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I hope this finds you well and you are enjoying the ‘wind down’ to the end of the year. Doesn’t time just fly? To be honest, I can’t quite believe it’s already my second cycle as editor of ACCESS magazine and time for me to present our winter edition: In a new light.
In this edition, we have featured some ‘other aspects’ of the Netherlands – from events to traditions, from culture to places… that and much more besides. Hopefully you’ll find the magazine a good read and may even discover something you didn’t know about the country we call home.
Tracey Taylor ACCESS Editor editor
@access-nl.org
Once again, this publication would not have been possible without the support and dedication of our talented writers (Bianca, Giulia, Katarina, Olivia, Sandra), our designer (Marek) and proofreader (Nancy). Your time, and effort is much appreciated – ditto for everyone who contributed.
I must also give a shout-out to L.T. for taking on our cover story (intriguing stuff) and the extra work that was put in. And a mention for my predecessor, Steve, who wrote a couple of articles for us including some exciting news about ESA and ESTEC joining the ACCESS Patron Programme. We also have an insightful piece from Gary Hays about his time as Chair of the Board for the ACCESS Foundation.
When approaching the end of a year, it is often a time for selfreflection and recollection. On a personal note, I will look back on 2022 with a grateful heart. The year has been kind to me and brought many blessings. (That said, I could have done without the extreme temperatures in June, various train strikes and flight cancellations, catching Covid, and deciding to try marmite for the first time ;)
With another new year upon us, here's hoping that 2023 will get off to a good start and bring health, happiness and peace for all of us. We hope to have your company again next year for our spring/summer publication when we’ll bring you a special ‘animal themed’ edition of ACCESS magazine .
Until then, take care and… happy reading!
year has been kind to me and brought many blessings.”
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Editor
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Contents images (clockwise)
Sander Korvemaker, Sandra Silva, Andrew Morris, Oriento, Christiaan Winter
This issue of ACCESS magazine would not have been possible without the generous help, imagination, and dedication of Olivia van den Broek-Neri, Katarina Gaborova, L.T. Hitchcock, Bianca Pellet, Giulia Quaresima, Sandra Silva, and Steve Voyce. With special thanks to Nancy Kroonenberg, Marek Moggré, and Deborah Valentine.
BY L.T. HITCHCOCK
American poet Robert Frost once wrote “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” The more travelled road is not the one that sparks animated conversation amongst friends and colleagues, makes for the ice breaker, lingers in the memory, or gives that breath of fresh air. Indeed, it is this other road, often not taken, that we must venture down to discover the different, the quirky, the other.
When it comes to the Netherlands, it should be of no surprise that this part of the Lowlands has its fair share of delightful oddities, from the outré to the downright bizarre. A nation that likes to go outside and enjoy itself, this is, after all, a country where once a year it is deemed normal that near everyone dresses head-to-foot in orange and sells unwanted junk in the street. A country that has many a festival dedicated purely to the tasting of herring. Where a cultural norm on 1 January is to sprint into the freezing cold North Sea wearing just one’s speedos (preferably orange) and a woolly hat advertising tinned soup, all for the glory of queuing up–shivering–for some of said pea and ham soup (vegetarian options available). So, let’s take a look at some of the other celebrations that make even these look a tad passé, and will give you a glimpse into another Netherlands you may not yet have experienced . . .
Comic-Con (Heroes Dutch Comic-Con), Utrecht Who does not want to be in a world where Negan from the Walking Dead is holding hands with Frozen’s Elsa?
From its humble origins with a couple hundred teenage comic-book fans in a downtown San Diego hotel, Comic-Con was initially quite the niche event. Fast forward fifty years, it is now a staple entry in many countries’ diaries, and one of the most diverse and quirky tickets in town.
The Netherlands’ own entry takes place annually (pandemics aside) at the Utrecht Jaarbeurs, an airport hangar-sized trade fair venue. Clichéd as it sounds, there really is a little something for everyone at these events–whether on the look-out for an autograph from the hero of that cult seventies’ sci-fi series you loved; a Q&A panel with a star of your favourite show; or a performance from some outrageous YouTube sensations. Other highlights include heroes’ workshops, lessons on (special) effects and comic illustration, gaming tournaments, a readers’ lounge, and enough merch stands to bring out the big-boss geek in anyone. There is also speed dating… How else do you think Negan and Elsa hooked up?
There is no doubt that cosplay has become the headline act of such events in modern times. At the 2022 festival–held in November–contests, catwalks, fan meetups and cosplay dances were all possible. The message was loud and clear: be what and who you want to be, no judgement, only joy and acceptance. Whether you took part in cosplay competitions or merely strutted your stuff around the auditorium–in the words of someone who is no stranger to dressing with freedom and abandon–the occasion allowed you to be a hero, just for one day.
The next Heroes Dutch Comic-Con is due to take place at the Utrecht Jaarbeurs from 19–20 November 2023. In 2022, the cost of an adult weekend ticket was €49.50 (€29.50 day price). Children up to and including five were free. Family package, youth discounts (ages 6–12) and VIP tickets were also available. More info: dutchcomiccon.com/nl
Dickens Festival (Dickens Festijn), Deventer For many, the winter season has certain boxes that need to be ticked. Christmas trees, Turkey dinners, festive films, and eggnog. For many more, this list would contain ghost stories in front of the fireside.
And the master of such was arguably the late and great Charles Dickens. In December, the city of Deventer morphs into a traditional 19th century English city for a weekend, allowing you to travel back to such glorious nostalgia with its annual Dickens Festival. Cancelled for the previous two iterations, it came back with a bang this year, celebrating its 30 years anniversary. The event saw just shy of 1,000 characters from Dicken’s classics escape from the page and be made corporeal, transporting visitors back to the Victorian era of Dicken’s own lifetime.
Best of times from the worst of times They say that necessity is the mother of invention. The highlights for the festival this year encapsulated such with the inclusion of the inaugural audio tour through the Deventer streets. The audio tour, suitable for the young and the old, was an innovative response to last year’s cancellation, and this year could be used in real time to walk through the narrow lanes, acting as a backdrop to famous Dickensian
stories as you passed. In addition to this, there was the traditional Dickens walk that could be done at one’s own pace, as well as the Christmas Concert (Deventer Kerststad), which is held on the final day of the festival. The action was to be found primarily in the historic Bergkwartier. Interested, but impatient for next year? Then check out the Charles Dickens Kabinet, an exhibition of all things Dickens housed in the atmospheric settings of a former women’s prison (open all year round on Saturdays 12:00-16:00, admission €2, tours available).
The Dickens Festival took place on 10 and 11 December 2022 and is due to return in 2023. Entrance is free, but with many visitors again expected, make sure to allow for crowds and waiting time. More info: dickensfestijn.nl
Vlöggeln, Ootmarsum
And then there’s this one. Imagine a festival with the sartorial leanings of Peaky Blinders, fused with the esoteric vibe of the Wicker Man. And when you have that image, then imagine things getting weird... This is an Easter tradition in the town of Ootmarsum in Twente. Every year, a few valiant souls put themselves forward to be a Paaskerel–or ‘Easter Guy’ (be sure not to mistake the first ‘a’ for an ‘o’ on Google Translate; no-one would want that job). The criteria to be one of these fellows appears to be quite strict: a Catholic of around 20-years-old, who has no intention of getting married within the next four years. Punishments for breaking this agreement are unclear. But Wicker Man, right? Anyway, the tasks for these young men are relatively straight forward: walk hand in hand through the cafés and houses of Ootmarsum, decked in long beige coats, black trousers, and trilby hats, partaking in the odd drink along the way, all the while singing Easter ditties. They conclude their service in the market square, where chosen children await to be thrown up in the air (and, one can only assume, caught). Who in their right mind would not want to experience this? Vlöggeln is an annual event at Easter in Ootmarsum. More info: visittwente.nl
“ Look for chances to take the lesstravelled roads. There are no wrong turns”.PHOTO: SANDER KORVEMAKER
Is that all you’ve got?
Absolutely not. This is of course not an exhaustive list of the idiosyncratic goings-on, just a taste of the alternative to whet your appetite. Another few–amongst many–you may consider include the Leidens Ontzet, better known as the 3 October festival, where the citizens of Leiden are handed out free white bread and herring in celebration of Leiden’s 16th century liberation from the Spanish. A must-see if you want to experience what happens when an entire city starts drinking beer from 06:00 am.
