ACCESS Spring 2013

Spring 2013 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

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The Dutch & their water Special features | Gliding along Dutch waterways |

Spa your way to wellness | Fun with water | Emerald Isles exit | Wise water ways | Seasonal pop-ups | Skrei fish dish |

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| ACCESS magazine e-zine Spring 2013 Vol. 26 No. 1

Spring 2013 Cover story

Water & the Dutch

Contents

Copyright©ACCESS 2013 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.

Spa your way to wellness photos: Freek Peters

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-in-chief Connie Moser, Assistant Editors Mandie Rose Danielski, Design & Layout Marek Moggré, Contributors José C. de Boer, Danny Guinan, Carina Hyllested, Ann Jennen, Anne van Oorschot, Kevin Rae, Karen T. Slingenberg, Terri Salminen, Deborah Valentine, Jacob Vossestein, Marjet van Yperen-Groenleer

Health & Wellbeing

Family

Fun with water photo: Delta Park Neeltje Jans

•L etter from the Editor •A CCESS News •C ommunity News • What’s On •C over: Water & the Dutch • Travel: Gliding along Dutch waterways •E merald Isles exit •S pa your way to wellness • Wise water ways • F ood: Skrei fish dish • F un with water •S easonal pop-ups •M eet the Trainers / ­ACCESS Courses

Letter from the Editor

Dear ACCESS readers Whether a trickle or a torrent, where would we be without water? This issue takes a look at the water all around us, and what can be done with it. Every day water is taken for granted, gushing from the tap, we cook, clean, bathe, wash, and waste this remarkable resource.

Water carries trade, supports human development, binds population centres and is critical for life, as we know it. Water washes away impurities and pollutants, is considered a sacred purifier in most reli4 | access | spring

gions, and is a primary building block for life. It carries nutrients to plants, is essential to agriculture and mankind in general.

Ocean water makes up 97% of Planet Earth’s water supply, 2 % is frozen, and we get our water from the 1% that remains. Water has the power to destroy as well as to create, and dramatically impacts our history.

Without it, we would perish. Up to 60% of the human body is water: the brain is 70% water, and lungs are nearly 90% water. Each day humans must replace 2.4 litres of water, some through drinking and the rest taken by the body from the foods eaten.

Water is the only substance that exists as a gas, a liquid and a solid at normal Earth temperatures. H2O, chemically inert, tasteless, odourless and colourless, is neither acid nor alkali. Amazing!

Water is a wonderfully miraculous substance. So keep that in mind the next time you run the tap, take a sip, or you curse being caught in the rain. There is literally, no substitute.

We hope you will enjoy reading this issue, our ACCESS guides and the website!

Editor-in-chief Connie Moser editor@access-nl.org

About ACCESS is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation that serves the needs and interests of the ­i nternational community in the Netherlands.

It is supported by Dutch, inter­n ational and ­e xpatriate businesses and organisations through donations and sponsorship.

Executive Board

• Chairman: Gary Hays, TNK-BP • Vice Chairman: Kiri Kikis, Kikis Investments • Treasurer: to be appointed

• Secret ary: Imanda Wapenaar, WFIA

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 How you can help

ACCESS can be supported in many ways: • As a Volunteer: check the website for Information Morning dates or contact vrd@access-nl.org • As a Trainer: consult ‘Become a Trainer’ on www.access-nl.org • As an Associate or Partner: details of which can also be found on our website • As an Advertiser: on our website or in our e-zine.

Contact adv@access-nl.org • As a Friend: Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter to show your support. Click on links below.

Members

• Willemijn van Oppen-Stuyt, Educaide • Jessie Rodell • Koosje Ploegmakers, ABN AMRO

ACCESS Zeestraat 100 2518 AD 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 | spring | 5

ACCESS Partners & Associates

Thank you for your support Platinum ****

Gold ***

Banking, taxation and personal finance ABN AMRO *** Financial Consultants De Boer * J.C.Suurmond & zn.

Tax Consultants * Ralph’s Tax Service A

Silver **

Bronze *

International Health Centre The Hague A Petra Foesenek Skin Therapy A Housing bizstay The Hague A Learning dutch

The community Xpat Media (Xpat Journal) *** ICP – International Community Platform ** The Guest Card * The Hague Online * International Club The Hague A Expat Events A AngloINFO SouthHolland M DutchBuzz M Dutch News M The Hungry Mind M Joining.com M ThexpatTV M The Underground The Hague M Government Support City of The Hague **** WFIA (West-Holland Foreign Investment Agency) *** Healthcare Bronovo * Bureau Kraamzorg Extra A 6 | access | SPRING

BSN Language Centre * Direct Dutch * Kickstart School *

Associates A

Media Partners M

American International School of Rotterdam * Big Ben Kids * British School of Amsterdam * German International School of The Hague * HSV The Hague School Association * Rotterdam International Secondary School * Zo! Kinderopvang & Bso * 10 for Kids A Passionate Parenting A

Legal matters GMW Advocaten ** Kortman Immigration Lawyers A Lifestyle Parkhotel The Hague * ASPA A STET The English Theatre A Partner support Royal Tropical Institute * Unique Multilingual * Your child British School of the Netherlands *** American School of The Hague ** International School of The Hague **

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 2013 Media Pack for opportunities.”

ACCESS News

Never a dull moment Want to know what is going on? have an event to post? Interested in getting a group of people together?

ACCESS is joined in supporting the international community, by two new partners whose initiatives were born of personal experience and a desire to help.

On Expat Events you can not only preview what is taking place where and when, but ALSO upload your own events free of charge! Joining is a unique initiative, to provide a platform through which people can organise a gathering or activity amongst themselves as well as post events being organised.

For more information on this fun-filled initiative see “Joining in Netherlands style” here.«

ACCESS in The XPat Journal During 2013 ACCESS will be a proud contributor to the premier expat publication in the Netherlands.

Contributing its own thoughts and experiences on the subjects featured in each of the quarterly issues of The XPat Journal, ACCESS is proud to have been asked to be a part of this initiative. «

Social media record numbers Re-launched at the end of 2011, and in the space of less than one year, the ACCESS website has gone from an average of 6,000 unique visitors to a record 11,700 (in January)!

We are immensely rewarded by the fact that what we do and have to share is so often consulted.

And it is not only the website: our weekday alliterations on Twitter draw increasing attention. Have you followed our tweets? #MotivateMonday; #TulipTuesday; #WednesdayWisdom; #ThursdayTreasures or #FollowFriday?

Be sure to follow @ACCESS_NL so as not to miss these daily features. «

access | SprING | 7

Community News

Amsterdam 2013

– a full year of celebrations

photo: Myra May-Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum reopens to the public on 13 April

After 10 years of rebuilding, renovation and restoration, the new Rijksmuseum will open on 13 April 2013. The 19th-century building has been turned into a museum for the 21st century, bright and spacious, with an 8 | access | spring

impressive new entrance, state-of-the-art facilities, restored galleries and a new Asian Pavilion.

The Rijksmuseum has also added a 14,500 square metre historic garden which fea-

tures several of the original formal garden styles, as well as restored statues and fragments of ancient buildings.

A Henry Moore exhibition will open in the garden on 21 June 2013; the first in an annual series of international sculpture exhibitions to be held each summer.

The presentation of the Rijksmuseum’s world famous collection is also new. For the very first time, visitors can follow a chronological sequence of 80 galleries featuring 8,000 works of art and objects that tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history. Only Rembrandt’s world famous Night Watch will be returning to its original position. « www.rijksmuseum.nl/en

Community News

The Amsterdam Canal Ring celebrates its 400th birthday

More celebrations: The Van Gogh Museum will reopen its doors on 1 May, celebrating its 40th anniversary and commemorating Van Gogh’s birth 160 years ago. The museum has organised a very special exhibition in honour of these anniversaries.

photo: Dennis Hissink-letsgodigital

The Amsterdam Canal Ring is not only a historic and beautiful water network through the city, but a stunning backdrop for fantastic cultural and sporting events throughout the year.

From an international art exhibition

that will be on display in several canal houses where residents have opened up their homes, to the famous Canal Parade during Gay Pride, to the ‘Orange sea of boats’ on Queens Day the 30th April. We bet you this year’s Queens’ Day will be pretty special being the last of its kind. Starting in 2014, Amsterdam and the Netherlands will turn orange on King’s Day on 27th April. «

Artis, the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, celebrates its 175th anniversary this year and you are cordially invited to join the animals for a party. The zoo will be organising several festivities and offering special packages throughout 2013. « Celebrate Amsterdam in 2013: www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/ Amsterdam-2013

access | spring | 9

Community News

Noah’s ark in Dordrecht

photos: Ark van Noach

Johan Huibers has finished his 20-year quest to build a full-scale, functioning model of Noah’s Ark. Huibers used the book of Genesis as his inspiration, following the instructions God gives Noah down to the last cubit. Translated to modern measurements, Huibers came up with a vessel that works out to 130 metres long, 29 metres across and 23 metres high.

Perhaps not big enough to fit every species on Earth, two by two, as described in the Bible, but plenty of space for a pair of elephants to dance a tango. The ark is open for visitors. « www.arcofnoah.org

Holland or movie: CGPGrey

the Netherlands

10 | access | spring

Do you know the difference between Holland and the Netherlands? When to use what? And why? Get all your questions answered on the left.

