24 minute read
Behind the Veils: Revealing Mata Hari
by Rebekah Villon
Part 2: The Marriage The story of Mata Hari is shrouded in mystery to this day. There are competing and contradictory stories, and everyone, including Margreet herself, had different motives for misrepresenting the truth.
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My approach has been to sift through these different stories and try to present the version that I find most probable, but there are truths and facts that we may never fully understand. This is part two of a six-part series exploring the life, loves, and legacy of the legendary Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geerdruida Zelle. In part one, we explored the pampered childhood of Margreet in Leeuwarden, followed by the sudden devastation of her family. She was sent to live with a relative, and then at 16 caught in a scandal with the married headmaster of her school. At 18, an unwanted burden on relatives, with no prospects, she responded to a personal ad placed by Captain Rudolph MacLeod of the Dutch Colonial Army. Although he was twice her age, the two were engaged just days later and wed four months after that.
Heady Days in Amsterdam Captain MacLeod came from a good family and enjoyed wealth and high social standing in Amsterdam at the end of the 19th century. He was a descendent of the MacLeods of Skye and the son of a Baroness, and the Netherlands was in the first prosperous blush of the industrial age. The Rijksmuseum, Concertgebouw, and Stadsschouwburg had revived the city's cultural entertainment, there was a world exhibition in 1895 on the Museumplein, and Margreet threw herself into all of it. She enjoyed the fashionable clothes and lush lifestyle she could now afford, and with her quick wit and good humor, she was well liked and popular in society. With this popularity came the first hint of trouble in the marriage. Rudolph, who had initially been attracted to Margreet's open sexuality and flirtatious nature, was a jealous husband. He frequently became angry and accused her of behaving inappropriately. In January of 1897, the couple welcomed a son, Norman-John MacLeod. And just a few months later, the family boarded a ship for the Dutch East Indies, where Captain MacLeod was stationed.
The Sea Crossing The couple traveled to Malang on the SS Prinses Amalia. This trip might not be worth mentioning, except that it was apparently on this journey that Margreet learned that she had contracted syphilis, presumably from her husband, and that they had passed the disease on to their infant son. At the time, medical treatment for syphilis consisted of giving mercury, a treatment that we know today is toxic, and arguably worse than the disease.
time, but did not hesitate to berate and humiliate his wife, even in public. In private, he beat her, and she once wrote that he had threatened her with a knife. He blamed her for his lack of advancement, although the real cause was likely his reputation (originated long before they met) as a drunk and occasionally violent man. They were separated often, as he was assigned to different posts in Indonesia, and once she left him to stay with another man for a few months. Every time they separated, he cut her off from all financial support, once going so far as to write to all the shopkeepers instructing them to refuse her credit.
Perhaps to distract herself from her unhappiness, and certainly out of genuine curiosity, Margreet sought to learn more about the local culture of the islands where she was living. She always had a gift for languages, and learned local words and customs, and was particularly interested in Javanese forms of dance, which she began to study. It was here that she learned the Malay words “mata hari”, a reference to the sun meaning “eye of the day.” From Indonesia, in a letter home to family in the Netherlands, she signed her name as Mata Hari, the words that would later come to define her.
A Tragedy in the Family By 1899, despite the abuse and frequent separations, she had given birth to a second child, daughter Louise Jeanne MacLeod. One day, both children fell violently ill. Despite the interventions of the doctor, Norman-John died, and Louise barely survived. The cause of the illness remains a mystery. Local rumor, reinforced by Margreet herself, was that their nurse had poisoned the children. Presumably, she had been prompted to do it because her lover, a young local man, had been violently beaten by MacLeod some time before for reasons unknown. It was said that poisoning the children was an act of revenge.
While both children were sick, it seems that what actually killed the boy was an overdose of mercury, prescribed by an inexperienced doctor. In fact, some speculate that the children were sick due to complications from syphilis, and the story of poisoning was intended to conceal the real source of their illness. The true cause remains a mystery – if it was syphilis, why were both children so suddenly struck ill at the same time? If it was poisoning, why did the doctor administer mercury?
Separation and a Return to Poverty In 1902, the family returned to the Netherlands and almost immediately separated. Margreet was given custody of Louise, but despite an order to do so, Rudolph never paid any support. Alone and penniless, she found it difficult to care for her daughter. Reasoning that, while her husband had been cruel and abusive to her, but had always been a good father, Margreet frequently left Louise with her ex-husband for extended periods of time, as she searched for means to support herself.
