ACCESS Winter 2015

winter 2015 S E R V I N G T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O M M U N I T Y

WWW

.ACCESS-NL.ORG

Warmth in Dutch winter Special features | energy in the netherlands |

figt comes to Amsterdam | raising a multilingual child | Archaeology in the netherlands | your winter health check |

Trusted partner to many International Schools

International Pre-School open for children aged 2.5-4 years old

A grea t place t sociali o ze, grow & learn !

‘’Early development is fundamental to the growth of children and laying a solid positive foundation is the bedrock of life-long development & learning’’ Partner with award winning Zein Child Care in giving your child the best gift of a life-long learning foundation: • Located at our Premium Childcare Centre; The Estate, in the quiet and elegant Benoordenhout • Natural activity filled playground of 3000 square meter with age appropriate areas • Positive, safe & stimulating play and learning environment • An integrated curriculum that ensures positive and observable social, emotional, cognitive, language, physical and creative developments • Loving, experienced & highly qualified teachers • Fresh, organic meals & snacks • Our curriculum builds independence and confidence and ensures an easy transition into primary school

Enrolment is open, call us today!

Limited spaces available

Opening times: Our classes run 5 days a week, two sessions a day. Zein’s pre-school is closed during school holidays, following the British School Calendar.

Morning sessions: 08.30 - 11.30 Afternoon sessions: 12.00 - 15.00

Zein provide international childcare at 10 locations. As trusted partner to all international schools in The Hague and the International School of Brussels, our services range from day care, pre-school, after school care to holiday camps. Zein had won several awards for innovative and progressive approach to childcare and was recently nominated for the best childcare provider in The Netherlands.

To reserve a place or for more information contact Zein at info@zeinchildcare.nl or call 070-3268263 Jozef Israëlsplein 36 - 2596 AV Den Haag - www.zeinchildcare.nl

PhOtO: tigS CreAtiOnS

Letter from the executive Director

Dear ACCESS readers 2015 has been the year of the elements for the ACCESS magazine. Having covered ‘earth’, ‘wind’ and ‘water’, it should therefore be no surprise that ‘fire’ was up. We did however certainly leave the most difficult for last.

As we approached the planning period we wondered, how were we to write about fire along the lines that had being doing so about the other elements? About something Dutch, new, innovative, interesting which would allow our readers to engage with their host country, their neighbours and colleagues

about something Dutch – until they could perhaps do so in Dutch? Well, we took a bit of a jump, and decided to equate fire with energy, and take a look at what innovations; trends are taking place when it comes to ‘new sources of energy’. Timely given the Paris conference.

It is winter of course, so some attention needed to be paid to that: the Shopping pages provide some tips for keeping warm this win­ ter, the Food item is certain to warm your hearts, and bellies and our Health & Wellbeing article invites us to consider planning a ‘win­ ter health check’ on ourselves. But not all is winter, or energy related. We have some words of wisdom and bilingual book series to help parents raising children bilingually –in our Family & Education articles ­, and some wonderful revelations about Archaeology in the Netherlands as we Travel underground.

Finally, in our search for the new we came across a wealth of opportunities of being part of a new Lifestyle: one of the collaborative or sharing economy here in the Netherlands.

From all of us at ACCESS: happy reading, happy holidays – and for a surprise, from us to you – do take a look at page 8.

Deborah Valentine ­ Executive Director access | winter | 3

About ACCeSS is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation that serves the needs and interests of the international community in the netherlands. it is supported by Dutch, inter national and expatriate businesses and organisations through donations and sponsorship.

What we do

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

Executive Board

• Chairman: Gary Hays,

Valshebnik Consulting • Vice Chairman: Kiri Kikis, Shell • Treasurer: Edwin Jeanty van der Spek, Deloitte Tax Lawyers • Secret ary: to be appointed

Members

• Willemijn van Oppen­Stuyt, Educaide • Jessie Rodell • Koosje Ploegmakers, ABN AMRO • Godelijn Boonman, GMW Advocaten

4 | access | winter

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

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

• ACCeSS news • what’s On • Community news • Cover story: energy in the netherlands • Health & wellbeing: your winter health check • Food: mandarin crème brûlée • Education: raising a multilingual child: the myths and possibilities • Travel: Archaeology in the netherlands: Ancient traces in the delta • Lifestyle: Driving force of a new era • Family: mama, do english and Dutch animals speak the same language?

• Shopping: Staying warm, and dry • Community: A global conference comes to the netherlands • meet our trainers

Energy in the Netherlands PhOtO: PixABy

Winter 2015 Vol. 28 No. 4

Cover story

travel

Ancient traces in the delta PhOtO: kArel vriezen

ACCESS e-zine

winter 2015

Publisher Stichting ACCESS Laan van Meerdervoort 70, 1st floor, 2517 AN The Hague Editorial content editor@access-nl.org Advertising 070 345 1700, fnd@access-nl.org Acting Editor Deborah Valentine Assistant Editor Nancy Kroonenberg Design & Layout M-space Marek Moggré Contributors Angela Henderson­Eldering, Christopher An­Traumer, Deborah Valentine, Emily McDermott, Gemma Gahan, Harmen van Sprang, Jane Archer­Wilms, Joyce Bergsma, Karel Vriezen, Magdalini Zografou, Susan Meiler Cover image M-space Maartje Schuurmans Copyright© ACCESS 2015 All rights reserved. No part of the ACCESS e­zine 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.

family

Mama, do English and Dutch animals speak the same language?

PhOtO: SArAh-leigh willS

Contents |

ACCESS Partners & Associates

Thank you for your support!

Platinum ****

Gold ***

Banking, taxation and personal finance ABN AMRO *** J.C.Suurmond & zn. * AAme Accountants & Tax advisors A The Community Xpat Media (Xpat Journal) *** Candles Flame Computer ­Training * M-space graphic designers * The Hague Online * Check-NL A Expat Events A FIGT (Families in Global ­Transition) A Amsterdam Mamas M ANCOR M Broadcast Amsterdam M AngloINFO SouthHolland M DutchBuzz M Dutch News M Expatriate Archive Centre M Global Living Magazine M IamExpat M InTouch Rotterdam M Volunteer The Hague M

Silver **

Bronze *

Media Partners M

Government support

Lifestyle

City of The Hague **** Expat Center Utrecht *** City of Delft * City of Leidschendam-Voorburg * City of Rijswijk * Expatcenter Amsterdam *

American Book Center ** ASPA A STET The English Theatre A Partner support

Bloom House of Health *** Bronovo Hospital *

CIYS (A Career in Your Suitcase) A Zestee Social Media School A Connecting Women M Women’s Business Initiative International M

Housing and relocation

Your child

Tulip Expats Services * The Student Hotel * RSH Relocation and Immigration Service A Utility Provider A

British School in the Netherlands *** Zein Childcare *** Big Ben Kids ** International School of The Hague ** True Colors ** American International School of Rotterdam * British School of Amsterdam * German International School The Hague * HSV (The Hague School ­A ssociation) * International School Utrecht * Kindergarden * Passionate Parenting A Teddy Kids International ­D aycare A

Healthcare

Learning Dutch BSN Language Centre * Direct Dutch * Kickstart School * Legal matters GMW Advocaten **

There are many ways in which you can support the work ACCESS does: as a Partner, Associate and Advertiser. Click here to see our Helping ACCESS 2015 Media Pack for opportunities.

6 | access | winter

Associates A

ACCESS

News Winter

Two exciting developments 2015 is ending on a high note for ACCESS. It has been a busy and successful year which has allowed us to look ahead and look forward to two new and exciting developments.

The first development you can read about in the ad on the next page. Yes, in 2016 ACCESS will return to the print version of its magazine!! We are excited about returning to this format and are already busy preparing for the big step.

The second development is the intro­ duction of our Personal Consultation ­programme offered to companies wishing to complement welcome and induction programmes for their newly arrived staff members. Recently started with CB&I this programme will see ACCESS volunteers using their personal experience, as well as the experience and resources of ACCESS to personally meet with newly arrived staff members, and their partners, to help them settle as effectively and as well as possible.

