ACCESS Spring 2017

serving t h e i n t e r n at i o n a l community www.access-nl.org

Free for yo to pic u k up

New beginnings for migrants 2017

Spring

In this issue | The Dutch street organ | Green asparagus tarts | Trim hockey | A local initiative to a global challenge | Group support | Guidance, diversity, connections, growth | Love Zeeland |

Setting the Standard

Zein Holiday Camps Join the adventure...

Whether you’re looking for something fun to keep your child occupied, or you need full time care while you’re at work, Zein has the answer!

The exciting range of Multi-Activity & Themed Day Camps are arranged by age group to ensure campers of all ages will have great fun and learn new skills whatever camp they choose! Every weekly activity programme offers a wide array of sports, crafts, games and activities and is complemented by two field trips.

Indoor Wall Climbing Surfing Tennis Treasure Trails Robotics Arts & Crafts

Drama Construction Team Sports Snowboarding Cooking Junk Modelling

Football Baking Adventure Playgrounds Science experiments Skiing Board Games & much more!

The English-speaking camps run during the holidays of all international schools in The Hague, Monday to Friday 08:00 - 18:30 for children from 4-12 years.

Zein Childcare Group

Day Care

Pre-School

After School Care

Find out more For more information or to reserve a place visit www.zeinchildcare.nl or contact the friendly team via info@zeinchildcare.nl or 070 326 8263

Holiday Camps

Dutch Childcare Allowance. The Dutch government reimburses a substantial portion of the childcare costs to all families where both parents (or a single parent) are working or studying – irrespective of nationality or length of stay.

Letter from the editor

PHOTO: RUDI WELLS FOTOGRAFIE

Dear ACCESS readers

Mandie van der Meer-Danielski ACCESS Editor editor@access-nl.org

Within the international community, migration is our greatest common denominator.

There came a day when we packed up our former lives and closed the door behind us.

Most of us moved by choice, for opportunity, for career or love or broadening horizons.

Our stories are similar and usually successful. Yet so many have moved for harsher, unfortunate reasons, as a result of serious circumstances of war, violence, famine, and grief, and with little idea of what lies ahead.

Who are the refugees and asylum seekers in the Netherlands now? How are they being integrated into the culture and lifestyle? For our cover story, Kelly Merks provides us with a thorough update on the status of these migrants, including stories from those with firsthand experience, and examples of civic programmes in the Netherlands that are embracing this community for the best of new beginnings. Daniella Gidaly shares more on how we can, as individuals, pay it forward, like the Dutch and international locals in a community of The Hague who are ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition for refugees.

We invite you to become familiar with a variety of cheerful topics in this edition. Samantha Warnaar teaches us about noisy—uh, sorry, charming—Dutch street organs, and Tracey Taylor has put together a delightful presentation to the province of Zeeland. Our Counselling Service Network introduces a new option for group therapy in English.

Pay it forward, like the locals… who are ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition for refugees

We’re also excited to unveil the first Our View photo ­contest, brought to you by the volunteers of ACCESS. Following the concept of migration, our theme was Movement, which takes many shapes, sizes, colours and emotions. Enjoy the works of our three finalists who have won prizes from The wonderful world of the stroopwafel; Stuff Dutch People Like; and We Are Public.

The Summer photo contest is open to the international community. ACCESS wants to share your view of the Netherlands, our current home. Check contest rules and deadlines for your chance to participate. Good luck!

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 3

About ACCESS

Colophon

For 30 years ACCESS has been an independent

Publisher

not-for-profit organisation serving

Stichting ACCESS

internationals so they may settle successfully

Editorial content

in the Netherlands. Our mission is to provide

editor@access-nl.org

essential, comprehensive and unique services

Advertising

nationally, through the expertise and

070 345 1700

experience of our dedicated volunteers from

Editor

the expatriate community.

Our magazine complements the services we provide through our Helpdesk, FAQ Guides, Counselling Service Network and Trainers Network. Our intention is to further facilitate our readers’ settlement process in your new home, by providing content which helps you better understand the country; discover things about it you may not have been aware of; encourage connection with your Dutch neighbours and colleagues; and offer contributors a platform to share your skills.

fnd@access-nl.org

Mandie van der Meer-Danielski

ACCESS Magazine aims to be: • welcoming • informative • educational • entertaining • original

Have feedback for us? Interested in contributing to the magazine?

Please contact the Editor at ­editor@access-nl.org. We love to hear from our community!

Assistant Editors Nancy Kroonenberg, Kelly Merks Design & Layout M-space - Marek Moggré Printer Edauw en Johannissen Drukkerij Cover image © UNHCR - Andrew McConnell Contents images (clockwise) © UNHCR - Andrew McConnell, Magdalini Zografou - My Little Expat Kitchen, Eric LF, Deborah

Executive Board: Chairman: Gary Hays, Valshebnik Consulting .

Members: Koosje Ploegmakers, ABN AMRO - Godelijn Boonman, GMW Advocaten - Lowri van der Linden, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, Pauline O'Brien, Council of International Schools.

0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377) local rate 20c per minute

@

helpdesk@access-nl.org www.access-nl.org Laan van Meerdervoort 70 - 1st Floor 2517 AN The Hague

4 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

Carter - NewTechKids Contributors Stephen Davies, Daniella Gidaly, Kelly Merks, Aafke Mertens, Tracey Taylor, Deborah Valentine, Mandie van der Meer, Carolyn van Es-Vines, Samantha Warnaar, Magdalini Zografou

Join ACCESS on

12

Winter 2017 Vol. 30 No. 1 Circulation: 5,000 Also available online at: magazine.access-nl.org

Contents 7 ACCESS News Guidance,

21

diversity, connections, growth 9 What’s On for Spring 12 Cover Story New beginnings for

46

refugees: people, stories, hope 21 Education Holiday camps 24 International Community Trim hockey: a holistic hobby 26 Arts & Entertainment Noise or tradition? The Dutch street organ

26

41

29 Reviews Dutch DJs 32 Dutch Lifestyle A local initiative to a global problem 37 Health & Wellbeing A new avenue for group support 41 Travel Love Zeeland 46 Food Green asparagus tarts with puff pastry 48 Our View Photo Contest Copyright ACCESS 2017 All rights reserved. No part of the ACCESS Magazine 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.

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 5

Education | Partner feature

Open your child’s window to the world at The BSN Choosing a school that provides academic excellence and an enriching environment for your child is one of the most momentous decisions you’ll make. After all, this is where career choices are made and dreams begin! A little daunting perhaps but The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) has the expertise to help you.

students have achieved places at 182 different universities in over 20 countries. A BSN education really can open the window to a world of opportunities.

Four campuses, one school

With four campuses across The Hague, we’re large enough to cater for families from all over the Randstad. Naturally, we follow the British curriculum from Foundation Stage (ages three – five) to Sixth Form (ages 16 – 18) where students can choose from several academic pathways including A Level, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP). There’s plenty of opportunity to interact cross-school in our many co-curricular activities, and in doing so, wider friendship circles are created, making for sociable, confident children.

Admissions Department 070 315 4077 admissions@britishschool.nl

6 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

Academic excellence

BSN students leave school with the academic credentials that universities are seeking. In 2016, they had an average score of 37 for their IBDP, a 100% pass rate for their IBCP and 81% of students studying A-level received A*-C grades. With results such as these it’s no wonder our students’ university destinations are impressive. During the past five years, our

Life skills

Central to the BSN’s value system is “preparing its community to be confident citizens and leaders in tomorrow’s world”. Students are taught to be independent learners who are at ease with modern international life. Language proficiency is an important part of this so Dutch is taught from age four, while English support, tailored to your child’s needs, is provided for non-native speakers.

Project work, field trips and a culture of questioning, ensures that the students are creative thinkers with strong problem-solving skills. BSN students are capable learners, eager to investigate, understand and evaluate—skills which will serve them well later in life.

Our Alumni careers’ list is proof enough that a BSN education nurtures talent in every subject; from ­medicine to performing arts and from engineering to fashion design—anything is possible at The BSN. «

ACCESS News

Guidance, diversity, connections, growth 2016 was the 30th anniversary year of ACCESS. During the year we wrote a book about our history,

and had been for 30 years, part of our DNA. All we had to do was spell them out. With pride, we share them with you, our community.

prepared an archival history board for the Expat Impressions of The Hague exhibit of the Expatriate Archive Centre, and we had ourselves a party, of course. We also took advantage of the momentum to update our Mission/Vision statement and capture our Values.

It was a challenge to find the right words, especially with the added twist of our multi-lingual and multi-cultural environment. The process may have been slower than expected, but all the more enriching.

Curiously enough, identifying the key values which steer our decisions, our work and everything we do, came naturally.

Our values were already,

You can contact ACCESS by email at helpdesk@access-nl.org or phone 0900 2 222 237 (€0.20/min).

Visit us at the expat and international centres in The Hague, Utrecht, Amsterdam and Leiden.

To become a volunteer, complete the Application Registration Form and join our next Information Morning: access-nl.org/about-access/how-we-do-it/volunteer-with-us.aspx

OUR VALUES

We provide guidance We draw on our collective knowledge and experience to guide others. Offering empathy and helping to manage the expectations of people arriving to live and work in a new country and culture. Our supportive resources are objective, tested and trustworthy. Our support is provided in confidence.

We foster cultural diversity We respect the diversity of our community and appreciate that the guidance we provide must come from a place of creating understanding for the country of destination. English is the language which unites us, but does not define us. In dialogue and actions we practice respect for differences and recognise the need to build bridges.

We are courteous and treat people with dignity.

We facilitate connections Through the volunteers we recruit, train and respect with professional courtesy, we ­provide a community within which, and from which, ­connections are made. Our activities and the events we ­participate in contribute to extending our spirit of co-operation and collaboration. We welcome partnerships with ­others who share our vision. We work in teams and mentor one another.

We encourage growth Personal development is at the core of what we do. For our volunteers, the community we serve and the organisations we are partners with. Our growth is defined not by more, but by improvement and extending the service we provide to individuals, civic organisations, government services and corporate employers. « ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 7

What’s On

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’.