Community News

Year of Water The United Nations has declared 2013 as International Year of Water Cooperation.

The objective of this International Year is to raise awareness, both on the potential for increased cooperation, and on the challenges facing water management, in light of the increased demand globally for water access, allocation and services.

World Water Day is celebrated worldwide every year on 22 March. The main UN international Year of Water event will take place in The Hague on this day - hosted by the Dutch Government and coordinated

by UNESCO and UNECE – so stay tuned for nearby ­activities. « www.watercooperation2013.org

Join the first social community of tap water drinkers with people from all over the world sharing the same dream of redistributing water in a fairer way.

Global tap water Join the Pipe movie: JoinThePipeNow

2013 - International

Over a billion people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water, while in western countries each of us wastes 70 litres of drinkable water every day just to flush our toilets. You can join the Pipe by buying specially designed bottles, carafes and tap stations. For every tap water station bought here, a water and sanitation project in a developing country is financed. So far almost 300 taps and projects have been installed. Join the Pipe and help to build the ­longest water pipeline in the world. « jointhepipe.org access | spring | 11

ACCESS is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation that serves the needs and interests of the international community in the Netherlands. 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

We help inviduals as well as companies hiring international employees.

For information about our Corporate Support possibilities, including an in-house version of ACCESSing the Netherlands, email edirector@access-nl.org or call +31 70 345 1700.

www.access-nl.org

What’s on Spring 2013

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

6 – 10 March

photo: hiswa amsterdam boat show

HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show

21 March – 20 May Keukenhof - Lisse More than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in bloom. Walk through the park and discover the special beauty spots, visit the various flower shows and marvel at the sheer beauty of nature. Or, let yourself be surprised by the inspirational gardens. This year’s theme tips a hat to English gardens. The “United Kingdom, Land of Great Gardens” theme will include intricate flower mosaics of Big Ben and Tower Bridge. www.keukenhof.nl

www.hiswarai.nl

15 – 24 March

Movies that matter The Hague

The European Fine Art Fair - Maastricht

This is not your usual film festival.

Amnesty International tries to create awareness for poignant situations on our planet. The film festival is a platform where human rights and human dignity are at stake. www.moviesthatmatter.nl

23 – 24 March Jazz Maastricht Masters: jazz and alternative pop The festival is known as refreshing and creative, and attracts an international audience of all ages to its five stages with some of the best musicians in the world. www.jazzmaastricht.com

photo: Loraine Bodewes

Every year the sailing season is officially opened on the first day of the HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show. People of all ages visit the show for one and the same reason: a shared passion for water sports.

21 - 27 March

The world’s leading art and antique fair attracts the best dealers, academics, art critics, and collectors. Art lovers should visit TEFAF. www.tefaf.com access | Spring | 13

What’s on Spring 2013

Special events in April 6 - 7 April

April - June

National Museum Weekend

Scheveningen Sand Sculpture Festival

During this weekend, you can visit over 500 museums free of charge. The theme this year is Do a museum: there is more to a museum visit that one might imagine to be discovered! www.museumweekend.nl

The beach in Scheveningen is usually packed with sunbathers. During the Sand Sculpture Festival, however, the beach and boulevard are dominated by massive, impressive creations made of sand. www.sandsculptures.nl

19 - 20 April Flower Parade Noordwijk to Haarlem

photo: nbtc holland mediabank

Millions of flowers and the work of hundreds of volunteers create the most amazing floral floats. The annual Bloemencorso Flower Parade starts at 9.30 and finishes in Haarlem at 21:00. Around 15:30 the parade passes by the Keukenhof. Floats on display Sunday in Haarlem.

www.bloemencorso-bollenstreek.nl 14 | access | spring

photo: stichting scheveningen bad

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

30 April Queen’s Day Don’t miss oranjegekte, or orange madness! On this national holiday the whole of the Netherlands colours orange celebrating Queen’s Day. Events are held throughout the country and Amsterdam transforms into the capital of festivals. You’ll find unregulated street markets, music and bars on every street corner. (This will be the last Queen’s Day before Prince Willem-Alexander takes the throne, making next year’s holiday King’s Day, the first ever in Dutch history.) www.koninginnedagamsterdam.nl

What’s on Spring 2013

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

5 May

16 – 26 May

Liberation Day

SPRING Performing Arts Festival - Utrecht

movie: springutrecht

On Liberation Day, the Dutch celebrate the capitulation of Nazi Germany. Liberation Day is celebrated on a grand scale with festivals throughout the Netherlands. As every year, The Hague hosts a festival staging theatre, stand-up comedy, debates, music and a wide range of activities – there’s something for everyone.

Former Utrecht festivals Springdance and Festival a/d Werf have merged to form a ­single new Utrecht festival: SPRING. An international platform for the latest developments in dance, theatre and cross overs.

www.thehaguefestivals.com

9 – 12 May

www.springutrecht.nl

Weekend of Rolling Kitchens - Amsterdam

www.rollendekeukens.nl

22 May – 2 June Tong Tong Fair The Hague photo: Den Haag Marketing

Don’t miss the Weekend van de Rollende Keukens. A motley crew of food trucks converge in Amsterdam’s achingly hip Westergas­fabriek for an outdoor foodie festival complete with ­traditional, international and experimental dishes. Entrance is free, but come hungry!

The world’s biggest Eurasian festival. The event is a sensory stimulating blend of cultural festival, exhibition and food fest rolled into one, held in an archipelago of tents and stands on the Malieveld. www.tongtongfair.nl access | Spring | 15

Water & the Dutch

By Jacob Vossestein

The Low Countries, the Nether Lands are low indeed: about two thirds is actually below or at best at sea level.

Moreover, this lowest part has the highest population density, with virtually the whole Randstad metropolis in it.

16 | access | SPRING

photo: Karel Tomei

Cover story

This unlikely situation is the outcome of centuries of toiling, pumping, ­organising, and finding solutions to ever-new challenges that the omnipresent water produces. Obviously with climate change, concern rises: Will Holland be able to withstand rising sea levels and increasing amounts of river water? How, and for how long?

Now that need not be your personal problem as a temporary resident to this country. But if you live here for some time, it is good to know at least the basic facts of the situation, and how it affects your daily life here.

Normal Amsterdam Level

When settlement in this country started long ago, people stuck to higher spots such as river levees, the slopes of the dunes and an occasional elevation.

Between these was the wet wasteland, full of growth and wood, or holt therefore “Holt-land,” or Holland.

By conquering this, i.e. pumping it dry, digging away the peat and then using it for agriculture, the land got lower and lower by human intervention.

Today, while roughly one third of the Dutch territory is actually below sea level, another one third is very close to

the official zero-measuring (that’s the NAP, or Normal Amsterdam Level).

This is the level between average high tide and average low tide, and the standard to which all lows and highs in the country are measured. NAP is even referred to as the “European Ordnance Level.” Along waterways throughout the Netherlands are some 50,000 indicators Did y o of NAP. Keep in mind u kno Some 7 w... ­ that only at +2 metres is 5 the Dut % of ch a place really out of the earned GNP is below s danger zone. ea level!

So, do you know whether you actually find yourself below sea level while reading this article?

If your room is at street level, somewhere in the western half of the country, there is a fair chance that indeed you are.

You can find the ‘lowness’ of your area at www.ahn.nl, under ‘postcodetool’. Just state your post code (without spaces) and there it is, in meters above or below sea level. »

Increase your H20 awareness!

Visit the Nederlands Watermuseum in Arnhem: ­ www.watermuseum.nl Interested in water projects? www.roomfortheriver.nl Discover Holland’s secret weapon! www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl access | SPRING | 17

Cover story | Water & the Dutch

Let me now give you some more comforting information. Surrounding your house and life here are several protective barriers, both material and organisational. Most concrete of all are of course the physical walls between you and the sea: the dikes and dunes. In fact more than just one dike separates your neighbourhood from the nearest stretch of water, since Holland is a

patchwork of catchment areas surrounded by dikes. These are the polders, land reclaimed from swamps or lakes.

Before the 17th century, with windmill energy, they were pumped dry after surrounding them by dikes to keep out water from elsewhere. In a rather hierarchical order, several such small areas make up a larger one with stronger dikes around it, and some of these are combined in a yet larger unit with the strongest dikes of all, a so-called “dike ring”.

“ T he difference between getting wet and staying dry...”

18 | access | SPRING

photo: Karel Tomei

Polders, ditches, dikes and dunes

Minor inland dikes are just one or two meters high.

Separating land from some small stream, they are simply made of earth, covered with grass. Many carry a road on top, certainly in urban areas. You don’t even notice them when driving a car, but when riding a bicycle, it is that nice little stretch that doesn’t take an effort – one way. They seem

insignificant, but they do make the difference between wet legs and soaking furniture versus comfortable dryness.

Dikes were made of soil and later from rock (especially basalt). Today, even though modern materials (concrete, asphalt etc.) are used, part of the dikes are still made with the original ones.

Too little water can also be a problem; with many old dikes built of clay and peat, drought can cause a dike to dry out and start cracking. If a dike breaks, only a limited area – the dike ring – would be flooded. But if for some ­reason all dikes would break simultaneously, roughly one half of the Netherlands would be flooded. Ditches are connected to a wider water mass and eventually, the water will be discharged into a river or canal and hence to the sea. At least half of the Netherlands could not even exist without those ditches.