If none of this sounds unusual enough for you, then maybe check out Pole Sitting (Paalzitten) – a genuinely competitive sport that has nothing to do with Max Verstappen but involves competitors, yep you have guessed it, sitting on poles. On a chair. In the water. Until they fall off. Okay, perhaps not the most thrilling of spectator sports, but you’re kind of intrigued, right?
Claimed to have been invented in the province of Friesland, it is apparently making something of a renaissance from its world championship beginnings along the Roelofarendsveen. Be warned, the world record is 92 hours, so take some snacks.
Castlefest (in Lisse)– now into its 18th iteration – proclaims itself as ‘the fantasy festival of the Netherlands’. Created with a pagan sensibility, the festival is a mixture of LARP (Live Action Role-Play), live music, and a whole range of other fantastical activities. Think Glastonbury meets Lord of the Rings for a superficial idea. The 19th edition of Castlefest will take place in August 2023. Book early so that you don’t miss the chance to really step into another world. More info: castlefest.nl/en
There is no shortage of fun to be had in the Netherlands, regardless of age or inclination. So, keep putting on those orange hats, swallowing that fish, and beating that hangover with a dive into the icy sea; but, if you are looking for something a little different, then also consider taking the road less travelled, and seeing where it leads you… «
L.T. Hitchcock has been in the Netherlands for over a decade and is passionate about writing and literature. He lives in The Hague with his partner and daughters and loves to enjoy Scheveningen beach life
Almere is like an open-air museum of contemporary architecture, where visitors are spoiled with stunning visual lines and geometric forms at every corner.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SANDRA SILVAAlmere, the newest city in the Netherlands, is not only located in the Flevopolder–the largest artificial polder (a section of land reclaimed from water and protected by dikes) in the world–but also in the youngest province of the country: Flevoland. Almere Haven was the first part of the city to be created with residents receiving house keys in November 1976. Almere Stad–dating from the 1980’s–came next.
Unlike the functional architecture of Almere Haven–low houses organised to promote social contact between neighbours–Almere Stad’s architecture brought a striking modern allure.
Initial designs for Almere Stad took inspiration from foreign cities: the Stadhuisplein–where City Hall and the New Library are located–from St. Marks’ Square in Venice, whereas the greenery and scenic views of Lake Weerwater were inspired by the central lakes of Hamburg.
World-famous Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas was the maestro of the urban masterplan that brought award-winning international architects together to make Almere the vibrant city it is today: Christian de Portzamparc (France); SANAA (Japan); William Alsop (UK); Sir David Chipperfield (UK) and Gigon & Guyer Architekten (Switzerland).
The new city centre of Almere Stad was built between 1994 and 2007. In this part of the city, the ground level of Almere Stad rose–becoming higher than the surrounding polder–and ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ areas emerged. The ‘upper’ brought houses, shopping streets, and restaurants and the ‘lower’ parking garages, roads, buses, and cycle lanes. The split made the ‘upper’ area safe for everyone–especially children and the elderly–to navigate.
Almere Citadel–inspired by medieval cities and castles–was designed by Portzamparc and the building known as Het Kanteel has echoes of a protective tower, offering views of the surrounding landscape and Lake Weerwater.
Atop the Citadel, townhouses are surrounded by gardens and divided into areas connected by pedestrian bridges. Tranquillity prevails here in contrast with the hustle and bustle of the streets below.
Another iconic building in Almere Stad is the Smaragd (Emerald)–designed by Gigon & Guyer Architekten–which is breathtaking in green, blue, and orange. From the higher apartments, the residents can enjoy exquisite views of Lake Weerwater and the Esplanade (Square), recently refurbished with green fields, a water ladder, beach, and new restaurant. At the Esplanade, one can also admire the Leonardo Hotel–part of the Urban Entertainment Centre designed by William Alsop–and the buildings: ‘The City’ and ‘The Lakeside’.
Like a ship navigating serene seas, the theatre and cultural centre Kunstlinie stands calm and proud on the shore of Lake Weerwater. Designed by SANAA, Kunstlinie was inaugurated by former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 2007. The transparency created by the glass walls of Kunstlinie creates a mirror-effect of the lake, thus enlarging the spectator view of the surroundings.
The skyline of Almere looks very much like Manhattan. From Lake Weerwater, one can spot the elevated part of the city centre, the Side-by-Side and Silverline towers, the Esplanade, and the iconic residential building The Wave.
This unique housing complex, clad in zinc, has a distinctive bulge in the façade along the lake, which resembles a wave. The building was designed by Dutch architect René van Zuuk–who happens to live in Almere. Van Zuuk also designed a magnificent bridge which connects the most modern part of the city centre with the oldest neighbourhood of Almere Stad: Stedenwijk. Looking at the bridge’s “masts” and the cables they boast, it almost feels like being on a boat and sailing back in time–especially when looking along the Olstgracht canal where those first residents of Almere Stad received their house keys back in 1980. Who could have imagined then how the city would look almost 50 years on. «
Sandra Silva is a Portuguese teacher and city guide living in Almere who is passionate about photography, travel, art, history, and storytelling. www.sandrastours.nl | @sandrastoursnl
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The skyline of Almere looks very much like Manhattan.”
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a] the right–and the need–of the one parent to move and rearrange his/her life and b] the other parent’s right to maintain contact with their children.
In many cases, the court finds the importance of children maintaining frequent contact with the ‘notmoving’ parent outweighs the wishes of the parent wanting to relocate. On these grounds, a ‘substitute consent to move’ is often denied.
LISE-MILOU LAGERWERFWhen relationships break down, many expats prefer to return to their home country with their children and be near family and friends. In this article, Lise-Milou Lagerwerf–specialist in family law–discusses the legal options, specifically from the position of an expat.
The parent wanting to relocate with their children –to another country or back to their home country–needs permission from the other parent. This is mainly because moving affects the contact between the children and the ‘not-moving’ parent. For many expats, this can lead to a difficult situation. During a relationship, it’s easier to make joint decisions about the country of residence but after separating, it’s often more difficult. If one parent doesn’t consent to the relocation, the parent wanting to move can ask the court for a ‘substitute consent to move’.
When granting permission to relocate, the court will decide in the best interests of the children.
In a Supreme Court ruling, the court determines the criteria by which an application for a ‘substitute consent to move’ should be evaluated. In practice however, the court’s decision often comes down to
In recent case law however–in the specific situation of expats–a ‘substitute consent to move’ has been granted by the court. The court then attaches more importance to the wishes and needs of the parent relocating with their children than to the right of the other parent maintaining frequent contact. This is because the ‘moving parent’ can work and has a house/network in the country of origin. Furthermore, it is taken into consideration that continuing to live in the Netherlands can affect the state-of-mind of the parent wanting to move, which may have repercussions on the children. It is also considered important that the parent staying in the Netherlands can (easily) move to–or at least visit–the country of origin as this parent often has family living there as well. For expats who sometimes feel trapped in the Netherlands after a separation, this is a positive development.
It remains difficult to obtain a ‘substitute consent to move’ as it’s in the best interests of the children to have frequent contact with both parents. However, for expats living in the Netherlands and wanting to relocate or return to their home country with their children, recent case law now offers an opening to obtaining that permission. «
For many expats, this can lead to a difficult situation.”
It was a cold rainy day in the Netherlands when I found myself thinking, “I am finally getting used to this weather”. One might even say I enjoy it. These are the days that remind me to slow down and take things easier. I also found a self-compassionate way to justify drinking my favourite hot chocolate.
As I was deep in thought, a client rang the bell of my practice. I opened the door, and Tatiana (let’s call her Tatiana) rushed in. She removed her bicycle rain suit–if you live in the Netherlands, you’ll know what I’m talking about–and approached her usual spot on the couch.
Art of being human Breathing out with a sense of relief, she was ready for the session and began updating me on her busy week. Tatiana confessed she had reflected on our previous discussion and tried to get in touch with some of her feelings from the emotion wheel I had shown her.
Did you know... An emotion wheel is a circular graph depicting the range of human emotions and how they relate to one another. Wheels have eight core emotions: joy, fear, surprise, anger, trust, sadness, disgust, and anticipation.