Mondriaanhuis Reopens mondriaanhuis.nl

Marres The Painted Bird Mural www.marres.org/en/

7 March and on - Amersfoort 10 March - 13 August - Maastricht

PHOTO: MIKE BINK

Marres, House for Contemporary Culture, presents a spectacular mural about Europe, created by 16 Dutch and international artists. All the galleries and corridors, as well as the stairwell, floors, and ceilings of the Marres house — a surface area of over 750 m2—will be painted. Visitors will walk through beautiful and frightening environments: a high-tech ethnic supermarket, the last surviving primaeval forest, to a live music festival in the year 2050. Entry €10.

The European Fine Art Fair

PHOTO: THE PAINTED BIRD

The renovated Mondriaanhuis reopens this Spring, welcoming guests to explore the life and works of Piet Mondriaan. The museum reopens as part of country-wide exhibitions of the neoplasticism or De Stijl movement. The programme is called 100 Years of De Stijl – Mondrian to Dutch Design, celebrating the legendary Dutch movement founded in 1917

by Mondriaan, Theo van Doesburg and Gerrit Rietveld, which inspired numerous other artists, designers and architects. You’ll recognise the abstract style by its simplicity, vertical and horizontal lines, and use of black, white, and primary colours. Walking tours of Mondriaan’s birthplace Amersfoort are also on offer.

Open Tower Day

Movies that Matter

www.opentorendag.nl/?lang=en

www.moviesthatmatter.nl/english_index

25 March - Amsterdam

24 March - 1 April - The Hague

Don’t miss the view! The Open Tower Day returns to Amsterdam to once again invite the public to climb a selection of both historical and modern towers scattered around the city. A total of 28 towers are participating this year, including 11 new locations such as Amsterdam City and the Lloyd Hotel.

Head to the Open Tower Day website for a list of all participating towers. Event is free; some towers require advance registration. Open 10:00 – 16:00.

Movies that Matter is the annual film and debate festival on human rights and social justice in The Hague, City of Peace of Justice. It offers screenings of documentaries and m ­ ovies that stir debate on a just world. The festival ­features talk shows, debates, musical performances and more. Together with Amnesty Inter­national the festival presents A Matter of ACT, 10 documentaries about human rights defenders who will attend the festival.

www.tefaf.com

10 - 19 March - Maastricht Get inspired by the world’s top art dealers and experts at this special fair in Maastricht. During the 30th edition of the world’s leading art and antiques fair, The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF), the whole city will be bustling with impressive exhibitions, unique theatre and music productions, breathtaking dance performances and special events. It is the perfect opportunity to taste the unique range of Dutch and international flavours.

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 9

What’s On

Special events in April Want to post a community event in this magazine? Contact ACCESS Magazine at editor@access-nl.org subject: ‘What’s On’.

National Museum Week

NN Marathon Rotterdam

www.nationalemuseumweek.nl/musea

www.nnmarathonrotterdam.org

3 - 9 April - Throughout the Netherlands

8 - 9 April - Rotterdam The 37th NN Marathon Rotterdam (42.195) welcomes the world’s top ­athletes and thousands of runners from home and abroad to experience what it’s like to finish on the Coolsingel. The weekend combines top sporting action with a festival feel. More than 950,000 spectators join to watch the action.

Saturday includes the AD City Run and NN Kids Run. Sunday includes the ¼ Marathon (10.5 K) and the full marathon.

PHOTO: ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO, TORONTO

During National Museum Week, from Groningen to Amsterdam to Rotterdam to Maastricht, more than 300 wellknown and less famous Dutch museums are open for free or at a discount. There are countless activities throughout the country, fun for the whole family. Attend a special guided tour or workshop, visit lectures, and explore exhibitions created especially for the event. There’s lots to do for children, too, at the Frisian Nature Museum, the Railway Museum in Utrecht, the EYE Amsterdam and more!

This year’s theme is ‘real gold’. Check the list of participating museums on the website.

APASSIONATA Cinema of Dreams www.apassionata.com

Rodin - Genius at Work in the Groninger Museum

8 - 9 April - Rotterdam

www.thelifeilive.nl (Dutch only)

26 - 27 April - The Hague THE LIFE I LIVE—a free festival in The Hague—extends this year from King’s Night (Wednesday, 26 April) into King’s Day (Thursday, 27 April). More than 40 high-profile bands perform on 10 outdoor venues bringing the sound of “now and the future”. The first bands confirmed include My Baby, Kraak & Smaak, Poly Nation, Pink Oculus, Compact Disk Dummies and Indian Askin. The festival focuses on the latest developments in pop and electronic music. Tip! While celebrating King Willem-Alexander's birthday, expect large crowds all over the country. Wear orange like the locals.

10 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

APASSIONATA is on its European tour with “Cinema of Dreams”, taking you on an unforgettable time-travel adventure through a dream theatre... with beautiful horses! This unique performance includes classical dressage moves, ­dazzling acrobatics and impressive ­costumes. Free-running horses and ponies lead you through the cinema of dreams. A marvel for the whole family.

www.groningermuseum.nl/

Through 30 April - Groningen

PHOTO: APASSIONATA

THE LIFE I LIVE Music Festival

This exhibition features more than 140 sculptures and 20 works on paper by Auguste Rodin (1840–1917), considered the greatest and most influential sculptor of the modern era. Rodin - Genius at Work features plaster and bronze sculptures, including famous works like The Thinker and Balzac, as well as marble figures, ceramics, and never-beforeexhibited photographs. The show reveals the unique working process behind several works, such as The Kiss.

PLUS: See the After Rodin - Erwin Olaf exhibit with photographs of the Dutch National Ballet company, inspired by Rodin.

What’s On

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’.

SPRING Festival

Militracks

www.springutrecht.nl/?language=en

www.militracks.nl/en/

18 - 27 May - Utrecht

20 - 21 May - Overloon

PHOTO: MILITRACKS

From an amazing art extravaganza to a unique interpretation of a Greek ­tragedy: SPRING is a renowned performing arts festival presenting (inter) national performances by innovative theatre ­creators and choreographers.

It showcases the latest developments and crossovers in contemporary and ­cutting-edge performing arts. (Bonus: For most performances, language is not a problem.)

Interested in military technology of World War II? Then don’t miss the Militracks event, showcasing mainly German Sd.Kfz. vehicles. A wide range of motorbikes, transporters, command cars, together with halftracks and tanks are on display. Even better, they drive on the one-mile circuit around the war museum of Overloon. And you can drive along!

Open 9:00 – 17:00 each day. Adults €18 entrance fee; children up to age 12, €12. Museum Card holders receive a discount.

100 Years of Schiphol www.amsterdammuseum.nl/en

Until 7 May - Amsterdam On 19 September 1916, a small aircraft landed in the farmland of the Haarlemmermeer. There wasn’t even a runway! This exhibition traces 100 years of Schiphol’s history – from muddy ­pasture to high-tech airport. Play the air traffic control tower game. Step into the shoes of a military police officer at a passport control desk. View an engine from 1920, and a real Second World War bomb!

Elfstedenwandeltocht 11 Cities Hiking Tour

PHOTO: AMSTERDAM MUSEUM

elfstedenwandeltocht.frl/?lang=en

Breda Jazz Festival www.bredajazzfestival.nl/breda-jazz-festival/ information-in-english/

23 - 27 May - Friesland

25 - 28 May

Dust off those walking shoes! The71st edition of the 11 Cities Hiking Tour is waiting for you! This 207-km tour takes hikers through 11 historical cities in Friesland in five days. Between the cities you walk through the outstretched grassland and picturesque villages of the northern province. If you haven’t trained all winter, you don’t have to walk all five days. There are also tours of one day (around 42 km) or three days (half distance covering the last three stages).

Register online and send ACCESS pictures of yourself at the finish line!

The 47th edition of the Breda Jazz Festival kicks off on the weekend of Ascension Day on the Grote Markt of Breda. It’s the oldest and largest festival of its kind in Europe, attracting around 250,000 visitors every year with all kinds of jazz styles. Popular music from the past includes Duo Special at The Avenue, Gospel Concert at the Grote Kerk and the Festival Surprise Bands. Throughout the centre of Breda you can enjoy 175 concerts on 16 different stages. Outdoor concerts are free; indoor concerts require a fee.

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 11

Cover story

New beginnings for migrants:

people, stories, hope In recent years, if you turned on the news, you were exposed to daily broadcasts about the “refugee crisis” in Europe. When the updates tapered off, we were left with unanswered questions. We knew that refugees and asylum seekers were arriving regularly, and that these newcomers would need a lot of assistance to recreate their lives in a strange land. How many people were arriving? From where? And where were they going? Kelly Merks investigated the present-day situation of refugees and asylum seekers here in the Netherlands.

12 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

The decision to leave home

One evening in 2015, Manar Aburshaid was kidnapped from his Damascus home by a group of armed but unnamed bandits wearing Syrian military garb.

Aburshaid, pictured on page 19, is a father of four, a multi-lingual man who studied in the US for five years and who made regular trips to Europe to buy raw materials for his textile factory in Syria.

“All businesspeople in Damascus and Aleppo were targeted,” he says. “They know we have factories, they know we have businesses, and they believe that we have enough money to cover either a ransom or in our own houses [sic]. They removed so much

PHOTO: UNHCR-ANDREW MCCONNELL

from our house: my wife’s jewellery, our home ­possessions, other material things.”

Aburshaid was fortunate. His captors were happy enough with what they took that he was freed the same night. However, many of his business friends and colleagues have also been abducted. “Some of them were killed,” he says. “Some of them, to this day, we don’t know what happened with them.”

He appealed to various European embassies in Syria for a visa. Not one would grant him a visa, or even an interview, because of or despite the fact that a violent terrorist organization had overtaken half of his ­country overnight just a couple years before. With his

children’s future in mind, he made the decision to abandon the legal frameworks that were deserting his family, and in September 2015 he flew from Istanbul to Brussels on a fake passport. At this point, only Lebanon and Turkey allowed Syrians to cross their borders.

From Brussels he travelled by train to the Netherlands. “I went to Amsterdam for three days and found the people in the Netherlands to be very, very kind and nice, and they spoke perfect English,” he says. He knew that after four years of war and mental stress, he needed to live someplace happy.

“And the business atmosphere looked so inspiring!