Water boards

Responsible for these inland dikes are the waterschappen, local or regional water management boards set up by medieval farmers in the 13th century for the initial reclaiming and maintenance. Although under very different conditions, these waterschappen still

Water facts

• No matter the economic climate, cutting the budget for

maintenance of dikes in never ever debated.

• Living safely below sea level costs everyone residing in the Netherlands some €330,– per year.

• Statistically there are 125 days per year without a drop of rain anywhere in the country.

• Per person, the Dutch use 120 litres (26 gallons) of clean water every day for various reasons.

• Dutch drinking water goes through some 20 steps of purification before reaching your tap.

• Schiphol is the world’s lowest-lying airport. In fact, the NS station next to Schiphol lies 10 metres (32 feet) below sea level. Downtown Amsterdam lies some 2 metres (6.5 ft) above sea level.

• Amsterdam’s drinking water system was the first of the country, dating back to 1853.

For more water facts click here

exist today. There are 27 of them, and you even contribute to them by paying waterschapsbelasting. That’s a tax for everyone residing here, be they local, expat or immigrant, whether owning or renting a house, and irrespective of the height or lowness of their area.

This tax money also pays for maintaining the right groundwater level and with it, the solidity of your home’s foundation, a dry basement and good drinking water. So you’d better pay up!

Obviously the sea dikes are even more crucial and need to be a lot stronger and therefore taller and wider than » access | SPRING | 19

movie: ScriptumBoeken

Cover story | Water & the Dutch

Rijkswaterstaat’s work certainly involves computers and GPS surveillance, but when working on the dikes, low-tech bulldozers and dredging machines are still necessary. Nothing will ever substitute spades and raincoats, but traditional wooden shoes – waterproof ! – have of course been replaced by rubber boots and hip boots (waders).

Protection, day and night

dikes inland. They also differ in the materials used: immovable granite boulders with an asphalt cover. South of Rotterdam you can observe various real sea dikes. They are sturdy structures and very impressive especially when a storm batters them with high waves.

Clearly the technical quality and maintenance of the dikes along the sea and major rivers is a key issue. The very existence of this country depends on their condition: without dikes there is no Holland. One organisation in particular has been dedicated for ­centuries to the maintenance of dikes.

Called Rijkswaterstaat, this large ­sub-ministry employs specialised hydro-engineers from leading technical universities like Delft and Twente.

20 | access | SPRING

In a never-ending effort, the Rijkswaterstaat employees survey and test the water barriers year round.

Dikes too suffer from wear-and-tear, being exposed to all kinds of weather and the strong and eternally changing forces of water. Therefore, any illegitimate building or uprooting vegetation is removed. Meanwhile, a more complicated threat are rodents undermining the dikes. The control of especially muskrats – an animal originating in North-America – is a perhaps cruel but essential aspect too.

If a certain stretch of dike is expected to come under attack from a gale force pushing up sea or river water from a dangerous direction, dike inspectors and technicians will go there, equipped with materials of all kinds.

Imagine such people’s work during

“ W ithout dikes there is no Holland” foul weather and high winds, at night perhaps, along choppy water and angry waves. While the nation sleeps, these unknown heroes do what is needed to protect it from unwelcome situations. And they do it well; the last major flood in this country was over 60 years ago, in 1953.

To city people, all this water work may seem abstract, taking place as it is in the countryside. But the engineers are not only involved in keeping the Netherlands – including your house and feet – dry and comfortable, but also in the construction and maintenance of the national road and railroad system, given the necessity to overcome the barriers created by dikes, rivers and canals.

The common interest of keeping the sea out has shaped this country, and the Dutch are quite trustful that their government institutions are not only reliable and transparent but also highly professional in managing these low lands even with climate change.

Provided we all just keeping paying those taxes… «

About the author Jacob Vossestein, a Dutchman (1949), studied geography and anthropology and became a cross-cultural trainer, working with expats for over 30 years.

He has written several books on cross-­ cultural issues, among them the English language bestseller Dealing with the Dutch, on Dutch behaviour and mentality in the business world.In a recent and highlyillustrated book called The Dutch and their Delta, he answers many questions expats and other visitors to the Netherlands may have on living in a country largely below sea level.

For more info: www.jacobvossestein.nl access | SPRING | 21

Law | Partner feature

As society becomes increasingly international, more and more people are forming international relationships and families – with the added risk that, following a divorce, one of the parents will want to return to his or her home country.

Moving away after a divorce - with or without your children?

By Marjet van Yperen - Groenleer

Even in the Netherlands we are dealing with a growing number of relocation cases, due more often than not to people finding a new love in another part of the country. There’s no shortage of court rulings on this issue nowadays.

The ties that bind

Parents are well aware that they will always have ties with each other because of their son or daughter, but they don’t always realise the impact this has on their own lives.

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A parent may not relocate with the children without the consent of the other parent with parental authority.

If a parent flouts this requirement, and moves away from the Netherlands, this is considered child abduction – a criminal offence. A parent may not relocate even within the Netherlands without consent.

Weighing up the interests

If the other parent doesn’t give his/her consent, the court can give substitute consent to relocate.

If presented with an application for this “consent in lieu”, the court must weigh up the respective interests. Here is a list of the criteria that will be considered: • the main carer’s right to and interest in relocating, and his or her freedom to start a new life; • the necessity for the relocation; • how well thought-out and wellprepared the relocation is; • the alternatives offered by the main child-carer and measures to mitigate and/or compensate for the consequences of the relocation for the children and the other parent; • the sharing of the care duties and the continuity of care;

Marjet van Yperen - Groenleer

• the rights of the parent who is left

•

•

•

behind, and the children, to undiminished contact with each other in their familiar environment; the frequency of contact between the children and the parent left behind, prior to, and following the relocation; the age of the children, their opinion, and how settled they are in their environment or whether they are accustomed to relocating; the (additional) costs of contact as a result of the relocation, and how able the parties are to communicate with and consult each other.

Whilst the child’s interests are ­paramount, there are other relevant interests to consider. The parents must carefully weigh all their decisions regarding the futures of everyone in the family.

If you are dealing with relocation issues, or you know someone who is, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the author Marjet van Yperen - Groenleer, m.vanyperen@gmw.nl or one of the other family lawyers from the Legal Expat Desk/GMW Advocaten.

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

Together, we can work out an acceptable solution. « access | SPRING | 23

Travel

Cruising along Dutch waterways River cruises transport the traveller along inland waterway routes that offer wonderfully rich and varied views. Observing the ever-changing landscapes slide by, while leisurely gliding through centuries of history, leaves one feeling calm, content and quite curious. by: Connie Moser.

Photos: Jim Moser, Russ Moser, Mike Yanchuk, and author

Following the course of the river, there is always something new coming into view, and passing by into the distance.

Relaxing on the deck, a breeze embraces you while the warmth of the sun softens your stress as you succumb to the cadence of the river’s rhythm. Other vessels and fisherman wave in greeting, birds and waterfowl accent the sky and all is well as we sail from port to port.

On board ambience

In April 2012, my father, a seasoned veteran of all things Dutch (after 20-plus visits to the Netherlands), decided to do something different, and treated our family to a memorable 10-day cruise with Viking River Cruises aboard their new ship, the Viking Idun.

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A very relaxed way to travel, just get on board and set off, accompanied by your accommodations.

The ship is a floating hotel with every amenity: stylish staterooms with balconies so you need not miss the view, sumptuous dining with delicious meals prepared by top chefs, from ­t antalizing luncheon buffets to lingering over 4 or 5 course meals with specially selected wines – and of course – a friendly, dedicated staff willing to meet your every need. The on-board tour director is a wealth of information and your central point of contact.

Relax in the lounge with complimentary snacks, fruit, and coffee; stations can be found throughout the ship.

There’s entertainment, informative lectures, and all of the on-shore excursions are conducted in English by ­professional local guides, everyone receives special monitors with earpieces so you won’t miss a word; there’s even a choice of optional tours.

It’s a wonderful way to travel… anticipating adventures as we disembark at each new quayside.

Gliding through history

After a city tour of Amsterdam we boarded our ship; settled in, unpacked and attended a welcome reception.

An amiable camaraderie with 140 fellow passengers is evident, and it’s fun meeting new people and trading tales!

When river cruising, your experiences on board are as much a part of the total adventure as the destinations and sightseeing. » access | SPRING | 25

“ In the Netherlands water is a way of life, for recreation, transportation and control” We set sail across the Ijsselmeer, the largest lake in Western Europe. This massive body of water was created in 1932 when the inland Zuiderzee was closed as part of the Zuiderzee Works, allowing land to be reclaimed.

26 | access | SPRING

Our destination is the ancient shipping village of Hoorn. As we dock in the picturesque harbour, dotted with fishing boats, seagulls and Hoorn’s landmark watch tower, one imagines what it must have been like in Holland’s Golden Age, when the town was a major player in international maritime commerce and the port was bustling with activity as heavy-laden VOC ships were relieved of their exotic cargo. Quaint houses line the cobbled streets as we make our way to the town’s main square to visit the Westfries Museum, housed in a baroque council building from 1632.

Late in the day we are back on board for some rest and relaxation, while our ship cruises through the night to our next port of call.