“It only made me realise I feel guilty most of the time,” she says. “I feel guilty for taking my son to school on a bicycle in this terrible weather. I feel guilty for eating chocolate while on detox, for buying this expensive scarf when I haven’t worked for the past three months.”
I nod kindly as she continues.
“And don’t get me started on how guilty I feel about my parents,” she adds. “Here I am living in the Netherlands while they’re getting older and need more help back in my home country. And hearing how guilty I feel makes me feel even more guilty for feeling that way. Why do I have these feelings? Why can’t I enjoy things that are supposed to be fun?”
Exploring the topic of guilt and how we can often be our own worst enemy when we allow the “guilt police” to take over.PHOTO: ERIC WARD
As Tatiana and I sat together, I pointed out how brave she was to feel and express some of her deepest emotions and–as confronting as those emotions may be–they are part of being human. In fact, human beings experience approximately five hours of ‘guilty feelings’ per week, on average. But guilt actually has an important positive function in our society. “I get the human part,” Tatiana says, almost angrily, “but a positive function?”
It’s an emotional state that confronts humans with a conflict of having done something against one’s own beliefs. Somewhere deep within us, we believe we should not have done something and vice versa. Such feelings are uncomfortable and cause distress, yet it also supports social order by policing our conduct and morals. It also promotes relationships.
“It reinforces us to repair certain damage or pain we may have caused to others and is also connected to empathy and wanting to behave in a less self-centred manner,” I remark with a warm heart. “Can you see how it could be viewed as an important and positive part of the human experience?”
How is guilt a ‘police officer’ in terms of our conduct, the protection of social connections, morals, empathy, and being a part of the human experience? And how does excessive guilt interfere with our well-being and day-to-day life e.g., worrying about things that did not happen or are outside of our control, feelings of anxiety, insomnia, etc.?
In our session, we evaluated and identified thoughts and feelings by exploring the following themes/ questions, which may be helpful when feeling uncomfortable guilt:
• Does the guilt (your inner police) have a benefit or is it excessive and overwhelming?
• What is the root cause of the guilt?
• Can you identify any regrets?
• Was the experience beyond your control? If so, what would help to accept it e.g., practising mindfulness, self-forgiveness, self-compassion, etc.?
• Can the situation be repaired? If so, how e.g., providing help, an apology, showing remorse, providing comfort to others, etc.?
• Can the situation be re-framed and seen as guilt having a protective role? If so, what was its role?
• Knowing what you know now, would you do things differently?
• What were the lessons learned?
Once these questions were explored and addressed, whatever was not within Tatiana’s ‘span-of-control’ led us to surmise that certain actions–if not conducted maliciously–do not make us ‘bad humans’. And just as we send love to family and friends, care for others and show respect and kindness, guilty feelings will pass eventually. We can however gently speed up the process by directing some of that love, care, kindness, and respect towards ourselves.
As you read this, perhaps you are having feelings of guilt toward someone you care about… if yes, I would gently urge you to put a few special rituals in place–even simple things like enjoying a hot chocolate while practising a self-compassionate guilt-free moment… just like I did on that cold rainy day in the Netherlands. «
Founder of K.G. Psychological Services, author of “V!VA Tools for well-being” and “SEE BEE TEE”, Katarina lives in The Hague with partner Maylon, daughters Monique and Mia, and Pomeranian, Monika. More at: katarinagaborova.com | psychologistinthehague.com
“Guilt is always hungry; don’t let it consume you.”
Missions designed and tested at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands are circling Earth, landing on planetary bodies, and probing far into the Solar System.
BY STEVE VOYCE
Since its first foundation piles were laid between Noordwijk’s tulip fields and the sea in 1965, ESTEC has grown into the technical and organisational hub of the European Space Agency (ESA).
On 3 April 1968, ESTEC was inaugurated by Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands. But the establishment had already been hard at work for a few years, meaning the first successful launch of an ESTEC-developed satellite was in May 1968, a month after inauguration.
After touring candidate sites across Europe in 1962, Norwegian nuclear physicist Dr. Odd Dahl proposed Delft as the site of ESTEC, adjacent to the Technische Universiteit Delft (Delft Technical University) that hosted the first European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) personnel. But land and labour were in short supply, and the site was waterlogged, offering less than ideal stability. In spring 1964, the Dutch government suggested a new site to overcome these problems in Noordwijk.
Here ground conditions were better, although there were initial worries about the adverse effects of fine sand and salty air on delicate machinery. Local tulip farmers also expressed concern that sandy soil disturbed by construction might harm their valuable bulbs. The first temporary buildings were in place by June 1964.
European nations have been collaborating on space projects since the 1950s. These international partnerships allowed knowledge, risk and cost sharing and grew into more formal agreements, which often ran parallel to one another. ESA was founded in 1975 from the merger of the European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO) and the European Space Research Organisation (ESRO), both of which had been established in 1964.
ESA is Europe’s comprehensive space agency, active across every area of the space sector bringing benefits to everyday life and businesses. Its member states work together, sharing financial and scientific resources to achieve optimum results. Through Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, ESA provides independent access to space for scientific and commercial missions.
and wide
The infrastructure and equipment assembled, together with the expert know-how of its personnel, make ESTEC a unique resource for Europe. The work done by teams skilled in every aspect of space
By the end of the 1980s more than 4,000 trees and shrubs had been planted around the ESTEC site. Ponds became havens for birdlife, but their purpose is utilitarian fed by runoff from the car parks, they provide a water supply for ESTEC’s fire service. ESTEC purchases 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, and buys ‘green gas’ with certified remediation of its carbon dioxide emissions, such as planting trees. They recycle, with food waste used for biogas production, and are launching a study into a future energy master plan, with inhouse production or co-generation an option.
ESA/ESTEC joins ACCESS ACCESS is delighted to announce that ESA/ESTEC recently signed an agreement to join our Patron Programme. In taking this step ESA/ESTEC shows it is committed to supporting the successful settlement and integration of their international staff members and their families to their new lives in the Netherlands. ESA/ESTEC joins ACCESS’ other Patrons in providing some of the solutions new arrivals need, to feel settled in their new country of residence.
engineering has enabled the creation of original communication, navigation, and information services, created new jobs and growth, and improved the lives of European and world citizens.
The last five decades have also marked the development of a vibrant space sector within the Netherlands. Dutch universities and research centres have played a key role in devising ESA missions, Dutch space companies have attracted customers from around the globe, and a growing number of Dutch start-ups are making innovative use of space discoveries in everyday life.
Make it big ESTEC grew substantially during the 1970s. Until then, Europe’s satellites had been relatively small –a few hundred kilogrammes each, for lower orbits–but by expanding its test centre ESTEC could accommodate bigger satellites. These were large enough for Europe’s new Ariane 1 launcher.
ESTEC’s labs were also developing new materials and technologies for projects including ESA’s first geostationary satellites–for weather forecasting, telecommunications, and astronomy–and missions into interplanetary space: Giotto that visited Halley’s Comet and left the Solar System altogether, and ESA’s go-it-alone Ulysses mission.
Working closely with NASA, as it always had, ESTEC also began involvement in human spaceflight, in Spacelab–a cargo bay module planned to transform NASA’s coming Space Shuttle into a productive orbital laboratory. This meant mastery of many new disciplines–hull shielding, life support and environmental control, automation and miniaturisation, and airlocks.
ESTEC’s scope of activities widened in the 2000s beyond the engineering of separate space missions as satellites were becoming parts of larger systems and services. ESTEC labs worked on satnav receivers, telecommunications user terminals and other massmarket devices.
Environmental data being returned by Envisat (the ‘Environmental Satellite’ launched on 1 March 2002 was the world’s largest civilian Earth observation satellite) demonstrated the potential of an operational environmental monitoring system. This resulted in Global Monitoring for Environment and Security, renamed Copernicus–developed in partnership with the European Commission–that combined groundbased data with results from a fleet of satellites.
As European space ambitions grew in the late 1980s, so did ESTEC. The priority was to manage large payloads, and this led to a new acoustic chamber, large cleanrooms, and a new shaker (One of the major risks faced by a satellite is from the high level of vibration during launch. Engineers test a spacecraft and its component parts under similar conditions using ESTEC’s electrodynamic shakers.). Also added were a new library, conference centre and restaurant–built by renowned Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck, a new main entrance, and recreation centre.
