ACCESS Summer 2014

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

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Sports fever in the netherlands Special features | Dutch sorts of sports | athletic food | hockey in the netherlands | Work out the mind with sport | Brazilians in the lowlands | Kingdom of festivals |

Day care, after school care & holiday camps International child care centres at 10 locations in The Hague and surroundings The Estate, open in June 2014: • Premium Child Care Centre in Benoordenhout, The Hague • Most sustainable and energy efficient renovated child care building • Unique pedagogic approach • Organic and fresh warm meals • Great natural playground of 3,000 m2, with fun tree houses, a petting place & tennis court • Passionate, highly educated and caring staff that make the difference!

• And for the parents an espresso and juice bar

Zein Child Care offers summer camps for children aged 4-12 years of age.

Fun activities offered during the holidays! Rock climbing, Surfing lessons, Bowling and Crazy golf.

On-site days provide loads of fun, with arts & crafts as well as sports and active games.

Specialist teachers are often invited, allowing children to benefit from professional lessons such as baking, drama and football.

Healthy meals and snacks are provided, including a hot lunch when on-site.

The Zein philosophy encourages children to share and celebrate their personal and cultural differences, to make new friends and to take responsibility.

The camps are a great opportunity for children to have fun whilst developing personal, social and emotional skills.

www.zeinchildcare.nl Contact Zein at + 31 (0) 70 326 82 63 or info@zeinchildcare.nl

Letter from the Executive Director

the flag, and enjoy the event, surrounded by ­fellow nationals.

Dear ACCESS readers Whether you are a sports lover or not, I think it is safe to say that for many of us, when it comes to global sporting events taking place on our doorstep, it is different…. assuming of course your country has a team participating.

There is nothing like being far from home to bring out a bit of national pride in seeing your flag on display. I know for me, when ­living in Brazil, simply knowing the Canadian Volleyball team was playing was enough to get me out. Though at the time I wish I had taken the time to learn some rules. Regardless, at least I sort of knew when to cheer and wave

With this in mind the team at ACCESS took advantage of the forthcoming World Hockey (field hockey) taking place in The Hague to explore the sport (we have provided some tips for the novices out there), and then got carried away and applied sport as the theme for this issue. Perhaps not surprisingly therefore, the community featured is the Brazilian ...as another world sporting event will be taking place there this year.

Our partners share their own sporting ambitions, opportunities for fitness and wellbeing as well as the multiple opportunities to get involved in sports as volunteers; our Counsellors share how working the body can be a great workout for the mind; and, we get an informative overview of Dutch sports in general. But, fear not, for those less sportingly inclined, there is an overview of the kingdom’s festivals to look forward to and for those not so sports inclined but with children who are: a few tips to make it fun for all.

Whether you cheer from the sidelines or from the comfort of your own home (or local pub), we wish all the teams and supporters involved an enjoyable sporting season!

Deborah Valentine

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

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

What we do

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

Executive Board

• Chairman: Gary Hays,

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

• Secret ary: Imanda Wapenaar, WFIA

Members

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

4 | ACCESS | SUMMER

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

Contents | ACCESS e-zine

Summer 2014 Vol. 27 No. 2 • accEss news • community news • cover story: hockey in

summer 2014 cover story

Hockey in the Netherlands phoTo: KoEn suyK

the netherlands • lifestyle: Dutch sorts of sports • community: Brazilians in the lowlands • shopping: cool sports gadgets • arts & Ents: Kingdom of Festivals • health: Work out the mind with sport • Food: “let food be your medicine

arts & Entertainment

Kingdom of festivals

and let medicine be your food”

Copyright©ACCESS 2014 All rights reserved.

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

health

Work out the mind with sport phoTo: yElloW

Publisher Stichting ACCESS - Zeestraat 100, 2nd floor, 2518 AD The Hague Editorial content editor@access-nl.org Advertising 070 345 1700, adv@access-nl.org Editor Sally Squirrell Assistant Editor Mandie Rose Danielski Design & Layout Marek Moggré Contributors ACCESS Helpdesk team, Amsterdam Mamas, Deborah Valentine, Carina Hyllested, Christoper an Traume, Connie Moser, Elisa Conselvan, Erin Wille, Nuria Garcia Saorin, Ivy Lemos, Jop Voorhoeve, Mandie Rose Danielski, Poonam Voorhoeve, Sue Lawrence, Thais Pagani.

Cover image NBTC

phoTo: anTon coEnE

• meet our Trainers

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The Community Learning Dutch

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

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

Healthcare Bronovo * International Health Centre The Hague A 6 | access | summEr

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

ACCESS

News One-stop site for one-stop services

Supporting local community groups

Recently The Hague International Centre launched a new website highlighting the ­services they provide for internationals (their expat services) plus relevant links to additional information. ACCESS is an integral part of this site and hopes, together with the City of The Hague as well as the ­cities of Rijswijk, Delft and LeidschendamVoorburg, to inform international residents and HR professionals working with them how we can help and where they can find answers. «

Every day throughout the Netherlands, selfinitiated international groups are active in their cities bringing internationals together, organising activities, introducing new­ comers to longer-term residents. After all, meeting new people is a central element to creating a new home far away from home.

Welcome to The Hague These free morning information sessions are a huge ­success! The dates for the rest of the year are: June 2nd; September 22nd and December 8th. So, don’t forget to sign up if you are a new arrival to The Hague

area, or know of someone arriving around that time!

You, they, will get a few more tips about living in the Netherlands, and meet others who have also recently arrived. Details about the programme and ­registration can be found here. «

ACCESS has a database of these groups – and sees more and more appearing or becoming more active. In the last few months we have had the distinct pleasure of getting to know, and hopefully being able to support some of these in their activities.

The Tilburg International Club; InTouch in Rotterdam; Amsterdam Mamas and Delft Mamas are but a few of these. Reach out, join them, help them out. They are here to ensure everyone can make the most of their stay in the Netherlands, wherever they are.

Know of others? Share these with the ­community; send the information to ird@access-nl.org so we can be sure to have the details handy for when someone contacts our Helpdesk. Or are you looking for a group within your area? Send an email to helpdesk@access-nl.org. « access | summer | 7

Community news

amsterdam’s new TV shows in English amsterdam has a new series of English-language television talk shows for the local community, produced by the non-profit stichting Broadcast amsterdam and aired on community channel, salto 1.

Mondays, 6:00 pm: What’s Up Amsterdam, a fast-paced what’s on guide.

Tuesdays, 6:00 pm: So Dam Local, a lifestyle magazine show with short films of local stories.

Tuesdays, 6:40 pm: Greg Shapiro’s United States of Europe, a satirical news review.

Wednesdays, 6:00 pm: Future Vision Amsterdam, a riot of animation, film clips and live chat.

How to watch: Salto 1 (UPC channel 32) and streamed at salto.nl. Or follow on facebook.com/ broadcastamsterdam for regular clips.

Broadcast Amsterdam’s first season runs until 18 June with Season 2 scheduled for September. During the summer break the team will continue to film and develop new shows so anyone interested in getting involved (in front of the camera or behind the scenes) should contact info@broadcastamsterdam.nl. « www.broadcastamsterdam.nl

8 | access | summEr

Direct Dutch is organising a “Spreek Nederlands dag” in The Hague on 5 July 2014.

This day is organised to encourage expats to speak more Dutch and to remind shop and restaurant owners to be patient with expats who want to speak Dutch. Various activities are planned.

All of the Direct Dutch teachers will go out on the streets to help expats speak Dutch. Students will go undercover and check if people around the city allow you to speak Dutch at your own pace.

At the end of the day the Direct Dutch Award is handed out to the place with the highest score. « www.directdutch.com

phoTos: vrEDEsloop.com

Speak Dutch Day

Peace Run The Hague - a new tradition?