Our early morning arrival in Arnhem begins with a hearty breakfast after which we set off by coach for a tour of Paleis Het Loo, a sumptuously ­furnished 17th century palace that has

Travel | Cruising along Dutch waterways

been the Dutch royal family’s summer residence for over 300 years. After admiring the grandeur within, the beautifully landscaped gardens provide an opportunity to enjoy the day while delighting in nature’s manicured ­display. For the WWII buffs, there’s a battlefield tour and visit to Arnhem’s Airborne Museum. The city was immortalised in the epic film A Bridge Too Far. Others enjoy the KröllerMüller museum, admiring their outstanding collection of impressionist and expressionist painters. Then it’s off to Nijmegen, considered to be the oldest city in the country; 2005 marked its 2,000th birthday! Overlooking the Waal and Rhine rivers made it a desirable territory, and Charlemagne’s castle-ruins grace the city landscape.

Locks and bridges

It’s quite the experience to awaken, pull back the curtains to see nothing but a massive black wall… as we pass through a lock. In order to traverse the varied river depths upstream and downstream, an extensive series of locks were constructed throughout Europe’s waterways. The ship pulls into the lock, and after the huge gate »

Find a cruise to enjoy!

The scenic Dutch Waterways trace a complex network of canals and rivers across the gentle landscapes of Holland and Belgium, and are the most compact network of inland waterways in Europe. www.vikingrivercruises.com www.gorivercruise.com or www.rivercruise.com access | SPRING | 27

Travel | Cruising along Dutch waterways

is closed, water is either pumped in, to raise the ship up to the next water level, or water is pumped out, to lower the ship down to the appropriate water level. During the day it’s interesting to observe this process on deck, and to observe that the clearance on either side is mere centimetres. Talk about a tight fit!

Low bridges are another aspect of life on board, and you will be warned to duck down if you are up on deck. No point in losing your head! The captain’s wheel house is collapsible, and can be lowered by a hydraulic system to the deck level, with only enough eye view

for the captain to successfully navigate to squeeze our vessel under the bridges, which you can actually touch as we pass under them.

In some ports, “parking” is a challenge.

When two or three ships are docking along side of each other, passengers on the most outlying vessel need to walk over, down, up and through the other ships in order to get onshore!

Our ship, the Idun (2012) was built in the Netherlands, with obvious Dutch ingenuity. Highlights include tours of the wheelhouse with an accent on technology and a chat with the captain, plus a visit to the efficient kitchen galley with humorous tips from the chef.

Water everywhere

Day by day we continue to explore as our travels bring us to new destinations. A daily publication provides Did ... explanations of the sights along now you k Network of the riversides. We visit ch : The Dut nal Waterways e io Kinderdijk (UNESCO World Recreat km to navigat 4 s 1 e 7 g , d i •4 Heritage site), an ingenious fixed br • 1,005 pen bridges o 18th-century community with its • 1,107 ship locks • 258 rows of 19 windmills. Inside a working mill, we chat with the friendly miller, then navigate further across the windy waterside paths.

28 | access | SprING

“ Zeeland’s protective Delta Works Storm Surge Barrier took 30 years to complete” In Middelburg, we admire the 15thcentury town hall, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. The Abdij, or Abbey, founded in 1120, was severely bombed in WWII. Now restored, the complex with its three churches is one of the city’s treasures. An appreciation for Dutch water management reaches new levels when we visit the Neeltje Jans Expo, to learn how the massive engi-

neering feat of the Delta Works protects Holland from the sea. Built on an artificial island, it took 30 years to construct this ambitious hydroelectric project. Walking along the massive Storm Surge Barrier. The system is impressive. The raging power of the water is a reminder that in the big flood of 1953 some 1,855 people drowned and thousands more lost their homes and possessions. » access | SPRING | 29

Did you know that more parents choose the BSN than any other international school in Holland?

Their

With four campuses in The Hague area, The British School offers a caring and stimulating learning environment, with an individual approach that ensures every child can achieve their full potential.

future is

For s student 18 to from 3 rs yea

The BSN is a thriving and supportive expatriate community made up from over 80 nationalities.

Contact us today to arrange a visit and see for yourself why the BSN is the international school of choice.

our focus

Admissions: 070 315 4077 www.britishschool.nl

Travel | Cruising along Dutch waterways

A bit of Belgium brings us to Antwerp, to the Cathedral of Our Lady with its three monumental altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens, and the Grote Markt, surrounded by its Golden Age town hall, guild halls and Het Steen castle, Antwerp’s oldest building. Exploring the Sunday antique flea m ­ arket, with its mishmash of treasures on offer along with the haphazardly stacked cages of the colourful bird market were memorable moments.

In Ghent we see some remarkable architecture: the Belfort, St. Nicholas and St. Bavo cathedrals. For more than five centuries Ghent was one of the largest cities in Europe, famed for its textile trade. Next stop is Brugge, one of the most beautiful and impeccably preserved medieval towns in Flanders, an incomparable UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to the Church of our Lady and the Beguinage provides some time for reflection, before traversing Brugges’ delightfully picturesque streets. Then it’s back to Holland, as no springtime visit would be complete without a visit to the famed Keukenhof gardens featuring millions of spectacular flowers.

The beauty of river travel is no hassle, no cooking, no hours of driving your car, navigating, tour guiding, just relaxed enjoyment for everyone.

Everything is taken care of on this sailing excursion… you only need to show up and enjoy it! «

About the author Connie Moser is the author/co-author of six books and numerous articles about life in the Netherlands and Dutch culture, based on her 30 years experience and enjoyment of life in the Netherlands. access | SPRING | 31

Education | Partner feature

Notes of Success:

Making Music at American School of The Hague The approach to learning at American School of The Hague is one that focuses on educating the whole child – providing a balanced education in academics, the arts and athletics.

photo: Dr Richard Spradling, Director & Grade 7 cello classmate.

Students are encouraged to develop not only academic goals but also skills that will help them throughout their lives – establishing personal goals, decision-making skills, encouraging creative thought processes and effective presentation skills. A broad extra-curricular ­program also supports the strong academic program at the School.

32 | access | spring

The Vocal and Instrumental Music Program at American School of The Hague is a fine example of this.

Interest in music is strongly encouraged and young students from Transition Kindergarten, upwards, have the opportunity to explore and develop their skills in vocal music, wind or string instruments, music technology, world music, and ultimately, students can join in group ensembles such as the renown ASH Jazz Band, the JAKK vocal ensemble or the full Concert Band.

Making music

Elementary students start off by learning the basics, understanding musical notes, mastering chords and playing new instruments.

Middle School students have the chance to study vocal or instrumental music; taking classes such as World Music expands their perception of “traditional” music as they develop their appreciation for music and cultures around the world. The string and wind ensembles in Grades 5 through 8 tackle the art of playing a stringed instrument, anything from a viola to a trumpet or a cello, culminating in performances for their peers, parents and teachers that are held throughout the year.

This year, the Grade 5/6 Winter concert featured School Director, Dr. Richard Spradling, who took up playing cello as part of his passion to experience first hand the lives of the students at American School of The Hague.

High School students also have the opportunity to follow their music class of choice, and work with other international students and professional groups along with guest conductors. Students have hit high

“ Stimulating a love of learning and a love of music that will last a lifetime” notes overseas participating at international festivals and locally, with joint community performances. Those familiar with the Wassenaar Excelsior Music Society may know that the ASH Jazz Band is lucky enough to perform with these musical professionals each year for a special combined jazz concert.

Students participate in music festivals

Students also participate in worldrenowned international festivals such as the AMIS the AMIS Solo and Ensemble Festival which provides the opportunity for students from all musical disciplines to come together to work and grow in a collaborative setting. The School has also hosted musical greats such as Marvin Hamlisch who visited and worked with students shortly before his sad passing, and Robert W. Smith, the world-renowned band composer and clinician, who will conduct workshops with students and teachers in the spring. «

Contact: American School of The Hague Rijksstraatweg 200 2241 BX Wassenaar The Netherlands +31 (0)70 512 10 60 www.ash.nl admissions@ash.nl

access | spring | 33

Community

Emerald Isles exit

An Irish home away from home When the late author Pete McCarthy was writing his hilarious travel book The Road to McCarthy, his search for a little piece of Ireland in every corner of the globe took him to Irish pubs in such far-flung locations as Alaska and Morocco.

By Danny Guinan Fortunately, we Irish here in the Netherlands do not have to venture quite that far when in need of a taste of home, as there are more than 70 Irish bars – of varying degrees of authenticity – dotted around the country, mostly in the larger urban centres.

And it is the quintessential Irish pub that seems to be the most iconic of all the 34 | access | SPRING

images associated with Ireland wherever you go in the world, the case being no different here in the Lowlands.

Anno 2013, however, there is more to the popular perception of Ireland than smoke-filled bars with their counters propped up by hardy ancient farmers and bedraggled unknown musicians.

The years of the Celtic Tiger firmly put paid to what had become a jaded image and replaced it with one of a vibrant, prosperous and youthful country eager to claim its place at the table of the super-rich. In the heady years between 1995 and 2010, Ireland became a country of boom not bust, immigration not emigration.

3 million Irish abroad

The winds of change were quick to turn, however, and the recent demise of the ‘green machine’ has once again left Irish citizens looking beyond its borders in search of a better future.