In the early 1990s, ESTEC gained a visitor centre (Space Expo) which made a big difference to its image locally and has become Europe’s oldest permanent space exhibition. Inaugurated in 1992, the Erasmus (European Robotics, Automation, Simulation and Mission Utilisation Support) Building was initially built for practising docking between spacecraft, but when those projects were cancelled, it found a modified purpose–as a resource for Europe’s scientific community to work with the microgravity research opportunities opened up by ESA’s involvement in the International Space Station.
To infinity… Missions and technologies for the next two decades and beyond are already being worked on at ESTEC–looking at changing tools and ways of working for the next generation of engineers.
By 2018, ESTEC had a workforce of 2,500 (both auxiliary and support staff) along with an additional 300 service personnel. ESTEC has always stimulated the Dutch economy–some 60% of ESA spending goes through the organisation–and thanks in part to ESTEC’s presence, the Dutch economy is estimated to receive a five-fold annual return on its ESA investment. The next two decades see the planned launch of Galileo Second Generation navigation satellites and construction of the international Deep Space Gateway in halo orbit around the Moon. Both will be serviced by the NASA-ESA Orion spacecraft, intended as a staging ground for robotic and human missions to the lunar surface and testing technologies for a next-decade Mars mission. «
Steve Voyce is a writer and editor and stargazer.
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The last five decades have also marked the development of a vibrant space sector within the Netherlands.”
Often housed in bell towers, the carillon is a musical instrument consisting of (at least) 23 bells which ‘ring out’ when played on a keyboard. The keyboard is similar to a piano or organ and each ‘key’ (or baton) is linked to a bell with a different pitch.
Carillonneurs (players) can perform a broad range of music on the carillon, but what is the link between this instrument and the Netherlands?
BY OLIVIA VAN DEN BROEK-NERI
Chances are you have heard a carillon being played when shopping in the city centre or during a celebration of a special event such as the King’s birthday. Many people are used to hearing the ringing bells but perhaps do not know the important role the instrument has played in Dutch culture. Leo Samaama, Secretary of the Koninlijke Nederlandse Klokkenspel-Vereniging (Royal Dutch Carillon Association) says, “It is a typical Dutch instrument and belongs to the sound of the city.”
Carillons have played an important part in Dutch society for many centuries. In the beginning, the instrument played melodies relating to church services but because the bells were located in towers–and their sound could reach a wide area–they also served as a warning system. Carillon bells would warn villagers of an approaching storm, the arrival of military or the mailman, and boats coming in from sea. “The carillon had a very important role in connecting people,” explains Samaama.
In carillon history, two significant individuals were the Hemony brothers. “The two brothers were the first to make bells in Europe that were so extremely fine-tuned, they could be used for musical sounds,” explains Samaama. “We call them the Rembrandts of the Carillons!”
Although the making of bells existed as early as the 15th and 16th centuries, it was difficult to properly tune bells until the Hemony brothers came along. “They made the carillons a fully-fledged instrument on which you could play anything you wanted,” Samaama adds.
As a result of the Eighty Years’ War and churches being reformed, the music–and therefore the carillons–were suddenly disconnected from the church and owned by the town. Still today, most towers where carillons are housed are owned by the city, which makes them vulnerable to budget cuts. As a result, some villages, towns, and cities no longer have money to pay for a carillon and carillonneur. “For the last ten to fifteen years, the carillonneurs have had to fight to keep their jobs,” says Samaama. Paid by the city, their fees are controlled by the state.
The Koninlijke Nederlandse Klokkenspel-Vereniging (KNKV) is working to preserve the art of carillons in the Netherlands. Founded in 1918, it received royal in front of its name when reaching 100 years in existence. Its board consists of people who make bells, teach, or are in committees all over the country–supporting the carillon in villages, towns, and cities. The KNKV helps preserve this part of Dutch culture and protect carillonneurs because there is more at stake than just the loss of a Dutch tradition. Getting rid of a carillonneur means there is no longer someone controlling the bells in the tower. “Whomever controls the bells, controls the system, and can also call officers to come and fix what has to be repaired,” Samaama remarks.
Carillons can be found around the world–on university campuses in the United States, across Europe, in Japan, and of course in the Netherlands. “We have 70 officially assigned carillonneurs in the Netherlands,” says Samaama, “and they play on 120 different instruments all around the country.” There are five carillons alone in the centre of Amsterdam.
The Netherlands Carillon School is one of a few places in the world with a conservatoire programme in the carillon. Part of the HKU Utrechts Conservatorium since 1985, the school is located in Amersfoort and
offers a Bachelor of Music. Its alumni number more than 250– half of whom are internationals–and includes the carillonneur for Utrecht and Nijmegen, Malgosia Fiebig.
Christiaan Winter is one of two permanent instructors at the school and is also the carillonneur for Alkmaar and De Rijp (North Holland) and considers it a privilege to teach such talented students. “Not only do you educate people in playing an instrument, but in maintaining the culture of the carillon and the role it has in our Dutch culture,” Winter explains. “We have two students who are 19 and 21-years-old,” he says, “and the oldest student at the moment is 61.” Of the current ten students, only one is not Dutch. Winter explains that most students have already followed another musical education. “We have some organists who are doing this study now to increase their possibilities in the musical field.”
Music has always played an important role in bringing people together and that has continued over the last few years. During lockdown, Samaama recalls that residents showed their appreciation for the carillons that brought music to otherwise abandoned towns. “When the war in Ukraine started, for my first recital in Alkmaar I played Imagine by John Lennon,” says Winter. “Someone sent an email to say it was a good statement for this moment.”
Winter also recognises the importance of bringing people together through the music he plays. “It’s only public instrument you have,” he says, “You are not playing for a specific group because everyone on the street is your audience.” «
And long may that continue.
California-native Olivia van den Broek-Neri works as Project Coordinator Communications & Events at Holland Expat Centre South in Eindhoven and was previously an ACCESS volunteer.
Did you know... The oldest and largest carillon school in the world is the Royal Carillon School “Jef Denyn” in Belgium.Mechelen,
The European School of Mol is open to all students aged 3-18. A relaxed, family feel pervades our leafy 20-hectare campus, which is located just 45 km from Eindhoven. Our school bus service ensures easy access. Europawijk 100, 2400 Mol, Belgium • www.esmol.be • pr@esmol.be • +32 14 563 111
A unique, multilingual education for an extraordinary future.
Part of day-to-day teaching here at The International School of The Hague (ISH) is inspiring children to look at real-world problems and find practical solutions. Our teachers find innovative ways to bring out the best and most creative thinking from students to get them there.
block and draw coding, which they then use to navigate around their constructed natural disaster site just as emergency services do in a real-life situation.
In Year 2, students delve into the very current and vital topic of food. During the weeks they spend on this topic they learn more about how food is connected to the world around them, both globally and locally. For example, during one of the activities, they examine milk and work out which other foods they could eat that contain milk in some way. Then, from the comfort of their own classroom, they travel to a farm in Australia using Virtual Reality Glasses, where the farmer shows them around his farm on a tractor ride, teaches them how to milk the cows, and explains how the cows are cared for on a daily basis.
Technology allows teachers and students to look at the specific topics of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and to explore how they are present in so many aspects of daily life and the world around us.
For their “active planet” unit, Year 4 students investigate how society is affected by active nature. They learn about the impact of natural disasters, how societies prepare for these events, but also how they cope when they happen. The children design rescue robots using
These valuable experiences for students are like watching the world’s puzzle pieces click into place. With each topic they take on, these global citizens of the future gain an understanding of what the things they learn about in school look like when they venture beyond the gates of ISH.
It is inspiring to see great teaching and learning in action. If you are a prospective family and would like to come and see for yourself, please make an appointment with our admissions department. «
“Our teachers find innovative ways to bring out the best and most creative thinking from students.“
Delft
• Amity International School Amsterdam
Admissions: +31 20 345 44 81 admissions@amityamsterdam.nl amityschool.nl
IB World School offering PYP, MYP and DP for students ages 3-18. Not-for-profit international school surrounded by green spaces with a focus on inquiry, creativity and independence.