The Peace Run The Hague, organised last year to mark the 100th anniversary of the Peace Palace, was such a success that another is in the works. The second edition of this unique running event will be held on Saturday 20 September. “The Peace Run could become a great tradition,” says sporty The Hague alderman, Marjolein de Jong.

“The Hague is known as the city of peace and justice. In that regard it’s really special to have such a run for peace with a fantastic route around the Peace Palace.”

Registration for the Peace Run The Hague opened on 1 May. The distances available are: 1.5 – 2.5 – 5 – 10 kilometres. « www.vredesloop.com

access | summEr | 9

Community news

The Little English library in Breda The Little English Library is a nonprofit project offering a free library service of English children’s books for all children (0-12 years) in and around Breda who speak English or who are learning English.

The Little English Library is located within the Montessori School in Breda and is accessible to every parent and

baby, toddler and school child aged 0-12 who would like to browse and borrow English books. In addition to books, the library offers audio books and free book-related activities such as rhyme-time and storytelling sessions.

According to Tatia Gruenbaum, the founder, The Little English Library is the first of its kind in the Netherlands and it is wonderful to see how this project is being met with enthusiasm and support by both the international and local Breda community. « www.littlelibrary.nl

secondary school at European school The Hague from September 2014 The Secondary school of the European School of The Hague (ESH) opens classes 1, 2 and 3 in September 2014, admitting pupils from age 11-14. Additional year groups will open annually, culminating in their first European Baccalaureate in Summer 2019.

10 | access | summEr

The European School The Hague is conveniently situated between the sea and city centre on the edge of the Statenkwartier in the “International Zone” of The Hague. « www.europeanschoolthehague.nl

nhow Rotterdam opens its doors to architecture and art

photos: Rotterdam Image Bank

nhow Rotterdam offers renowned artists, celebrated designers and upcoming local talent, a platform to share progressive urban art.

After Milan (2007) and Berlin (2010), nhow Rotterdam is the third nhow hotel in the world and the first one in the Netherlands.

The four-star hotel can be found in the recently opened building, ‘De Rotterdam’, making it the first and only hotel in the world designed by Dutch renowned architect, Rem Koolhaas.

The part of Rotterdam where nhow Rotterdam is located is known as “Manhattan along the Maas” and is a melting pot of ­creatives, artistic visions and a spectacular skyline. In this neighbourhood filled with museums and restaurants with kitchens from all over the world, you can find the famous Luxor Theatre where frequent f­estivals and parties are organised.

In this architectural masterpiece, you can eat, drink, do business, relax and of course sleep in this “Vertical City”. nhow Rotterdam is the perfect meeting point for locals who want to find out more about the city, tourists and business (wo)men thanks to its nine beautiful conference rooms with an iconic view. « www.nhow-rotterdam.com access | summer | 11

With yesterday as a guide

for tomorrow’s opportunities

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

Information meetings for expats Do you want to know more about information meetings for expats?

Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro Bronovo Expat Coordinator E: NJagusiak@bronovo.nl

Overseas Patients Administration Do you have any questi ons about the Dutch health care system, Bronovo Hospital, your insurance or the handling of your invoice?

Deborah Warmenhoven-Walmsley Overseas Patients Administration Assistant Pati ent Administration Office T: +31 (0)70 312 41 80 or (070) 312 41 80 (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) E: DWarmenhoven@bronovo.nl

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

EXPAT SERVICE DESK On workdays from 8.00 - 16.30 hours • E mail: expat@bronovo.nl • Anneke van Kooten +31 (0)70 312 40 16

What’s on Summer 2014

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

5 April - 31 August Guggenheim NY Amstelveen

1 June Ladies Run Rotterdam

movie: rtvrijnmond

From the Guggenheim to the Cobra Museum of Fine Art, New York art comes to Holland.

Abstract Expressionist works by famed artists Pollock, Rothko, De Kooning and 40+ more artists are on view for the first time, proving once again that the Netherlands is the place to be for art lovers.

Ladies, take a fun day out to exercise and socialise with your girlfriends.

Kids and husbands can cheer from the sidelines of the 5 or 10 kilometres courses and enjoy the day’s festivities. You can also support the Pink Ribbon Foundation to fund projects and research for the treatment of breast cancer. www.ladiesrun.nl

6 – 9 June Jazz in Duketown Den Bosch

www.cobra-museum.nl

photo: duketown

photo: Luuk_Geertsen

This jazz festival has ten venues and over 80 performances throughout the city, making it the largest free jazz festival in the Netherlands. It’s guaranteed to be rockin’. www.jazzinduketown.nl access | summer | 13

What’s on Summer 2014

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

18 – 20 July Robin Rotterdam Unlimited photo: SensationAmsterdam

5 July Sensation Amsterdam

“Be part of the night – dress in white” is again the theme of this international dance event that unites thousands of dance fans from all over the world. The Amsterdam Arena hosts the best DJs in the world (many of whom happen to be Dutch). Keep an eye out for the start of ticket sale, as the event sells out quicker than you can say white. www.sensation.com

Rotterdam is THE hotspot of the Netherlands for three days during the international festival.

Every street corner lights up with dance, music, literature, streetart, theatre and summer carnival. Free indoor and outdoor venues spread throughout the city will attract over a million people this year.

www.rotterdamunlimited.com

Every year 40.000 people flock from all parts of the world to start the greatest walking event in the world: the “Nijmeegse Vierdaagse” to walk 30, 40 or 50 kilometres each day. Join the non-walkers in the Nijmegen festival with music, food and drinks. www.4daagse.nl 14 | access | summer

This year’s summer theatre ­festival theme of urban playground is appropriate for the location along the banks of the river IJ. You’ll find exceptional and unexpected productions in addition to family and music programmes. www.overhetij.nl

photos: Over het IJ Festival

15 – 18 July 3 – 13 July The Four Days Marches Over het IJ Festival Nijmegen Amsterdam

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

1 – 3 August The Westland Floating Parade

28 – 31 August ‘t Preuvenemint Maastricht

photos: WestlandFloatingParade

Foodies rejoice! Maastricht ­converts into the largest openair restaurant in the world for four days during this delicious culinary event on the Vrijthof square. Enjoy a large variety of live music along side spectacular food and wine. www.preuvenemint.nl

Stunning flower and vegetable adorned boats sail along the canals of Naaldwijk, Vlaardingen, Wateringen, Delft, Rijswijk and the edge of The Hague over the three-day parade. Enjoy various activities along the route, such as fairs, musical performances and bike tours. Expect to see music as the theme this year. www.varendcorso.nl

5 – 8 August 4 Days Cycling the Achterhoek Bikers - choose your distance of 60, 40 or 25 kilometres (shorter route open to families with children) per day. The tour takes you past castles, windmills, forests, farmlands and rural vistas. Also enjoy fairs, exhibitions, summer festivals, museums and dance groups along the way.

Kick back each evening on a cozy terrace to enjoy local cuisine. www.fietsvierdaagse.net

14 - 24 August World Cinema Amsterdam 180 nationalities come together to celebrate independent films made in Latin America, Asia and Africa. World Cinema Amsterdam screens more than 40 feature-length and short films indoors and out, alongside an extensive programme of Q&A sessions, master-classes, debates and parties.

www.worldcinemaamsterdam.nl access | summer | 15

Cover story

Hockey in the N

16 | access | summer

Netherlands It is 11:36 in the morning and the score is 1-2; only a few minutes are left in the game. Slowly but focused, I walk forward to the ball. I take a deep breath of forest air: like so many of the other hockey clubs in the Netherlands M.H.C. Maarn is picturesquely located in the woods.

By Jop Voorhoeve

photo: KNHB Koen Suyk

“Come on, Jop!” one of my teammates, a 45-year-old auditor, shouts. I hold my hockey stick tighter. It is a penalty shot. I am going to take it.

The Mixed Hockey Club Maarn is just one of the 320 field hockey clubs in the Netherlands. The oldest one – and by far the most successful one – is De Amsterdamse Hockey & Bandy Club (AHBC), which was founded in 1892.