It is estimated that there are over 3 million Irish passport holders living outside of Ireland, an incredible number for a modern, industrialised nation, and especially so when you think that the country itself has a population of only 4.5 million. And while the US, UK and Australia remain by far the most popular destinations of the Irish Diaspora, increasing numbers of young Irish people are now finding

“ T he Netherlands is home to more than 4,000 Irish, many of who are long-term residents who have found their niche…” their home away from home among the disparate nations of Europe, which they curiously but affectionately refer to as ‘the Continent’.

A major barrier to this development in the past has been the notorious reluctance of Irish people to learn a foreign language (or appreciate ‘foreign’ food, music and customs for that matter) » access | SPRING | 35

preferring instead to seek their fortune almost exclusively in English-speaking countries. A new generation of emi-

For the love of all things Irish Fancy some Gaelic Sports, Irish Step, Set and Céilí Dancing, traditional Irish music and Irish culture as well as Irish language activities and lessons? Check out the sites listed below for what’s happening in Little Ireland. There’s life in the old tiger yet!

• Irish Club Netherlands www.irishclub.nl • European Irish www.europeanirish.com • Ireland Netherlands Business Association (INBA) www.inba.nl • A Taste of Home Shop www.atasteofhome.nl Click here for a guide to Irish Pubs in NL 36 | access | SprING

grants, however, now seems to be ridding itself of such xenophobic shackles and is becoming accustomed to the challenge of tackling the vagaries of German, Spanish and Dutch, among other languages.

The Netherlands is home to more than 4,000 Irish, many of whom are longterm residents who have found their niche in the melting pot of diversity that so characterises this country.

With up to 200 people emigrating every day now from Ireland, we can expect a steady trickle of new arrivals from the Emerald Isle to these shores

Community | Emerald Isles exit

in the coming years. Though the estimates pale in comparison with the figures for the US or the UK, there are currently around 30,000 Irish living in Germany, 15,000 in both Spain and France, and up to 30,000 in the Benelux. Not insignificant numbers.

Go green

On March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day – look out for the newcomers. The ones audibly struggling with the guttural Dutch ‘g’ or trying to understand the directions to Scheveningen being offered by a helpful local eager to practise their Dunglish. Lend these new arrivals a helping hand, whether you are Irish or English or Dutch or whatever. Think of St. Patrick’s Day as their own green version of Queen’s Day, with all the conviviality and, of course, madness that the day entails.

Whatever day of the week this Irish national holiday happens to fall on, it’s certainly worth your while taking the time to explore that little piece of Ireland in your own backyard. The pubs have music from dusk ‘til dawn, there are sports and community events galore, and the Irish about town will be only too glad to turn the tables on you and claim you as one of their own for the day.

Irish kitchen

Finally, on a more personal note, one of the things I missed most when I first moved to the Netherlands was the Irish produce that I was reared on as a child.

While Ireland may not be renowned for its culinary delicacies, I for one was delighted when the Irish/British shop A Taste of Home recently opened its doors to the public in my hometown of Haarlem. Sometimes you just can’t beat Clonakilty black pudding and sausages and Chivers lemon curd and Kerrygold butter and soda bread and Bovril and Tayto crisps and Cadburys chocolate and... «

About the author Danny Guinan is a freelance translator, copy editor and writer.

From Ireland, he has been living in the Netherlands since 1996. access | SprING | 37

Health & Wellbeing

The natural healing powers of water have been recognised for centuries by various cultures across the globe. The operations of spas from ancient times – steam rooms, saunas, plunge baths, whirlpools – still induce physical benefits to invigorate, soothe, hydrate and restore.

Renew yourself this spring by indulging in one of the many spas in the Netherlands. Relax, and let the water do the work.

Spa your way to wellness

By Mandie Rose Danielski

photos: Karen Steenwinkel

Spa Zuiver

38 | access | SPRING

Quite possibly the most lush and modern spa in the country, it has ‘purity’ right in its name. There are six types of saunas including Finnish, colour therapy and infrared, and six types of baths.

Beauty treatments include a chocolate cocoon wrap and detox mud treatments. Later enjoy a healthy buffet lunch or three-course dinner.

Hmm, Hamam: The Turkish tradition of Hamam baths is a key feature on Spa Zuiver’s massage menu. While you lay on a warm stone a masseur lathers you in olive soap. After a warm water rinse, a lemon face massage reinvigorates you.

Koenenkade 8, 1081 KH Amsterdam (Amsterdamse Bos) Tel 020 301 0700, www.spazuiver.nl

At this spa you can enjoy 47-degree saunas, Turkish steam baths enhanced with eucalyptus, hydro massages and a plunge bath. Though a small space, it’s the most relaxing, lavish 600 square metres you’ll find in the heart of the capital.

Putting the ‘deco’ in décor: The interior of Sauna Deco originates directly from the 1920s, from the Parisian department store Au bon Marché. From the stainedglass windows to the grand chandelier, this vintage French charm makes for a true getaway experience.

Herengracht 115, 1015 BE Amsterdam Tel 020 623 8215, www.saunadeco.nl

photos: Sauna Deco

Sauna Deco

photos: ASPA

ASPA

When you think of ASPA, think tailor-made beauty and wellness. Massage and beauty therapists customize your treatments for body or foot massages, acupuncture, facials to fit your skin type, manicures and pedicures as fancy as you want ‘em – using all-natural products to boot. An intimate facility with true attention to detail, right in The Hague city centre.

In good company: Whether it’s a baby shower, bachelorette party or just a fun outing with your gal pals, take advantage of ASPA’s Pampering Parties. Package includes two half-hour spa treatments, champagne and organic cupcakes from local baker Perfect Pastry.

Take away a goodie bag, and a feeling of euphoria!

(Min. 3 people, max 6) Alexanderplein 2, 2585 AZ The Hague Tel 070 345 0215, www.aspadirect.com access | SPRING | 39

Health & Wellbeing | Spa your way to wellness

photos: Elysium

Elysium

This beautiful and extensive spa has everything you could need and then some, and on gorgeous manicured grounds. There’s even a lagoon with spectacular waterfall. The careful attention to water and its energy is evident among all the bubble baths, steam baths, pools and 14 types of saunas. It’s ladies-only days (damesdagen) on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Outdoor bliss: While the indoor midnight-blue ceiling is studded with thousands of stars, you’ll want to enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired outdoors to relax in the open-air hot tubs or float in the special saltwater bath.

Kooilaan 1, 2665 KR Bleiswijk (13 km from Rotterdam, 25 km from The Hague) Tel 010 524 1166, www.elysium.nl

A gem in Limburg, this award-winning resort is at the top of the Cauberg hill, overlooking the Valkenburg castle ruins. It’s romance, history, nature and wellness in one gorgeous, pyramid structure.

Some examples of the unbeatable amenities: outdoor pool, Pyora rosemary sauna, Rasul clay treatments and Russian honey massages.

Unique bath massage: Watsu, or Water Shiatsu, is a deep relaxation method in a bath the same ­temperature as the human body. A certified Watsu therapist stretches and massages you while you float.

Cauberg 25 – 27, 6301 BT Valkenburg aan de Geul (13 km from Maastricht) www.thermae.nl 40 | access | SPRING

photos: Thermae 2OOO

Thermae 2000

photos: Fontana

Fontana Bad Nieuweschans

For nearly 30 years Fontana has boasted its natural spring waters from 600 metres below ground.

The water, rich in minerals, aids in lowering blood pressure and accelerating oxygen absorption, metabolism and detoxification.

Special sea nourishment: Thalasso, or “from the sea,” is a unique beauty treatment using green sea algae to purify, nourish and soften the face and body. In combination with the spring waters, the algae will make you feel like a pampered mermaid (or merman).

Weg naar de Bron 3-9, 9693 GA Bad Nieuweschans (at the German border in Groningen) Tel 059 752 7777, www.fontanabadnieuweschans.nl

Along the peaceful waters of the Maarsseveense Plassen is where you’ll find a truly ontspannend haven. This spa exudes ‘serene’ with its Himalayan crystal salt stone cabin, an open-hearth sauna, a Rosarium steam room where you can really stop and smell the roses, and an herbal room overlooking the water.

Retreat via massage: SpaSereen offers numerous massages from hot stone to a traditional Thai herbal massage with steamy cotton poultices.

Westbroekse Binnenweg 2a, 3612 AH Maarssen (10 km from Utrecht) Tel 0346 217 220, www.spasereen.nl

photos: Freek Peters

SpaSereen

More ways to feel pampered ACCESS readers may enjoy a discount from ASPA in The Hague of a 10% discount in April and May 2013. Visit www.aspadirect.com/en/ for more details on their holistic treatments and organic beauty products.

See also Ewelina Szczepaniak’s article in Winter 2010 ACCESS Magazine reviewing two more spas in the Amsterdam and Utrecht areas. access | SPRING | 41

Education | Partner feature

Walk4Water

ISH students go with the flow As a part of our International Primary Curriculum (IPC), students in Year 6 carry out an extensive river study in the cross curricular unit titled “Go with the flow”.

By Kevin Rae

Kevin Rae Principal

The ‘Big Idea’ of the unit is that the world’s rivers are our most precious resource, and during the course of their studies the students investigate the impact of the world’s rivers on people and landscapes in the past, present and future.