So I decided to apply for asylum in the Netherlands.” » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 13

Cover story | New beginnings for migrants: people, stories, hope

The bureau separates immigrants from Western and non-Western backgrounds: in 2016, non-Western immigrants outnumbered Western immigrants 2,096,592 to 1,655,699. Of these non-Western immigrants, 813,357 were from countries other than Turkey, Morocco, Aruba, or the former Netherlands Antilles, which have well-established, multi-generational communities here.

Number of people in reception centres 1 February 2015 through 1 February 2017

X 1.000 60

50

40

30

20

10

0 1-2-2015

1-2-2016

1-2-2017

Asylum seekers in reception centres

Emergency reception centres

Residence permit holders in reception centres

Externally placed persons SOURCE: COA

Migration in numbers

Aburshaid’s account is a small part of the story of refugees and other migrants living in the Netherlands today. These individuals, and families’ unique circumstances are flattened into statistics so we can better understand migration in less abstract terms.

In October 2016, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) released its most current immigration trends.

While the population has grown steadily since 1950, in recent years the rate of total population growth has slowed while the rate of Dutch residents with a foreign background has increased: 22.1% of all people living in the Netherlands are from a different country.

A note about those in limbo As of 2016, an estimated 35,000 undocumented migrants live in the Netherlands.

Due to limited space in our print magazine, the author was unable to devote part of her story to those undocumented migrants who have not been granted asylum here.

These are migrants who are not legally allowed to work, volunteer, or otherwise contribute to society. They lack the means and materials to go back to their home country or another country that may grant asylum. To read the author’s article about Dutch artist Manon van Hoeckel’s effort to raise awareness of these migrants’ struggles, visit our website: access-nl.org.

14 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

It’s this smaller population pocket—the 813,357, or 39% of non-Western immigrants—that includes refugees and other asylum seekers. Of this figure, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) reported that in 2016 the “total influx” of asylum seekers—first-time asylum applications, repeated asylum applications, and family members of asylum status holders—was 31,600. 34% of them have Syrian nationality. This is a sharp decline from the 58,900 total asylum applications filed in 2015, of which Manar Aburshaid was one.

The difficulty with classifications

The reality of migration is not always black-or-white, refugee-or-migrant. Even though not all who apply for asylum with the Dutch Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers (COA) will be officially considered refugees, all migrants are people with a story.

In the Netherlands, government agencies refer to successful asylum applicants as statushouders.

Roughly translated, that means “status holders” who have temporary residence permits to remain in the country.

When discussing the movement of people by land or sea, UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) call them “refugees and migrants.” In this definition, ­refugees are “persons fleeing armed conflict or persecution” who cannot safely return home, and as such are protected under international law. Migrants leave their home country for various reasons, but generally do not face problems in returning; if they choose to return, they continue to receive protection by their government.

“People on the move are in limbo between two possible approaches to labelling,” writes Carling. “Fleeing a war, seeking employment, or reuniting with family, for instance, are commonly understood motivations for migration. The challenge, of course, is that motivations can be blurred and overlapping, defying neat categorization.”

Improving integration

All foreigners from outside the EU between the ages of 18 - 65, regardless of the reason they arrived, who want to and are allowed to stay in the Netherlands are legally obligated to integrate. This civic integration process, called inburgering, also applies to all refugees with a residence permit.

Following the 2013 national privatization of inburgering classes, a study called “Nieuw in Nederland” talked to statushouders about their experiences.

Common criticisms of inburgering language classes are that they are substandard—teachers can be unqualified or disinterested, classes are too large, the difference in level among pupils is too wide— and lessons are not always practical.

But Stichting Nieuw Thuis Rotterdam (SNTR), an organization Aburshaid now works for, is pioneering a comprehensive integration model with Rotterdam City Hall and Erasmus University. After seeing the difficulty the city was having in housing the influx of refugees, SNTR approached City Hall with a proposition: If city officials provide names of refugee families to be resettled there, SNTR will buy houses to rent directly to them. SNTR will provide an intensive language course, and assistance in enrolling

PHOTOS: COA

But migrants and refugees are not two entirely ­different classes of people, argues Jørgen Carling, a professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo, in his article “Refugees are Also Migrants. And All Migrants Matter.” Carling notes that there is no universally accepted definition of “migrant,” and that UNHCR, though reputable, does not have a monopoly on defining such terms.

Did you k now..

Of the .­

immig rants in 96-20 1 5 , 54% a ­Christ re ian, 2 6% M uslim 12% n , o relig ion, a nd 8% ar e othe r.

NL 19

children in appropriate schools, meeting their new neighbours, and getting the necessary attention for the families’ physical and mental health needs.

“Why don’t we make it useful for the Rotterdam community, so we can provide these people a respectable way of starting a new life?” Aburshaid says of SNTR’s solution, adding that the language courses are intensive for a good reason: “We want them to learn Dutch B1-level [instead of A2] within one and a half years rather than three years, which is the norm in the rest of the country. This will help families to become independent and leave uitkering as soon as possible,” a reference to the unemployment benefits new statushouders receive.

SNTR aims to provide houses to 200 Syrian ­refugee families within three to five years. Erasmus University is monitoring SNTR’s integration programme in a four-to-six-year study, to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality of participants’ integration. So far, SNTR has assisted 60 families. » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 15

Settling in, simply.

Settling in, simply.

We’re here to make it easier for internationals like yourself to work and register in the Amsterdam Area. Qualifying companies start itthe paperwork before arrival a We’re here can to make easier for internationals likeand yourself single visit the Expatcenter will complete process. to work andtoregister in the Amsterdam Area.the Qualifying What’s more, website has loads before of valuable information companies canour start the paperwork arrival and a on a wide topics including education, single visitrange to theof Expatcenter will complete thetaxes, process. healthcare andour housing.

What’s more, website has loads of valuable information on a wide range of topics including education, taxes, The cities ofand Amsterdam, healthcare housing. Amstelveen, Almere, Diemen, Haarlem, Haarlemmermeer, Hilversum and Velsen are working the Immigration and Naturalisation Services The citieswith of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere, Haarlem, (IND) to bring you Hilversum the Expatcenter services.

Haarlemmermeer, and Velsen are working with the Immigration and Naturalisation Services (IND) to bring you the Expatcenter services.

To learn more please visit: www.expatcenter.com To learn more please visit: www.expatcenter.com

Our wide curriculum choice and impressive exam results give our students the best possible start for their future

British Curriculum IB Programmes Ages 3 – 18 Global University Placements

admissions@britishschool.nl +31 (0)70 315 4077 www.britishschool.nl

Connect with BSN:

/BSNetherlands

Cover story | New beginnings for migrants: people, stories, hope

“ W ith business people you have to be very pragmatic… to explain the benefit of engaging in migration” Areas in which companies benefit from migration 55%

Product service and innovation Recruitment and retention

52%

Market expansion

42%

Job creation Government engagement Corporate social responsibility

39% 27% 24%

% selected rating of 6 or 7.

Scale: 1=strongly disagree; 7=strongly argee; N/O=not observed SOURCE: THE HAGUE PROCESS ON REFUGEES AND MIGRATION (THP)

Public-private alliances

The not-for-profit organization The Hague Process on Migrants and Refugees (THP) keeps a small office, but has considerable influence on migration and development policy in the Netherlands and beyond. Today THP attends high-level meetings such as UN dialogues, and conducts research to identify gaps in knowledge related to migration.

Project assistant Michel Bucx talked to ACCESS about one of THP’s most recent projects, the Migrant Training and Placement Programme. This involves local-level labour market research to see what skills are in demand and which are on offer in un- or under-employed migrant populations.

Contribute To donate to VluchtelingenWerk Nederland, visit: www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/ webform/ geef-voor-vluchtelingen

“Governments at all levels decide what will happen with migration,” says Bucx, adding that if migration is to be seen as a positive influence—THP believes it is—all actors must be involved. However, businesses are not often consulted. This programme is a business-city collaboration, with THP as facilitator.

“With business people you have to be very pragmatic.

You have to explain the benefit of actually engaging

in migration and contracting foreign people, etc. We found there is a knowledge gap on what the return on investment is,” he says.

The programme’s 2016 pilot study took place in Rotterdam, where THP found there is a high demand for people with technical know-how. “We looked if these skills might actually be there amongst the migrant community or people with a migrant background. Somehow the supply and demand were, for different reasons, not meeting each other,” says Bucx. Vocational education is a core part of the programme. By getting a hard-skills boost, migrants can earn a diploma that is recognised in the Netherlands.

For example, THP found that people in Rotterdam with a migrant background may be able to weld.

“There was a high demand for welders,” says Bucx, “and there are people who know how to weld, but their diploma was not recognized and so they were not allowed to work.” After completing training and learning relevant soft and hard skills, migrants have a better chance of working with companies seeking their knowledge and know-how.

Community cooperation

People work together every day to lend a hand to migrants new to Dutch communities. Sometimes they do so with established organisations, communities of faith, or simply with friends and neighbours.

ACCESS volunteer Rawan Tell is from Jordan and lives near the old Ministry of Social Affairs in The Hague. After a notice was sent to homes in her neighbourhood that a group of refugees from Syria and Eritrea would be moving into the old ministry building, she felt responsible for helping.

Tell signed up to volunteer with VluchtelingenWerk Nederland. Because her mother tongue is Arabic, she conducted individual intake interviews with ­refugees, helped them complete application forms for the family reunification process, and translated spoken Arabic to English and vice versa. » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 17

• Expat mortgages • Also for non residents and foreign currency income clients T T E info@fvbdeboer.nl

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German International School The Hague

German International School The Hague

Open your child‘s world, expand their horizons.

Open your child‘s world, expand their horizons.

Proven excellence in international multilingual education for ages 3 to 18

www.disdh.nl

info@disdh.nl

T +31 70 354 94 54

Cover stroy | New beginnings for migrants: people, stories, hope

Still others are banding together on their own.

Basma al-Rawi, an Iraqi citizen living in The Hague with her family, has a reputation that precedes her at the British School of the Netherlands, where her children attend. She is approached regularly at the school by parents she has never met, who tell her, “‘I heard you are helping refugees. Here is money, here are clothes, this is my old bike.’ It’s amazing!