The founders were inspired by Pim Mullier (the founding father of football in the Netherlands) who had invited a British team to come over for a demonstration game of Bandy, a winter sport » access | summer | 17

Cover story | Hockey in the Netherlands

in which eleven players with wooden sticks and a ball compete against each other for 90 minutes on an ice pitch.

Amsterdammers were interested in the version of the game that was being played on grass as well: that made it possible to play the sport in summers too.

In the 70s a true revolution took place in the international hockey world

Since then the sport has rapidly evolved in the Netherlands. In 1910 the first lady players were accepted at AHBC, “just as long as they would play only on Tuesday and Thursday after-

Hockey heaven There’s still a chance to watch hockey live. Buy some tickets now! www.rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com/tickets Take advantage of a wide variety of side events taking place & live music everyday on the Haagse Hockey Plein www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/to/Haags-Hockey-Plein-festival.htm Find a hockey club you like www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/leisure/to/Hockey-clubs.htm 18 | access | summer

noons and on Sunday mornings before 12:00.” The Dutch, quite stubbornly, developed their own set of field hockey rules: it was permitted to hit the ball with two sides of the stick, and the ball was then made of rope and coloured patriotically orange. It was also completely legal to trip other players with your stick and to stop the ball with your feet. In 1926, however, the Dutch Hockey Federation decided to comply with the international rules: the Olympics were to be organised in Amsterdam in 1928, and hockey for men was on the menu. The Amsterdam Olympics brought the Dutch a silver medal: their first international major hockey prize but most certainly not their last.

Of course, the level of today’s match in Maarn is far from an Olympic level, although no one can deny there is a strong Olympic spirit: after the match our team as well as our opponents will find their way to the clubhuis to play a third half, one that is not played with sticks but with bier en bitterballen.

“Miss this shot and the beer will be on you, Jop!” our goalkeeper shouts from far. Laughter echoes over the entire field. Another reason to convert this penalty shot!

phoTos: KoEn suyK

phoTo: huygEns InsTITuuT voor nEDErlanDsE gEschIEDEnIs

Back in the thirties De Amsterdamse Hockey & Bandy Club remained the driving force behind hockey in the Netherlands. In 1939 the ambitious club built the first Dutch hockey stadium: The Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. It soon became the Dutch national stadium; even today most matches of the national hockey teams are played here. It was 1973 before the Dutch team got its first gold medal: during the World Championship the Netherlands beat the superstars of India after penalty shots. Jeroen Zweerts pushed the winner in the top corner of the goal.

That’s what I want too: to place the ball high in the goal. The goalkeeper tries to catch my eye. He is wearing a Bayern Munich shirt and surely looks a bit like Olivier Kahn, the German goalkeeper who looked like an escaped gorilla and consequently went by the nickname “King Kong Kahn.” Focus, Jop, focus! I drop the ball on the penalty spot, softly touching the artificial grass. » access | summEr | 19

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Cover story | Hockey in the Netherlands

movie: International Hockey Federation

In the 70s a true revolution took place in the international hockey world when more and more clubs started to replace their grass fields with artificial grass.

Kampong from Utrecht was the first club in Holland to do so, followed soon by most other clubs. The impact of artificial grass on hockey turned out to be immense: without the unexpected bounces and the natural resistance of grass on the hockey ball the game became much faster. It also meant the end of the international supremacy of India and Pakistan; both countries were not able to roll out an

extended infrastructure of artificial grass fields. The Netherlands embraced the opportunity and soon became one of the most successful hockey playing countries in the world.

The effect of the change to the playing surface was not really seen in the 80s (although the Champions Trophy, a yearly international tournament and the European Cup were won twice); but in the 90s, when youngsters who had played their entire youth on artificial grass reached the national team, achievements really touched the sky.

The Dutch national team won gold medals during the Olympics of 1996 (Atlanta) and 2000 (Sydney) and also won the World Cups of 1990 in Lahore and 1998 in Utrecht. The penalty corner especially became a powerful weapon of the Dutch: hours and hours of training gave the Dutch the perfect corner, a crucial edge over its rivals.

Corner specialists like Floris Jan Bovenlander, Taco van der Honert and Bram Lomans became legendary and scored a huge number of goals for the hungry Dutch.

The supremacy of the Dutch hockey men’s team somewhat decreased after 2000; other countries, often with the help of Dutch coaches who went abroad, rapidly copied the “secret weapons of the Dutch.” No major prizes were won by the men since Sydney, but that was more than compensated for by the performance of the » access | summer | 21

phoTo: JurrIaan BroBBEl

Did y know ou .. is the m . Stockey asc Raboba ot for the nk H World C ockey up Hague The 2014

Dutch women team: gold medals were won in Peking 2008, London 2012 (Olympics) and Spain 2010 (World Championship). Moreover, hockey

Hockey rules for dummies ready to watch hockey in The hague but don’t have a clue how the game works? here are the basics:

• Both teams have 11 players.

• A match has two halves of 35 minutes, separated by a short break.

• All are equipped with a stick, and can hit the ball only with the flat side of their stick.

22 | access | summEr

has become more popular than ever in the Netherlands: the total number of Dutch Hockey Federation members went up to almost 240,000. Every week

• Players are not allowed to touch the ball with • • • •

any other body part than the stick, except the goalkeeper!

Since a number of incredibly hard balls are bound to be fired towards the goal, the goalkeeper wears full body armour including a mask.

On both sides, there is a goal and a semi-circle is drawn in front of the goal.

In hockey there is no offside (in fact there was but it was abandoned in the 90s).

There are three ways to score a goal: through a field goal, a penalty corner or a penalty push.

Cover story | hockey in the netherlands

the game is enjoyed by a wide range of players: from the professional players of teams like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Kampong, to five-year-old kids who play “funky hockey,” from ambitious and sporty hockey babes to the “veterans,” men who come from the days when the fields were still made of real grass and the sticks of real wood.

I put my stick on the grass and concentrate for a moment. It becomes silent on the pitch; even the birds in the forest seem to have stopped their singing.

The audience of three spectators (the wife of the right defender, the daugh-

ter of the goalkeeper and an old man who was taking a stroll in the forest) holds its breath. I aim to the right but push to the left, just like Zweers did in 1973. And it’s a goal!

May Roderick Weusthof and Maartje Pouwen do the same in World Hockey Championship in The Hague this spring! «

About the author Jop Voorhoeve is a financial consultant with a passion for writing and the international.

• A field goal is a goal that comes from a •

normal attack. A goal is only valid when an attacker has touched the ball with his stick in the goal semi-circle.

Penalty corners are extremely spectacular and given when a foul is made by a defender in its circle. Four defenders have to stand on the goal line, whereas one attacking player has to pass the ball from the goal line to its players who are standing on the head of the circle. Once passed, the defenders will run like the devil, whereas the attackers will stop the ball and hit it as hard as they can

•

towards the goal. Defenders are allowed to wear a protective mask during this lifethreatening situation.

A penalty push is given when a foul of a defender is preventing a certain goal.

The ball is placed on the penalty spot 6.40 metres before the goalkeeper.

The player is only allowed to push.

access | summEr | 23

Lifestyle | Partner feature

photos: FEMFOTOGRAFIE

What does wellness mean to you?

Is it: the endorphin rush you feel after a good workout or yoga session? the relaxing of the body achieved by languishing in a sauna? or a content feeling from being massaged by an experienced masseuse?

By Sally Squirrell

24 | access | summer

Holistic approach

It could be all three - wellness can be defined as the body, mind and spirit meeting in an environment conducive to producing a holistic balance and state of well-being.

With a rich history dating back to the Ancient Greeks, wellness encompasses fitness, spas and beauty therapies and is well known to be beneficial for a person’s health and state of mind.

Where can I find wellness in The Hague?