Amsterdam
• The British School of Amsterdam
Admissions: +31 20 679 78 40 admissions@britams.nl britams.nl
Forward looking, forward thinking: the best that British international education offers. A thriving school community which empowers everyone to be the very best they can be.
Amsterdam Amsterdam
• International School of Amsterdam
Admissions: +31 20 347 11 11 admissions@isa.nl isa.nl
ISA is a globally-recognised leader in educating for international understanding. Founded in 1964, ISA was the first school in the world to offer all core IB programmes from the age of 2 to 18.
Amsterdam / Haarlem
• Winford Bilingual Primary School
Admissions: +31 20 751 66 50 info@winford.nl winford-bilingual.nl
Winford Bilingual Primary School offers high quality bilingual primary education in English & Dutch. Our students follow the Dutch, UK, and IPC curricula.
• International School Delft
Admissions: +31 15 285 00 38 or +31 15 820 02 08 admissions@internationalschooldelft.org internationalschooldelft.com
IBPYP * IBMYP * will add IBDP. Young growing IB World School for 3-16 yrs. Caring international staff & community, focus on Innovation & Design.
The Hague / Wassenaar
• American School of The Hague
Admissions: +31 70 512 10 60 admissions@ash.nl ash.nl
From a single classroom in the early 1950s, to nearly 1,300 students, the ASH journey is rich with history and experiences that connect our community through the decades.
The Hague
• British School in The Netherlands
Admissions: + 31 70 315 40 77 admissions@britishschool.nl britishschool.nl
Primary*GCSE/A level*IBDP*IBCP*BTEC. International school for 3-18 years, 80+ nationalities. Inspiration & challenge for the whole child, creating global citizens who can build a better world.
The Hague
• HSV International School
Admissions: +31 70 318 49 51 id.admissions@hsvdenhaag.nl hsvid.nl
Preschool*Primary*Special Education. International Primary School offering international education to children aged 3-11 years old. Four locations in different areas of The Hague.
The Hague
Admissions: +31 70 783 00 30 info@iwsth.org internationalwaldorfschool.nl
IWSTH distinguishes itself through the integration of cognitive and artistic education. Our balanced educational approach addresses learning that occurs with the head, heart and hands.
The Hague
• International School of The Hague
Admissaions: +31 70 328 14 50 ishthehague.nl
IPC* IBMYP* IBDP*IBCP. We offer children aged from 4-18 high quality international education, inspiring personal excellence in our strong and diverse community.
Rotterdam
• Harbour International School
Admissions: +31 10 448 22 66 veroniquez@harbouribsr.nl harbourinternational.nl
Primary international school for 4-11 yrs. Differentiated curriculum, a safe and caring environment help foster and develop all children’s potential.
Rotterdam
• Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR)
• International Waldorf School of The Hague NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ROTTERDAM
Admissions: +31 10 422 53 51 admissions@naisr.nl nordangliaeducation.com/rotterdam
We open doors to learning and provide life-changing experiences that inspire and enable every child to fourish, now and in their future lives. Children from 3-18 on one site.
• Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS)
Admissions: +31 10 890 77 44 admissions.riss@wolfert.nl riss.wolfert.nl
Moving countries is hard but choosing the best IB school for your child shouldn't be. RISS offers a range of programmes from its innovative foundation curriculum and IGCSEs to the IBDP and IBCP.
Academic institutions are communities of families, staff, students and support teams–the people ACCESS has been serving for more than 35 years. These institutions invest in us so we can continue to serve internationals throughout the Netherlands.
Schools help us, and we help them. Whether it is helping new staff arriving, and finding the answers they need; new families settling and looking for their own answers or families exploring their new homes in the Netherlands. ACCESS has been supporting, informing and helping schools be the active environments internationals need when starting lives in a new country.
Together, we are all a large part of a thriving international community. Are you an international school? Can we help you? Would you like to join us? Get in touch; we are ‘here to help’.
Contact: Deborah Valentine edirector@access-nl.org access-nl.org
Rotterdam ROTTERDAM INTERNATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL
When it comes to health and well-being, alternative therapies and holistic medicine are growing in popularity. But why are we moving more and more towards such treatments, and how can they help?
I spoke with two doctors to find out more.
BY TRACEY TAYLORTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practised in some form for over 3,000 years. Its philosophies differ to how health and dis-ease are approached in the west. TCM’s view of the human body is only marginally concerned with anatomical structures but instead, focuses on digestion, temperature, etc. TCM ‘holds’ the body’s vital energy (Chi or Qi) and circulates it through meridians (channels) that have branches connected to bodily organs and functions.
One area of Traditional Chinese Medicine is acupuncture, the practice of using needles on specific parts of the meridians to ‘influence’ the movement of Qi. Acupuncture helps remove blockages, redirect energy flow, and nourish deficiencies to bring balance to the system. If recovering from, or struggling with a health problem, your body’s self-healing mechanisms will not be able to do their job, so a little help is needed. Acupuncture can increase the activity of those self-healing mechanisms.
Dr. Ben Willems L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist) has been a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine since 2006. After studying Environmental Health Science at Maastricht University (NL) and working in cancer research in the USA, he was drawn to other aspects of health and well-being. Questioning the limited view of the ‘evidence-based’ approach to health in the west, Dr. Willems looked east and began exploring the history and philosophies of TCM, quickly concluding that this field fit with how he personally viewed health and well-being.
After graduating (cum laude) with a master’s degree from Yo San University of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (USA), and from Atlantic University of Chinese Medicine (USA) Dr. Willems started his own practice and worked at different Chinese medicine universities as a teacher. In 2010, Dr. Willems and his wife relocated to the Netherlands to raise their children and since then, he has had a thriving practice in Maastricht.
In Dr. Willems’ experience, most people seek out Traditional Chinese Medicine after being disappointed with the results of medication and other treatments. But TCM is also beneficial in a preventative manner as it works by assisting your body’s self-healing mechanisms and correcting biochemical imbalances. It also has other benefits:
• It’s natural (even the best surgeon can’t heal a cut–only the body can).
• Side effects are minimal/non-existent (experts agree, all medications have some side effects).
• It’s safe and works with your body, not against it.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is also outstanding for chronic conditions. Modern medicine is exceptional at helping acute conditions–problems needing immediate attention, e.g., infections, broken bones, trauma, anything requiring surgery–but is not as good at chronic conditions, i.e., health issues that don’t go away on their own. “These persistent conditions are where Chinese medicine and acupuncture is especially effective,” says Dr. Willems.
One of the biggest misconceptions about acupuncture is that you are stuck full of needles “but this is simply not the case.” A good practitioner knows when it comes to acupuncture needles, it’s about quality not quantity. Another myth is that acupuncture hurts. While everyone has a different pain threshold, the needles–microscopic lasered and only slightly thicker than a hair–only cause a small sensation. “The goal is that one can comfortably relax–almost entering a state of meditation–when undergoing treatment,” says Dr. Willems, “and this is what 99% of my patients experience.”
Traditional Chinese Medicine is more than acupuncture however, and at Dr. Willems’ practice (Chinese Medical Centre Maastricht), he also uses modalities like cupping (placement of vacuum cups on the body), moxibustion (burning of a particular herb to warm areas of the body), Gua Sha (a scraping technique), electro-acupuncture (a light electrical current run between acupuncture needles) and herbal medicine (in pill and tea form). Following an intake discussion and diagnostic methods used in Chinese medicine (feeling the different pulses, looking at the tongue, etc.), practitioners like Dr. Willems develop a treatment plan–based on an individual’s imbalances/ background–and will use specific meridian points to treat someone, from a baby to whatever age.
TCM also works well with other areas of holistic care, e.g., chiropractic treatments, as the energetic changes and physical adjustments both work towards the creation of balance.
Open and shut
Dr. Ben Willems
Chinese Medical Centre cmcmaastricht.nl
Dr. Asha Prasad
Chirowell drashaprasad.com chirowell.nl
“Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture are generally well-received in the Netherlands,” says Dr. Willems, “but some in the medical community remain skeptical and resistant to the idea.” This suggests the Netherlands is still conservative on this topic, certainly in comparison with the USA where many universities, e.g., Harvard are investigating how acupuncture (in particular) can benefit people and offering programmes that use acupuncture in post-operative recovery or for patients undergoing or recovering from chemotherapy/radiation.