People—they don’t know me, they don’t know the people who will be receiving these items—but they want to help.”

Al-Rawi works with Dutch and international friends to facilitate donations for refugee families new to the country and for migrant camps abroad. One friend worked with her church community to raise €5,700, which were donated to a charity in Iraq for blankets and heaters at a camp near Mosul. Another of al-Rawi’s contacts has connections with the refugee settlement in Katwijk and works with them to determine current needs at the camp and how best to assist.

“‘ Here is money, here are clothes, this is my old bike.’ It’s amazing!

People—they don’t know me, they don’t know the people who will be receiving these items—but they want to help.”

“It’s not fair,” says al-Rawi about the lack of media coverage on positive local efforts. “People think they are not welcome here, which is not true. It’s absolutely not true. Because there is a small number of people protesting near the camp, it’s in the news and it’s magnified... I know of several [helpful] events that have happened... It’s easy to give money, and it’s easy to give clothes, but to give your time, for me, I think is very big.”

Michel Bucx shares al-Rawi’s sentiment that news media tend to show migration in a negative light, often leaving out positive efforts and outcomes.

“Migration is not something new,” says Bucx.

“Migration will always remain. It’s just how you decide to deal with it that makes the difference.”

Aburshaid has personally experienced that difference. He was eventually granted asylum in the Netherlands. Because he was among one of the largest waves of migrants into Europe—not only from Syria, but from African and Asian countries—the three-month wait to receive his residence permit stretched into eight months. And the three months of processing time for his family’s permits turned into six. They finally joined him in Rotterdam in January 2017. They are pictured above together in their former home in Damascus. «

About the author Kelly Merks is the Assistant Editor of ACCESS Magazine. She is a geographer, writer and Texan living in The Hague. You can connect with her @flaneurie.

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 19

Law | Partner feature

Be aware: Dutch law on moving with children without permission of your ex If you and your ex-partner have joint custody of your children, you cannot just move house and take them with you. Moving abroad with the children without the permission of your ex-partner is considered to be child abduction, with all associated consequences.

A move within the national borders without the permission of your ex-partner is also not permitted. You will first have to go to court to get permission if your ex-partner refuses.

Joint custody

BY MARJET VAN YPEREN-GROENLEER

Permission to move to a new address is required for parents who have joint custody of their children.

Custody indicates control and therefore also decision-making powers to determine where a child lives. Parents with joint custody have equal control over the place of residence of the child. If a parent nevertheless moves without the permission of the other parent, he or she is immediately 1-0 down in the ensuing court proceedings. This parent must have extremely good reasons for the court not to reverse the move.

the father had been unacceptably compromised by the move. In interlocutory proceedings, the court determined that despite the mother having sole custody, she was not at liberty to move with the son without the permission of the father. The court was of the view that the interest of the son was served by him staying in his old, familiar environment. Since the mother had already moved, this meant that the court entrusted the son for the time being to the father, pending a final decision on the place of residence for the son.

Three conclusions can be drawn:

Sole custody

If you have sole custody of your child, you, in principle, do not need the permission of your ex-partner to move with your child. This principle, however, has lately been reconsidered by the court.

070 361 5048 www.legalexpatdesk.nl

20 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

An example case included a mother with sole custody of the son, to the exclusion of the father. Half the time their son lived with the father. The mother moved house without the father’s permission, and because of the distance, co-parenting was impossible. The father and son always had a good relationship and always lived as a family unit. The interest of

1 2

3

Even if you have sole custody, this does not always mean that you can move with your child without the permission of the other parent.

If you move with your child without the permission of the other parent, you must take into account that this will not necessarily be retroactively approved by the court. Judges are not keen on people taking the law into their own hands.

You must also be aware that in that case the court may determine that the place of residence for your child will be with the other parent if he or she has requested this. ÂŤ

Education

PHOTO: ENGELS VOOR BENGELS

Summer camps for every age, every interest

The offer of summer and holiday camps for children and teens is so extensive that you and your child may have a hard time choosing. ACCESS offers a short list, based on input from the international community, to help you get started in your search.

Zein International Childcare Holiday Camps

Concept: Whether you’re looking for something fun to keep your child occupied, or you need full-time care while you’re at work, Zein has the answer. Arranged by both age groups and activity themes, Zein camps offer a wide range of options ensuring each child will have great fun, learn new skills, d ­ iscover new talents… and make a few new friends along the way. Camp leaders are trained and experienced childcare professionals, teachers and sports instructors with extensive pedagogical and safety training.* Ages: Four - 12 Programmes: With an impressive range of different Multi-Activity & Themed Day Camps running during all school holidays of International and Dutch schools in The Hague, Zein virtually guarantees you will find something to suit your child—from Surfing to Performing Arts and Tennis to Circus Skills!

Every weekly programme is complemented by not one, but two fun-filled field trips. (Minimum booking of two and five days respectively during the small and summer holidays.)

Locations: Five different sites in The Hague area.

Contact: www.zeinchildcare.nl/holiday-camps

info@zeinchildcare.nl * Zein Childcare is a registered childcare provider offering childcare services throughout the year.

Working parents are entitled to claim the Dutch childcare allowance only if the chosen childcare centre is registered. The benefit can be applied to Zein, for example, but not to all recreational camps. Inquire with camps directly.

Many parents say that when it comes to childfriendly environments, the Netherlands is at the top of the list. Those free vacation times are no exception.

Engels voor Bengels

Concept: The philosophy at this English language school camp is that children learn best when having fun in a relaxed environment. The Engels voor Bengels week-long summer camps include varied » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 21

HEALTH MADE EASY • Breathing therapy • Nonviolent communication • Mindfulness 4-weeks course • Compassion course • Expat chid therapy • Life coaching • Acupuncture • Prenatal yoga & massage • Psychotherapy • Parenting workshop • Nutritional advice

WWW.BLOOMDENHAAG.NL Koninginnegracht 28, 2514 AB Den Haag, T. 070 205 74 74, E. info@bloomdenhaag.nl

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14-02-17 10:52

Education | Summer camps for every age, every interest

NewTechKids

PHOTOS: DEBORAH CARTER - NEWTECHKIDS

Concept: This technology education academy is devoted to igniting problem-solving capabilities in children through teaching power technology, ­programming and information in the digital age.

Children develop their innovative spirit by moving from passive users of gadgets and computer programmes into inventors. NewTechKids believes in fostering 21st century skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. Courses offered in English and Dutch.

Ages: Range from four - six; seven - nine; 10 - 12.

Programmes: NewTechKids ‘camps’ are really ongoing workshops and bootcamps, some running 12 or 14 weeks long, and some four or five sessions.

Choose from Computer Science bootcamp where kids learn to build and manage a farm with robots and automated processes; and LEGO® Mindstorm & Visual Programming to solve problems from the past, present and future.

Location: On the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam.

Contact: newtechkids.com/en/ info@newtechkids.com Sportkampen

More summer camps for kids Summer Camps Holland www.summercamps.nl/ camps/overzicht (Click on the UK flag for English) Vinea Vacation Camps vinea.nl

challenging activities to improve children’s and teens’ English language skills.

Ages: Summer Camp for four - 11; Teen Camp for 11 - 17.

Programmes: Children of all different mother tongues can benefit from an intense language week at Engels voor Bengels. Throughout the day children improve vocabulary and grammar in class, but also learn through sport, dance, art, songs and conver­ sation. All activities are customised according to age.

The week concludes with high tea and a graduation.

Locations: Summer Camp offered at over 18 locations in central Netherlands. Teen Camp on location at Assumburg Castle in Heemskerk. www.summercamp.nl/eng/ and www.engelsvoorbengels.nl info@engelsvoorbengels.nl

Concept: The name says it all: these camps are all about staying active! Sportkampen camp counsellors are senior HALO students and graduate teachers qualified to work in physical education. Each child has a chance to improve at his/her pace.

Ages: Range from four - five; six - 15; eight - 15.

Programmes: The one-week camps include MultiSports, Surfing, Tennis, Gymnastics, Dance, and Kiddo Camp for Toddlers. At the end of the week, Dance Camp puts on their Big Friday Show to demonstrate their new moves. Also, Dutch language l­essons are available as a supplement taught by certified primary school teachers who use a combination of games, books, puzzles and music.

Location: Sports Academy in The Hague.

Contact: www.sportscamps.nl info@sportkampen.nl Remember, make sure you don’t miss registration dates this Spring! Check in with camps directly. « ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 23

International Community

While in the Netherlands, why not try trim hockey, a hobby that’s good for the mind, body and spirit? It’s ideal for expats as a low-threshold way for adults to take part in this favourite national sport, played in over 300 clubs across the country.

Trim hockey: a holistic hobby

BY CAROLYN VINES

24 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

Expats travel the world attempting to recreate the feeling of home. That is, we strive to feel a connection to the place we’re in and to the people we ­interact with. For the most part, we’re successful.

However, one of the main challenges of global ­relocation, especially for accompanying spouses who do not or cannot work, is to engage in activities that leave us feeling satisfied, fulfilled and productive. We find ourselves wanting that boost to make the assignment more enjoyable. Enter hobbies.

Creating flow

Simply put, a hobby is something we want to do; something we look forward to doing; something we feel good while doing to the exclusion of everything else. This state of being so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter is what Mihaly Csikszentihihalyi, the world’s leading researcher on positive psychology, calls flow, a harmonious mental state that can be achieved at work or at play.

PH OT O: KN HB /JI MM

Y WE SE L

Trim hockey as hobby

One such hobby is trim hockey. Norma van Grol, a native of South Africa, started playing in her 40s after a ­neighbour invited her. What began as an alternative to joining a gym to stay fit ended up an exercise in self-discipline and self-motivation despite external conditions.

“The Dutch are a hardy bunch,” says Van Grol.

“Come rain or freezing cold, they are there in their tiny skirts!” She’s learned to toughen up and not let the weather decide whether or not she trains. On the contrary, “Complaining bitterly while you are getting completely soaked can by quite gezellig! The nice hot cup of coffee makes up for it afterwards.”

Whenever I’m immersed in this hobby, I lose all sense of cultural boundaries and just feel like I’m part of the team

For Van Grol, being outdoors, feeling she’s done something active and enjoying the social side (dinners and other get-togethers) add to the sport’s appeal.