Seven years of marriage had brought Margreet back to where she had begun, living in poverty, with no prospects, in the Netherlands. But now she had a daughter she loved, and two names she would carry for the rest of her life: MacLeod, and Mata Hari.
Join me in the next issue of HOWDO as we continue to explore this fascinating Dutch woman at the turning point of European history.
SHOPPING CENTRE TERMINAL M YOUR NEXT STOP
Shopping Centre Terminal M is located in the Meerhoven district, you can find all that you need to do on your daily shopping but at the same time enjoy, relax and be at ease. There is a large parking facility where you can park for free for the first 2 hours. Thanks to extensive programming, there is always something going on and you can count on a sparkling shopping experience.
The name Terminal M refers to the rich history of the place; Welschap airport was first located at this exact same spot. It also refers to one of the most influential elements of the environment, namely Eindhoven Airport. Therefore, Shopping centre Terminal M is a place where the past and the present meet each other and young and old can come together.
It is a place for families who combine the weekly shopping with a day out, friends who have lunch together before they pick up their children from the sports clubs. Tourists or business people who quickly buy the last things before they get on the plane.
The new owner of Terminal M is keen to turn this property into a place where people like to stay. With that goal in mind, the owner is developing a vision for the future that will eventually be propagated by existing and new tenants, which is reflected in the appearance of the shopping centre and which resulted into active programming of the area. The new style of Terminal M is implemented in the smallest details, while the new story is being communicated over and over again to create a support base.
An attentive visitor has been able to see various changes already, such as the styling of the vacant shop windows, the new signage and the cheerfully flags at the entrance that lead visitors the way. At Terminal M, you can find everything in one place. There are three national supermarket chains and the rest of the stores also focus on daily necessities. Enthusiastic entrepreneurs are very welcome to join because there are still some retail spaces available.
situations playfully. The shopping centre will soon be transformed into an outdoor cinema where visitors can watch various films.
The latest proud addition to the Terminal M shopping centre is an indoor playground where children can have fun in the fully themed playground. For example, there is an airplane-style air cushion for the little ones, while the older kids can have fun in the drone area, where a trail can be flown with drones. Also, the parents can enjoy a drink and a snack there.
In short, Terminal M Shopping Centre is a place where young and old come together to enjoy, relax and do their daily shopping.
The programming, full of lively events, at Terminal M, is entirely in line with the “Brabantse Gezelligheid” of the area. The new vision of the shopping centre was ushered in with a crowded neighbourhood BBQ and young and old could enjoy the Terminal M traffic square, where they could participate in real-time traffic
Evet! Yes, I do!
The moment we saw the invitation for the henna party of Sema and Oruç, Ellen and I fell in love. This was not any ordinary invitation; this was a special one that says everything about the love of two people for each other, their country and especially for their city. With on one side of the invitation the Evoluon and on the other side the mosque and the popular red trams. The huge bridge over the Bosphorus in Istanbul connects both worlds. In real life, this bridge connects Europe and Asia. It is a symbol of possibilities and interconnectedness.
Ellen and I had a lovely conversation with Neçla, the mother of Sema. Precious moments because we sensed it was about the love of two people but also about the love from a mother for her daughter.
The very early beginning It was on a holiday that Oruç and Sema first met. They exchanged phone numbers, held lengthy conversations, but only saw each other once or twice a year. The moment the parents had an appointment was special, Neçla tells us. The parents of Oruç and Sema were thinking about the same challenges. Was there a good future for a young man born and raised in Istanbul and a Turkish girl from Eindhoven? The moment the mothers met there was an immediate click. Only when the parents have a good feeling and approve the marriage, the wedding can take place. Neçla: “We raised our four daughters with Turkish traditions and an open and Western point of view. It is important that you know your roots. If you do not know where you come from, you do not know who you are or can be.”
The engagement The engagement is a very special occasion. Traditionally, the family of the groom-to-be visits the family of the bride-to-be. Therefore, one day a huge bus parked in front of the house of Sema’s parents and all the guests brought food, drinks, flowers and presents. The family
of the groom-to-be will ask the hand of the daughter and must impress her family with the most delicious food and presents. It is important that family members with authority are there as well. They are the ones who will talk to each other and ask for the hand of the woman. After all kinds of informal questions, the man with the highest authority will speak
and inform them about the good intention of the engagement, in the name of Allah. The father of Neçla says a few words to the couple and wishes them much happiness. Then it was time for the uncle to speak and this is what he said: “If these two people love each other we give our permission in the name of Allah and The Prophet. By this, the engaged couple will be protected and will always be surrounded by warm and loving people. After this ritual, the parents honor the couple.”