As a small business owner, Dr. Willems appreciates the freedom he experiences as his ‘own boss’ and the time he can spend with his patients without having to ‘report’ to a superior. “This way, I can follow my heart with regard to the treatments I employ,” he says.
As time goes on, Dr. Willems hopes to see more cooperation between Western medical treatments
and Eastern approaches–especially as they can complement each other so well–and he welcomes any collaboration with MDs. “Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine like myself are trying to help the ‘whole person’ experience a better state of well-being,” says Dr. Willems, “because when balance is achieved, both the body and mind can work on healing.”
Another alternative therapy to help both the body and mind is chiropractic care. Chiropractors perform adjustments to the spine or other parts of the body to help correct alignment, ease pain, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Treatment may also include stretches, exercises, mindset changes and stress reduction techniques. Key aims are to improve mobility, flexibility, energy levels, and general well-being.
With origins dating back to the late 1800’s, chiropractic care is based on the belief that ‘the power that made the body, heals the body.’
East meets west Dr. Asha Prasad grew up in the USA and was brought up with natural medicine as a first option. Having seen the benefits of chiropractic treatments at a young age–and with her strong background in Eastern philosophies–she was instinctively drawn to the world of holistic health. “Given my background, it just made the most sense to go into a natural health field,” says Dr. Prasad. “I have a deep interest in helping others find their optimal health and wellbeing through a natural approach.”
Having obtained her Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nutrition (B.S.P.H.) from the University of North Carolina (USA) and graduating from Life Chiropractic University (USA) with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Dr. Prasad has almost 25 years’ experience.
After working in the USA and France, Dr. Prasad moved to the Netherlands where, in 2016, she opened her practice Chirowell. Initially based in
Gulpen (South Limburg), she expanded her business and now has a practice in Maastricht too.
Chirowell offers a medication and surgery-free solution to achieve optimal health while treating patients with a holistic approach. “Pain of any kind–at any age–is a sign that something isn’t right,” says Dr. Prasad, “and it’s how our body signals we have reached our limit, or a deeper problem has developed.” Even though the human body is magnificent in adapting to help us ignore ‘warning signs’, while these signs may go away at first, the underlying problem remains.
Almost everyone can receive chiropractic care and although there are always exceptions, the chiropractic profession has come a long way and has a variety of techniques that can be safely used on most people. Given our complexity as human beings, different aspects can also be addressed and helped when combining, e.g., acupuncture, homeopathy, massage–to name a few–with chiropractic treatment. “Collaborating with other health care professionals can be very helpful for patients,” says Dr. Prasad. »
Dr. Prasad treats a variety of age groups and conditions at her practice, from those looking for support from a preventative aspect to those in acute pain. The philosophy of Chirowell is to help individuals better learn how their body functions, and to treat the cause rather than just the symptoms. Dr. Prasad aims to identify the root of a problem–rather than suppressing symptoms–and see all that needs to be addressed. “Everyone is different, and everybody reacts differently,” says Dr. Prasad, “and at Chirowell, we fully recognise that.”
For many, methods used in chiropractic care have been instrumental in helping people heal from–and develop deeper insight into–their physical problems. Very often, chiropractors might find information missed or overlooked by the medical community. Chirowell has worked with many individuals to help them communicate better with their doctors, achieve healing, and reduce or eliminate drugs and the need for surgery.
”
It is health that is the real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.”
After reviewing a patient’s health history and performing an examination, chiropractors like Dr. Prasad can assess someone holistically and look at factors–emotional, chemical, physical–that may be contributing to their misalignment. Practitioners can then evaluate which techniques are necessary and how a subluxation–when a vertebrae or joint is out of normal position–should be corrected. “By realigning the spine, we get less tension in the muscles and better mobility,” says Dr. Prasad. “It also protects our nervous system and allows for a better nerve flow.”
In the Netherlands, the term krakers (crackers) is often used to describe chiropractors but is misleading. Chiropractic treatment is not about ‘cracking spines’. The ‘cracking sound’ heard is simply caused by small pockets of air or bubbles (the fluid surrounding joints) which ‘pop’ when joint tissues are stretched during a chiropractic adjustment. Another misconception is that Chiropractic is a ‘free profession’. In the Netherlands, all qualified chiropractors must follow application courses and register with the Stichting Chiropractie Nederland (Chiropractic Foundation Netherlands).
The word chiropractic comes from the Greek cheir (meaning ‘hand’) and praktos (meaning ‘done’), i.e., done by hand.
She also hopes that a more holistic approach towards people’s well-being will be adopted in general. Away from her practice–and given her passion for the mind-body connection–Dr. Prasad has pursued certification and additional qualifications to help people through teaching, coaching, and consulting services to work on mindset. She has also published two books and is a podcaster and YouTuber.
“My mission is to help people live their best lives, navigate through times of uncertainty, and be as healthy as they can be.”
Practice makes perfect Being one’s own boss does have its pros and cons. “I love the direct contact with patients, tailoring a treatment, and being able to manage my own time,” says Dr. Prasad, “but even though I want to help as many people as possible, I also need to be conscientious about staying in balance myself.”
In the Netherlands, there are unfortunately still not enough chiropractors for the population so waiting lists can sometimes be long.
Dr. Prasad’s hope is for the Chiropractic profession to grow and educate more people about their bodies and how prevention can ensure a healthy life.
As we look to reconnect with our inner selves, and search for other–more natural–ways to care for our health, it is clear that expert practitioners in the fields of alternative therapy and holistic medicine can play a vital role in our journey to heal the body and the mind. «
Tracey Taylor is an aspiring writer and a budding editor. She loves animals, photography, yoga, and choir singing. She is Irish and lives in Maastricht with Dave and their cat Tubby. @traceytaylor_nl
Anyone who has moved, or joined a new school, will remember that unmistakable feeling of being new.
It can be an exciting time, but like all adventures, there can be challenges, too. There are no shortcuts through this transition period. However, feeling accepted and developing a sense of belonging within a community can go a long way towards building the confidence necessary to explore new horizons and opportunities in a new environment.
At The British School in The Netherlands (BSN), a core part of our mission, and a constant throughout the school’s 90-year history, is our strong community. The impact of this community is felt in the engaged alumni body.
In our community of nearly 90 nationalities, many students, families, and staff have had similar experiences and understand the difficulties of integrating into a new place. They also know first-hand the importance of a warm welcome and every group in our school community contributes to a supportive environment for newcomers.
The BSN’s Family Association and International Representatives play a vital role in organising workshops and social activities to bring everyone together. New and returning families benefit from sharing information, meeting new people, and building a support system across the school.
To achieve our mission of preparing young people to become successful global citizens, the BSN ensures a strong community grows within and beyond our campuses. We believe our school should exist in partnership with the local community and international network.
In 2021, The British School partnered with the Nederlandse Rugby League Bond (NRLB). The team practised at the Voorschoten campus, and students had the chance to participate in coaching and refereeing courses. This October, the school hosted an international rugby match – the first of its kind held in Voorschoten – between the NRLB and the German national team.
The BSN was honoured to host The Hague International Centre’s ‘Feel at Home Fair’, the first in a community location. BSN CEO Heath Monk said, “This event was so important in helping members of our community to connect, which is also a key part of our mission as a school. We were delighted to welcome all international residents and organisations to our Vlaskamp campus.”
As an international school, providing a caring community – especially when students first join us – is paramount in ensuring they can explore the full range of opportunities at the BSN – and in the Netherlands – while secure in the knowledge that the community is there to support them. «
The Netherlands, like other European countries, has its share of winter traditions and festivities that may seem strange to outsiders.
BY STEVE VOYCE
Stay klaasy
St. Nicholas Day, on 6 December, is as individual as each country where it is celebrated. The tradition probably originated in the French regions of Alsace and Lorraine, where families tell stories of the saint, make special sweets, and children receive chocolate from St. Nicholas. In Italy, St. Nicholas Day is when unmarried women can pray for a husband. In many
Slavic countries, St. Nicholas has an angel and a devil to help him decide whether the child was good or naughty. In much of Central Europe, children put out shoes the evening before hoping that St. Nicholas will leave them a gift.