The main purpose of these sessions will be

to reassure people that everything will be okay, helping to manage their expecta­ tions about different aspects of living in the Netherlands, and showing them where they can find answers to their questions while they are here. In our experience managing expectations and offering a helping hand go a long way in ensuring successful s­ ettlement of the employees as well as their family members.

Employers of international staff wishing to know more about how the ACCESS Personal Consultation programme can serve their new arrivals are welcome to contact Deborah Valentine at edirector@access-nl.org, or read more here.

A good start to our 30th year, don’t you think? « access | winter | 7

ACCESS turns 30 30 in 2016 To celebrate this our magazine will return to print, starting with the Spring 2016 issue. r 2 01 5 Summe 2 01

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for more information on advertising opportunities, or on how to receive your personal copy.

Contact fnd@access-nl.org for attractive early bird offers and details.

www.access-nl.org

What’s on winter 2015

Special events in December wAnt tO POSt A COmmunity event in thiS mAgAzine? COntACt ACCeSS mAgAzine At eDitOr@ACCeSS-nl.Org, SuBJeCt: ‘whAt’S On’.

This year, ‘Journey through a Frozen World’ of over 250,000 kilograms of ice and snow shaped into an amazing display at the largest ice sculpture festival in Europe. The international theme promises to take you to places as you have never seen them before, sparkling and dazzling in ice.

Dutch Self Portraits – Selfies of the Golden Age the hague Until 3 January 2016 Revisit the idea of the modern ‘selfie’ through a collection of painted self-portraits from the Dutch Golden Age. An enlightening insight into how we convey our image to the outside world, this exhibition is sure to make you look at yourself differently.

www.ijsbeelden.nl

Dickens Festival Deventer 19-20 December An entirely traditional take on the season, the Deventer Dickens Festival brings to life characters and places from the British author’s work at this historical Christmas Market. Roasted chestnuts, carol singers, and thousands of lights come together for your enjoyment in an entirely romantic experience. www.dickensfestijn.nl

www.mauritshuis.nl

World Press Photo 2015 groningen Until 13 December The World Press Photo contest rewards photojournalism that inspires a deeper understanding of the world. Make sure to stop by the travelling event while it’s in Groningen for a moving and thought provoking viewing of the winning photographs. www.wpfgroningen.nl

Ice*Amsterdam Until 28 February 2016 Thinking of a day out in Amsterdam? Then take the time to stop at Ice*Amsterdam for a skate or a warm cheese tosti overlooking the grand Rijksmuseum. Plan your visit between the 18th and 27th of December to also enjoy the Christmas Village on Ice. www.iceamsterdam.nl access | winter | 9

PhOtO: mAuritShuiS COlleCtiOn the hAgue

Ice Sculpture Festival zwolle 15 December - 24 January

What’s on Winter 2015

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

Photos: Bart Heemskerk

Eurosonic Noorderslag Groningen 13-16 January

More than just a music festival, Eurosonic styles itself as a key exchange and networking platform for European music. Combine music and discovery at the Central East European themed 2016 edition.

Winternachten International Literature Festival The Hague 14-17 January Perfect for literature and culture enthusiasts, this event brings together Dutch and international authors around the slogan ‘Hello Darkness’. Film viewings, themed discussions, and poetry readings converge as the festival ‘goes in search of the face of evil’. Early bird tickets available until 15 December.

www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl

InterClassics Car Show Realisme Art Fair Maastricht 14-17 Amsterdam January 21-24 January

www.ic-tm.nl 10 | access | winter

In keeping with the tradition of Dutch realism, the Realisme Art Fair showcases contemporary art from both renowned and ­rising artists. Will you be able to distinguish the line between art and reality? www.realismeamsterdam.com

Photo: Winternachten

Celebrating 100 years of BMW and British Royals Bentley & Rolls Royce, this show is dedicated to classic cars and the top end of the car market. Marvel at the luxury or consider your next purchase?!

www.writersunlimited.nl

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

David Bowie Exhibition Groningen Until March 2016

Photo: John Robert Rowlands

Get up close and intimate with the famous singer through this fasci­ nating multimedia experience. Curated by London’s V&A Museum, more than 300 objects from Bowie’s personal archives - from costumes and photographs to handwritten lyrics – combine to form a true piece of modern pop history.

www.delftblues.nl

Cycling and Walking Fair Utrecht 20-21 February Completely embraced Dutch culture and love your bike? Go one step further at the Cycling and Walking Fair, where you can check out the newest products and trends. Don’t worry, there is a bicycle test track set up should you want to make a purchase!

Photo: fotoboom.nl

Delft is taken over by blues music with over 50 live performances and 30 participating cafés. The program also invites you to get involved through activities like a harmonica workshop or a blues quiz on Sunday.

Expect a star-studded roster of players at the largest tennis tournament in the Netherlands.

A must not only for the intense matches, but also for the offcourt activities like autograph sessions, fashion shows, and great access to shops and restaurants. Past players have included Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka.

Players for this edition will be made known closer to the date. www.abnamrowtt.nl

www.davidbowie-groningen.nl

Blues Festival Delft 12-13 February

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament Rotterdam 8-14 February

www.fietsenwandelbeurs.com access | winter | 11

Personal training

Upbringing

•

•

Nutrition

Yoga for children

•

•

Mindfulness

Coaching

Posture

•

•

•

Massage

Yoga

Kinetics advice

WWW.BLOOMdenHaag.nL

Community news

welcoming a new network There is, of course, our Counselling Services Network (CSN)– the historic heart of ACCESS – and the dedicated teams behind our Helpdesk, among the many teams which make up ACCESS. In 2016 we introduce the ACCESS Trainers Network (ATN), a group of professionals each offering a specific service which we believe to be of interest, and in need, within the international commu­ nity of the Netherlands. The ser­ vices these professional trainers will offer will vary from coaching, to professional development, to birth preparation, language skills and much more. We have ‘vetted’ them if you will, and take pride in providing them with a platform from er which to reach, and b m e M serve the commu­ of ng nity we also, serve.

Traini rk Want to know more, o Netw or perhaps interested in being a part of this network? Feel free to contact ced@access-nl.org for more information. «

PhOtO: ACCeSS vOlunteer

the ACCeSS family has many cousins. All working to serve the differing needs and interests of the community.

access | winter | 13

Community News

New year,

photos: MonyArt

photos: andré meyer - vitali

new fairs

There are two times of the year when new internationals, expats, arrive. One is in the autumn, the other, at the start of the year. Until recently, most ‘welcome expat fairs’ have taken place in the autumn period.

14 | access | winter

Next year, 2016, we are happy to share that there will be two fairs, in The Hague and in Amsterdam, taking place at the start of the year. For new, just new and not so new internationals these are great opportunities to see what is on hand for your life here in the Netherlands, and meet people who have travelled that path before or have something to help you navigate the process of getting settled. ACCESS will be at both and we look forward to being a part of your ‘landing’ process.

For The Hague (and surround­ ings): on 31 January in City Hall of The Hague, the ‘Feel at Home Fair’ For greater Amsterdam: on 5 March at the Westergasfabriek, the ‘I am Expat Fair’ Mark your calendars, register ahead of time online for your FREE tickets, (see ads on pages 40 and 54), and make a point of investing in discovering what there is to make this, your home. «

Introducing the ‘orange pages’ Earlier in this issue you will have read about the return to the print version of the ACCESS magazine. In review­ ing the role of the magazine to the community at large, we concluded that what was missing were ‘classi­ fieds’: low threshold opportunities for community initiatives, small busi­ nesses and starting expat-preneurs to communicate their services, events, workshops and the like. It is for this reason that we are happy to share that in the new printed version of our magazine we have set aside space for YOU to reach the community. We introduce ‘the orange pages’. Do you have an event coming up, a workshop planned, a special service? Then please do get in touch with us for details, and planning. We sincerely hope these pages can supplement the marketing and sharing of your initia­ tives which you may no doubt also be doing with social media. Taken together: web and print we are con­ fident your message will get out. « access | winter | 15

Cover story

Energy in the Netherlands

16 | access | winter

Watching leaping flames while drawing warmth from an open fire is a great way to cosy up inside at the end of a cold day. Luckily, gone are the days when we needed to rely solely on fire as our source of heating.