As with all our IPC units once the students have been stimulated by the ‘Entry Point’ the teachers carry out a ‘Knowledge Harvest’ in the form of a mind map. The students are encouraged to note all that they know about rivers, including famous rivers, physical characteristics, wildlife, environmental issues, reasons for people in the past want-

42 | access | SPRING

ing to live near rivers, etc. Their prior knowledge, skills and understanding are then developed throughout the unit. The teachers facilitate the students’ learning in a number of specific curriculum areas, which are clearly articulated, e.g., “We are learning about rivers, through our geography lens.”

Curriculum areas that are covered in the unit include:

• Geography – physical and human • Science – physical and • • •

environmental Technology – bridge building History – the importance of rivers on all aspects of life with a focus on the River Nile and Ancient Egypt Society and International – the importance of rivers as a source of drinking water, river management and its impact on communities around the world

Experiential learning drives the whole unit and one of the highlights is taking part in the worldwide Walking for Water campaign.

Walk4Water is an annual awareness and fundraising initiative that takes place around World Water Day (22 March). The initiative culminates with the students participating in an organised walk, once they are sponsored by families and friends, to carry up to 6 litres of water in rucksacks, around a predetermined route. There are two major outcomes of the initiative; firstly

photos: Christel van Meeuwen

“ World Water Day on March 22nd will help raise awareness about water issues worldwide” that students learn about global water issues and secondly they raise funds to help solve them. Experts visit the school and the students learn about the importance of clean drinking water and proper sanitation. They also develop an understanding of what children their age and younger in developing countries have to do to get clean water on a daily basis, often at the expense of going to school. The initiative raises more than €1,200,000 each year and we are very proud of our students’ contribution to this effort. «

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 | SPRING | 43

Education

Wise water ways 4 4 | access | SPRING

When calculating an estimate of how much water you use, you probably think about what you use directly from the faucets around the house and garden, and perhaps even the amount you use at work.

statistics showing how much water is used to produce some familiar food items:

• 140L of fresh water to produce 1 cup • • •

BY ANNE vAN OOrSChOT

• But have you ever thought about the amount of water used to produce some of those items you take for granted in your life, like food, clothing, furniture, building materials, etc.?

Embodied water

Everything has an amount of what’s called “embodied water” associated with it. This is the amount of water, used directly or indirectly, during the growing, processing and transportation of the goods we use or consume, or the services we enjoy. The amount of embodied water associated with many of the things we use or consume on a daily basis can come as a real shock! For example, here are some

of coffee 1,000L of fresh water to produce 1L of milk 1,350L of fresh water to produce 1kg of wheat 3,000L of fresh water to produce 1kg of rice 16,000L of fresh water to produce 1kg of beef

To bring things even further into focus, consider the following embodied water requirements:

• 1 bottled drink = 5.7 litres

• •

Did you k Chocola now... te has a n higher water fo even otp than be ef 24,00 rint 0L (compa red to b /kg eef ’s 15,500 L/kg).

– The water footprint of a pound of plastic is 91 litres, so the average bottled water, juice, or soda uses three to five times as much water as it contains.

1 day of electricity at home = 15-19 litres 1 tank (68 litres) of gasoline = 68-170 litres – Because between 1 and 2.5 gallons of water are needed to refine a single gallon of gasoline, the 384 million gallons of gasoline access | SprING | 45

Education | Wise water ways

Water embedded in diffetent products

“ Dutch households consume 72% of tap water; two-thirds is used for showering and toilet flushing”

• •

•

used each day in the US translate to more than 1 billion total gallons of water per day!

1 beer = 114 litres 1 cheese sandwich = 129 litres – Growing wheat requires 590.5 litres per pound; thus 2,271 litres of water are required to make one pound of cheese.

1 egg = 454 litres

46 | access | SprING

• 1 pair of jeans = 1,514 litres

– Growing cotton for a pair of jeans takes about 1514 litres.

Hidden water footprints

Related to this concept of embodied water is the idea of a water footprint.

The water footprint of a person, company or nation is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce the commodities, goods and services they consume. This concept is similar to the ecological footprint, but focuses on the use of water. Nearly 95% of your water footprint is hidden in the food you eat, energy you use, products you buy, and services you rely on.

The water footprint of individuals ­varies, as does the water footprint of countries. Check out the list below to see how six different countries ­compare. The first number indicates the cubic meters of water used, per person, per year; the second number refers to the annual domestic water withdrawal per person:

• US: 2483 m³ water/capita/yr.

• • • • •

– 60.8 m³ Canada: 2049 m³ water/capita/yr.

– 8.55 m³ France: 1875 m³ water/capita/yr.

– 6.16 m³ Sweden: 1621 m³ water/capita/yr.

– 1.07 m³ UK: 1245 m³ water/capita/yr.

– 2.21 m³ Netherlands: 1223 m³ water/capita/ yr. – 0.44 m³

Good water stewardship, starting with you

So you can see that turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth – while good – will not reduce your water footprint drastically. See the list with 10 simple suggestions for how you can save water in your daily life and be an example for others of good water stewardship. Some ideas may surprise

Drop by drop…

1 Introduce one meatless day a week: Per gram of protein, meatless alternatives often show much lower water use than their animal based counterparts.

2 Reduce your chocolate intake: One kilogram of the blessed comfort food requires a whopping 17,100 litres of water.

3 Decrease your coffee consumption and have a cup of tea instead: Making a cup of coffee takes about 140 litres of water, including growing and processing the coffee beans, while tea requires 30 litres.

4 Buy produce in season: Globalization has made a number of fruits and vegetables available to us regardless of their origin or growing season. Reduce your water footprint by buying local seasonal produce that does not have to be transported halfway around the world to get to you.

5 Replace your regular shower and faucet fixtures with low-flow versions.

6 Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap, and reuse it to water houseplants.

7 Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

8 Buy a water filter for your home to reduce bottled water consumption.

9 Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full and you can save up to 3,800 litres a month.

10 Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don’t waste water just because someone else is footing the bill, like when staying at a hotel. www.waterfootprint.org

you, while others are just common sense. How about challenging yourself to adopt a few items on the list and start saving water? « access | SPRING | 47

Education | Partner feature

BSN iPads 1-to-1 Programme

The perfect classroom companion The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) fully understands the importance of keeping up with technology, and works hard to stay abreast of new methods and ideas which incorporate Information Communication Technology (ICT) into the core curriculum.

Staff are encouraged to explore new ways of further integrating technology into the school day as a means for inspiring creativity, stimulating ideas and motivating learners.

The intellectual ‘freedom’ this can provide results in an increase in confidence as students learn to express themselves in a different environment.

48 | access | spring

A recent study carried out by the UK Department for Education into the benefits and use of ICT in schools, produced some fascinating evidence relating to the impact on student attainment and motivation. Some of the key findings included:

• Some 86% of teachers in 25 EU

member states felt that students are motivated and attentive when using ICT in class.

• Evidence also suggests that ICT helps to draw students into positive modes of motivation.

This evidence, coupled with the outcomes of the BSN’s own research, has led to the development of the school’s strategy for the wider use of mobile technology at the school, resulting in the introduction of a ‘1-to-1 iPad Programme’ at the start of this 2012-2013 school year. The school provides a 65% subsidy for the iPads including the cost for any apps the students are required to use in support of their learning.

The driving purpose behind the introduction of the 1-to-1 iPad Programme was first and foremost to enrich the learning experience

of students, whilst enhancing their motivation and enjoyment of learning. Six months into the programme the early signs have been extremely positive. Maths is one of the subjects in which iPads have been extensively utilised by teaching staff. Senior School Maths Teacher Hilary Porritt recognises the benefits of incorporating the use of iPads into the curriculum and has already noticed a positive impact on the way in which her students have been learning since the introduction of the programme. Mrs Porritt explains, “I love the fact that students can instantly look something up – it allows them to work with real facts and figures rather than examples from text books”.

“ T he i-to-1 iPad programme has an enormous impact” The journey has so far has been extremely exciting and in many ways has started to redefine teaching and learning at the BSN. On the whole, the impact of the 1-to-1 iPad programme has been enormous and hugely positive for both teachers and students. This is certainly a very interesting time to be studying or teaching at the school. « For further information on the 1-to-1 iPad programme, or the BSN in general, please contact the Admissions department on 070 315 4077 or via admissions@britishschool.nl

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

access | spring | 49

Food

Though a resident of the Netherlands for more than 20 years, when I cook fish I rely upon the Italian culinary tradition. Enjoy the simplest of methods inspired by the Venetian kitchen in the following recipe using cod fish caught in the North Sea of Norway, called “skrei” (pronounced “sk-rey”). Readily available in the Netherlands between January and April, skrei is a responsible alternative to the overly fished Dutch cod.

Skrei

fish dish

By Terri Salminen

In the Netherlands fresh fish is for sale at local markets and shops. Street corner stalls selling salted herring and fried fish are a noteworthy Dutch tradition.

Skrei with lemon and rosemary

The serving size is for two persons as a main course, and four as an appetizer.

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Layer an oven dish with baking paper.

Wash the fish in cold water and dab it dry. Place the two rosemary horizontally in the dish followed by the skrei.

Slice the lemon in rounds and layer them on top of the fish. Refrigerate for one to four hours. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking.