Wellness has arrived in The Hague in the form of Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort. The luxurious resort is located on the Mauritskade on the former site of the old swimming baths. Hague history and the memories of many are infused into the new building through the reconstruction of the 1883 swimming pool with its panelled interior and the original cast iron columns.

The four-month old resort is the brainchild of Dutch entrepreneur Hans van Os. Together with Annemarie ten Kate, he has created a stylish oasis in the heart of the city. Whether in fitness, spa or relaxation, the friendly staff of Caesar will endeavour to meet and exceed your every desire in wellness.

Also as a guest of Caesar, you can benefit from reasonably priced parking in the resort’s underground garage, just enquire at the reception.

Picture a day at Caesar Fitness

Wellness has arrived in the form of Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort in The Hague. The luxurious resort is located on the Mauritskade.

into perfect balance. Take a sauna in one of our six different saunas.

Then picture yourself surrounded by bubbles as you sink further into the whirlpool and gaze at the swimmers doing lengths in the pool.

Relax a while longer before heading for your spa treatment. Experience the Hammam oriental bath ritual with water and scrub treatment, and being soaped up on a hot marble slab. Slowly sip a glass of water or herbal tea before walking to the stylish À la Carte restaurant to complete your day with delicious cuisine, and a glass of specially selected wine.

Let the glow of a day well spent on yourself and your well being enrich your life.

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

+ Spa Resort

First to energise yourself, take a yoga class or personal training session; our instructors will walk you through the steps to bring your body

You can do this by becoming a member of Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort.

Balance your body and mind today. « access | summer | 25

Lifestyle

Dutch sorts of sports Somewhere beyond the Olympics and European Championships there is another world of competition, skills and passions. Played in farmers fields, over water, on streets, indoor courts and precariously positioned in the air, there are amazing Dutch sorts of sports.

By Connie Moser

Whether born of necessity or boredom, many of these sports originated in the north of the Netherlands and popularity has since moved on to national and international levels of participation.

age channels that run through their fields; obviously a handy skill in ­tracking down wayward sheep and recalcitrant cows. From the springing a sport has sprung called fierljeppen, a Friesian word for pole-jumping.

Fierljeppen

Dutch farmers have traditionally used long poles to spring from field to field to cross over the irrigation water drain-

Want to learn more or join in?

Fierljeppen Go along and watch a competition www.fierljeppenfriesland.nl Korfbal Everything you need to know about Korfbal clubs and ­competitions www.knkv.nl Haagse Korfbal Club www.alo.nu Klootschieten www.kloatscheetersbond.nl or www.klootschieten.com Enjoy a family day out klootschieten in the Veluwe www.klootschieten.nl 26 | access | summer

Old paintings by Brueghel show Dutchmen crossing the canals by jumping. Early written records of ­fjerlippen are from the year 1200, and the oldest match dates from 1771, organised by an innkeeper from the village Baard. Competitors had to jump over a canal behind his establishment in order to win a silver ball.

Korfbal

Korfball is a popular sport that dates back to 1902 and is played in around 57 countries with a national korfball committee and is similar to netball and basketball. The team consists of four men and four women; its mixed

phoTo: nBTc

movIE: rED Bull

gender and “clean” game play, (little physical contact and strategy play), contribute to its popularity. On an indoor court, each team tries to win by scoring more goals through a basket.

From 1985 to 2013, the Dutch have remained the champions of the IKF World Championships held every four years.

Klootschieten

Klootschieten means literally “ball shooting”. Participants attempt to throw a ball (kloot) as far as they possibly can. There are three styles: field, street and sitting (veld, straat and zetten). In the field (veld) version of Klootschieten, the intention is to reach a particular patch of grass and/or sand in as few throws as possible (similar in this respect to golf ).

Feel inspired to take up a new sport then head along to a fjerlippen competition or learn how to play korfbal in your local team. «

About the author Connie Moser, resident since 1981, is the author of numerous articles and five books about the Netherlands and its culture. access | summEr | 27

Continued residence after a divorce >Legal Expat Desk Living in another country with your partner can be very exciting and rewarding but could also turn into a nightmare in the case of a separation or divorce.

By Thijs Esser

When this happens, with the consequence of splitting up likely being a different home address for you, your

28 | access | summer

residence permit with the condition of “stay with partner� no longer serves this purpose and legally ceases to exist.

Even if your residence permit is still valid, the changed status makes the permit irrelevant and it could even be cancelled by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Law | partner feature

Therefore, if you would like to continue staying in the Netherlands you should take immediate action and apply to the IND for a residence permit as an independent person with the purpose of “non-temporary humanitarian stay.”

This new purpose of stay as an independent person has a “stronger” status and is easier to extend and also there is no check carried out on your level of income.

This type of residence permit can be applied for if: you lived either with a partner with Dutch nationality who has a non-temporary right to stay in the Netherlands or you lived with a foreign partner with a residence permit for an indefinite period of time. your relationship lasted at least five years and you complied with all conditions such as living at the same address during those five years. you can prove that you passed the civic integration test or in case that this was not applicable then you must give evidence of an exemption.

In other cases where you have worked in the Netherlands based on the legal status of your partner, there is also the possibility of applying for a 1235a work and residence permit or, if you qualify, the possibility of working as a highly skilled migrant with an independent status in consultation with your (future) employer.

Thijs Esser

Also, where it concerns care for children or other pressing humanitarian situations there are various options to apply for continuous stay in the Netherlands. «

•

•

•

Contact:

“…you should take immediate action and apply to the InD for a residence permit as an independent person...”

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

If you need more information or require help with a current situation, please contact Thijs Esser at 070 3615048 or email t.esser@gmw.nl access | summEr | 29

Community

Brazilians in the Lowlands A portrait of Brazil in the Netherlands on the eve of the World Cup Brazil has been in the spotlight for the last ten years because of its emerging economy and has been establishing itself as a safe and promising place for investments. However, it has never really been mentioned by the media before - that is until this year.

Brazil can now arguably call itself a country of soccer and with the upcoming World Cup even more so.

BY IVY LEMOS

The country of soccer

This is just one of the many titles of this wonderful country. Defining Brazil, what it means to be Brazilian and being a Brazilian citizen (especially as an immigrant) is a very ­difficult task. Brazil is huge and many others such as the Indigenous, Portuguese, African, German, Italian and Dutch populations influenced its culture. Every region of Brazil has its 30 | access | summer

own peculiarities – but that does not stop the country from maintaining its unity and Brazilians in general are very proud of their diversity.

When talking about being a Brazilian, it is mandatory to mention the indigenous populations that were in Brazil before the colonisation by the Portuguese in 1500. Influences remain in the Brazilian happiness, resilience, food and Portuguese language spoken by the nationals. An example of this can be found in the language, take the word Ipanema – known for its ­association with the expensive tourist destination and famous beach in Brazil, it is a synonym of elegance, but ironically it translates to “stinky lake” in the indigenous language Tupi.

Facts about Brazilians living in the Netherlands:

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that there are more than 27,000 Brazilians living in the

Netherlands. It is the biggest SouthAmerican population in the country and the main reasons for the migration are work, study and multicultural relationships. Although many Brazilians live in the Netherlands, few adapt well to the Dutch culture. As the saying goes: “Brazilians can come out of Brazil, but Brazil has never come out of a Brazilian.”

Some of the biggest challenges of the Brazilian community in the Netherlands are: Lack of the Sun: They miss the sun a lot! There is not a Brazilian who doesn’t dream (at least once) about walking on the street wearing Havaianas (Brazilian Flip-flops) and shorts.

you will probably hear about Caipirinha, Feijoada, Pão-de-Queijo, Coxinha, Guaraná and Picanha.

They are constantly looking for opportunities to eat Brazilian food.

Did yo know u ... cities in There are enced b Brazil influy the Du tch. and Ho lambra Recife (a mix of Holla nd and

Language: Brazilians are not into languages.