Now we can have heat at the flick of a switch.

by Angela Henderson-Eldering

When you light a fire, the correlation between source, output and consump­ tion is directly evident. But when you flick that switch for heat, cooling or light, do you ever stop to consider the source of the energy?

With declining fossil fuels, increasing demands and the need to reduce green­ house gas (GHG) emissions, the sub­ ject of energy is high on the agenda for governments, industry and households the world over.

photo: Pixaby

A look back over time

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the Dutch and Flemish dominated the Western European economy and were famous for the use of wind technology.

The classic windmills we see today pay homage to this historical period. And, the canals we see around us have a lot to do with peat, another major source of energy from that time period. With the Industrial Revolution however, coal took over as the major energy source. » access | winter | 17

Cover story | Energy in the Netherlands

....the energy research and development capacities (in the Netherlands) are world class.

By the mid-1900s, petroleum and n­atural gas reserves were discovered , with the Dutch being the first country to drill for gas in the North Sea. The Groningen gas field located near Slochteren was discovered in 1959 and is the largest known natural gas field in Europe. Following induced earth­ quakes increasingly taking place in Groningen the output from this gas field is being hotly contested.

The first nuclear reactor, located at Borssele in Zeeland was introduced in 1973and still provides 4% of the nation’s electricity needs. There were plans made early in the 2000s to close down this reactor but they have since been scrapped, and a second unit is being proposed.

Things as they are today

Energy has long been a major economic driver in the Netherlands. Today, the energy sector generates billions per year and accounts for 10.9% of the GDP. 18 | access | winter

According to the 2014 IEA review of the Netherlands’ energy policies the Netherlands remains one of the most fossil fuel and CO2-intensive econo­ mies among IEA (International Energy Agency) member countries.

Primary energy consumption by fuel - 2011

%

Gas

43

Oil

42

Coal

10

Renewable energy

4

Nuclear

1

Source: EEA (2013)

Energy consumers – 2011 Petajoule (pj) Manufacturing

1252 PJ

Households and other ­consumers

1083 PJ

Energy companies

673 PJ

Transport

488 PJ

Source: Energy Report 2011

There are a number of factors forcing the move towards a greater reliance on clean tech, sustainable and renewable energy. These factors include: the decline of the natural gas supply (by 2025 it is estimated that the Netherlands will move away from being a net exporter to a net importer of gas); the commit­ ment to the European Renewable Energy Directive where the Netherlands’

agreed goal is to obtain 14% of energy from renewable sources by 2020 and 16% by 2023, and the commitment to the EU ambition of reducing carbon emission by between 80­90% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. There is how­ ever, still much work to be done if the renewables shared target of 14% is to be reached by 2020. In 2005, it was 2.3% and in fact increased to 4.5% in 2013.

Innovations taking place

Parallel to the scenario sketched above though, the Dutch do promote an innovative and entrepreneurial society.

In fact, the energy research and develop­ ment capacities are world class. Here are just a few examples of what is currently happening in the Netherlands: The Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) is the largest energy research institute in the country. Some of the key areas they are currently focussing on are: solar power, wind energy, biomass and energy efficiency.

• In preparing for the gas decline and

•

•

ensuring supply security, Rotterdam is home to the Gate (Gas Access to Europe) terminal for LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) storage.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs encourages the production of renewable energy through the Sustainable Energy Incentive Scheme (SDE+).

The Rotterdam Climate Did Initiative (RCI) is a leader you k now in the field of carbon The Net herland ... s capture and storage have 14 % of en aims to ergy renewa (CCS), which is the » ble sour from ces by 2020.

PhOtO: www.hOllAnDtrADe.COm 2013

•

access | winter | 19

• Wind power is

Lansink’s ladder - the waste hierarchy

A Reduce B Re-use C Recycling D Energy

•

E Incineration F Landfill

source: recycling.nl

c­ apture, reuse, transport and under­ ground storage of carbon dioxide resulting in negative emissions of CO2. They are also working with Abengoa Energie, a biofuels producer, combining bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to ­mitigate greenhouse gas.

20 | access | winter

currently the most important source of renewable elec­ tricity with on-shore and off-shore wind turbines currently producing around 3,000 MW per annum.

The Hamwells e-shower is a Dutch innovation where the shower water is circulated, saving you 90% on water and energy. During the circulation pro­ cess, it is purified and filtered. It’s one of many nomina­ tions in the Clean & Affordable Energy ­category for the Accenture Innovation Awards 2015.

The storage of energy generated by renewable energy has long been an issue. The inability to store it ­economically means that fossil fuel sources take over at times. Ecovat® is an energy storage system that ­provides a viable solution to this

•

Cover story | Energy in the Netherlands

problem. It provides storage for energy from renewable sources for up to six months with only a 10% loss over that time.

What can you do?

Next time you flick a switch in your home, think about the energy source.

Energieverlijken.nl allows you to find and compare suppliers, as well as to review the sustainability of their sources. As a consumer in the Netherlands, your energy supplier is your choice, so you can make your own choice on where your energy comes from and, of course how you use it.

When it comes to how we can look at our own ‘energy’ consumption or waste production, Lansik’s Ladder is a useful tool. This was named after the Dutch politician, Ad Lansink, who pro­ posed it, and is now an internationally accepted standard in waste manage­ ment. Households in the Netherlands are very familiar with sorting their waste – and it is something every new arrival can adapt to easily. There are bins for paper, plastics, glass, ­compost, batteries, and then one for

photo: www.hollandtrade.com 2013

There are a number of factors forcing the move towards a greater reliance on clean tech, sustainable and renewable energy. the rest (for more tips on recycling see the Lifestyle article in the ACCESS Spring 2016 e-zine entitled ‘Living ­sustainably in the city’. Did you know that the majority of the ‘rest’ of gar­ bage is ­actually incinerated and con­ verted into sustainable energy during that process? «

About the author Angela Henderson-Eldering is a freelancer who lives out east ­enjoying life away from the hustle and bustle of the Randstad. access | winter | 21

16TH EDITION

THE HOLLAND HANDBOOK® 2015–2016 2015 The Indispensable Guide for Expatriates in the Netherlands

264 full color pages of dutch history

and culture • employment law • legal, tax and financial matters • transportation • daily life • kids healthcare • • international education • leisure and cultural activities

price e

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Available at the major book stores and www.hollandbooks.nl

to order bulk quantities please contact: XPat Media Tel.: 070 306 33 10 • Fax: 070 306 33 11 E-mail: info@xpat.nl

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Innovative International Education

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

Then connecting women is for you!

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

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

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

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

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

I: www.ishthehague.nl

T +31(0)70 328 1450

Health & Wellbeing

I have just come back from an appointment at my new ‘organic dentist’ in Osdorp.

Now, if you’re like me, and a lot of other people, you go to the dentist/hygienist every 6 months for a check up and a clean. Why? To prevent tooth decay, pain and gum disease. You make changes to your cleaning regime to help lower the risks.

Updates new norm

Your winter health check

by Joyce Bergsma

As a nutritional therapist, I understand the importance of dental health; how­ ever, it’s not the only part of our bodies that need attention. Especially as the weather changes, a lot of my clients find their needs change.

We tend to service our cars regularly to prevent inconvenient breakdowns and expensive repairs. We install anti-virus software on our computers to ensure we can keep working, or update our phones to prevent them crashing, but why not do this sort of a check on our bodies? » access | winter | 23

Health & wellbeing

We all struggle to ‘do the right thing’ for our bodies. You may feel you have no time, it’s raining, you’re too stressed or it’s hereditary... so why bother?

Think long-term

“As I see it, every day you do one of two things; build health or produce disease in yourself.”

What is less obvious, but equally true, is that maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent diabetes. Eating enough protein helps maintain a healthy mood. Avoiding bread and pasta is recommended for those who are intolerant to gluten.

24 | access | winter

My concern is that we are caught up in short­term thinking, even though we’re here for the long­term. The aver­ age life expectancy in the Netherlands is 81.4 years. Wouldn’t you rather spend that time active, energetic and healthy?

My grandmother is turning 97 this year and until she was 91 she was living on her own and has had very few health problems. She lived an active, hard­ working life with wholesome food.