It’s not surprising to her, then, that a study on trim hockey conducted by the KNHB (Royal Dutch Hockey Association) in 2013 confirmed that the majority of trimhockeyers play for de gezelligheid—that is, for the cosy, friendly sense of togetherness. In fact, it is the fastest growing target group of most clubs; most members are between ages 35 and 44.

That said, trim hockey is a difficult sport to learn.

Ball handling requires good hand-eye coordination.

Stamina is required to run up and down the pitch, all the while keeping an eye on the goal without getting

hit with the ball or stick. The upside is that you focus on the task at hand from the first warm-up laps till the last whistle is blown. Players step off the pitch tired and sweaty, which works for Van Grol. What the feisty South African lacks in technique she makes up for in tenacity. “I’m lucky I can run quite fast and have a bit of stamina. I stick to my opponent like glue, which can be so intimidating that you actually make a difference to the outcome of the game,” she says.

Sign up to play To find a team in your area, visit these sites (Dutch only): www.trim-hockey.nl www.knhb.nl/kenniscentrum/hockeysoorten/ trimhockey

Hobbies are essential

Trim hockey has been one of my hobbies since my oldest daughter started playing six years ago. I love cycling to the pitch, stick propped under one hand just like the Dutch do. I don’t care about being the best on the field—I just want to improve my game.

I played competitively for one season, I’ve become certified to referee matches and even coached one of my daughter’s teams. Whenever I’m immersed in this hobby, I lose all sense of cultural boundaries and just feel like I’m part of the team.

Psychology professor Jaime L. Kurtz, PhD, affirms that we would all do ourselves a favour by picking up a hobby or two. After all, we have plenty of time… well, we would if we’d stop squandering it away on social media and Netflix. Kurtz’s article “Six Reasons to Get a Hobby: You’re Really Not Too Busy” argues that we need hobbies. They help us structure time, facilitate new social connections, and cope with stress. Hobbies make us more interesting and they promote flow. Furthermore, these benefits can spill over into other aspects of our lives. Part of the reason we chose to leave our home countries was to expand our experience of the world. When we engage in a hobby that challenges our minds and bodies and lifts our spirits, we end up expanding our experience of ourselves. «

About the author Carolyn Vines is a Certified Professional Life Coach and author of black and (A)broad: traveling beyond the limitations of identity. Find her profile at etimy.com/coaches/life-coaching/carolyn-van-es-vines

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 25

Arts & Entertainment

Noise or tradition?

The Dutch street organ They can usually be seen on Dutch street corners or in busy shopping districts, accompanied by the sound of a person rattling a small canister of change: the

draaiorgel, the Dutch street organ. As a little girl, when I went along with my parents on shopping trips, my mom would give me some change to give to the organ grinder.

Years later, the Dutch street organs still remain a noteworthy part of Dutch culture.

People describe these instruments as a Dutch tradition, and you almost can’t shop in the bigger cities without hearing one.

BY SAMANTHA WARNAAR ILLUSTRATIONS BY CURLY SKETCHES - AAFKE MERTENS

Draaiorgels on display Museum Speelklok Steenweg 6, 3511JP Utrecht www.museumspeelklok.nl Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10.00 – 17.00.

Adults €12.00; children four to 12 years €6.50; Free with Museum card

26 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

The opinions of the Dutch regarding the street organ, also called Pierement, are mixed. Some people find the music annoying, so they tend to avoid the instruments. Others consider it a charming and inherent part of the Dutch street scene; a traditional element of Dutch culture that ought to be preserved. To that end, there is the Kring van Draaiorgelvrienden (Circle of Dutch street organ friends, or KDV for short), an association concerned with preserving the tradition of Dutch street organs.

“The draaiorgel is important because of its past contribution to street culture,” says Bert van Assen of KDV. “While people entertain themselves indoors nowadays, at the turn of the 20th century, life took place on the streets.”

With the draaiorgels making their daily rounds through these streets, the instrument was very much a part of life.

A history lesson

Despite its cultural status in the Netherlands, the Dutch street organ has its roots in Italy, where the much smaller bird organs were invented in 1720.

These organs were used to accompany the singing of Italian street performers. They spread and continued to be developed in Germany and France. However, because these instruments were not very loud, heavier belly organs were invented in Germany. Such organs would continue to develop until they were too big and heavy to carry, eventually giving birth to the draaiorgel as we know it. Nowadays most are the size of a small car.

The perseverance of the Dutch street organ can be traced to the Belgian Leon Warnies, who began a rental company in Amsterdam specialising in these instruments. Descendants of Warnies, the family Perlee, became the oldest and most famous Dutch street organ family, though in 2008 they donated their collection to Museum Speelklok.

organ today, though most are hobbyists who own the organ themselves.

Buying a Dutch street organ is very expensive and to be able to play one in any city in the Netherlands, the grinder also requires a permit.

There are not many draaiorgels left; there are four in Amsterdam, and about a ­hundred organs spread over the whole country.

The mechanics

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Dutch street organ was one of the few ways people could experience new music. After World War II, the profession became less popular and more difficult to maintain with the rapid changes in technology and society.

It is only due to preservation efforts by KDV that we are still able to enjoy the Dutch street

Though the draaiorgels sport elaborate decorative ­elements, their sound stems from the pipes and percussion instruments inside. The organs play songs by using book music, which are zigzag cardboard books with holes that indicate the notes. See the illustration above to see how it works.

The Dutch street organs used to be manned by a grinder who turned a wheel to operate both the book music and the bellows.

These days they are powered by a small engine.

To hear the organs in action, explore the street corners of the bigger cities.

Just follow your ears! «

About the author Samantha Warnaar is a bookseller and freelance writer. When not writing, she likes reading, drawing, and talking walks with her dogs.

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 27

Education | Partner feature

Spacious facilities create new perspectives The DISDH has opened a new library which provides its students with a beautiful space for reading, relaxing and learning. It encourages young children and teenagers to discover the joys of

ment, embassies and other Dutch and German cultural institutions. While Primary School children accompanied the ceremony with music, the German ambassador to the Netherlands had the honour of cutting the ribbon, officially marking the grand opening.

reading and also welcomes parents at the school to borrow books, DVDs, CDs and audio books.

There is material for all ages offered primarily in German, with books in English, Dutch, Spanish and French rounding out the selection. Moreover, workspaces with computers and conference tables are available to students to use within the open atmosphere of the library.

070 354 9494 www.disdh.nl

With fanfare and excitement, the German International School The Hague ceremoniously opened its expanded library. The newly-created space in the school was admired with delight not only by the school community but also invited guests, including representatives from local govern-

The opening ceremony was followed by an inter­ national programme honouring the book and the written word. Students new to the German language demonstrated their progress and bravery by writing texts in German about their hometowns and reading them aloud in front of an audience. Preschool c­hildren narrated stories they created, and Upper Secondary School students read stories aloud to younger pupils in their native languages. Not to ­mention an array of traditional German baked goods, which helped sweeten the celebration.

In addition to the new library, the expansion of space also includes new meeting rooms to be used by parents, teachers and students alike. The conference rooms are equipped with the latest technology, ensuring professional meetings and presentations. The library regularly invites Dutch and German authors for readings and discussions for small children, students and parents. Thus, the school now also boasts a large room perfect for such occasions and is looking forward to hosting cultural events in the newly-built area.

Breaks at the DISDH have taken on a new dynamic with students, young and old, rushing to the library to enjoy the warm and inviting space surrounded by books for them to enjoy and take home. The DISDH looks forward to many years of success with its new library. «

28 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

PHOTO: SENSATION

Review

Millions of ravers can’t be wrong Untz-untz-untz-untz… I can’t stand it. My brotherin-law in Holland listens to it while driving. My brother in the US listens to it all weekend long. They both say I have a lot to learn about the genre and the culture that is electronic dance music, or EDM.

BY MANDIE VAN DER MEER

EDM is supremely popular here. In fact, the country is considered the “epicentre of dance,” with multiple Dutch DJs topping the charts for the last three decades, some shows hosting hundreds of thousands.

Millions of ravers around the world go crazy for these beats. They can’t all be wrong.

PHOTO: JORIS BISSCHOPS

The big three

Tiësto (from Breda, b. 1969, pictured above), now a Grammy-nominated global force, debuted at Innercity in Amsterdam in 1999. That festival was the start of a shift in dance music. The Dutch entertainment company ID&T wanted to move “house music” from the loud, fast, hardcore beats intensified by “gabber” fans, to mellow and upbeat trance music, more accessible to the masses. Tiësto arrived just in time for this revolution, quickly gaining pop-star status as no other EDM DJ had. Nowadays he’s ­touring globally, pulling in six-figure fees per event, collaborating with A-list artists, and doing promotional ads for top brands.

On the rise with Tiësto was Ferry Corsten (Rotterdam, b. 1973), who started mixing tapes as a teenager and whose tracks became instant hits in the UK even before he started DJing live. He’s since released hugely successful trance and crossover » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 29

IAMEXPAT FAIR AMSTERDAM

The IamExpat Fair is a truly international event designed to support the expat community in the Netherlands.

Attend free workshops and connect with businesses in: Career, Education, Housing, Expat Services, Family & Kids, Health & Leisure.

Westergasfabriek March 25th, 2017 10:00–17:00

BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET AT WWW.IAMEXPATFAIR.NL

For global citizens with local needs

Address Westergasfabriek, Pazzanistraat 37, 1014 DB, Amsterdam · Public transport Tram 10 (stop Van Limburg

DutchExpatCenter

Stirumstraat) or Bus 21 (stop Van Hallstraat) · Parking QPark, Van Bleiswijkstraat 8, 1051 DG, Amsterdam · More practical info on amsterdam.iamexpatfair.nl/visitor-info

RHF Royal Health Foam

Review | Millions of ravers can’t be wrong

Live EDM

• Free Your Mind Festival: 3 June, Arnhem www.freeyourmindfestival.nl

• Best Kept Secret Festival: 16 - 18 June, Hilvarenbeek www.bestkeptsecret.nl

• Solar Weekend: 3 - 6 August, Roermond www.solarweekend.com/nl/blog

• Dance Valley: 12 August, Velsen dancevalley.com • Mysteryland Netherlands: 26 - 27 August, Haarlemmermeer www.mysteryland.nl

PH OT O: DE NN IS BO UM AN

OT XIM E GU ILB PH OT O: MA

sounds underspace various aliases, hosted a weekly radio show, won awards, nominations, made it to Gold Record status… The list of achievements goes on and Corsten continues to be a respectable driving force for EDM.