Dutch is a language from another planet for them.

Food: Lunch (a warm meal) is especially important.

If you hang out with Brazilians, access | summEr | 31

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By Diane Lemieux and Anne Parker

WHETHER YOU MOVE ONCE OR MULTIPLE TIMES, WHETHER YOU ARE ABOUT TO MOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME OR HAVE ALREADY MOVED, THIS BOOK WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO ENJOY THE MOBILE LIFE.

If you’re looking for an official guide to Dutch culture, this is not it. If you’re looking for one man’s completely subjective and utterly biased impression of Dutch culture, this is for you.

Paperback • 184 pages ISBN 978 90 5594 807 9 • Price € 17.95 For sale at the major book store, www.hollandbooks.nl and Amazon

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Dutch & English courses at The BSN Language Centre

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Community | Brazilians in the Lowlands

Schedule: They are spontaneous and relaxed. They don’t normally use agendas and constantly arrive late. Don’t take their issues with punctuality as a sign of disrespect and be prepared for last minute appointments if you want to have Brazilian friends.

Noise regulations: They love to party and they love (loud) music, they can’t live without it.

Formality: They are friendly, social and informal. Brazilians commonly use the first name when addressing people, if they don’t give you a nickname. When they speak to others, they like to be close to them and have a lot of physical contact such as touching arms and elbows during conversations.

Gestures: The “OK” hand signal is a rude gesture; they normally make use of the thumbs up! They love using it together with the sentences: Tudo bem!

(All right!) Tudo de bom! (All the best!).

When in the Netherlands, do as the Brazilians do: Eat and drink as a Brazilian: www.rodizio.nu www.facebook.com/ lunchroomipanemadenhaag

•

“ B razilians can come out of Brazil, but Brazil has never come out of a Brazilian”.

• Speak as a Brazilian: www.taalbrasil.nl • Dance as a Brazilian: www.julianabraga.nl • Play capoeira as a Brazilian: www.capoeiradenhaag.nl • Get informed about Brazilians: • • •

www.facebook.com/groups/ vivendonaholanda www.sambadequintal.nl Attend Brazilian Concerts and Events: www.vivabrasil.nl www.taalbrasil.nl Go to a dentist as a Brazilian: www.casarini.nl Go to a hairdresser, manicurist, and have a Brazilian wax as a Brazilian: www.anubiastudio.com

And of course: cheer for Brazil in the next World Cup!

About the author Ivy Lemos is a Brazilian teacher, entrepreneur and musician, currently living in the Netherlands. access | summer | 33

Municipality of The Hague | Partner feature

The Hague values volunteering

BY LAILA BORRIE

Sports events provide the perfect opportunity to be a volunteer. The Hague is hosting one of the biggest sporting events of the year – The Hockey World Cup, which will attract several thousand visitors to the city.

The Municipality in cooperation with the Hotelschool The Hague has recruited 300 The Hague Ambassadors, who will be entrusted with helping visitors by answering questions and welcoming them, at various points all over the city.

Sounds like something you would have liked to be part of ?

You don’t have to feel like you have missed out on an opportunity to volunteer as there are several sport clubs in The Hague, looking for volunteers.

Wilhelmus

Most sport clubs in The Hague are run entirely by volunteers, like Wilhelmus. Phil Loughton – founder and President of the 34 | access | summer

international section has seen it grow over the years. Today there are seven expatriate teams and one ladies team. Phil, who is from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, says he found his motivation changed as the club got bigger.

At first it seemed like an adventure and fun but now he realises what a difference being part of a sports club and community can make.

His goal now: having structures in place, so that the club can function without him and people can always find an expat-friendly football club.

Phil says, “I would really encourage people to volunteer as there is a lot one can get out of it but it isn’t just fun and games.” He cautions: “A very important part of volunteering is seeing things through, if you take on a task or responsibility it’s important to deliver.”

The Hague – GAA

Another well known club is the GAA or the Gaelic Athletic Association.

Founded in the 1970s, The Hague GAA Club is one of the longest established and successful in ­mainland Europe. Mary Gavin, its founding member and secretary,

“ I would really encourage people to volunteer as there is a lot one can get out of it but it isn’t just fun and games.”

has been an enthusiastic and dedicated promoter of Gaelic games all over Europe. The GAA has teams for Gaelic football, Camogie and Hurling. The GAA website describes Gaelic football as a sport which resembles a combination of soccer, rugby and Aussie rules! It is a fast, high-scoring game and hugely popular in Ireland. Camogie or Hurling is played with a wooden stick called a hurley and a small ball.

This club is also run entirely on a voluntary basis. Mary, who is clearly very passionate about Gaelic games and Irish culture, says, “sports are a great opportunity to get together and be part of a community”.

Volunteering at sports club can be great! Visit the PEP website or www.volunteerthehague.nl to find v­arious volunteer opportunities for sports and other opportunities. «

Contact:

Loes Weijers Project Associate, Municipality of The Hague 06 30 08 53 71 loes.weijers@­ denhaag.nl

PEP 070 302 44 44 info@pepdenhaag.nl Riviervismarkt 5 The Hague

access | summer | 35

Shopping

Coolest sports gadgets If you need a cool gadget to motivate your exercise, you’ve reached the right page. our trusty band of sports gurus have searched the market to bring you these awe-inducing products.

Be inspired and take up a new sport!

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EasyBrEaTh snorkelling mask For easy and natural underwater breathing, you need this full-face snorkelling mask. It offers unobstructed 180° field of vision and is apparently fog free thanks to its double air-flow system. www.decathlon.nl

razor Mouth guard Hockey is fun but sometimes balls fly high and fast! Avoid any risk and protect your beautiful smile with the trendy Razor Mouth guard “Boil and Bite” mouth guards.

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never leave your bicycle pump at home again

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PostPump 2.0 seatpost is a floor pump integrated inside a seatpost.

The ergonomic design uses the saddle as a handle so you stand comfortably while you pump. Seen in Ponjaard Bike shop, Amsterdam.

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€50.

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By chrIsTopEr an TraumE, nurIa garcIa saorIn, poonam voorhoEvE, ThaIs paganI

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You’ve never seen running shoes like this before. These unconventional soles feature 16 lightweight polymer blades that are angled to absorb shock and propel you forward.

like a fish in water The Arena Freestyle Breather may revolutionise the way people swim freestyle. Worn under a pair of goggles, the two “fins” create an air pocket in front of the nose and mouth.

www.adidas.nl

www.arenaonlineshop.com

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€ 1 80 €9.55

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€ 1 29

Preserve the life of your basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs and footballs and display them on your wall in a cool way with the Ball Claw. www.ballclaw.com

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SportWatch GPS: ultimate tracker and personal coach The Nike+ SportWatch GPS (with Sensor) Powered

by TomTom ® helps you track every run so you can run smarter. Track your distance and compare your personal best with friends. www.sporthorlogecenter.nl access | summEr | 37

In the distance, I hear the thunder of drums. The air vibrates with the passion of bodies pressed together in motion.

Finding its source, my heart thumps in time to beats, tribal-deep. My body, feet and hands move in devotion. We, the worshippers at the altar of song, adore the forces made by human hands.

By Sue Lawrence

A gentle turn of the celestial clock means it’s festival season again.

In a handful of months, more than 40 festival kingdoms will rise from the ground, reign, and recede. Dwellers in the kingdom of song, DJ’s Koen,

38 | access | summer

photo: Juri Hiensch

Kingdom of festivals

Wim & Wouter from Q-music and the festival organisers have provided guidance to quench our desires, stir our souls and arouse our wonderment.

Their noble domains are laid out before you. Let the dancing begin!