As renowned nutritionist Adelle Davis famously said, “As I see it, every day you do one of two things; build health or produce disease in yourself.”

So, let’s look to those great examples in our lives, like my grandmother and Adelle Davis, let’s apply what we already use with our dentist, our com­ puters, our phones and our cars and give ourselves a Winter Health Check.

Make an appointment with yourself for a health check this week, and again in 3 months. Make sure you’ve doing these things to improve your health and happiness this winter:

• Be sure to stay hydrated to keep your skin healthy and your mood up, despite the short days. Focus on herbal teas or hot water and lemon and lots of soups • Avoid the winter blues by investing in a blue or white SAD light www.sad.org • Fill your plate at meal times with lots of colourful vegetables so you get lots of vitamins and minerals to ward off colds. Ginger, turmeric, lemons and garlic have great antiinflammatory or anti-bacterial properties.

• Sprouts are a great way to get com­

pact nutrients into you; sprinkled on salads or soups or blended into smoothies.

• Include more healthy fats such as coconut oil or butter for cooking (don’t let it smoke or it has damag­ ing effects on your cells) and seed oils for after the heat is turned off... you may find you no longer crave so many stodgy fried or heavy ‘winter foods’ as before.

• Snack on nuts and seeds, veggies and hummous, boiled eggs or smoothies for even energy through­ out the day and to avoid frequent colds and flus If you then find you struggle to do it on your own or need specific advice, then contact a professional to help point you in the right direction.

So what are you going to do today… build health or produce disease?

Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” «

About the author Joyce Bergsma – an ACCESS Trainer and Nutritional Therapist works with clients to change their habits, regain energy and improve their mood. www.eatlivelovefood.com access | winter | 25

Law | Partner feature

Maintenance payments for less than 12 years?

Reality or just a plan?

by Susan Meijler

We often get questions about the maximum period for spousal maintenance payments. “I have already been paying maintenance for 3 years, when can I stop, hasn’t something changed?”.

The answer is no, unfortunately.

The current legislation still stipu­ lates that in the event of divorce, a partner entitled to maintenance can claim a contribution to living costs for a maximum of 12 years after the divorce.

For the record, under the current legislation, if a marriage has lasted less than 5 years and no children were born from the marriage, the maximum period for maintenance payments is equal to the duration of the marriage.

26 | access | winter

Does case law already make any difference and what does the draft legislation contain?

The current 12­year scheme is already more than 20 years old.

So prior to 1994, it was even possi­ ble that maintenance had to be paid on a life­long basis. Now there is a new legislative proposal which is to be debated in the Dutch Parliament.

An important change in the legis­ lative draft regarding the current regulations is that the basis for maintenance is no longer solidarity, but rather ’compensation for the loss of earning capacity arisen during the marriage’. This means that it must be determined to what extent someone has been put at a disadvantage in his/her career or earning capacity because of the mar­ riage. The maximum in mind here is 5 years of maintenance, but there will be exceptions. Someone who can demonstrate that they have performed care duties for children, for instance, while the partner was able to earn income and was not prevented from doing so can claim maintenance for a longer period.

In this context, the link is made that the marriage must have lasted more

than 15 years. In that case, the main­ tenance period could be extended to 10 years. An exception will in all likelihood also be made for situa­ tions in which the youngest child has not yet reached the age of 12.

One aspect which is certainly a positive development – and cur­ rently impossible – is setting down the duration of a maintenance period in a pre­ or post­nuptial agreement. I assume that the exclu­ sion altogether of any maintenance claims will also be possible in pre­ or post­nuptial agreements.

We are often asked what conse­ quences this legislative proposal will have for existing cases. In other words, will it change anything for people already paying or receiving maintenance?

070 361 5048 www.gmw.nl/en

The legislative proposal assumes: the provisions will apply only for new cases. The Dutch Parliament may still make amendments, how­ ever, which could stipulate that maintenance obligations already determined may be eligible for reassessment even if there is no change in the circumstances. « access | winter | 27

Food

If you want to be in the kitchen, you ought to learn how to play with fire; safely, that is.

Apart from the flame of a gas stovetop and the blistering heat of the oven, there’s another kind of flame that can aid you in making delicious things like this crème brûlée, a baked custard –in this case a mandarin-flavored one– with a top layer of sugar that is cara­ melized with a blow torch. Hearing that crack of the spoon going in is the ultimate reward for the cook and the ultimate joy for those who’ll savour it.

Go on then, get your blowtorch out and fire things up. *I also give instructions on how to ­caramelise the sugar in the oven if you don’t have a blowtorch.

In a large bowl, add the egg yolks, eggs, caster sugar and mandarin juice.

by Magdalini Zografou

Mandarin crème brûlée 28 | access | winter

Whisk lightly, until the eggs break apart and the ingredients are blended.

In a medium saucepan, add the cream and mandarin zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to simmer. Turn the heat off and let steep for 35­40 minutes.

Preheat oven to 175°C. Reheat the cream, stirring often, until it just starts to simmer. Turn the heat off and slowly pour the warm cream over the egg mixture, whisking quickly and continuously. Add the vanilla and salt. Whisk to combine. Pour through a fine sieve and into another large bowl.

Place the ramekins into a large baking pan. Fill each ramekin to ¾ full with the custard. Fill the baking pan with enough boiling water to come ¾ up the sides of the ramekins. Cover with aluminum foil. Place the pan on the lower rack of the oven.

Bake the custards until just set, about 20 minutes. Check they are done by gently touching the center of the cus­ tard with your finger. It needs to be wobbly but set, not liquid. Remove the ramekins from the pan, place on a wire

rack and allow the custards to cool. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for about 3 hours.

You can keep the cus­ tards covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days.

I n g re d i

en

ts yield: 8 ramekin s (= 1 litre o f c u s ta rd ) • 5 large e gg yolks • 3 large e ggs • 110g cas ter sugar • 120ml m

andarin ju ice (from 3 la rge mand ar • 590ml cr eam, full­ ins) fat • 20g man darin zes t (from 6 la rge mand arins) • 1 tsp van illa extrac t • ½ tsp sa lt • Extra su gar, caramel t for the opping

To serve, take them out of the fridge, sprinkle with enough sugar to cover the tops and brûlée them: With a blowtorch: turn it on to high and burn the sugar with swift, swirling motions, until golden­brown and hard.

In the oven: turn on the grill to high and once hot, place the custards on the top rack (the one closer to the grill).

Allow the sugar to caramelize for 1­2 minutes, until golden­brown and hard.

Serve immediately. «

About the chef Magdalini Zografou is a Greek girl cooking in her little expat kitchen in the Netherlands. mylittleexpatkitchen.blogspot.com access | winter | 29

Education

Raising a multilingual child:

the myths and possibilities Language is a major challenge for any international parent. Should you speak different languages to your child at home?

Will your child be able to pick up another language at school? Will a mixture of languages hinder their development?

by Gemma Gahan

The myths

In the past, the general consensus was that multilingual children were at a disadvantage: their development hindered by two or more conflicting languages, bilinguals were thought to be slower to exhibit certain complex turns of phrases, and generally know less vocabulary and grammar than monolinguals. Nowadays however, we know this is simply not true. In fact, in international communities, even the word ‘bilingual’ itself can be limiting. According to a UNESCO report on mother tongue based multi­ lingual education, around two thirds of the world’s children grow up speak­ ing and hearing multiple languages.

So rather than a challenge, multilin­ gualism is a fact of modern human life.

30 | access | winter

Misconceptions surrounding bilingual­ ism often arise due to the difficulty of measuring language competency.

The measurement unit is the ‘native’ speaker, a standard impossible to define. Think of accents, regional vari­ ations, dialects… The divide between American and British English! Even within groups of native speakers there is considerable vari­ ation in language use.

Of course, we still need references to facilitate communi­ cation, to make sure written lan­ guage is under­ standable to as many speakers of a common tongue as possible. As a parent, just remember that a mul­ tilingual

child is at a disadvantage on stan­ dardised language tests; not because their language isn’t good enough, but because they may know or use lan­ guage differently to what the test is measuring. Languages are often used for different functions (school, home, work life), so it’s unrealistic to expect identical fluency across all languages and areas.