A colourful history Dutch DJs (2016) by Anthony Donner. Fullcolour, 452-page hardcover weighing 3.1 kilos.

Includes photos and in-depth interviews with 265 Dutch professionals in the industry. Dutch ­language only. ISBN: 9789082528800

Armin van Buuren (Leiden, b. 1976, pictured above) holds his own in a big way worldwide. He’s been deemed “Best Trance DJ” with “Best Trance Track” time and again, and made number one on the DJ Mag Top 100 list five times. You may have seen him on Dutch TV in 2013, shocked by the surprise visit and embrace of the newly crowned King WillemAlexander and Queen Máxima. Like his compatriots, van Buuren shows no signs of stopping.

Economic promise

A global phenomenon, EDM is loved by 38.5 million fans on all continents. In turn, the economic growth has been steady in the Netherlands—where the industry hires 7,000 full-time employees—and beyond. According to the 2012 report “Danceonomics”, “The direct financial flows associated with EDM (estimated €586.9 million) reconfirm… that EDM cannot be dismissed as a form of hobby that has gotten out of hand.” According to Forbes Electronic Cash Kings List 2016, Tiësto makes around €35.9 million a year; Martin Garrix, €15 million; Afrojack, €14 million.

Worthy of its own conference

Just some of the other world-renowned Dutch DJs, many of them influenced by ‘the big three’, are Afrojack, Nicky Romero, Chuckie, Hardwell, Sander van Doorn, Laidback Luke, and the youngest number one in the history of the DJ Mag Top 100 list, Martin Garrix. All male names, typical for the industry.

Yet another major pull to Amsterdam for the EDM scene: the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). It’s the largest international conference and festival devoted to dance music and electronic sub-genres. ADE brings 375,000 visitors, 2,200 artists, and 550 s­peakers to more than 1,000 events at 140 venues.

It’s five days long, has sold out for the last 10 years, and is expected to do so again this October. The ­programme covers it all, sound and visual arts, stage design and marketing. And the festival? Not to be missed.

The big exception: DJ Isis (Amsterdam, b. 1975, pictured above), a ­rarity who first took the stage at Club RoXY at age 17. From her start at the ground-breaking club, Isis emerged as a serious name in the Dutch nightlife scene. She is celebrating “25 years DJ Isis” in a six-hour solo show at the Paradiso this April.

Whether I ‘get it’ or not, EDM is reaching what the Holland Herald has dubbed “the second Golden Age of the Netherlands.” Considering the history, the crowds, the lights, fireworks and lasers, the DJs’ ­earnings and global fandom, the innovation of sound, the pure energy—EDM is an experience, a lifestyle. «

Female representation

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 31

Dutch Lifestyle

A local initiative to a global challenge

was convinced that the refugees in turn would enrich our society. Some also mentioned that they wanted to make a clear statement that not all Dutch agree with the political party PVV (Party for Freedom), whose leader Geert Wilders has been outspoken against Islam and against immigration.

As for myself, all the above reasons play a role of course. However, seeing my own parents as warmlywelcomed refugees once is probably the most important motivation. I also hope I can add some value from the lessons I have learned watching my parents struggle to understand the unwritten rules of Dutch society, the rules a Dutchman could not explain, because they seem so obvious to him.

Many Dutch are volunteering to help refugees adjust to life in the Netherlands. When news got out early 2016 in Benoordenhout, The Hague, that around 30 refugees would likely come and live in the former Aloysius College, there was an overwhelming reaction of people offering to help.

BY DANIELLA GIDALY

Then, in the summer word started going around that the refugees might not come after all because of the diminishing numbers of people seeking ­asylum in the Netherlands. The President of the Benoordenhout Wijkvereniging (Neighbourhood Association) actually implored the municipality of The Hague not to withhold us our refugees, since that would disappoint so many people: he had counted at least five volunteers lined up for every refugee!

Volunteers have different reasons for wanting to help. Many volunteers are already active in the local Duinzigtkerk (church) and simply feel the need to extend a warm welcome and show hospitality to ­people who have suffered so much and who have lost their homes. One of the volunteers added that she

32 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

Role of volunteers from the neighbourhood

As you have probably noticed, in Holland we always start by organizing and making very clear who does what. So when the refugees announced themselves and people started offering to help them on social media, it seemed logical for Robin de Jong, the community worker at the local Duinzigtkerk, to organize the volunteers and the interaction between refugees and volunteers.

This volunteer work would be different from that of Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland (Dutch Council for Refugees) which helps refugees with things like g­etting registered with the municipality, acquiring a residence permit and registering with an inburgeringscursus.

In Benoordenhout, a coordination committee was started, more or less of its own accord. Long before the refugees had arrived more and more people started asking the churches, Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland, the municipality and the wijkvereniging (neighbourhood association) questions about them, about what kind of help they would need and when they could start. So De Jong, a young theologian with four years of experience working with volunteers under his belt, hosted a meeting to inform the volunteers.

PHOTO: WWW.BESTWIJZER.NL

At that point in time nobody yet knew when the refugees would come, what nationality they would be, whether they would have children and of what age.

Nevertheless, prospective volunteers eager to act started forming groups to make preparations anyway. The main role of the committee, Buurtplatform Benoordenhout voor nieuwe buren (community platform for new neighbours), is to coordinate all volunteer activities.

PHOTO: COA

Seeing my own parents as warmlywelcomed refugees once is probably the most important motivation

Timeline

Refugees started arriving in December 2016. Moving in meant usually that just the most able man of the family would arrive, since the apartments were literally bare. The floor was concrete and the walls had no wallpaper or paint. The kitchens were without even the simplest appliances and the rooms had no curtains. The beginning of January saw families start moving in, from Syria, Libya and Afghanistan.

Our new inhabitants are now going through the ­necessary red tape: completing the intake at the municipality, registration with the municipality and intake at Vluchtelingenwerk, getting advice about schools for the adults to learn Dutch, registration

at schools for the children, getting the children organised while at school, etc. Because these processes are not yet finished, most of the volunteers are still waiting to get involved.

Planned activities Language Since the level of English and/or Dutch

varies greatly among the refugee families, from quite fluent to none at all, the most important role assigned to ­volunteers from the neighbourhood is the role of taalmaatje. A taalmaatje is a native Dutch speaking person who spends one or two hours a » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 33

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Dutch Lifestyle | A local initiative to a global challenge

week with a refugee speaking Dutch to complement formal Dutch lessons, and to help the refugee, for example, to understand all the mail from the municipality, from Vluchtelingenwerk, from the tax office, and so on.

Social We also have sociale maatjes, buddies who

Tailor-made buddies Experience has taught us that

it is difficult to remain a taalmaatje for a sustainable period of time if you do not share interests. So we now have introduced the “interview buddies”.

They will interview the new Benoordenhouters in order to be able to write a small portrait focused on the hobbies, the profession and the studies our new neighbour has. These portraits will then be published in our local magazine and on our local social media asking people to become “­tailor-made buddies” by responding if they share similiarities with one of the refugees.

If you share a hobby you can introduce our new neighbour to your running club or chess club.

What better way to get integrated into Dutch society, meet many new people and have a chance to create sustainable relationships?

PHOTO: COA

help refugees find their way around the area, visit Madurodam and local museums, but also accompany them to register with a family doctor, or to the Consultatiebureau (children’s health clinic) with their small children or find a school Did you k for the children, explain how for example now..

Nearly .­ garbage collection works, and other one in two Dutch peop basics for daily life. In Benoordenhout le age and o 15 ld er volu we are also looking at starting a neighnteer least o at nce a bourhood daycare for the many small year.

(CBS) children, so that the parents can go to their Dutch lessons together.

to introduce the Syrians to the world of the Dutch. Basma is an Iraqi who came to The Hague with her husband five years ago for his work.

Having been born close to the Syrian border and having lived through some horrible wars herself, she is an excellent go-between both for us and the refugees. She comes to meetings and translates between the refugees and volunteers. She also gives us tips as to how to better help them, such as do’s and don’ts when interacting with Syrian refugees. Soon she will host a meeting with the Syrians at Aloysius to explain more about their host country.

The enthusiasm of the community encourages us to move forward and continue to find ways to support our new neighbours. To anyone wishing to be a part of something similar, start local, keeping it simple and personal. Reach out to your own neighbourhood associations to get involved. «

Understanding each other

In order to be able to interact, it is important to understand the differences in background. We are very happy that Basma Ismail has volunteered to introduce us to the world of Syrian refugees and…

About the author Daniella Gidaly was born and raised in The Hague by refugee parents from Eastern Europe.

After a career in corporate life she is now following a Master’s in Philosophy of Law. Her ambition is to become a philosopher and writer.

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 35

Education | Partner feature

The journey of a lifetime

Since then, THINK Global School has expanded to 45 students; recruited a world-class team of teachers; received Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation and International Baccalaureate® authorization; and graduated three classes of students, with alumni going on to universities such as Oxford, Harvard, and Columbia. Over 18 countries have been explored, and lifelong memories have been carved at the Great Barrier Reef, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu and the Great Wall, among many other places.

“ TGS has taught me to love the world. Love it with all its beauty, wonders, problems and realities.”

Mark Surnin, Class of 2014

THINK Global School is redefining the boarding experience by jetting its students around the world, allowing them to gain a truly global education one country at a time.

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36 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

Live and learn in four countries a year, every year, for three years. That’s the concept behind THINK Global School, the world’s first travelling high school, where students from over 20 countries come together to gain a truly global education. THINK Global School was founded in 2009 by Joann McPike, an intrepid traveller herself, who had explored over 70 countries with her son, Alex, before he turned 14. Discontent with the options for global exploration that existed within current international schools, the idea for THINK Global School was born. And in 2010, the school launched with 14 students, a small staff of teachers, and a shared desire to experience the world.