The coffee moment This is an important ritual during the engagement. The young man sits very bravely in wait, while the women leave for the kitchen where the girl will make him a very special coffee. First, all the guests drink their coffee and finally the fiancé gets his. It is a huge tradition that the girl puts all kinds of bad tasting ingredients in the coffee. Often the coffee is full of salt. The fiancé must drink the coffee without showing his disgust with the awful taste. This ritual is very well-known and has everything to do with the powerful position of a woman in the house; it is about trusting each other. Everybody knew how nervous and excited Sema was, by the sound of the tinkling coffee cups. The moment the fiancé will drink the coffee, everybody watches him. The facial expression, everything is important. Neçla says: “The not so nice coffee represents something important. They are facing their new future together. Some parts can be hard, but they are together and strong. They are equal.”
After this the part of asking permission is done. They all go to a restaurant with traditional live music. All the people have a great time and the families get to know each other a bit better. The henna party is a tradition where the men and women are having their own party. Sema and Oruç wanted the henna party to contain elements from the Netherlands and Turkey. Sema chose a light pink dress, the one you can find in fairytales. Beautiful! Traditionally, the family of the bride takes care of the henna party and the engagement, the family of the groom is responsible the wedding party.
Their big day The wedding ceremony in Istanbul was outdoors. Under a sky full of stars and the most beautiful weather you ever can expect, they both said ‘Evet’, ‘Yes, I do’. There were fireworks and everybody was very excited. The just married couple gave each other the first bite of the wedding cake and toasted with the first sip of fresh juice.
Gold The bride and groom stand in the center and everybody watches while they receive their presents. There is a host that announces the amount of money or gold the couple receives. It is very common that everybody knows who gave what.
Finally, the music starts and the bride and groom show their first dance. They hold each other with their little finger. After that the guests form a circle, also holding each other by their little fingers, and dance the night away. Young and old, everybody’s on the dancefloor.
Neçla says: “All these moments of preparation together with my daughters were very precious. I enjoyed every moment, although it sometimes was a bumpy road.”
Tekst: Linde ten Broek Drawings: Ellen Schoumacher
In this column Yes, I do! Linde ten Broek, wedding officiant and soulstoryteller, www.soulstories.nl and Ellen Schoumacher, wedding officiant and visual storyteller, @ellentekent, share stories about international wedding rituals.
Terry Labee owner Switch the Gym Terry Labee owner Switch the Gym
GOOD FOOD GOOD WORKOUT MOOD GOOD FOOD GOOD WORKOUT MOOD
What to eat before a workout and when to eat it! WHEN & WHAT to EAT before/after a workout? What to eat before a workout and when to eat it! WHEN & WHAT to EAT before/after a workout?
What is the best time to eat when you are going to work out? Is it better to eat before or after you work out? And what’s best to eat? Wanneer kun je het beste eten als je gaat sporten? Is het beter om voor of na het sporten te eten? En wat kun je dan het beste eten?
We at SWITCH hear these questions all the time and we will answer them for you in this article. SWITCH is there to give you the best guidance when working out, but is also able to advise you on any food questions you may have. Sports and nutrition go hand in hand, without a proper diet you will lack the energy to complete a good workout. But how do you combine the two before and after a workout at SWITCH? Allemaal vragen die we regelmatig krij gen bij SWITCH en in deze rubriek graag voor je beantwoorden. SWITCH is er voor jou om je het beste te begeleiden met bewegen, maar ook met de juiste voedingsadviezen. Sporten en voeding zij n namelij k onlosmakelij k aan elkaar verbonden, want zonder goede voeding heb je geen energie voor een goede workout. Maar hoe combineer je deze twee nu het beste voor en na een workout bij SWITCH?
WHEN If you prefer to work out early in the morning we advise you not to eat anything before, however if you are really hungry, please eat something that is easily WHEN Wanneer je bij voorbeeld vroeg in de ochtend gaat sporten adviseren wij je om niks te eten. Mocht je echt enorme honger
hebben, neem dan iets zeer lichts verteerbaar zoals een schaaltje magere yoghurt, een banaantje, of een appel. digested like some nonfat yoghurt, a banana or an apple.