The context

An amazing variety of factors

Interested in learning more?

• On Raising Bilingual Children – website and blog of The • • •

Hague based educational consultant, Eowyn Crisfield. onraisingbilingualchildren.com The Benefits of Multilingualism - www.multilingualliving.com Bilingualism Matters – A centre for the study of multilingualism that aims to help people make informed decisions based on scientific evidence. www.bilingualism-matters.ppls.ed.ac.uk Multilingual Living www.multilingualliving.com

impact the acquisition of a language: age, context of use, frequency of con­ tact with the language, a child’s learning style. Although it’s impossible to keep track of all these vari­ ables, what you can do to help your child is monitor and to create »

Did you k now Worldw ide ther ... e ar more se cond la e now ng than na tive spe uage ak English ers of !

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access | winter | 31

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German International School The Hague

Open your child’s world, expand their horizons.

High Quality Multilingual Education from the ages 3 to 18

www.disdh.nl

Internationally Creative Providing scope and a range of opportunities for students to showcase their talents and gain confidence in their skills and creative abilities.

www.britishschool.nl

Internationally British

Education | Raising a multilingual child

s­ituations where they need to use and value the target language. Motivation is fed by need, and if a child feels a lan­ guage is redundant they are less likely to learn it successfully.

The linguist d’Armand Speers illus­ trated this back in the mid 1990s, when he raised his child speaking both English and the fictional language Klingon from Star Trek. The boy did learn Klingon and used it with his father, but around the age of three he started rejecting the language. He saw his father could speak English, and everybody else around them spoke English, so what was the point? There was no need for him to speak Klingon.

Since his English had also developed normally, his father put an end to the experiment.

What you can take away from this is that children usually do not learn lan­ guages ‘for the sake of it’; in the same way an adult may pick up a language recreationally or as an attempt to improve their employability.

The possibilities

Instilling the value and use of various languages from a young age is invaluable.

Multilingualism …. More than a privileged skill, it’s a necessity.

In addition to personal benefits, on a societal level it means more individu­ als who understand concepts that don’t always exist across languages.

Think of Dutch gezelligheid, French joie de vivre… It means a society heading towards a more flexible world view and a better understanding of diversity across different cultures and people.

Multilingualism is vital in a globalised, connected world. More than a privileged skill, it’s a necessity. Third culture children, global citizens, the perpetual migrants of today are at the heart of constantly evolving communities and fast paced technological develop­ ments. Their world is dynamic, ­flexible, open-minded, and full of ­possibility: and there are as many keys to access it as there are languages. «

About the author Gemma is ACCESS’ Communications Manager. She wrote her master’s thesis on bilingual language acquisition and now explores storytelling through illustration. www.facebook.com/gingersatelier access | winter | 33

Travel

Archaeology in the Netherlands

Ancient traces in the delta Archaeology in the netherlands? where? how? remains from antiquity, temples or columns − you may expect to search for them in vain but you would be surprised. By kArel vriezen Below the surface

PhOtOS: kArel vriezen

Ancient remains visible in other coun­ tries actually are just the ’tip of the iceberg’. Their foundations are hidden under the surface, as the less­monu­ mental remains coexist with them and vestiges of yet earlier ages. These layers of ancient remains are part­and­ parcel of the built­up subsoil, sealed off by the present day surface.

They are the so­called ‘soil­archive’.

34 | access | winter

The difference between the Netherlands and other countries is that here, even the top of the ‘archaeological iceberg’ is below surface, as a consequence of its loca­ tion in a delta area. Over

the centuries, the soil sank down west­ wards but the surface was continu­ ously added to with layers of gravel and sand brought from inner Europe by the rivers Meuse and Rhine, with added layers of clay and silt deposited by transgressions of the sea, and with wind-blown sediments like the dunes at the sea-shore. In between these l­ayers archaeological remains from successive ages are also found.

A second difference is the fact that – with a few exceptions (e.g. Roman Nijmegen, Noviomagus) – before the Middle Ages, buildings were built with wood, which in due time, decayed and became like soil again.

of subsoil remains, using techniques as probing drills, ‘underground radar’, trial trenches, etc. This reconnaissance resulted in a map with over twenty archaeological sites, of which some of the most promising ones were exca­ vated, while in other areas, parks were planned to keep the sites undisturbed for future excavation. »

The difference between the Netherlands and other countries is that here, even the top of the ’archaeological iceberg’ is below the surface.

Revelations

photos: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden Leiden

A fine example is the large-scale build­ ing site of Leidsche Rijn, west of Utrecht, where in 1997 – 2025, the construction of a new city for 100,000 people was started. Until the project started, the area was typical country­ side: two villages, meadows, orchards and greenhouses. Apart from an army camp (castellum) there in Roman times, into which two small-scale excavations were made, there were no hints of archaeological remains in the area.

However, before building, an extensive exploration was carried out in search access | winter | 35

PhOtOS: riJkSmuSeum vAn OuDheDen leiDen

Did ow... n k u yo r archae t a w r e d that un only is carried ot rs eology n but also in rive ea, e near g d out in s i r b man (e.g. Ro uijk)?

C

Now that the project has proceeded halfway, a very rich picture of former habitation has

Useful websites Hoge Woerd www.castellumhogewoerd.nl • Castellum (only in Dutch) van Oudheden (National Museum • Rijksmuseum of Antiquities), Leiden www.rmo.nl Pierson Museum, Amsterdam • Allard www.allardpiersonmuseum.nl het Valkhof, Nijmegen • Museum www.museumhetvalkhof.nl the Dom in Utrect www.domunder.com • Under experience 9000 years of history of the Netherlands • Archeon: www.archeon.nl 36 | access | winter

come to light. In Roman times, besides the castellum, there was a chain of watchtowers along the river Rhine, which in those days made its course here and functioned as the northern border of the Roman Empire. Besides these army sites, an infrastructure of civil habitation was excavated, as well as six Roman shipwrecks. Finds also revealed that the Roman soldiers con­ sumed a varied diet of domesticated and wild animals, fishes and plants.

The farmhouses that gradually spread over the area originate from the Middle Ages with more and more being built with bricks as time went on.

Travel | Archaeology in the Netherlands

Besides these army sites, an infrastructure of civil habitation was excavated, as well as six Roman shipwrecks.

Today, these archaeological finds can be visited and experienced at Castellum Hoge Woerd. In the on-site rebuilt Roman castellum, one of the ancient shipwrecks is on show: a 25-metre long flat bottom, together with the captain’s tool chest including ham­ mers, saws, chisels, nails, parts of his furniture, shoes, etc. Now and then storytellers bring local history to life, and ‘Roman soldiers’ march the area again. The local antiquarian society and Utrecht’s archaeological depart­ ment organise lectures and shows, with streets named to remind you of the area’s history.

This example of Leidsche Rijn stands for many cities and localities in the Netherlands, where archaeological remains are present, excavated, pre­ served underground, or in expositions.

Just like trees have deep roots which sustain them, the Palaeolithic finds

photos: Aafke Holwerda

To be marvelled at

(250,000 BC) in Maastricht-Belvédère and the WW-II battlefield remains on the Grebbeberg), remind us that pre­ sent day life is rooted in history. And, that even if you do not expect to find archaeological treasure in a country largely below sea-level, there is in fact much to discover, and explore. «

About the author Karel Vriezen, retired lecturer from Utrecht University ­(archaeological fieldwork in Wijk bij Duurstede, Hilvarenbeek, Bavaria, Palestine and Jordan). access | winter | 37

Education | Partner feature

Water for All

BSn supports a school in east Africa Supporting those less fortunate than ourselves is a value that’s actively encouraged at the British School in the netherlands (BSn). Providing students with opportunities to challenge themselves, whilst helping others, is embedded in the school’s ethos.

Life changing visit

070 315 4077 www.britishschool.nl

This summer, a team of Senior School students returned from a life­ changing month in East Africa. The Ndege School in Kenya is situated in a small rural village in Njoro, north­ west of Nairobi. The school has been supported by the BSN since 2010, and from 2012 onwards the relation­ ship has been further strengthened with the visit of an annual working party visiting each summer. The group of thirteen Year 12 students spent the year raising money in order to fund the projects planned for the school during their visit.