In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas takes the form of Sinterklaas–in a red bishop’s outfit with a long white beard. Sint and his helpers arrive in the Netherlands from Spain, around three weeks before the big day in a procession that’s watched by children across the country. Why he chose to live in Spain is a mystery–historians refer to past Spanish domination over the Netherlands–as are the medieval outfits of Sinterklaas’ assistants, the Zwarte Pieten (Black Peters).
At the Amsterdam Sinterklaas Parade in 2018, the traditional Zwarte Pieten were replaced by Schoorsteenpieten (Chimney Peters). Instead of wearing the traditional blackface makeup that is central to the Zwarte Piet controversy, Schoorsteenpieten have light smudges of soot (from bringing presents down the chimney). However, the fundamental characteristics of the Pieten–their cheerfulness and endless supply of cookies and sweets–continue unaffected.
Sinterklaas brings presents to everyone, often accompanied by a short poem and a chocolate letter. Families and groups of friends can draw lots to determine whose Sinterklaas they will be–like a Secret Santa gift exchange. Beware though, as naughty children are threatened with being taken back to Spain in a sack.
The tradition of blowing the Midwinter horn is generally thought to derive from a Germanic Yule custom to summon help and repel evil spirits. Across the eastern parts of the Netherlands– Twente, the Veluwe, the Achterhoek and southeast Drenthe–the horn is traditionally blown between Advent Sunday and Epiphany (after Christianity replaced paganism to celebrate the birth of Christ).
The midwinter horn is held in the hands–traditionally over water supposedly for amplification–when played. It is said that once you hear the sound of the horn you will never forget it.
The West Frisian Islands (Dutch: Waddeneilanden; West Frisian: Waadeilannen) are a chain of islands in the North Sea off the Dutch coast, along the edge of the Wadden Sea. These Frisian Islands are popular as a summer holiday destination, but–perhaps because of winter isolation from the mainland–they have their own peculiar takes on midwinter traditions.
Every year, actor and activist Patrick Mathurin puts on his scarlet cape and his tall pope-like hat and rides the streets of Amsterdam on a white horse as ‘De Nieuwe Sint’. Read about him here issuu.com/access-nl/docs/access_magazine_winter_2020_issuu/30
be haystacks. For an inexplicable, and possibly misogynist reason, women are supposed to stay indoors–if they venture outside, they will be chased by the Sundrums and tied to a gate.
Possibly the strangest and least known (even in the rest of the Netherlands) of the Sinterklaas traditions takes place on the Wadden island of Ameland. At around 17:00 on the evening of 6 December, all the lights on the island are turned off. If light shines from your house, your window could be broken or painted. Then, men who are wrapped in sheets and armed with sticks go out for banevegen– ‘sweeping the streets’. In the pitch black these white shapes roam the streets, blow their horns, and the women and children of the island are chased into their homes.
When the disguised Sunneklaas (their version of Sundrum/Sinterklaas) comes to visit, he hits his stick on the floor and the woman is supposed to dance or jump over the stick. If she declines, she receives a light tap with the stick.
On the island of Terschelling mainly, but also other Wadden Islands, Sundrum is the name given to Sinterklaas. But with a distinction.
On these islands, Sinterklaas merged with an older pagan tradition, so on 6 December present-giving is combined with chasing evil spirits. These are said to lurk in chimneys and are hunted by people in unsettling costumes or dressed as what appear to
Locals are suspicious of outsiders who, they fear, will find this misogynist, and want to see their centuries-old tradition–with pagan roots–of chasing devils from villages stopped.
Whatever traditions you choose to follow this festive season, have fun! «
Steve Voyce is a writer and editor and is always good.
“At around 17:00 on the evening of 6 December, all the lights on the island are turned off.“
Temperatures have dropped and evenings are drawing in. This can only mean one thing: the festive season has arrived. This time of year brings an array of Dutch delicacies to the fore. Let’s check out what tasty treats you can enjoy over the holidays.
BY BIANCA PELLET
Kruidnoten and pepernoten are frequently confused, so let’s clear things up. What is often referred to as pepernoten are in fact, kruidnoten–tiny gingery (slightly peppery) hard cookies that the Pieten (Sinterklaas’ helpers) lob at children when Sint comes to visit. Pepernoten on the other hand are large, chewy, cubelike concoctions with a liquorice-like taste, thanks to
the aniseed they contain. Kruidnoten are sometimes covered in chocolate whereas pepernoten – arguably the more traditional form of the sweet – never are. Both are addictive, though! Another tasty treat from the Sinterklaas season is the chocolate (chocolade) letter. Distributed on the eve of Sinterklaas arriving (Sinterklaasavond or Pakjesavond), these individual initials (in various flavours) are a must-have. Did you get one?
You will notice oliebollen (literally ‘oil balls’) popping up and starting to disappear around New Year. Oliebollen stands tend to have traditional metal signs in handwritten fairy-tale style, and they sell oliebollen (something akin to a doughnut) in a variety of flavours from plain to banana and caramel to rum’n’raisin though the most traditional version is with krenten
(currants) and is perhaps the safest option for oliebollen virgins. As oliebollen are often sold cold, vendors will ask if you want a separate package of powdered sugar and will offer instructions to reheat the oliebollen at home – proving to be very popular in many households across the Netherlands.
Another favourite of pastry-lovers is the banketstaaf (part tasty treat, part useful weapon) which are essentially rolls of puff pastry – at least nine inches long – stuffed with marzipan. It could be that banketstaven were originally shaped into letters to identify the Sinterklaas gifts of old. But today in the Netherlands, banketstaven are more likely to be sliced up and served with (spiced) tea.
If spiced tea isn’t your thing, how about spiced wine? No festive season is complete without the longstanding tradition of Glühwein (spiced/mulled wine). Usually made with red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and dried fruit, the fragrant Glühwein is served warm. There are many variations across Europe but the version from German-speaking countries is most well-known in the Netherlands. You will find Glühwein at festive markets and in cafés over the holiday period, and into the new year.
In the 19th century, Sinterklaas letters were made from dough and were laid on a sheet covering gifts to let children know which were theirs. In the 20th century, Dutch manufacturers started making the letters out of chocolate. Dough letters are still consumed in the Dutch settlement of Pella, Iowa (USA) today.
the smell out of your clothes – the conviviality of cooking together at the table (and avoiding the stress of one person being stuck in the kitchen doing everything) is clearly appealing.
For those of us in the Netherlands who might be longing for an equivalent to Christmas pudding, the kerststol – a sort of Dutch Christmas bread – comes close. If you are a fan of panettone, you will likely enjoy kerststol too. Kerststol is packed with mixed fruits, vanilla, spices (mainly cinnamon and ginger) and orange and lemon zests for that festive feel. Like the banketstaaf, a roll of marzipan is also eased through the kerststol before the entire thing is baked and dusted with icing sugar. Many eat a slice of kerststol with butter, but it is just as lovely on its own – though again, a cup of spiced Christmas tea wouldn’t go amiss.
olie- bollen per year.
Internationals who have become part of a Dutch family network will be aware of the savoury delight that is gourmetten. It is much like fondue, and although gourmetten is wider ranging, the principle of cooking together at the table remains the same although there are also a few other similarities. Think tiny pans – not just for meat and raclette, but also for random sauces and side dishes, like mushrooms, peppers, and pineapple. Chuck in lots of wine and baguettes and there is clearly something for everyone which is why this is a firm festive favourite in Dutch homes. Although there is a fair amount of preparation required – and it takes a while to get
While Dutch cuisine is perhaps not world-famous, it has plenty of Yuletide treats that are worthy of celebration. Whether you have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying or just fancy a communal cook-off, the Dutch festive season has it covered. «
Bianca Pellet is a writer and English teacher from the UK. She has lived in France and the Netherlands since moving away from Britain in 2008.
Did you know... Most people in the Netherlands eat an average of eight
Relocating to a new country is a big change for all the family and it’s often difficult to adjust to homesickness, unfamiliar schedules, language, and cultural differences.
BY GIULIA QUARESIMAInspired by her two young sons, Paola Bucciol came up with an innovative way to address such challenges, and to introduce the Netherlands to children who are moving here.
Paola Bucciol’s debut book The ABCs of Amsterdam–A first guide to the capital of the Netherlands is the first in a series of alphabetic guides to ‘foster children’s love of exploring and discovering’ new places.