Ga je later op de dag/in de avond sporten, dan is het belangrij k om maximaal 2/3 uur voor het sporten je laatste maaltij d te nuttigen. Maar waarom is dit eigenlij k? Fact: Je lichaam doet er namelij k een tij dje over om voedsel te verwerken wat erg veel energie kost. Wanneer je tij dens het verteren/verwerken van voeding ook nog eens gaat sporten heeft het lichaam dus minder aandacht(energie) voor de spieren. Deze energie heb je juist nodig tij dens je workout! WHAT Maar nu is de vraag natuurlij k, WAT moet ik eten voor en na het sporten. Gezonde en natuurlij ke voeding is het antwoord. VOOR het sporten Before: (2 a 3 hours before) Niet teveel Licht verteerbaar NA het sporten After (30 – 60 min after) (voor spierherstel) Na het sporten en hard gewerkt te hebben mag je jezelf zeker belonen en ervoor zorgen dat je spieren goed kunnen herstellen en je lij f weer fi t is voor de If you work out later in the day, make sure your last meal is at least two to three hours before working out. But why is this so incredibly important? Fact: Your body takes a little while to process food, this takes a lot of energy. If you work out while still digesting food, your body does not have enough focus and energy for your muscles. The energy you so desperately need when working out! WHAT But of course the question now is WHAT to eat before and after working out. Healthy and natural food is the answer. BEFORE the workout When: (2 to 3 hours before) What: not too much easily digestible AFTER the workout When: 30-60 minutes after you work out to enable muscle recovery. After you work out and work hard you are surely allowed to reward yourself and give your muscles a chance to recover so your body will be fit for the next workout. volgende keer. Kies hiervoor: Eiwitrij k Vezelrij k Vitamines LAST BEST WATER Water is en blij ft de beste dorstlesser voor, tij dens en na het sporten. Zorg dat je altij d voldoende vocht binnenkrij gt, bij SWITCH staan er watertappunten in de zaal met heerlij k mineraalwater. Al onze personal trainers staan klaar om jou te begeleiden en te adviseren op gebied van beweging en voeding. Twij fel niet om te vragen wat voor jou het beste is en waar je op kan letten om zou het beste uit jezelf te halen! What: high in protein rich in fibers vitamins LAST BEST WATER Water is and always will be the best way to tackle your thirst before, during and after you work out. Make sure to stay hydrated, at SWITCH you can find several waterpoints where you can tap fresh mineral water. Our personal trainers are there to guide and advise you on exercise and nutrition. Don’t hesitate to ask what is best for you and what you can do to get the best results.
Heb jij ook de behoefte aan die persoonlij ke begeleiding, voedingsadviezen en inzicht in al jouw resultaten die je iedere workout behaald? Kom dan snel langs voor een gratis proefl es en ervaar het zelf! Blij f op de hoogte en volg ons op Facebook en Instagram. Word iedere dag geïnspireerd door onze motiverende quotes, tips en tricks van onze personal trainers en leer alles over onze innovatieve technologieën en werkwij ze. Maar natuurlij k beleef je de ultieme SWITCHfeeling wanneer je zelf de stap zet en wij samen met jou je sportdoelen gaan bereiken! Do you feel you need that kind of personal coaching and advice on exercise and a healthy diet, stop by for a free trial lesson for the full experience. Stay updated and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Feel inspired by our motivational quotes, tips and tricks from our personal trainers and learn all about our innovative technologies and methods. But obviously the best way to experience the ultimate SWITCH feeling is to take that step and achieve your workout goals with us!
Switch to the new workout.
one free session.
In the gym of the future, it’s all about data. Concrete goals, performance measurements and SWITCH points guide you towards your desired results. Your progress is tracked and recorded in the app. That’s how we prove that you’re making progress.
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L M N P i e L o r t b d a e w k a L L e
Learn Dutch and live like a local
Eindhoven is like a global village. People from all corners of the world come together and work on smart solutions that make a difference. Speaking English will get you around but speaking Dutch will allow you to blend in like a local. At STE Languages our well-trained natives will make you feel at home. They know exactly what you need to make big improvements in your progress. By attending our small group courses, we can help you take those first steps! Interested in joining?
Why STE Languages?
Feel confident in speaking Dutch Stop worrying and start enjoying.
Small groups Learn from each other in a supportive atmosphere.
Personal approach Tailor-made training based on your personal needs.
Skilled trainers Qualified trainers that love to work with world citizens.