38 | access | winter

This year the provision of drinking water was a priority. Adequate sanitation and clean fresh water can be in short supply at Ndege school, particularly during the dry season, so the decision was taken to invest part of the money raised from this year’s project into the construction of a 5,000 litre water tank. In addi­ tion to this vital new resource, the BSN students laid the foundations for a new primary classroom – an undertaking which has since been completed and is now being used

by Year 1 students. The money raised also paid for a toilet block and a huge range of books and teaching resources for the Primary School Library – constructed by BSN students who visited in 2013.

Foundations and walls were also built for a Science Laboratory and recent donations from BSN families have paid for the roof to be completed.

The rewards

The students returned from Kenya with a very different outlook on the world, having experienced first­ hand the direct impact their fund­ raising and hard work can bring to a community and that, despite

extreme poverty, happiness was evident. While reflecting on the success of Project Africa 2015, the words of Anne Frank come to mind as she said that “no one has ever become poor by giving.”

Providing opportunities such as this helps to ensure BSN students develop into well­rounded, reflec­ tive and positive individuals. Each year nearly all of the students in the Project Africa Team use the trip as a way to complete elements of their Gold ‘International Award’.

Comprised of three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – this globally rec­ ognised award programme offers young people the opportunity to participate in a series of challenging activities to broaden their skills and horizons. Last year the BSN had more students engaged in the pro­ gramme than any other school in the Netherlands. «

The students returned from Kenya with a very different outlook on the world.

access | winter | 39

For global citizens with local needs.

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.

Book your free ticket at IamExpatFair.nl

Address Westergasfabriek, Pazzanistraat 37, 1014 DB, Amsterdam

Public transport Tram 10 (stop Van Limburg Stirumstraat) or Bus 21 (stop Van Hallstraat)

Parking QPark, Van Bleiswijkstraat 8, 1051 DG, Amsterdam

More practical info on IamExpatFair.nl/visitor-info

Lifestyle

Driving force of a new era DEBORAH VALENTINE WITH HARMEN VAN SPRANG

During a conversation with a friend I discovered the Time Bank, a place where one can earn credits by giving of their time, and use those credits to ‘buy’ someone else’s time (skill, ser­ vice etc.). It was my first contact with what I now know is referred to as a ‘collaborative economy’, of which the sharing economy is part. In the words of Harmen van Sprang, co-founder of ShareNL “...an economic system of decentralized networks and market­ places that unlock the value of under­ used assets by matching needs and haves, in ways that bypass traditional institutional middlemen.” Another term I came across while researching this further, was that of collaborative economy, a term coined by Rachel Botsman, who in an interview on BBC

About the author Harmen van Sprang is co-founder of @share_NL; @sharingcity and @sharingweek. For more information about him & his ­passion visit www.shareNL.nl

shared that technology is actually ­t aking us back to ‘old behaviours’, where we connect, and share, and exchange with those close to us and where we are connecting more with one another, and building the next new capital: trust.

In my research I discovered Harmen, of ShareNL who maintains that “…the sharing economy in the Netherlands is thriving. More and more people expe­ rience the benefits of sharing and rent­ ing underutilized goods and services from each other. And it makes perfect sense: why own a drill when you can borrow one from a neighbour for example? With this shift from owner­ ship to access, production and con­ sumption are rapidly changing. The sharing economy is a driving force of a new era, which could very well lead to a more social, sustainable and economically sound society.”

Harmen and his co-founder Pieter van de Glind at ShareNL have put together a list for ACCESS of the various ­examples around in the Netherlands, inviting us to be a part of a new way of connecting, consuming, sharing and meeting people. Will you be a part of it? » access | winter | 41

Lifestyle | Driving force of a new era

Below, a selection of sharing economy initiatives, with English pages, active in the Netherlands. Download a more comprehensive list, including the sharing of energy, books, children’s clothing and much more here.

Products

Floow2 - Making it possible for busi­ ness to share idle equipment and facil­ ities with each other. www.floow2.com

Fiksers - Find things, organize help and fix it together. www.fiksers.com

iKringloop - Don’t throw away that old chair but give it a new life by giving it to your neighbour or donating it to a local charity. www.ikringloop.com/english

Jobado - Ask a handy neighbour with time and talent to take care of the things you don’t have time for or feel like doing yourself. www.jobado.nl (scroll down for English selection)

Peerby - Borrow the things you need from p ­ eople in your neighbourhood. www.peerby.com

Pawshake - Find a pet lover to take care of your pet. www.pawshake.nl (scroll down for English selection)

Rewear - Wear and share designer clothes and accessories. For women only. www.rewear.co

Transportation

BlaBlaCar - Connecting people who need to travel with drivers who have empty seats. www.blablacar.com

Services

3D Hubs - Connecting people to 3D printing ­providers all over the world. www.3dhubs.com Barqo - Connecting captains who have a boat to sailors who want to sail. www.barqo.co/en

42 | access | winter

Cycleswap - Rent or list your bicycle. www.cycleswap.nl MyWheels - Rent a car in your neigh­ bourhood or rent out your own car. www.mywheels.nl (scroll down for English selection)

Uber - Connecting riders to drivers. www.uber.com

Parkyourcar - Share your parking space and contribute to car free cities. www.parkyourcar.com

Logistics

PickThisUp - A carpool platform for stuff: delivery by peers. www.pickthisup.nl Spaces

Airbnb - Rent a place to stay from a local host. Or become a host yourself by renting out your own home. www.airbnb.com Couchsurfing - Find a host to stay and/ or connect with travellers from all over the world. www.couchsurfing.com Huizenruil (HomeExchange.com) Exchange your home with another ­person or family. www.homeexchange.com HomeForExchange.com - Exchange your home with someone else. www.homeforexchange.com Mobypark - Share your parking space with any car driver and save money and the environment. www.mobypark.com Parku - Book nearby parking spaces, for ­business, leisure and/or travel. parku.nl

Seats2Meet.com - Offline and online platform connecting professionals.

Co-working spaces. www.seats2meet.com (scroll down for English selection) Food

Thuisafgehaald (ShareYourMeal) Share your cooking with people in the neighbourhood. www.shareyourmeal.net WithLocals - Connecting people through food and experiences. www.withlocals.com Care

WeHelpen - Matches people in need of help with local caregivers and volun­ teers. www.wehelp.world Knowledge

Konnektid - Connects you with skilled people nearby that can teach you some­ thing, inspire you, or help you. www.konnektid.com Money

Oneplanetcrowd - Crowdfunding of sustainable, social and/or societal projects. www.oneplanetcrowd.com/en access | winter | 43

Family

“Can you pak the milk for me?” “i don’t have any zin in that.” “would you lees this for me?” i am sure that to many this sounds familiar if you are raising your children bilingually.

By JAne ArCher-wilmS

mama, do English and Dutch animals speak the same language?

4 4 | access | winter

In our case, it’s the classic Denglish combo. In our years BC (before children), my husband and I did not give much thought to how we would raise our future children language­wise. Our home language was English, mainly because my Dutch mostly consisted of a hearty eet smakkelijk lijk, a comical slaap lekker hoor and a stuttered gefeliciteerd gefeliciteerd.

I have frequently wondered why the British are often so abysmal at speak­ ing other languages (apologies for the sweeping generalisation) and the Dutch, for example, so good at it.

I came to the logical conclusion that many people whose first language is English are simply not exposed to another language at an early age.

Indeed, I think the only foreign-lan­ guage influence during my childhood­ was ‘baguette’ and ‘pâté’ (often together). The Dutch are surrounded

by English from an early age through music, television, films and now the internet, so their brains become more susceptible for learning a new lan­ guage throughout their lives.

This, in part, is what inspired me and Marlies Veenhof to write our series of bilingual children’s books.

Unforeseen challenges

Writing the books, in both English and Dutch, proved challenging in ways that we had not expected. We tried hard to stay true to each language in its own right; yet while doing so we discovered that there are so many nuances and cultural references attached to each language that do not easily translate.

Our editing process takes an age: is ‘fart’ a decent enough translation for windje laten? (yes), can we translate p­offertjes to ‘little pancakes’? (yes), is ‘conker’ understood throughout the English-speaking world? (who knows?).