7 June Free Your Mind Arnhem

Known as the smiling people festival, laid back, open minded, good quality music. Dance steps away from the freedom bridge, where the Allies turned the 2nd World War around. Our undulating bodies are offered underground, techno, reggae and bop step from international and local artists. www.freeyourmindfestival.nl

Arts & Entertainment

7 June Retropop

29 June ParkPop

Grote Rietplas, Emmen

Zuiderpark The Hague

Tunes that stirred my soul when they were first fresh return to reign again at Retropop. Harwin says Retropop “goes back in time with original bands from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.” This land boasts free parking and free electricity for campers. www.retropop.nl

Rianne says her kingdom plays host to a wide variety of international and local music artists. Kingdom dwellers of all ages are warmly welcomed and feast on activities, performance art and music.

Come to this one-day empire in the park! www.parkpop.nl 2-6 July Amsterdam Roots Festival

20 - 22 June Best Kept Secret

Java-eiland

Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek

Josine says that “Amsterdam Roots Festival is way more than just a music festival, combining a great line-up of artists, young talent shows, dance acts, spoken word, an exciting food and non-food market and an entertaining child programme throughout the day.” www.amsterdamroots.nl

“Focus 100% on music, with a strong, sharp line-up in which big names are alternated with many new discoveries from indie, folk, hip-hop, rock, electronics or a mixture of styles.” A gorgeous site, beach and swimming, excellent food and drink make this festival the winner of the 2013 “best new festival” IJzeren Podiumdier award. www.bestkeptsecret.nl 27-28th June Concert at Sea

Come to the kingdom by the sea to hear Bløf, passionate founder, player and lover of this festival. Its unique location by the seaside means you are serenaded by songs, sunsets and soothed by sea breezes. www.concertatsea.nl

photo: Retropop2013

Brouwersdam, Zeeland

access | summer | 39

Arts & Entertainment

music with Europe’s biggest motorcross events complete with stunts.

This festival is one of the largest in the Netherlands; it’s a village that’s really an empire. www.zwartecross.nl

photo: WYZ Fotografie

8-10 August Reggae Sundance

Their noble domains are laid out before you. Let the dancing begin!

Landgoed Velder, Liempde

Ruler of the reggae, Patricia says, “it’s just about the best place to be if you like to be in a relaxed vibe.” It’s a festival made for the lovers of reggae music and the desire to make a difference in the world. These gentle rulers ensure everyone, including children, have a good time. www.reggaesundance.nl

25-27th July

23 August – 15 September

Zwarte Cross Festival

Magneet Festival

De Schans in Lichtenvoorde-Groenlo.

Zeeburger Island, East-Amsterdam.

Pieter says this the Zwarte Cross Festival was born from the local rockband Jovink and the Voederbietels love of music, and motor-cross. This festival combines pop, blues, reggae, dance

Magneet Festival is not only a music festival; it is the first crowd-sourced festival of its kind in Europe. Anyone with an idea can pitch it on the website where it is voted on. If your idea is popular, it is granted a place at the festival. www.magneetfestival.nl

About the author Sue Lawrence is a global health researcher, PhD Dissertation Coach and freelance writer. www.suelutions-research.com

Can you hear the thunder? The passion is rising. Let the festival reign begin! « access | summer | 41

Education | Partner feature

Hockey at the BSN – building on a host nation’s passion Being located in a country that’s almost fanatical about hockey ­p rovides The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) with a solid foundation from which to generate significant interest in the sport from a relatively young age.

Starting at Year 3 (ages 7 and 8) hockey is incorporated into the BSN’s Physical Education (PE) ­curriculum with children regularly playing indoor Unihoc.

The after-school hockey club has established itself as a popular part of the Junior School co-curricular programme. Coach and former 42 | access | summer

semi-professional Australian Hockey International, and BSN Director of Extended Day Programmes, Jessica Monkivitch, explains the rationale “through the junior after-school hockey clubs, we aim to develop basic hockey skills and an understanding of the game, building on what students learn in their PE lessons. As hockey is so strong in

the Netherlands, the club further exposes students to the sport, many of whom go on to join a Dutch club outside of the school, or take up the sport when they reach Senior school.”

Dutch hockey success is related to the outstanding club network that encourages boys and girls across the country to learn hockey from the age of six. BSN Senior School PE Teacher and Hockey Head Coach Nicola Stronach explains “The BSN has taken advantage of the Dutch hockey infrastructure with its link to the club MHC Forescate in Voorschoten. The school Hockey Club fields five girls teams and competes in the Dutch league as a part of the Voorschoten club. This amalgamation brings both the benefits of Dutch sports club life and our own special international school culture.”

Last year the BSN Under 18 Girls team successfully defended their Internatio­ nal Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) title, claiming a well-earned Gold at the championships for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year. The BSN also holds the record for the highest number of titles overall, having been crowned ISST Champions on an impressive fourteen occasions.

“ T he BSN has taken advantage of the Dutch hockey infrastructure with its link to the club MHC Forescate in Voorschoten.”

The BSN offers all students with an interest in hockey the opportunity to participate in the sport regardless of level or ability as Nicola Stronach explains further, “whilst the league is competitive, our school club programme remains inclusive, with many students arriving at the BSN having never played hockey before and developing into players who later represent us at ISST level and go on to succeed at both University and senior level. Our unique position of playing as school teams within a Dutch club creates a wide range of opportunities for our ­students. Regular coaching, clinics with current international players, and strong parental support has contributed to our continued success in the International School circuit and the reputation that the BSN has now established for developing high class competitive hockey players.” «

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

access | summer | 43

Health

Work out the mind with sport By now we’ve all learned a bit about how physical exercise plays a role in our moods and state of mind.

Exercise has proven to decrease anxiety and depression, improve mood disorders, prevent dementia, and even prevent relapses of emotional and psychological issues from the past.

By Mandie Rose Danielski

4 4 | access | summer

But sports and exercise benefit our minds and our behaviour more than we realise. ACCESS Counsellors Katarina Gaborova and Claire Boers shed some light on the many ways that working the body also works the mind.

Team up

Katarina Gaborova enjoys yoga, aerobics, salsa, swimming… “really anything,” several times a week. She puts these personal principles into her counselling practice.

When getting to know patients, one of the first questions she asks is about the type of exercise they do and how often.

She says, “It’s not so much looking at a personality type but interests and main issues they’re struggling with.

Someone who suffers from social anxiety, for example, would find it difficult to join a baseball team. But if a patient is struggling to learn social skills, for example, then I might recommend team sports.”

Some strong reasons for this, says Katarina, is that “when you’re part of a group, you gain a sense of enjoyment, and a sense of belonging. Team sports increase your social support, through a sense of helping each other… and team work actually increases your sense of self with a specific role in the team’s worth.”

There are numerous other mental health benefits that we gain from team sports, as Katarina lists for us: self-esteem and confidence with the pressure to perform individually; develop a strong sense of morality given our responsibility to the team; learn to follow authority; learn to deal with loss and with stress;

• • • •

“ ...when you’re part of a group, you gain a sense of enjoyment, and a sense of belonging.

Team sports increase your social support, through a sense of helping each other…”

• set goals and develop time management to achieve them; • build tolerance and an appreciation of diversity.

Move to your own groove

Team sports not really your thing?

No problem. The Netherlands has many choices for individual exercises and sports. Counsellor Claire Boers »

Tips for continuity The counsellors advise the following to get going and to keep it up: Acknowledge your motivations. If you need to calm down and quiet the mind, try yoga, tai chi or swimming.

Alternatively, to engage in competitive play, go for football or volleyball, for example.

Do what you like. Figure out what brings you enjoyment.

Find something close to home, contact the ACCESS ­helpdesk or visit Expatica and I Am Expat to find the Dutch and inter­ national sports clubs and associations in your area.

Reward yourself after you go. A treat gives you something to look forward to after all your hard work.

· ·· ·

access | summer | 45

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

Then connecting women is for you!