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees. Brush ingredients with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover the skrei with baking paper. Bake 12-15 minutes. Check the fish for doneness in the middle. If needed, bake a few more minutes until “al dente”. Pour the lemon sauce on the fish before serving.

Serve with boiled, smashed potatoes drizzled with garlic-lemon olive oil.

Lemon-olive oil sauce

Wash lemon, then zest lemon peel with a zester. Set aside in a small bowl.

Squeeze lemon juice into a measuring cup. Peel and finely dice the garlic clove. Pick off the rosemary leaves and chop very fine. Rinse the flat leaf parsley and shake it dry. Chop the leaves and stems finely without bruising them.

Mix the garlic, sea salt and chopped rosemary in a large bowl. Add lemon peel and mix well, or grind the ingredi-

Ingredients skrei with lemon and rosemar y • 400 grams fresh skrei

fillet • 2 sprigs of rosemary • 1 organic lemon • 20 grams extra virgin olive oil • sea salt and white pepper

Ingredients lemon-olive oil sauce • 1 organic lemon • 1 garlic clove • 2 sprigs of rosemary • sea salt, to taste • 60 - 90 grams extra

virgin olive oil • 20 grams flat leaf parsley

ents with the pestle and mortar into a coarse paste. Pour in the olive oil, adding lemon juice to taste. Finish the dressing with the parsley. The sauce is meant to go on the fish right before serving. It can be made up to two hours in advance of serving. « Research the seasonal availability of fish on: www.goedevis.nl

“ The North Sea provides many delicious types of fish, so think local!”

About the chef Terri Salminen is an American food journalist, stylist and consultant who spent her formative years in Italy. She gained her professional experience in the kitchen cooking Italian specialties and selling them on Haarlem’s local market. Read her blog, Recipe Writings and food memories at: http://terrisalminen.com access | SprING | 51

German bank sets foot on Dutch soil In January 2013 Holland’s third big bank, SNS, was nationalised overnight. This secured the savings of approximately 1 million account holders at SNS.

By José C. de Boer MFP RLP

After the nationalisation of the bank, three out of four large banks in the Netherlands are on governmental “financial life support.”

This has great impact on the competition (or rather lack of competition)

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between the banks, and a great impact on your options when looking to buy a home.

The EU’s competition law explicitly forbids cartels and related practices in its article 81 of the Treaty of Rome. This article specifically ­forbids price fixing. So why is it that the mortgage interest rates are higher in the Netherlands than in our neighbouring countries?

Why are our rates 1% or perhaps

Finance | Partner feature

“ G erman bank is first to challenge legalised banking cartel” 2% above those in France, UK or Germany? Well, this is due to the fact that there are only a few banks left in the Netherlands. One of them had to be rescued and two others are still paying back the government support they received during the credit crunch of 2008. And until they have paid their debt, the European Commission dictates that they may not compete against the one and only major bank that did not receive financial life support four years ago. A legalised cartel, so to speak.

Volksbank lends to the mortgage market

So it is excellent news that just over a year ago a regional German bank carefully set foot on Dutch soil to lend out money for the Dutch mortgage market. But a careful step it is for this Volksbank of Emmerich, ­situated on the Dutch/German border. The Volksbank lends up to 70% of the market value of the property, so at least one third of the purchase

price will need to be available as a down payment when buying property. Consequently, either you need to empty your piggy bank, or maybe you are fortunate enough to have positive equity in your current home. If this is the case, you could also refinance your current mortgage and enjoy an interest rate between 0.5% and 1% lower than the big three Dutch banks have on offer.

José C. de Boer MFP RLP

Contact:

Minimum mortgage loan is €50,000 and maximum €800,000. Interestonly mortgages are not offered by this German option, but for new homebuyers, this is no longer allowed with the Dutch banks either. And quite frankly, having your mortgage paid off by the time you retire may be a new notion for the Dutch, but highly recommendable for everybody, expat or Dutch alike.

Financieel Voorlichtingsbureau de Boer / De Boer Financial Consultants tel office: +31 (0)70 511 87 88 mobile: +31 (0)6 557 603 99 www.fvbdeboer.nl Wassenaar/ The Hague office: Gang 3 2242 KD Wassenaar

The Dutch Minister of Housing, Stef Blok, has recently invited other foreign banks to start operating in the Dutch market. They will not arrive overnight due to legislation and permits, but they will certainly receive a warm welcome once they do. «

Amsterdam office De Lairessestraat 108 1071 PK Amsterdam

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Family

Fun with water

photo: Zandvoort Center Parcs

The Netherlands is famed for its abundance of water.

Its history, economy and landscape have always been linked with it. The Dutch are not only adept at watermanagement, they also know how to enjoy themselves on the water in their spare time.

By Karen T. Slingenberg

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But where the Dutch landscape fails to provide a lot of variation, there are plenty of man-made water features to be found that introduce an element of speed and fun. Tropical swimming pools, water-slides, aqua parks and wild-water courses will tempt goldfish as well as the sharks amongst you.

Slides, tubes, funnels and more

The fearless water adventurer can plummet down the largest covered water slides in the Benelux at the Tikkibad in Duinrell, Wassenaar.

At first glance the exterior tubes resemble a giant octopus sporting eleven tentacle-slides to test your nerve.

If you like being propelled down crazy rivers and do not fear tropical fish nibbling at your toes then ‘Aqua Mundo’ Centre Parcs in Zandvoort is for you.

The swimming pool is an oasis of water pleasure. For serious swimmers there is the option of swimming laps in the 25m long pool and for some real fun there is the artificial wave machine that transforms calm waters into turbulent tides. There is a crazy river ride, which involves speeding along on giant tires and tiny tots can indulge in the safe ‘Kinder-Doe-Bad’. There are even slides built to accommodate the launch of a whole family at once.

Another worthwhile feature is the Aqua Cinema; the chance to watch a favourite flick, comfortably floating on rubber tires. Grab your snorkel and have a leisurely swim amongst the coral and tropical fish in the ‘Sea Life pool’.

photo: Duinrell

Tropical oasis

For die-hard daredevils and reckless rogues ‘The Cyclone’ ride will be alluring. After hurtling down at break-neck speed, your fall is not broken by water but a giant funnel that spins its victim around to dizzying levels and then plunges through the opening into the water below. Have your cardiologist’s number at the ready! » access | SPRING | 55

photos: Dutch water dreams

Family | Fun with water

“ T here are plenty of man-made water features to be found for your enjoyment”

For the surfer or racer in you

Racing a raft along a giant wild water course at Formula-1 speed is what you can expect if you visit Dutch Water Dreams in Zoetermeer. Rafting is just one of the many water sports that are 56 | access | SPRING

offered here. There is also tubing, an accelerated ride on a floating tire, and hydro-speeding, otherwise known as body-rafting, where you race on a bulkier version of a surf plank designed for adrenaline addicts. For children there is the chance to practice your balancing skills body-boarding, while at the same time learning impressive tricks during all the wobbling. Indoor surfing is offered and for 8-year olds and up, a California designed board sport called flow-rid-

Up close with sea creatures

If swimming with sea-lions is on your bucket list then the Delta Park Neeltje Jans will make your dreams come true.

It is situated in Zeeland at the Oosterschelde (the North Sea estuary) and is part of the largest National Park in the Netherlands. There is no shortage of animal life to be discovered as this is the home to the largest saltwater aquarium in Zeeland. Shrimps, lobsters, colourful sea anemones and even sharks are residents here. Opt to take a boat trip and spot lazy seals lounging on local sand banks – be sure to bring your binoculars. Fun and water seems to have been invented here as children can escape to the water playground where you can build your own waterfall, operate sluices and walk over shifting musical step stones. Try your hand at pumping water using the treadmill or modeling a riverbed.

Passing the time in, at, on and under the water in the Netherlands is more than possible with its wide-ranging

Plunge in with scuba-diving Areas to dive in the Netherlands are the North Sea, the brackish waters of Zeeland and any clear, still water lake that is deep enough.

There are diving centres in most cities where you can rent equipment, take a course and join in planned activities.

Note that an Open Water Diver certificate is needed before you can dive without supervision.

For more information: www.padi.nl

mix of locations and activities on offer to relax, educate, entertain and thrill the pleasure seeker, no matter what age. There is someDid y o thing for everyone to get uk Swimm now... in those flippers into. ÂŤ diploma g lessons & s ar www.zw e essential! emonder nederlan wijsd.nl

phOTO: DELTA pArk NEELTjE jANS

ing; a cross between surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. Wetsuits and helmets are provided for all deathdefying acts, as well as expert instructors to assist you in staying alive!

access | SprING | 57

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

Then connecting women is for you!

Dutch & English courses at The BSN Language Centre Open Registration Day

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.

On Saturday 23 March.

Courses then run from Monday 22 April until July 2013.

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

Adult Courses

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

New for Young learners Exam preparation for teenagers.

Summer School for kids start on July 22.

Adults intensives start on July 8.