Bilingualism stimulates lots of inter­ esting questions, so when my four year old son asked “Mama, do English and

Dutch animals speak the same lan­ guage?”, it gave us the idea to write Rembrandt & Kiki op de boerderij/at the Farm, and include the different inter­ pretations of animal sounds in the two languages (did you know Dutch chick­ ens say toktoktok but English chickens say bokbokbok?).

We hope the books work in a number of ways for bilingual families. The free audiobooks on the Rembrandt & Kiki website further ensure that children hear the story spoken in its mothertongue, in case the parents are not bilingual. For bilingual children, the stories are great fun to hear in both languages. My sons grab the book and ask Papa to read if they want the story in Dutch, and I get the honour if they fancy the English version.

The boys are so lucky to be bilingual relatively effortlessly and I hope that the Rembrandt & Kiki series goes some way to promoting and supporting bilingualism in other families. «

About the author Jane Archer-Wilms is co-author of the Rembrandt & Kiki series.

More information and to order: www.rembrandtkiki.com. access | winter | 45

Shopping

Staying warm, and dry

By ChriStOPher An-trAumer

Yaktrax Pro Slipping on the pavement by your house is painful and embarrassing. The YakTrax uses rubber clasps and steal springs to keep you more sure-footed on snow and ice. Link

€ 2 7 95

Lots of pocket-size chargers can bring a dead mobile phone back to life. This 3-in-1 charger can also jump-start your car or SUV multiple times on a single charge. Rapidly charge any mobile device with its 2.1 Amp USB output.

It also does triple duty as an LED flashlight. Link

The Pajamas warming Pouch 0

7 €36

Cobra JumPack

€ 1 19 48 | access | winter

Many of us don’t have a dryer in our homes, but worry not. This pajamas-warming pouch has a heating element that can reach up to 48 degrees celcius on only 50 watts of power. Link

North Face runners 1 etip gloves

€30

With a wicked interior, silicone print palm for excellent grip and touchscreen capability, these are the perfect gloves for anyone venturing outdoors during these next few months.

And let’s be honest, they would match with any Oranjegekte outfit. Link

Stadler Form ultrasonic humidifier There are dozens of humidifiers on the market, but many are prone to mould and some are difficult to clean. Not this humidifier it’s beautiful and comes in a wide variety of colours so it won’t look out of place. Link

€ 1 19 for many of us the cold winter weather has arrived and that means dealing with the rain, the cold and cabin fever. But don’t let the dreary weather put a damper on your mood and creative spirit, embrace human innovation and invest in products that will help you overcome the challenges of winter.

€ 29 5

I’ll admit it - I do not get how this thing works. You may wonder how it can possibly blow air without fan blades. But it does, and it functions equally well as a fan as it does a heater. Best of all, it does this without potentially dangerous heating elements or blades. Link

If you’ve been out playing in the cold and wet weather or have just biked back from work, even the best shoes can end up getting a bit on the wet side. With this gadget, you can easily pop two pairs of shoes on and get them both warm and dry. Link

DryGuy Thermanator boot and shoe dryer

€ 55

Dyson Hot and Cool access | winter | 49

Education | Partner feature

Ph

J u l ie t OtO S :

eerDew t e vA n

iJ k

new beginnings i would like to introduce myself. i am Juliette van eerdewijk, the new Primary Principal at the international School of the hague.

I was born and raised in the Netherlands and decided in 1988 to go abroad, finding my first job abroad in Indonesia. My story is not unusual in the international world, but I didn’t realise at the time, that this decision would change my life forever.

48 | access | winter

What started as an idea to discover the world, became a life long jour­ ney of joy, wonder and learning.

Joy, because in the 27 years of being abroad I have met so many amazing people from different cultures, who welcomed me into their lives, shared their histories and dreams, their cultures and thoughts. Together we celebrated, and supported one another.

Wonder, as I came to see the natural beauty of this world – which has

resulted in my hobby as a photographer. Capturing beauty, in particular the flora and fauna of this world.

Taking the time to process the images, remains my form of relaxation in a busy world.

Learning, as I discovered the world of international education.

Challenging and questioning the ways we are teaching and learning, eager to find ways to make learning much more effective and useful, meaningful and engaging and see­ ing ideas come and go. Involving children in the process of learning and developing their own sense of how they learn best and what works for them. Helping them link learn­ ing instead of isolated bits of knowledge that don’t make a whole.

Full circle

International education brings all of the above together for me. The phrase ‘International mindedness’ is often used and embraces so many different layers that I wonder if I will ever get a full understanding of its true meaning. It encompasses a whole range of values and attitudes, as well as knowledge and skills and

What started as an idea to discover the world, became a life long journey of joy, wonder and learning. emotional intelligence. The ability to see and experience what is going on in the world for a number of years in a country brings a different form of empathy and understand­ ing. Experiencing cultures that are far removed from your own only strengthens and deepens the way you look at issues and challenges that faces the international world and therefore the world of interna­ tional education.

I see these reflected in our school, the International School of The Hague and I am proud to be part of that school community. Our strength is our international mindedness and all the cultures coming together in one place and building a world with its own culture. With our 90 nation­ alities and 63 different languages, we are a very special community that makes ISH what it is.

070 328 1450 www.ishthehague.nl

I am happy to be ‘home’. « access | winter | 49

Community

when was the last time that you felt a sense of acceptance and belonging as you walked into a room full of people?

A global conference comes to the netherlands A welcoming forum

At Families in Global Transition (FIGT) events, globally mobile individuals find others who ‘get them’ and under­ stand the unique joys and challenges of navigating family life abroad.

The organisation’s mission is to pro­ vide a welcoming forum for globally mobile individuals, families, and those working with them. While this ‘welcoming forum’ includes connecting online through Did you k FIGT’s active social media n FIGT 20 ow... community and webinars place fr 16 will take om 10-1 throughout the year, as at De B 2 March aze well as in­person events Amster l in PhOtO: lOiS BuShOng dam hosted by FIGT affiliates FIGT’s main welcoming By emily Have you ever met someone forum is their annual mCDermOtt, fOr figt who was a stranger but quickly conference. became a friend because of your unique, yet shared experiences? Was The three­day conference includes there a time when you looked around thought­provoking keynote speeches, and thought, “I have found my tribe!”? insightful concurrent sessions, and 50 | access | winter

intimate ‘kitchen table’ conversations to honour the legacy of the organisa­ tion’s founder Ruth van Reken, who started FIGT around a kitchen table with like-minded expatriate women in 1998. While historically the con­ ference has been held in the United States, the 2016 conference is moving outside of the U.S. for the first time to Amsterdam from 10-12 March.

“Moving the annual conference to the Netherlands after seventeen years in the United States was an ­intentional decision to help engage our community in a new way, and to bring additional awareness of FIGT to a country with a large expatriate popu­lation”, said Kilian Kröll, FIGT Board President.

2016 theme

The theme of the conference, Moving Across Cultures: Bringing Empathy and Expertise to the Evolving Global Family resonates across all sectors and promises to bring together per­ spectives from global corporations, military and diplomatic services, aca­ demia, arts, missions, cross-cultural service providers and the expatriates themselves. To encourage a diversity of voices at the conference, FIGT offers attractive conference rates and encour­

“ T his conference gave us a sense of purpose, showed us that there’s a huge community out there…” Cecilia Neher, Genius Xpat, 2015 FIGT Conference

ages writers, cross-cultural practitio­ ners, and researchers through three unique programs.

The Parfitt Pascoe Writing Residency offers four budding writers scholar­ ships to the conference, while the FIGT community benefits from the annual publication of their conference experiences. The David C. Pollock Scholarship Fund aims to attract, involve, and educate emerging inter­ cultural leaders by providing them the opportunity to attend the conference and make lasting professional connec­ tions. Finally, the conference hosts a Research Forum and Writers Forum to support important research and writing around the globe.

For more information about the 2016 conference and how to become a part of the collaborative, empathetic, and vibrant FIGT community, please visit www.figt.org « access | winter | 51

Education | Partner feature

the german international School the hague (DiSDh) celebrates

100 Years in the Statenkwartier DiSDh is situated right in the middle of the international zone in beautiful Statenkwartier, one of the most attractive neighbourhoods in the city.