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

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

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

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

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for an international audience 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

The main Dutch news stories in context and in English, online, by email and on your mobile phone www.dutchnews.nl

Check the website for news updates, debate & comment, expat directory, book reviews, blogs, jobs, housing and what’s on.

Welcome to the Netherlands!

Have a question about living here? Not sure where to find the answer?

ACCESS has free online guides with answers to the Frequently Asked Questions of internationals; helpful volunteers at its Helpdesk for those uniquely personal questions and a team of Counsellors & Trainers ready to support your stay in the Netherlands.

Get in touch. We can help you.

0900 2 222 377 (â‚Ź0.20 ct/min) helpdesk@access-nl.org ACCESS-Netherlands

@ACCESS_NL

www.access-nl.org

Health | Work out the mind with sport

About the ACCESS Counselling Services Network Claire Boers (Amsterdam) practices general psychology-psychotherapy, treating a wide range of problems. Two areas of s­pecialisation include treatment of traumas, and psychology related to (chronic) health problems, pain disorders and illness in the family.

Katarina Gaborova (The Hague) is a multi-discipline psycho­ logist and coach. She treats a wide range of issues including adjustment to a new environment, stress management, ­anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.

For details about each counsellor in the ACCESS CSN: www.access-nl.org/about-access/how-we-do-it/meet-the-counsellors.aspx

keeps physically active with belly dancing, disco dancing, yoga and tai chi.

She recommends some kind of movement to all her patients, and notes that everyone benefits from cardiovascular exercise especially.

She notes that exercise helps those ­suffering from anxiety, for example, since the condition is so closely related to breathing. “Breathing has a lot to do with how we feel,” says Claire.

“We hold onto lots of tension with our breath. Yoga helps us to be more aware of our body sensations and our breathing.” Through her own practice, Claire

has found that yoga offers her a very deep relaxation that she can’t get anywhere else. She’s also a fan of tai chi.

“Tai chi is slow. It’s fluid, graceful and calm, and it helps with your strength and flexibility. I’m learning to focus on my body. Before I felt dissociated, not grounded. These classes have made me feel connected with the ground.”

Claire also advocates martial arts.

“There’s great value in martial arts: self-control, self-discipline, selfdefence. Everybody’s different. Some want to go for strength, some for the competitive element... Either way you get something out of it.”

Finally, whether it’s individual or team sports, remember that “exercise and sports are beneficial to you from childhood through to senior life,” as Katarina says. There’s always room for personal development. «

About the author Mandie Rose Danielski has never been much of an athlete, but she loves to dance and can walk for hours in any direction. With the help of her Dutch partner, she’s learning to focus only on the good hits during her tennis doubles games. www.zeggen.eu access | summer | 47

Education | Partner feature

Three athletes Three nationalities One passion One school

The German International School The Hague introduces outstanding athletes

Three students at the DISDH deserve special mention for their perseverance, discipline and ambition. For Anne Schuurmans (grade 8), Adam Juhรกsz (grade 9) and Henrik Fischer (grade 10), athletics are an integral part of their lives. They are exemplary in their determination to stay focused on school work while dedicating themselves to the rigours of competetive sports.

Antonius, better known as Anne, is Dutch and although he only started swimming competetively three years ago, he has already become the Dutch champion in 1500 metres freestyle as well as having won medals in back crawl, and relay.

He trains 10 hours every week, 48 | ACCESS | SUMMER

often having to get out of bed as early as 4:30 am in time to train before his school day begins.

He takes it lightly and says, “once you jump in the pool, you’re on your way.” He describes his life as having two parts coming together to form one and firmly believes that the combination of school and sport provides him with more balance in his life.

Adam is Hungarian and has been a student of ours since Kindergarten.

He trains 19 hours per week and competes in both swimming and water polo. Although school comes first, Adam always has training and competition on his mind. “It’s like a wave. Sometimes, I’m on top and love it and other times, I find myself at the bottom. Then I beat my own record and am motivated to try even harder. Before I know it, I’m back up on top of the wave.” Adam has come in first for the Netherlands in a variety of disciplines including 400 metre medley, 2 km freestyle and 4x200 m freestyle relay.

He has been chosen to play for the Dutch National Water Polo team to compete in the European Championships in Azerbaijan in

Henrik is convinced that sports have a positive impact on his performance at school.

2015. Adam pursues his ambition with the hope of going to college in the US on an athletic scholarship.

Henrik is German and has won, among other medals, the Dutch Championship in long jump. He trains 10 to 12 hours per week and specialises in long jump and sprint and enjoys the speed and challenge to be even faster. Henrik has become an expert in time management using every moment between training for homework and studying. He is convinced that sports have a positive impact on his performance at school. “I always have a ­t arget before my eyes and I know that if something isn’t working as well as I had hoped, I just have to keep on trying, push a little bit further and I know I’ll reach my goal.”

Contact: Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag Van Bleiswijkstraat 125 2582 LB The Hague The Netherlands 070 354 95 94 www.disdh.nl info@disdh.nl

We continue to cheer on our star athletes and wish them every success! « access | summer | 49

Food

“Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food” Hippocrates According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), carbohydrates are the food which represents the main energy source for all sporting activities, therefore they should represent about 60% of an athlete’s diet; at least a 15% should be absorbed for breakfast, up to 20-25% before a race.

Did . now.. y k u o y d health n a d e c A balan e secret for h diet is t l athletic fu success ances. perform

BY eLIsA CONseLVAN

Fruit and vegetables provide an important source of sugars and mineral salts, vitamins, fibres and water. If ingested in a proper dose, it is unnecessary to add salt and vitamin supplements.

Protein supply is indispensable to build and remodel tissues. The simple sugars play an important role in the pre-competition breaks and in the integrations during long competi-

PHOTO: TusCANY-DIeT.NeT

50 | access | summer

tions, but always in limited quantities.

Vegetable fats are preferable to the animal fats due to their high digestibility and low content of cholesterol.

These rules are valid for everyone, not just athletes; however, a single diet that is appropriate for all athletes does not exist: every sport has its own rules and its own caloric consumption to satisfy.

There are less demanding sports in terms of effort (like golf or horse riding) that require a lower caloric contribution, and more intense sports (like football, running, cycling, spinning, body building), in which the caloric supply should increase considerably.

On average, an adult man at rest needs around 2000 kcal to survive the average day, while a woman needs about 1500.

While non-intense sports require an amount of energetic contribution of minimum 1200-2000 kcal more than average, intense sports require up to 5000-6000 kcal more. The right amount of liquid is also crucial in a diet. Hydration pre-exercise reduces the risk of dehydration.

Many nutritionists indicate the Mediterranean cuisine as one of the healthiest in the world, besides being

On average, an adult man at rest needs around 2000 kcal to survive the average day, while a woman needs about 1500. rich in flavour, thanks to several delicious, fresh ingredients. Some of its ingredients recommended for the ­athletes aiming at successful performances include: tomatoes, white or red wine, leafy greens like salad and spinaches, great sources of fibre and antioxidant vitamins; whole wheat pasta, fruit, low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins A and C, and essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium; fish, a source of lean protein and omega-3s. These fats protect against abnormal heart beats and reduce inflammation, which may help runners recover faster, but also beans, a healthy alternative to meat; broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, sweet peppers, plentiful in vitamins A and C, and last but not least garlic. «

About the author Elisa Conselvan works in Amsterdam in the publishing industry and has just graduated in Cultural Journalism in Utrecht. access | summer | 51

Education | Partner feature

The Hague is certainly a city that is experiencing an increase in profile on a global stage. This year we have already hosted the Nuclear Security Summit. The next major event will be the Hockey World Cup, which takes place in June of this year.

Hockey excellence at ISH

by David Butcher

All key sporting events bring logistical challenges for a city and I am well aware of the excellent preparations that have been put in place for the Hockey World Cup. I particularly applaud the fact that the theme behind this world cup is one of ­celebrating hockey itself with a true festive party atmosphere.