When Bucciol (originally from Italy) and her family relocated to the Netherlands, she was eager to involve her sons in the ‘moving process’ so they could feel excited and
ready to settle in. It was this desire to help introduce her children to their new life which led to The ABCs of Amsterdam.
Alphabet Soep
Bucciol’s intention is to avoid excluding children from the changes involved with a relocation, and not just for her own sons but also for other families making a similar move. Bucciol discovered the best strategy was to highlight the positive aspects of a new place and quickly identify things to see and do. Bucciol defines The ABCs of Amsterdam as a ‘children’s travel companion and city guide in the shape of a diary to personalise and take notes.’
Each page of the book represents a different letter of the alphabet, and each letter corresponds to an individual, place of interest, or characteristic of the Dutch capital–or the Netherlands–with suggestions on things to do, places to explore, stuff to know, and fun facts.
The ABCs of Amsterdam contains illustrations by Ana Ioana Bos¸tin˘a which makes the book particularly attractive for children. “Illustrations are an excellent tool for developing interpretative skills and providing an immediate visual. They also complete the narrative and encourage children’s engagement.”
Bucciol’s book–combined with the artwork of Bos¸tin˘a–aims to help family relocations to Amsterdam/ the Netherlands go more smoothly. The layout of the book, its words and images offer an easy-to-grasp description of a place where windmills, bicycles and tulips are icons, and will allow children to have fun while getting familiar with the language, culture, and traditions of the Netherlands. «
Italian native Giulia Quaresima lives in The Hague and has been writing for ACCESS since 2019.
We thank and acknowledge the following for their support and trust.
• Amstelveen Municipality • City of Delft • European Medicines Agency (EMA) • European Space Agency (ESA)/European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) • The Hague International Centre • IN Amsterdam • International Welcome Centre Utrecht Region • Sapienza Consulting • TU Delft (Coming to Delft Services) • Worley
For the particular needs and interests of accompanying spouses/partners the following may be of value.
• Angela Fusaro • Caitriona Rush • Caroline van den Bogaard
• Colleen Reichrath-Smith • Connecting Women
• Empower Amsterdam • Janet Rodenburg • Jonathon Regan
• Marie Dewulf • Natália Leal • Rawia Liverpool • Teresa Moynihan
• Toastmasters of The Hague • Veena Joseph • Volunteer The Hague • Women’s Business Initiative International
Whether you are planning a relocation to the Netherlands, or have recently arrived and are getting settled.
• ABN AMRO • Expat Help • FVB De Boer • GMW Advocaten (Legal Expat Desk) • Mynta Law Immigration Lawyers • Prijsvergelijken • TaxSavers
Daycare, after-school care and support for your children.
• Big Ben Kids • Johanne Bade • Kinderopvang 2SAMEN • True Colors Childcare • Villa Bloom • Zein International Childcare
The services of these partners speak for themselves – and cover your housing needs.
• !WOON • Expat Mortgages • My Dutch Mortgage Online
• MLP Real Estate
Another category which speaks for itself, and includes members of our ACCESS Trainers Network.
• De Boezemvriend • Chitra Natarajan • Jac Rongen
• Jacinta Noonan • Linda Bosma Malley • Meida van Baal • Maggie Bijl • Sandra Delgado Quist • Truus Gale
For children as well as adults, includes language centres/schools.
• American Book Center • American School of The Hague
• Amity International School Amsterdam • Beatriz Laus
• British School in the Netherlands • British School of Amsterdam
• Direct Dutch Institute • Harbour International School
• HSV International School • International School of Amsterdam
• International School Delft • International School of The Hague
• International Waldorf School The Hague • Karin Holley
• Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam
• Rotterdam International Secondary School • SPEAK
• Winford Bilingual Primary School • Ute Limacher-Riebold
• Angelika Matthias • Ann Kuis • Caroline van Diest • Carolyn Tabak • Cristina Baroncelli • Danielle Hollreiser • Drew Puxty • Jeanine Souren • Karolina Fotyga • Katrina Antezana • Lysanne Sizoo • Mariza Thanapoulou
• Marquerite Gallagher • Nuria Maldonado Bellido • Ophirah Toff • Patric Esters • Rosie Glicklich
• Sivan Weinstein • Stephen Davies • Sylvia Silberg
Acknowledging our Partners, Counsellors, Trainers & Volunteer Managers ACCESS is grateful for many things, not the least, the work of our strong and diverse volunteer community. They do the work – but the partners invest in us so that we are able to carry out our mission to serve the international community. Should you make use of them, do mention ACCESS referred you. Should you wish to help us serve the international community and include you in our acknowledgements, get in touch with fnd@access-nl.org
After over a decade as Chair of the Board, Gary Hays looks back on his time with the organisation.
new website–attracting 40,000 hits a month (over half from abroad)–and ensured remote access to our database. This also helped when we switched to virtual work modes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Political views on ‘internationals’ have also changed. There’s now an understanding that inward investment requires a mobile workforce, which is why we partnered with the first Dutch ‘Expat Centre’ in The Hague. We since expanded our agreements at centres in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Leiden and, as municipalities change their priorities, ACCESS also adapts our support. A recent example is our newest centre in Amstelveen where we’ve been helping the growing Ukrainian community. Working with centres also generates income. Although we’re a not-for-profit volunteer organisation, we need money to provide information (free at point-of-contact) as many large companies employing internationals no longer give donations. Our Patron Programme–through which we helped the European Medicines Agency move to Amsterdam–was developed because of this.
In 35 years of ACCESS, the core reason for our existence may not have changed, but in the last ten years we’ve seen changes in the ‘type’ of internationals coming to live and work here, in the way they think, how they move between countries, and how ACCESS has adapted to continue to serve them.
Internationals are maybe younger now with fewer married couples and more singles. There are maybe fewer men relocating with their ‘trailing spouse’ and more females. Perhaps more are moving to join a new company versus being transferred abroad by their current employer.
In general, internationals now get less support from employers when moving but are more independent and digitally savvy. This is why ACCESS invested in a
Counselling has been part of ACCESS’s DNA since the beginning and our childbirth and first aid courses go from strength-to-strength. Peer-to-peer support might be a new concept in managing global mobility, but has always been at the core of what we do–a psychological process where trust is built, and information can be more readily accepted and understood. Our volunteers have been through the same experiences as those coming to us for help and also benefit from this peer-to-peer relationship.
I used to think ACCESS might not be necessary anymore, but it seems we’re needed more than ever. There will still be changes, external and internal, but ACCESS will continue to evolve, remain relevant, and be important in the lives of the internationals and companies we support. «
As the leading provider of English-speaking and bilingual childcare services in the Netherlands, finding enthusiastic and dedicated staff who have a true passion for teaching, developing and caring for children is one of our top priorities.
As the leading provider of English-speaking and bilingual childcare services in the Netherlands, finding enthusiastic and dedicated staff who have a true passion for teaching, developing and caring for children is one of our top priorities.
Do you like the idea of working in a friendly team of colleagues of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds? Are you looking for a full-time, part-time, or flexible position? If so, then Zein could be just what you’re looking for!
Do you like the idea of working in a friendly team of colleagues of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds? Are you looking for a full-time, part-time, or flexible position? If so, then Zein could be just what you’re looking for!
Alongside roles for qualified teachers, we offer places on the popular Zein Academy International Talent Programme (ITP). Through the ITP, enthusiastic candidates follow a professional training programme tailored to their prior (international) work experience and educational background to obtain a recognised childcare teaching diploma.
Alongside roles for qualified teachers, we offer places on the popular Zein Academy International Talent Programme. Through the ITP, enthusiastic candidates follow a training programme tailored to their prior (international) work experience and educational background to obtain a recognised childcare teaching diploma.
Visit www.zeinchildcare.nl for more information.
Visit www.zeinchildcare.nl for more information.
With over 160 staff representing 40 nationalities, Zein really is ‘setting the standard’ in the international makeup of its workforce.
With over 160 staff representing 40 nationalities, Zein really is ‘setting the standard’ in the international makeup of its workforce.
Are you interested in working for a truly unique international childcare organisation, with children from all over the world?
Are you interested in working for a truly unique international childcare organisation, with children from all over the world?
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