During their travels, students build relationships not just with one another, but with the communities that they visit. These first-hand experiences provide valuable insights into the religious, political, cultural, and socio-economic issues that can’t be conveyed in a classroom. As they formulate perspectives through these interactions, students are encouraged to inspire change where possible, be it championing the rights of the indigenous Guarani in Argentina or initiating conservation efforts in Bosnia. As they travel the world, THINK Global School students quickly realize that the issues of their neighbours are their issues as well.

This year, THINK Global School will begin visiting four countries per year instead of three, providing an even more profound educational experience for the students who choose to attend. In 2017 - 18, those countries include Japan, India, Botswana, and Spain; in 2018 - 19, China, Oman, Costa Rica, and Greece.

Ready to apply? Visit us on the web at thinkglobalschool.org. «

Health & Wellbeing

A new avenue for group support Aiding new and established internationals to deal with changes, challenges and stressors of life in a country and culture that they now call ‘home’, is a task that the ACCESS Counselling Service Network (CSN) takes pride in. Toward the end of last summer, while I was serving my month as one of the Counsellors On Call, I received a phone call highlighting an area in which the CSN could further extend our support.

BY STEPHEN DAVIES

The question I was asked concerned group support focused on mental health issues. The caller—let’s call him Tom—was looking for a group providing information, and an opportunity to share with o­thers. Tom was looking for practical development of coping skills, and techniques on how to keep ­emotional and mental difficulties from getting worse in future.

Tom had already spent some years searching for such a group and his motivation to continue the search for support was dependent on the waxing and waning of his mood state. It’s common for internationals living

About ACCESS Counselling Service Network The Counselling Service Network (CSN) has been working to support the mental health needs of the international community for 30 years. CSN is composed of licensed professionals with practices all over the Netherlands, from a variety of different cultural backgrounds. In addition to English, a number of ACCESS counsellors speak other languages including Dutch, German, Spanish, French and Italian. All are personally familiar with the expatriate experience in one way or another.

Meet our counsellors online: access-nl.org/about-access/how-we-do-it/meet-the-counsellors.aspx Confidential ACCESS On-call Counsellor Contact Form: on-call.access-nl.org

in a new country to go through periods of difficulty in between periods of fulfilment and contentedness.

Tom was looking for support from a group experiencing similar challenges at various stages of life.

A gap in mental health care

I took this request to my colleagues in the CSN. The counsellors of CSN are aware of already-existing groups targeted at helping the international community but these groups are often specific in their focus, such as the 12-step programmes of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are also aware that within Dutch mental healthcare services, groups are run supplemental to primary psychological support, helping members to hear experience from others and potentially expand their own networks. These groups, however, are held in Dutch and are only for registered clients.

From my experience working in one of these Dutch clinics and running group sessions I knew that participants of group sessions were collected from the existing client population. Establishing a new group without knowing who would be interested in it is considerably harder to achieve. We know CSN can be of greater service to the community. » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 37

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Health & Wellbeing | A new avenue for group support

not required to join each month but can do so if they choose. (Dates and times of the groups will be published on the ACCESS website.)

• What to expect: Each face-to-face group will be

backed with an online refresher session and Q&A about two weeks later to help stimulate participants to make active use of the information gained at the initial session.

Each month we will be focusing on one topic of interest ranging from building self-esteem, to ­challenging negative thought patterns, developing functional communication skills, improving ­sleeping habits, and learning effective relaxation techniques.

…his motivation to continue the search for support was dependent on the waxing and waning of his mood state New support group

Towards the end of Spring this year, my colleague Katarina Gaborova, a child and family psychologist based in The Hague, and I will be launching a yearlong pilot mental health support group, which welcomes members of the international community.

• What: Each support group is offered in English

with a maximum of 15 participants.

• Where: Utrecht (location to be determined) • When: Groups will be held in the evening, once a

month, for two hours each session. Participants are

The groups will cater to include the needs of ­individuals with a range of mental health issues including mood and anxiety problems, somatic complaints (pain or fatigue, for example), and adjustment issues to major or stressful life events.

• How: To join our pilot group, send an email to

csn@access-nl.org.

• How much: €10 per person per session. We will

also be offering a ‘pay it forward’ scheme where individuals can not only pay their place but also sponsor the place of another participant in the future and sustain development of the group. «

About the counsellors Katarina Gaborova M.A. is trained in the use of a number of therapeutic techniques from different schools of Psychology including CBT, Hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Technique and EMDR, and is a member of the Dutch Psychologists Association, the NIP. www.psychologistinthehague.com Stephen Davies M.Sc. is trained in the treatment of variety of mental health issues using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy techniques. He is a member of the Dutch Association for CBT (VGCT) and is also a member of the NIP. interactivetherapy.nl

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 39

Education | Partner feature

PHOTO: CHRISTEL VAN MEEUWEN

Infinitely curious: TEDx Youth talks at ISH

BY DR. RITA SINHA

The theme and the speakers

The International School of The Hague (ISH) successfully organised the fourth edition of the TEDx Youth talks on 11 October 2016. The TEDx talks are organised independently under the umbrella of the well-known TED talks. This year’s theme, ‘Infinitely Curious’, was aimed at generating curiosity and great ideas amongst the participants.

070 328 1450 www.ishthehague.nl

40 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

included a Delft aerospace engineering student, Michaela Brchnelova; ISH student Alexander van Dijk and alumnus Liam McClain; ISH student Sara van Eeghen; London-based artist Nick Fergusion; a virtual reality developer, Gijs Molsbergen; a bio-engineer, Berend van Meer; a quantum mechanics researcher, Julia Cramer; Science Policy Adviser at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Dr. Jonathan Forman; and a distinguished European Space Agency scientist, Dr. Oliver Jennrich.

The workshops

The 16 themed workshops led by the brilliant ISH teachers and the speakers provided a wonderful opportunity for hands-on activities. In the foyer, many innovative exhibits were showcased such as a rocket built by Delft Aerospace Engineering students, a sustainable car designed by ISH students, a prototype microclimate developed by local landscape artists, a model of the gravitational wave ­detector (LISA) built by the European Space Agency, a bug and insect-tasting table for the not-so-fainthearted, and a quirky virtual reality demo.

The lively audience included 300 students and VIPs from The ISH Secondary School and other inter­ national schools from The Hague, Voorschoten, Rotterdam, Oegstgeest and Maastricht. In addition, a wider audience watched the live streaming. David Butcher, the Secondary School Principal, kicked off the event with his inspiring words, “This year’s theme would spark creativity amongst the youth and help them to create ideas worth spreading.”

Yet another excellent event

The talks ranged from scientific and technological innovations to culture and the arts. The speakers

For more details about the TEDx events at ISH: www.tedxyouthish.com «

The organiser, Yarona van der Horst, her core team members, ISH teachers, parents and student volunteers worked hard to make this event possible. True to the words of the epitome of curiosity, Albert Einstein who once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning,” The International School of The Hague is ensuring a better future for the world by nurturing the curiosity and imagination of the youth.

Travel

Love Zeeland When one thinks about long stretches of sandy beaches, surfing, sunsets and seafront cocktail bars, one might not put the Netherlands into the mix.

But the stunning Dutch coastline on the west of the country is holding its own… figuratively and literally.

Natural beauty

Zeeland, located in the southwest of the country, is a relatively quiet province, blessed with beautiful stretches of wide sandy beaches, vast dunes, ample walking and cycling routes, seaside resorts, restaurants and waterfront bars. Tourism plays a major role in the economy of the province, and the population in some areas can even triple during the high summer season!

Beginnings

The history of Zeeland is largely defined by its battle against the sea. Most of the province has been reclaimed over time, leading to chains of dry land which developed into the impressive network of islands and peninsulas we see today.

As large parts of the province are below sea level, Zeeland has been victim to horrid flooding over the years, with the most recent disaster occurring in 1953. Dams were demolished by the sea, and waves destroyed everything in their wake. Over 2,000 people lost their lives. It was at this point that Dutch authorities formed a special commission to initiate the ­construction of more effective coastal defences.

Out of this initiative, the Delta Works was born.

Delta Works

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DER MARK

BY TRACEY TAYLOR

The province’s puzzle of islands and peninsulas make it a unique travel destination, whether for a full holiday, a weekend away, or just a day trip.

Zeeland is an excellent destination both for folks looking for some relaxation away from busy lives (in fact, a number of the smaller villages are still unspoilt by modern day advancements) and those seeking more active outdoor pursuits. Zeeland is ­easily navigable by car, bus, ferry, foot and bicycle.

The Delta Works forms the largest flood protection system in the world. The remarkable project—sometimes dubbed the eighth wonder of the world— clearly illustrates how the Dutch deal with and protect themselves against water. The Delta Works comprises a series of intricate storm surge barriers, dikes, dams and sluice gates and is an impressive sight.

One of the outcomes of the Delta Works project (Deltaplan) was the creation of an artificial island called Neeltje Jans. The island is now a nature reserve » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 41

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Travel | Love Zeeland

Places of interest

Middelburg is the capital of the province and is a hugely popular city on the tourist trail. Situated on the island of Walcheren, it has a number of listed buildings dating back to the 17th century, the Golden Age in Dutch history. Some highlights include the City Hall, a domed church, and an abbey, which is also home to the Zeeland museum. There is also a large Jewish cemetery that offers a stark reminder of the past.

If you fancy olde-world charm, you can take in the ‘chocolate box’ villages… flashbacks to days gone by

PHOTO: VVV ZEELAND

forming a breeding ground for many species of birds and offering a superb view of the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier. You can also find the theme park and aquarium Deltapark Neeltje Jans here, including sea lion shows, boat rides and water park, making for a fun and informative family day out. www.neeltjejans.nl/en/

Moving away from Middelburg, another popular ­destination is Cadzand, which is one of the top 10 municipalities with the cleanest beaches in the Netherlands. Located on the coast of Zeeland Flanders, the town of Cadzand makes an excellent starting point for day trips. The nearby towns of Oostburg and Sluis are worth a visit if you are out exploring. You could also consider Nieuwe Sluis, which is most notable for its famous lighthouse built in 1866. A visit to scenic Zwin is good idea too, especially if you want to comb the beach for old shark teeth.