Whilst hockey is not regarded as a major world sport, it still has a very strong position in many countries (the Netherlands being a prime example) and like sports such as volleyball and squash, it has been innovative and pro-active in chang-

52 | access | summer

ing the rules to make it more popular and to enhance the interest of spectators.

My first encounter with hockey was at the National Sports Centre in England, Lilleshall. I was on an England Schools cricket pre-season training camp and the England Under 18 Hockey team was also training at the time. We could not believe the speed and accuracy that they hit the ball at - 130kph - our best batsmen could not get close to this speed when they tried it. When I was at university I had friends who played hockey at a high level and I was amazed at their fitness levels.

I remember talking to some Great Britain Hockey players prior to the 2000 Sydney Olympics about their training regimes – they were seriously fit.

At the International School of The Hague (ISH), we are proud of our girls’ hockey teams and they have

photos: Natacha de Herde

David Butcher Principal of Secondary International School of The Hague

At the International School of The Hague (ISH), we are proud of our girls’ hockey teams and they have been very successful over the years been very successful over the years participating in the International Schools Sports Tournaments (ISST) and at club level in the community.

As a school, we are fortunate to have staff on the faculty who have a deep

Contact:

love for the game and moreover want to share their passion for sports and coach our youngsters.

We are also delighted to be actively involved in this once in a lifetime sporting opportunity. We will be sending our students to watch the live games.

The International School of The Hague Wijndaelerduin 1 2554 BX Den Haag Secondary School +31 (0)70 328 14 50

So roll on the Hockey World Cup; I have no doubt it will be a fantastic sporting experience that will be ­typical of a knockout event, giving The Hague another fantastic opportunity to showcase itself as a great city. «

Primary School +31 (0)70 338 45 67 ish.admissions@ ishthehague.nl www.ishthehague.nl

access | summer | 53

Family

Five ways to get your international child involved in the World Cup this year.

On 13 June 2014 the Netherlands will take to the field to play their first match in the 2014 Football World Cup. The country’s star players will walk out at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador to match their skills against those of Spain.

by Amsterdam Mamas

The Netherlands is a football country, with a strong playing history on the inter­national stage. Everywhere you look for the duration of the tournament there will be a sea of orange celebrating their participation in the “WK” (World Cup).

54 | access | summer

It is a great opportunity to open up the world to your child through football and sportsmanship. These are some of our suggestions to get you started: Collect the stickers

In news­ agents and toy shops across the country, you will be able to pick up the official World Cup 2014 sticker book and fill it with 640 stickers. Children can learn about collecting, trading and team recognition.

Create a Family Football Wall Chart

There are many great downloadable wall charts available to download and print on the internet in the run up to the World Cup. Make it a family activity to monitor the scores and make predictions of which country will win and go through to the next round.

Visit the Stadiums

While our little football fans would love to be there in person I’m sure we can still give them a birds eye view of the stadiums the teams will be playing in thanks to Google Maps. Zoom in to the interior and exterior images and explore the locations.

Read the books

There are many books available for the World Cup 2014 ranging from factual to stories to activities. These are some of our favourites for all ages in English.

• 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil - Official • •

Book - The official guide to the world cup packed with photographs and statistics.

The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Kids’ Handbook - become a World Cup 2014 expert Frankie and the World Cup Carnival - takes your child on an adventure to Brazil.

• The Story of the World •

Cup - Learn about the history of the World Cup The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Colouring Book - Colour me happy with this colouring and sticker book.

Did know you ..

World C . The first in 1930 up was held in U they be ruguay when cam world c e the first hampio ns.

Organise a local World Cup Party

As international families, we know a lot of international kids and what better way to celebrate all those nationalities than with a World Cup themed party? Fancy dress based on nationality with internationally themed party food and a mini world cup football tournament can make the party exciting.

Whatever you decide to do for the World Cup and whatever team you support, we hope you have a fabulous time celebrating the world and football with your families. «

About the author Amsterdam Mamas provides information and support to international parents in Amsterdam and the surrounding regions. www.amsterdam-mamas.nl access | summEr | 55

Internationally Focused A forward thinking international outlook on education, combining structure and creativity within a curriculum built on strong Internationally British foundations.

www.britishschool.nl

Internationally British

ACCESS 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.

Meet our Trainers 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 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 home) and gain insight to how things may be a little different to where you are from.

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

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

Diversity discussions Christine Fischer

Multicultural coach & ACCESS Community Education manager The Hague

www.fischersfiresidechats.com

Christine holds an M.A. & an M.Ed. in multicultural counselling psychology from TC, Columbia University, NYC. She created FischersFiresidechats discussions, workshops, and seminars to foster warm, informal, yet informed environments for learning cultural competence. Her programmes cultivate awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, attitudes towards cultural differences, and offer a variety of cross-cultural skills. access | summer | 57

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s te r f o r c o u r s e s o n l i n e a t www . a c c e s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n t a c t t r a i n e r di r e c t l y .

Digital photography Megan Alter

Professional photographer & photography teacher Amsterdam

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

www.meganalter.com/classes

Career coaching Caroline van den Bogaard

International career coach Amsterdam & via Skype

www.cctransitions.com

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

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

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

www.powertalkeurope.eu

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

Career and life coaching Marie Dewulf

International career and life coach

The Netherlands & via Skype

www.coach2moveon.com

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

r e g i s te r f o r c o u r s e s o n l i n e a t www . a c c e s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n t a c t t r a i n e r di r e c t l y .

Art history Wendy Fossen

Freelance Art historian & Art history teacher The Hague

www.casadellarte.nl

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

Childbirth preparation Truus Gale

Experienced midwife and prenatal coach Amsterdam

www.childbirthclassgale.com

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

Workshops in coaching and counselling Jacqueline van Gent

Psychologist and trainer in Transactional Analysis The Hague

www.ta-denhaag.nl

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

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.

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ACCESS Trainers | meet our Trainers

r E g I s T E r F o r c o u r s E s o n l I n E aT W W W. a c c E s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n Ta c T T r a I n E r D I r E c T ly.

arabic and calligraphy lessons Khaled Khaled

Arabic language lecturer Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht

english.arabisch.nu

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

Breastfeeding and maternity care consultations Helen Marshall Qualified lactation consultant IBCLC

The greater Hague area

helen.marshall1@gmail.com

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

career development and Job hunting Teresa Moynihan

Career coaching & Job hunting support The greater Hague area

www.moynihan-hr-consulting.com

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

childbirth preparation Nester Moyo

Senior midwifery advisor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

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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.

r E g I s T E r F o r c o u r s E s o n l I n E aT W W W. a c c E s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n Ta c T T r a I n E r D I r E c T ly.

childbirth preparation Chitra Natarajan Childbirth Educator Utrecht

www.akriti.nl

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

pre- and postnatal courses Joke van Roosendaal-Kuyper

Breathing and relaxation 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.

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

www.goodmancoaching.nl

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

coaching with archery Jac Rongen

International coach and facilitator Amsterdam

www.rongen.com

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

Jac feels that the best way to deal with past pain or future anxiety is to focus on the present while learning new skills in archery. This allows one to focus on the here and now rather than on past problems in order to achieve more in the future. access | summEr | 61

ACCESS Trainers

r e g i s te r f o r c o u r s e s o n l i n e a t www . a c c e s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n t a c t t r a i n e r di r e c t l y .

Helping you feel at home in the Netherlands Caitríona Rush

Cross-cultural consultant The Netherlands

www.athomeabroad.nl

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

Creativity for Character Shawna Snow

Trainer/Facilitator Amsterdam

workshops.reckoning.nl

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

Childbirth preparation Lee Tolman

Fysiotherapistacupuncturist The Hague

www.partnersinwellness.nl

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

Childbirth preparation Ria Wiertz

Antenatal teacher Rotterdam

www.borstvoedingspijkenisse.nl

62 | access | summer

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.

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