As an international school with students from around the globe, DISDH finds it important that their students feel comfortable with the culture and country which is presently their ‘home’. Thus, Statenkwartier’s 100­ Year Anniversary was cause for celebra­ tion at DISDH. Flowers in bloom 070 354 9494 www.disdh.nl

It all began with Statenkwartier’s invitation for DISDH students to plant flower bulbs on the Statenlaan in honour of their impressive anni­ versary. The pinnacle was a ‘Project Week’ in Secondary School which focused on the history and develop­ ment of the neighbourhood. The success of the projects was observed as students presented their works and findings to their fellow class­ mates and parents.

52 | access | winter

The various projects ranged from creative writing and cooking all the way to an eyewitness interview with a 93­year­old man who was born in the Statenkwartier. He made an impact on the students reflecting on the division between rich and poor in the neighbourhood when he was a child. The shop owners on ‘The Fred’, his parents included, all lived above their stores serving their wealthy clients each day. Amongst each other, they bartered their wares to get by and fill their households with necessary supplies.

‘Daily Life 100 Years Ago’ was taken up by a class which camped out at school under conditions similar to those years ago. They used ice blocks to cool their food, cooked over fire following old Dutch reci­ pes, made their own soap and got

to know life without electricity, computers and cell phones. They came to realise that life back then called for far more planning than they are used to today.

Behind the scenes

A younger class set out to discover the Statenkwartier behind the lens of a camera opening their eyes to the treasures and odd­ ities lying just around the corner.

Based on their photos, they wrote fairytales connecting the past and the present. A fascination with architecture set a group of older stu­ dents out to learn about the archi­ tecture and townscape in the Statenkwartier. The famous archi­ tect Berlage and the many styles seen in the Staten­kwartier were at once viewed in a new light.

The guiding principle behind all the projects was to give students a chance to get to know their sur­ roundings in a way they had perhaps never considered. Whether they cre­

(The students) came to realise that life back then called for far more planning than they are used to today. ated games and treasure hunts through Statenkwartier, looked back at history or visited interna­ tional organisations in the area, the students were challenged to think back and look forward, imagining what was and envisioning what lies ahead.

DISDH looks forward to the next 100 years in the Statenkwartier! « access | winter | 53

nisatie rscheissa? tstraling trouectief.

Sunday 31 January 2016 11.00 - 17.00 The Hague City Hall www.feelathomeinthehague.com

Join the International Community for a full day of information, activities, entertainment FREE admission and fun! when you pre-register on our website

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

“

Does your logo reflect

who you are? A professional and suitable corporate

image makes your company trustworthy, and adds to your self-confidence.

M-space is a graphic design studio based in The Hague, with experience with international clients. To find out more, and discuss your needs and interests, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

www.m-space.nl

ACCESS Trainers

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

We offer courses in the following categories:

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

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

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

Have a look at all the courses and register online:

access-nl.org/courses-workshops.aspx Meet our Trainers online:

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

Digital photography Megan Alter

Professional photographer & photography teacher Amsterdam

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

www.meganalter.com/classes access | winter | 55

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s o n l i n e a t w w w . acc e ss - n l . o r g , o r co n t ac t t r a i n e r d i r e c t l y .

Health and nutrition Joyce Bergsma

Nutritional therapist Amsterdam

www.eatlivelovefood.com

Trained in the UK, Joyce Bergsma offers private consultations and also seminars in corporate spaces. She specialises in ­mental health and how nutrient deficiencies influence it.

Her successful weight loss programme, fun and informative workshops on Fermentation, Mindful Eating and Adrenal Fatigue are the perfect introduction to changing your ingrained habits.

Career coaching Caroline van den Bogaard

International career coach Amsterdam & via Skype

www.cctransitions.com

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

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

Career and life coaching Marie Dewulf

International career and life coach

the Netherlands & via Skype

www.coach2moveon.com

Marie is an expatriate, a Life and Career Coach and trainer/ facilitator whose focus is on cross-cultural adaptation, c­ommunication skills, and career development/transition.

She works with you to discover what your hidden talents are and how these can be identified and released to unlock YOUR potential. It’s about discovering what you can do with a guide by your side.

Learning Dutch Nitha Dijkstra Dutch Language Courses The Hague

www.dutchenroute.nl

56 | access | winter

There is no better way to get to know a country and the people than by learning the language. Nitha Dijkstra has taught Dutch for almost ten years now and with her company she offers lively courses, with the emphasis on enjoyable, practical and effective. With a lot of energy and a down to earth attitude Nitha will help you to learn all about the language and the culture of the Dutch.

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s o n l i n e a t w w w . acc e ss - n l . o r g , o r co n t ac t t r a i n e r d i r e c t l y .

Art history Wendy Fossen

Freelance Art historian & Art history teacher The Hague

www.casadellarte.nl

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

Childbirth preparation Truus Gale

Experienced midwife and prenatal coach Amsterdam

www.childbirthclassgale.com

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

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

www.cftrainingtoday.com

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

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

Arabic and calligraphy lessons Khaled Khaled

Arabic language lecturer Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht

english.arabisch.nu

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

access | winter | 57

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s o n l i n e a t w w w . acc e ss - n l . o r g , o r co n t ac t t r a i n e r d i r e c t l y .

Breastfeeding and maternity care consultations Helen Marshall

Lactation consultant and Kraamverzorgster greater The Hague area

helen.marshall1@gmail.com

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

Career development and Job hunting Teresa Moynihan

Career coaching & Job hunting support greater The Hague area

www.moynihan-hr-consulting.com

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

Childbirth preparation Nester Moyo

Senior midwifery advisor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

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

Childbirth preparation Chitra Natarajan Childbirth Educator Utrecht

www.akriti.nl

58 | access | winter

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

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s o n l i n e a t w w w . acc e ss - n l . o r g , o r co n t ac t t r a i n e r d i r e c t l y .

Physical stress management Dora Lucia Neves

Movement practitioner & massage therapist The Hague

www.consciousrebalance.com

Dora is a qualified professional with 18 years’ experience in physical stress management. With her training in movement skills and massage techniques she has developed her mobile practice Conscious Rebalance which offers Posture Realignment workshops and classes for groups or 1-1 training ­sessions as well as a variety of massage techniques at home or the workplace.

Becoming Bicultural Katerina Pouliasi

Cross-Cultural Psychologist (PhD) Research and training the Netherlands

www.in2cultures.nl

When you live actively with two cultures (between your own family, organisations or society at large) you, partly unconsciously, partly deliberately, acquire a bicultural mind: become able to think and behave in ways that fit different cultures.

Katerina has extensively investigated biculturalism among children and adults. With her tailor-made surveys and workshops she will help you discover and advance your potential.

Pre- and postnatal courses Joke van Roosendaal-Kuyper

Breathing and relaxation therapist/Yoga instructor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

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

Coaching with archery Jac Rongen

International coach and facilitator Amsterdam

www.rongen.com

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

Jac feels that the best way to deal with past pain or future anxiety is to focus on the present while learning new skills in archery. This allows one to focus on the here and now rather than on past problems in order to achieve more in the future. access | winter | 59

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s t e r f o r co u r s e s o n l i n e a t w w w . acc e ss - n l . o r g , o r co n t ac t t r a i n e r d i r e c t l y .

Helping you feel at home in the Netherlands Caitríona Rush

Cross-cultural consultant the Netherlands

www.athomeabroad.nl

Caitríona has spent 18 years living and working in 8 countries around the globe. She provides workshops, trainings and one-on-one sessions to both individuals and businesses.

Her goal: to help internationals be happy living in the ­Netherlands, and to facilitate companies in achieving increased effectiveness and success when doing business with other cultures.

Childbirth preparation Lee Tolman

Physiotherapistacupuncturist The Hague

www.partnersinwellness.nl

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

Life coaching Carolyn Vines

Certified core energy life coach the Netherlands

youfirstcoaching.com

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

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

Childbirth preparation Ria Wiertz

Antenatal teacher Rotterdam

www.borstvoedingspijkenisse.nl

60 | access | winter

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

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

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

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

You’re always welcome!”