PHOTOS: VVV ZEELAND

If you fancy olde-world charm, you can take in the ‘chocolate box’ villages with their quaint cobbled alleyways and flashbacks to days gone by. Choose from charming Groede, a modest village with one of the loveliest streets in Zeeland; Nisse, with its delightful village square; or Domburg, a bustling spot with outdoor eateries and shops and art galleries to explore.

The second largest city in the province is Vlissingen and is another popular destination. A key attraction is Het Arsenaal, which is the largest pirate park in the Netherlands and offers buccaneer-themed activities for young adventurers. Next to that, everything from sting rays to starfish can be admired in their spectacular aquariums. Tours and feeding demos are given regularly. www.arsenaal.com/zeelands-most-exciting-day-out » ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 43

Travel | Love Zeeland

Food, glorious food

Now there is nothing like a day out in the fresh sea air to give you an appetite! If you like your fish, then you are in luck because when speaking about Zeeland, there are certainly plenty of fish in the sea!

The province has a wealth of fish restaurants that serve freshly-caught delights. Plaice, sole, cod, g­urnard, oysters, lobsters, mussels, cockles, periwinkles… the list goes on.

Zeeland is home to both the flat and wild oyster which is in season from September to June. And when there is an ‘R’ in the month, you have got to try the local mussels (known as Did ‘black gold’), which are farmed in the .­ now.. you k nd was Delta Works. For a truly traditional eala ch t u New Z D Zeeland recipe, try some periwinkles by the vered er t f a ­ ­disco on raisin bread. d ame n and is e ovinc the pr . nd ­Zeela

PHOTO CREDITS LEFT TO RIGHT: DAVID VAN DER MARK; VVV ZEELAND; VVV ZEELAND; VINCENT BRASSINNE; CAROLIEN COENEN

It is possible to reach Vlissingen via the Wester­schelde Ferry from Brekens, and it is well worth doing. The pleasant crossing takes about 20 minutes, and it is easy to get to the city centre from the ferry terminal.

Speaking of ferries, in the past there used to be more than 100 ferry boats in the province, and they were often the only transportation linking the people on the islands to the rest of the world.

44 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

There are innumerable cafés dotting the strands and seafronts of Zeeland’s coastline, and, indeed, things always seem to taste, smell and look better when you have the waves and a far-reaching horizon as your backdrop. So get yourself out there and indulge those taste buds.

Feel the Zen

Zeeland has many spas, saunas and Turkish steam baths to help deal with those daily stresses and strains. Most spas also provide various beauty treat-

ments and massages. One spa which deserves a mention is the Kuuroord de Stern, which offers an extraspecial pampering experience. It is possible to avail yourself of a day visit or stay over. Accommodation is in a chalet. The extensive spa and sauna facility will certainly cater to your wellness needs. www.beautydagen.nl (Dutch only) Many of the smaller hotels and bed & breakfasts also offer de-stress packages, including yoga sessions.

There is even a wellness campsite called Ons Buiten which has a salt cave. onsbuiten.ardoer.com/en Making waves

The high winds and waves make the North Sea beaches the perfect choice for kitesurfing and wakeboarding. It is also possible to surf or to explore the coast via kayak or sailboat. For diving, it has to be the Oosterschelde National Park which is teeming with plant and animal life. A real winner for exploring the North Sea and Oosterschelde estuary. www.np-oosterschelde.nl Lose yourself in Zeeland

Zeeland is a destination which will surprise you.

Whether you visit in spring and stay wrapped up on the beach as the wind clears out the cobwebs or you go in the summer and lounge at stylish bars while the sun goes down… Whether you take to the bracing waters and explore the depths beneath or you settle

Things always seem to taste, smell and look better when you have the waves and a far-reaching horizon as your backdrop. So get yourself out there...

down inside a cosy café and watch from afar when the stunning winter storms descend…. Whether you attend one of the annual events like Concert at Sea, Het ScheldeJazz festival and Film by the Sea or s­ imply putter around the markets and art fairs... Whether you lose yourself wandering through the towns and villages or explore the province via the endless cycling and walking routes… The stunning scenery, sand, sea and service are there all year round. The sun is optional!

Make sure to visit the Zeeland Tourist Office’s fun website, overflowing with information about the area in English: www.vvvzeeland.nl/en «

About the author Tracey Taylor is a freelance writer who loves food, wine, and life in Limburg. Originally from Ireland, now residing in beautiful Maastricht with Dave and their fancy cat, Tubbs.

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 45

Food

Green asparagus tarts with puff pastry RECIPE AND PHOTO BY MAGDALINI ZOGRAFOU

I n g re d i e n

ts

Yield: Four individual tarts • 1 sheet of goo d-quality ready-made puff pastry • 12 thin, long , fresh green asparagus sp ears, trimmed • 100 ml full-fat cream • 50 g grated P armesan chee se • freshly groun d black pepp er • 1 small egg, lightly beate n, for glazing • handful of fr esh parsley leaves, chop ped • finely grated zest of 1 small lemo n

46 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

I’m always drawn to the first asparagus of the season, be it the almighty, thick, white ones or the slender, more elegant, green variety. It’s a fact that in the Netherlands you can find asparagus all year long at some supermarkets but there’s something inexplicably charming and appropriate to enjoying vegetables when they’re in season locally and at their prime.

One of the best ways to eat them? In a flaky and buttery puff pastry tart together with Parmesan, cream, some parsley and grated lemon zest.

Tips:

• It’s best to use long and lean spears for these tarts rather than the thicker ones. They’ll fit perfectly inside the long, slim strips of puff pastry and they’ll also be less stringy.

• Make sure to thaw your puff pastry properly.

Remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before using it.

there’s something inexplicably charming and appropriate to enjoying vegetables in season… and at their prime

Cut the puff pastry into four long rectangles (about 10 x 26 cm each) and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, lightly score a frame about 1.5 cm from the edge of the dough, making sure not to cut all the way through the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and place the baking sheet in the refrigerator.

Preheat your oven to 200°C.

In a small saucepan, add the cream, Parmesan and a little black pepper and warm over medium heat.

Take the puff pastry out of the fridge and pour half of the cream mixture inside the frame of each long rectangle. Lay three asparagus spears on top and spoon over the rest of the cream mixture. Take care not to overflow the tarts.

Brush the frame of the dough with the beaten egg and place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake the tarts for 16 - 17 minutes until the pastry has puffed and taken on a golden ­colour, and the cheese has melted and turned golden in patches.

Make the puff pastry

Remove the tarts from the oven and sprinkle with some parsley and grated lemon zest.

Serve immediately. «

Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add the asparagus and boil them with the lid off for 5 - 7 minutes.

You can tell if they’re done by inserting the point of a knife into the thickest part of the spear. If it slides in with ease, they’re ready. Drain them in a colander.

About the author

Line your baking sheet with baking paper.

Read more recipes from Magdalini Zografou, “a Greek girl cooking in her little expat kitchen in the Netherlands” at mylittleexpatkitchen.blogspot.com

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 47

Photo Contest

Our view We’re happy to present the winners of the first ACCESS Magazine Our view Photo Contest. This edition’s photo contest theme was Movement. We invited the volunteers of ACCESS and their partners and spouses to participate.

1st

By Jan van Liere. Photo taken in Arcen.

1st prize is a copy of the book The wonderful world of the stroop­ wafel and a two-month subscription to We Are Public, allowing free access to Amsterdam’s and The Hague’s cultural events.

48 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

Theme and deadline for Summer entries ACCESS Magazine welcomes you to enter your photographs for Summer 2017. Entries must be received by Thursday, 26 April 2017.

By Jodie Crockford.

Photo taken at Kinderdijk.

The theme is Animal Life.

How to enter

By Martha Vieira Costa. Photo taken in Amsterdam.

2nd

Participants must be age 14 or older and must live in the Netherlands. Photographs must be taken in the Netherlands. Only five submissions per photographer.

Find full contest rules on the ACCESS website. Enter “photo contest rules” in the search bar. www.access-nl.org Any questions?

Email editor@access-nl.org.

Good luck!

By Jodie Crockford. Photo taken at Kinderdijk.

2nd prize and 3rd prize are one of the following books, chosen at random: Stuff Dutch People Like; Stuff Dutch People Say; Stuff Dutch People Eat; Stuff Dutch Moms Like.

3rd

Thanks to our sponsors ACCESS is grateful to our supporters for donating the prizes. Big thanks to the authors of The wonderful world of the stroopwafel, Lineke Eerdmans & Ulrike Schmidt; to Colleen Geske and the creators of Stuff Dutch People Like; and to our friends at We Are Public.

ACCESS | SPRING 2017 | 49

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Healthcare

Loonzorg *

MVA Certified Expat Brokers A Utility Provider A

M-space graphic designers

*

International Health Centre The Hague *

Book a Tiger A

The Community

*

Holland Expat Center South *

Housing and relocation

FVB De Boer *

Media Partners M

*

*

****

Expat Center Utrecht City of Delft

* *

Direct Dutch A

City of Rijswijk

Taal Taal A

City of Wassenaar *

50 | ACCESS | SPRING 2017

Triple C au pair A

***

City of Leidschendam-Voorburg

Think Global School A

*

There are many ways in which you can support the work ACCESS does: as a Partner, Associate and Advertiser.

Contact our Relationship Management Team at fnd@access-nl.org for our Helping ACCESS 2017 Media Pack for opportunities.

Your dental care.

People who care.

Open during evenings and weekends Award winning facilities Fixed Dutch dental rates, every dentist, every day Dental care is all about taking care of people. Using clear communication to explain findings.

Taking time to talk about your options. Working together towards long term solutions by offering the very latest in dental care technology and developments.

You speak, we listen, we care, we communicate - providing you with the best answers to your dental care requirements.

TandartsJordaan. Taking care.

Westerstraat 176 1015 MR Amsterdam T. +31 20 612 12 43 www.tandartsjordaan.nl

How to buy a house in the Netherlands..

Save time and trouble.

Buying a house can be a smart move for expats.

Interested in knowing more about tax benefits, mortgage types and monthly costs? We’ll be happy to help. Read more on abnamro.nl/house and schedule a free orientation meeting with one of our mortgage advisers.

At our International Client Desk we can help you in English.

Or 25 other languages. So you feel at home in the Netherlands.

Contact us any time. We’re here for you 24/7.