Learn when it suits you Before work, during lunch break, after work or even on Saturday and during Summer.
Visit www.ste.nl, mail to info@ste.nl or just give us a call: +31 (0)40 - 245 28 60.
Getting your message across …. every time.
Would you like to learn to speak better Dutch, English or German within a short time period? Do you feel that you are quite familiar with the language but that you sometimes just cannot find the right words? Then our language clinics are perfect to help you increase your speaking skills and vocabulary knowledge. In only 8 weeks you will be on your way to better language proficiency and more language confidence.
Is it possible to learn to speak a foreign language better in a short amount of time? That question was the reason STE Languages decided to develop a new type of training course: Language Clinics. During classical language courses speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are all equally employed. When attending a language clinic, the focus is entirely on speaking skills and that is precisely what can make the difference when using this skill in daily practice. The trainers who teach these courses are “native speakers” who can help students really understand a language.
Every lesson is packed with tips and advice Language clinics are characterized by their short duration: eight weekly lessons of two hours each. The groups are small and the topics focus on current affairs. Students learn to participate effectively in meetings, hold presentations, give feedback and effectively communicate on a range of subjects. Students will also learn how to use common colloquialisms but will also be made aware of common language mistakes. Every lesson is packed with tips, tricks and insights that are directly applicable in daily and working life.
Learn to speak fluently Language clinics are available in Dutch, English and German. Whatever language you choose, every clinic has an interactive focus and students quickly increase their vocabulary and learn to both listen better and speak more fluently. Clinics aim to give your language confidence a boost and make you better equipped at conveying your message.
Are you interested? Visit www.ste.nl, mail to info@ste.nl or just give us a call: +31 (0)40 - 245 28 60.
DE OLIENOOT Nuts, Superfoods, Fruits, Chocolate & Sugar, Kernels & Seeds
Visit us at these weekly markets:
Monday: Meiveld, Veldhoven Tuesday: Den Hof, Aalst Waalre / Center Eindhoven Wednesday morning: WC Woensel, Eindhoven Wednesday afternoon: Kastelenplein, Eindhoven / Center Geldrop Thursday morning: Tongelresestraat, Eindhoven Thursday afternoon: Raadhuisplein, Son en Breugel Friday morning: Center Grave Friday afternoon: Center St. Michielsgestel Friday: St. Gerardusplein, Eindhoven / Center Maastricht Saturday: Woenselse Markt, Eindhoven / Center Maastricht
Dutch Figures in History: Colonel Tom Parker
Roots and Wings Academy
Colonel Tom Parker was born in Breda in 1909, and immigrated illegally to the US at the age of 18. He snuck into America by jumping ship, and never obtained a US passport. Young Parker worked the carnival circuit before becoming a music promoter, and was given the honorary title of “Colonel” from a singer who went on to become governor of Louisiana. In 1955, he discovered a new artist by the name of Elvis Presley. Within months, Parker had gotten Elvis his first recording contract, and the hit single “Heartbreak Hotel” in 1956 cemented the relationship. Colonel Tom Parker was Elvis' sole representative, and he grew to have incredible control over his life and finances. Parker held the rights to most of Elvis' music, and claimed up to 50% of his earnings. Parker's anxiety about his status as an undocumented immigrant, and his desire to retain control over Elvis, are the reasons why Elvis never toured internationally, although he wanted to. Parker was unwilling to risk crossing the border, so he never allowed Elvis to travel either. Elvis' two years of military service in Germany were the only significant length of time the two were apart.
After Elvis' death in 1977, Parker was found to be unethical in his management of the Presley Estate, and he lost most of his fortune due to gambling debts.
There are vague rumors that Parker fled the Netherlands due to a police inquiry about a murder in his home city, but, since he died in 1997, the truth will never be known. Roots and Wings Academy provides workshops and individual consultation services to expat families to help them raise happy and successful children in today’s multicultural environment.
For expat parents and their children we focus on how to:
• Support your children’s adjustment in their new context • Foster your and your children’s wellbeing and success • Promote multilingual development • Reduce parenting stress • Build a social support network and much more
Our practical and research-based approach equips parents with positive parenting tools and strategies that can be easily applied in everyday situations.
Roots and Wings also works with schools and daycares to guide teachers with the best practices they can use in their intercultural classrooms. We organize workshops for teachers to help them design internationalized curriculum and classroom activities. We also increase their intercultural competences and communicate effectively with, and manage expectations of, expat children and their parents.