For more information, please contact us at languages@britishschool.nl or call 070 315 4080 www.britishschool.nl/languagecentre

quality courses small groups (max. 8) all levels (0 - C1 CEF)

Laan van Nieuw Oost IndiĂŤ 275 2593 BS Den Haag Tel: 070 3654677

www.directdutch.com

E S T. 19 8 5

Alexanderplein 2 2585 AZ The Hague www.aspadirect.com Telephone: 0651137656 / 0703450215

English Builder / Timmerman

Peter French & Sons For 1st class jobs

• 30 years of experience in the local region • All round Carpenter/joiner • Specialised in building bathrooms and kitchens, plastering and roofwork • Woodwork and metal workshop for one off furniture items and welding jobs

Tel: +31(0) 6 53 32 83 63 +31(0) 70 364 73 72 Email: peterfrench@planet.nl Workshop: Westeinde 58, 2512 HE, Den Haag

NeW

The Dutch and their Delta

Living below sea level Have you ever wondered what the current climate change and rising sea levels mean for the low-lying and densely populated Netherlands? How can a land below sea level exist right along that very sea anyway?

What happens when the rivers reach the ocean, and what are the consequences of this sub-sea-level position for the harbors?

The answers to these and many other questions are in this book. Author Jacob Vossestein, a geographer and anthropologist, provides great insight into the watery issues of the Netherlands, many fascinating and fun details and tips on where to go and see these.

Available at the book store and www.hollandbooks.nl ISBN 978 90 5594 788 1 | 296 pAgeS | 220 STuNNINg phoToS hArD Cover | eNglISh | prICe € 24.95

Lifestyle

photo: Den Haag Marketing

Traditional goes trendy

Seasonal

pop-ups

By Ann Jennen

1st of March, Scheveningen beach: Heavy lorries going back and forth, massive piles of wood all and about, cranes balancing huge concrete plates through the air… Those who have recently moved to The Hague frown and wonder what on earth is going on?

But expats who have been living here for a while smile… They know that spring is about to march in!

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Throughout March and early April, seasonal pavilions arise on the beaches of Holland, only to disappear again in October. Traditionally, these wooden constructions provided beach visitors with basic services: drinks, snacks and sanitary facilities. Nowadays modern, pop-up, restaurants profile themselves as real clubs and offer an all-day beach experience: relaxing in the morning, meeting with friends in the afternoon and enjoying the entertainment at night. Gastronomy takes up more and more importance. Pop-up ‘Buiten’ at Zwarte Pad in Scheveningen offers a biological menu. Beach house ‘Zwoel’ in Hoek van Holland should receive its first Michelin star any day now. The focus seems to be shifting from the location to the venue itself; whereas people used to go to the coast, youngsters now visit a certain beach house.

Popping up... all year long?

Beach clubs expand their infrastructure and tend to stay open longer throughout the year. Some of them, such as Timboektoe in Velsen Noord, remain open all year long. All-year round exploitation avoids set-up and dismantling costs that can go up to €20,000. However, with only a few vis-

itors in wintertime, personnel costs are high. Seasonal versus all-year round remains a controversial subject because commercial activities and nature preservation do not easily go hand in hand.

The Society for Dune Conservation proposes a zoning plan for the beaches of North-Holland. The beach has several functions like relaxing and entertaining, but also enjoying nature and silence. All-year round commercial activities need to be limited to the socalled sparkling areas, whereas the quiet beaches should preserve their more laid-back, serene atmosphere.

Don’t wait for summer!

Discover the Dutch coastline this spring.

These addresses are definitely worth a visit: • Breakers Beach House – Noordwijk: very elegant, stylish venue with excellent food and wine. www.breakersbeachhouse.nl • Buiten – Het Zwarte Pad, Scheveningen: easy relaxing with a good biological menu. Very pet-friendly: water bowls for dogs available. www.ganaarbuiten.nl • Culpepper – Het Zwarte Pad, Scheveningen: family-friendly hang-out that serves really good pizza. Try one of the family beach chairs to cuddle up with the kids. www.culpepper.nl • Zwoel – Hoek van Holland: get ready for some excellent cooking! www.strandclubzwoel.nl

High level cooking and meeting facilities

The biggest challenge Dutch pop-ups face is their weather-related turnover.

An average beach house needs about 30 good days to break even. About 50% of its turnover is realized in July and August. Given the fact that no one is able to place a permanent order on those precious sunrays, beach houses strive to be an outstanding venue regardless of the weather conditions.

Some owners choose for high quality cooking to entice their clientele.

Others invest in meeting facilities to attract corporate events in the non-­ summer months.

An all-weather concept seems to be the future for Holland’s beach houses. Most of our Dutch friends don’t care about a bit of rain anyway. “Als het maar gezellig is, toch?” (As long as it’s cosy, right?) « Reactions: annjennen@hotmail.com

About the author Ann Jennen is an international marketing & communications professional, a creative copywriter, fluent in NL-EN-FR-GE, and enjoying the Netherlands for almost four years now! access | SPRING | 61

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.

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:

• Childbirth and parenting • Personal development • Job seeking • Health and wellbeing • Creative • Languages and culture 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.

ACCESS courses cover a variety of topics and they provide you with the opportunity to meet new people, while learning new skills. The most popular 62 | access | spring

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:

http://access-nl.org/about-access/what-wedo/courses-workshops.aspx Meet our Trainers online:

http://access-nl.org/about-access/how-wedo-it/trainers/meet-our-trainers.aspx

r egiste r fo r co u r ses online at www . access - nl . o r g , o r contact t r aine r di r ectly .

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.

POWERtalk Marlene Burns Coaching in effective communication skills The Hague

www.powertalkeurope.com

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 international 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 Hague

www.en.coach2moveon.com

Marie is a coach who specialises in cross- cultural adaptation, communication skills and careers in transition. Her focus lies in helping people to be in control of their lives, rather than being at its mercy by using effective tools. Being an expat working mum for 17 years, she knows how relocating often is challenging and also very rewarding.

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ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r egiste r fo r co u r ses online at www . access - nl . o r g , o r contact t r aine r di r ectly .

Diversity discussions Christine Fischer Multicultural coach The Hague

www.fischersfiresidechats.com

Christine holds an M.A. & a M.Ed. in multicultural counselling psychology from TC, Columbia University, NYC. She created FischersFiresidechat 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.

Childbirth preparation Truus Gale Experienced midwife and prenatal coach Amsterdam

www.childbirthclassgale.com

Truus has over 20 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

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.

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

www.cftrainingtoday.com

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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.

r egiste r fo r co u r ses online at www . access - nl . o r g , o r contact t r aine r di r ectly .

Medical advice Dr. Houser provides guidance on issues of great concern to expats - health & healthcare. She is a Johns Hopkins trained Physician advisor, expatriate (US) physician with experience in training Dutch physicians. medical concerns Her focus is assisting expats with the Dutch healthcare the Netherlands ­system, including both cultural and medical differences.

Dr. Houser lives in the Netherlands with her four children www.expatmedicaladvisor.com and her husband, who is Dutch.

Christine Houser

Breastfeeding Myrte van Lonkhuijsen Experienced lactation consultant, IaBCLC

The Breastfeeding centre in Amsterdam offers specialised individual help with breastfeeding, courses and a breastfeeding shop. Myrte and the centre can assist you in solving problems, and in fitting breastfeeding into your everyday life.

Amsterdam

www.borstvoedingscentrum.nl

Career coaching and Job hunting support Teresa Moynihan HR and career consulting The greater Hague area

www.moynihan-hr-consulting.com

As well as being a Career Coach, Teresa also offers interim HR and Recruitment support to international organisations.

She is a member of NVP (Dutch Association of HR professionals), and Member of the WBII (Women’s Business Initiative International). Teresa offers career coaching and job-hunting support, company workshops or one-to-one coaching.

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.

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ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r egiste r fo r co u r ses online at www . access - nl . o r g , o r contact t r aine r di r ectly .

Pre- and postnatal courses Joke van Roosendaal-Kuyper Breathing and relaxaation therapist/Yoga instructor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

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.

Mind your stress Mary Jane Roy Stress and emotional resilience facilitator Amsterdam, The Hague & Rotterdam

www.creatingwaves.nu

Mary Jane will facilitate your learning of simple, effective ­techniques to reduce, relieve, and release stress anywhere, anytime. She is available for presentations, trainings, workshops and one-on-one sessions, for individuals as well as companies. Her educational background is as a certified stress counsellor, NLP master practitioner, registered HeartMath provider, and she is a registered nurse.

Childbirth preparation Lee Tolman Fysiotherapeutacupuncturist 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.

Childbirth preparation Ria Wiertz Antenatal teacher Rotterdam

www.borstvoedingspijkenisse.nl

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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.

WELCOME TO THE NETHERLANDS ABN AMRO: Expert in financial services for expats ABN AMRO is literally and figuratively the bank for international customers. ABN AMRO is the financial specialist for expatriates residing in the Netherlands. And just like our expat customers, we aim to offer pioneering services complete with tailor-made products and skilled consultants who speak their language.

You have a busy job, so we would like to make banking in the Netherlands as easy as possible.

We will gladly assist you with your financial needs, not just after you arrive, but from the moment you know you are coming to the Netherlands. ABN AMRO is a trusted partner for expats, diplomats, civil servants and international organisations.

For more information, please visit www.abnamro.nl/expats Contact Amsterdam: 020 - 34 34 002 The Hague: 070 - 37 52 050 Rotterdam: 010 - 40 25 888

e-mail: expat.clients@nl.abnamro.com e-mail: international.clients@nl.abnamro.com e-mail: international.clients@nl.abnamro.com