microsoft applications since 1997 when working as an IT Trainer for an international organisation based in The Hague.

Arabic and calligraphy lessons Khaled Khaled

Arabic language lecturer Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht

english.arabisch.nu

Khaled has lived in the Netherlands since 1969. He studied Linguistics of Middle Eastern Languages for 8 years at the University of Amsterdam, specialising in the Arabic language and culture. Khaled offers intensive lessons in the Arabic ­language and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, and can also provide calligraphy lessons.

Breastfeeding and maternity care consultations Helen Marshall

Lactation consultant and Kraamverzorgster The greater Hague area

helen.marshall1@gmail.com

Helen is a qualified Lactation Consultant IBCLC who helps new mothers who are experiencing challenges in breastfeeding and in maternity care. She qualified as a Paediatric Nurse in Scotland and now supports and educates new mothers in and around The Hague. Helen gives courses and consultations in English and in Dutch to provide support for breastfeeding and mothers-to-be.

Career development and Job hunting Teresa Moynihan

Career coaching & Job hunting support The greater Hague area

www.moynihan-hr-consulting.com

Teresa Moynihan is a HR Professional and a Certified and Licensed Career Counsellor with a Postgraduate qualification in Career and Talent Management from Kingston University in London, UK. Teresa’s extensive experience in HR and Recruitment enables her to incorporate this knowledge into coaching situations involving career issues.

access | autumn | 55

ACCESS trainers | meet our trainers

r e g I s t e r F O r C O u r s e s O n L I n e at W W W. a C C e s s - n L . O r g , O r C O n ta C t t r a I n e r D I r e C t Ly.

Childbirth preparation Nester Moyo

Senior midwifery advisor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

Nester is a Zimbabwean Midwife Educator who has lived in the Netherlands since 2001, and has worked with ACCESS conducting child birth preparation classes since 2002. Nester is well versed in the education and practice of midwifery in the Netherlands, as she has been a visiting lecturer to some of the midwifery universities in the Netherlands.

Childbirth preparation Chitra Natarajan Childbirth Educator Utrecht

www.akriti.nl

Chitra is a certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner & Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She enjoys her role as someone who can support, help and guide a family during Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding and Postpartum. Chitra is currently in the process of completing Hypno Fertility Educator certificate through HypnoBirthing Institute.

physical stress management Dora Lucia Neves

Movement practitioner & massage therapist The Hague

www.consciousrebalance.com

Dora is a qualified professional with 18 years’ experience in Physical stress management. Since 1996 she has been actively working with the expatriate community in the Netherlands.

With her training in movement skills she has developed the mobile practice Conscious Rebalance to offer Posture Realignment Techniques workshops and classes for groups or 1-1 session program and a variety of massage.

pre- and postnatal courses Joke van Roosendaal-Kuyper

Breathing and relaxation therapist/Yoga instructor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

56 | access | autumn

Joke has been working in the yoga field for 25 years (Pregnancy yoga for 18 years). Through different kinds of schooling (Breathing and Relaxation) she has developed a practical preparation for labour and offers tools to cope with fear and pain. Being fully informed and prepared makes for a less stressful delivery.

r e g I s t e r F O r C O u r s e s O n L I n e at W W W. a C C e s s - n L . O r g , O r C O n ta C t t r a I n e r D I r e C t Ly.

Individual and group coaching Vanessa Prins-Goodman International coach and trainer The Netherlands

www.goodmancoaching.nl

Vanessa holds an M.A. in Psychology from the University of Brussels, and a diploma in Jungian Analysis. She is a coach and trainer, specialising in transitions, growth, communication and work-life balance. In her work she integrates theoretical aspects with experiential and creative techniques.

Coaching with archery Jac Rongen

International coach and facilitator Amsterdam

www.rongen.com

Jac has more than 20 years of experience in helping people deal with personal issues through archery. His method is swift and relaxed as the sessions take place in a private park.

Jac feels that the best way to deal with past pain or future anxiety is to focus on the present while learning new skills in archery. This allows one to focus on the here and now rather than on past problems in order to achieve more in the future.

helping you feel at home in the netherlands CaitrĂ­ona Rush

Cross-cultural consultant The Netherlands

www.athomeabroad.nl

CaitrĂ­ona has spent 18 years living and working in 8 countries around the globe. She provides workshops, trainings and one-on-one sessions to both individuals and businesses. Her goal: to help internationals be happy living in the Netherlands, and to facilitate companies in achieving increased effectiveness and success when doing business with other cultures.

Creativity for Character Shawna Snow

Trainer/Facilitator Amsterdam

workshops.reckoning.nl

Shawna is one of three professionals in The Reckoning workshops which aim is to bring out the best in us and in the children in our lives using art. She has over 20 years experience in teaching and leading youth as well as a Masters in Global Urban Leadership. In 2008, she founded Stichting Reckoning, which has used this approach with many marginalised communities and now offers these tools to the general public. access | autumn | 57

ACCESS Trainers

r e g i s t e r fo r co u r s e s o n li n e a t www . a cc e s s - n l . o r g , o r co n t a c t t r a i n e r di r e c t l y .

Childbirth preparation Lee Tolman

Fysiotherapistacupuncturist The Hague

www.partnersinwellness.nl

Lee has undertaken extensive post-grad courses specialising in childbirth preparation, prenatal and postpartum complaints, menopause and infertility. Lee is currently practicing physiotherapy and acupuncture in a private practice in ­Voorburg and shares facilitation of the ACCESS childbirth preparation courses. She has been a Dutch resident for the past 20 years and a childbirth educator for ACCESS for 15 years.

Life coaching Carolyn Vines

Certified core energy life coach The Netherlands

youfirstcoaching.com

Besides being a Certified Professional Coach, Carolyn is an award-winning blogger, international speaker, author of the memoir “Black and (A)broad: Traveling Beyond the Limitations of Identity”, and mother of 3 bicultural, bilingual kids.

She teaches parents experiencing mid-life crises, who also have small kids, how to unplug from their external busy-ness and reconnect to themselves and find their own solutions.

Childbirth preparation Ria Wiertz

Antenatal teacher Rotterdam

www.borstvoedingspijkenisse.nl

Ria is a qualified antenatal teacher with over 15 years experience. Ria trained with the Stichting ter Verbreiding van de Psycho Prophylaxes Method, a Dutch Lamaze variant. She is a lactation consultant, personal coach and is qualified to teach Baby Massage. Ria is in the process of obtaining the official Lamaze Trainer Certificate so she can train others to give this wonderful course.

Are you interested in being part of the ACCESS trainer network?

Do you have a course, which provides value to the international community?

Contact ced@access-nl.org or click here for more information.

58 | access | autumn

EXPAT? ASK KASIA FOR A DUTCH BANK ACCOUNT WITH SERVICES AND SUPPORT IN ENGLISH. Our International Client Desk welcomes you.

“Hi, my name is Kasia. I’m an expert in expats. So I know what you’re going through. New environment. New job.

New banking products. My multilingual colleagues at our International Client Desk and I are specialised in advising and serving you! At abnamro.nl/expat you’ll find more information and the Mobile Banking app in English.

You’re always welcome!”