HOWDO magazine 19 Jun/Jul 2020

2020 June / July www.howdomagazine.com

19

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R I N T E R N AT I O N A L S | E I N D H OV E N A R E A

Step by step towards 12 Eindhoven365: The “new” economy / society

25

Mayor John Jorritsma It is a challenge for new Eindhoven residents to enter a Dutch circle of friends Dutch’ 40 The ‘Quintessential Crossword puzzle

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index 8 12 18 24 28 35 40

Eindhoven in Art Make Eindhoven

Eindhoven365: Step by step towards the “new” economy / society

11

‘People who know people’

14

ISE: More than a school

23

How much does speaking a language pay?

25

John Jorritsma

32

Behind the Veils: Revealing Mata Hari part 3

37

Living in another country

Nepali, Newar wedding rituals Megha Vaidya

Did You Know: Eindhoven is one of the most livable cities in Europe?

Book Review: Disaster Preparedness: A Gen X Manifesto

Physical distancing, please!

The ‘Quintessential Dutch’ crossword puzzle

colofon

foreword

HOWDO magazine is a bimonthly publication.

Publisher Niels ter Haar (niels@howdomagazine.com) Editorial Office Linde ten Broek, Stephania Kipperman, Monique Mols, Marielle Owen, Joost Pool, Rebekah Villon Media Advisor

Stephania Kipperman

Fred van Deurzen (fred@howdomagazine.com) Stephania Kipperman (stephania@howdomagazine.com) Coverphotography

Special times ask for special measures so this time a very special issue of HOWDO and LICHT together. Just like every other company we needed a little time to work out how we could handle the lockdown.

Eddie Mol

Thankfully, we are slowly allowed to do more and more, we can enjoy Design

a steak at the restaurant or have a glass of wine at a terrace bar. We

Studio Bonkend

have proven now more than ever that we are actually very creative and compassionate. Help app groups were created within a matter

Distribution waiting rooms

of days to help those who were part of the risk group. People were

Tour de Ville

sewing facemasks for themselves and others and everybody had a bear in front of their window so our children still had some way of

Contact

entertaining themselves.

HOWDO magazine info@howdomagazine.com

The entrepreneurs of Eindhoven also joined in to be part of the

www.howdomagazine.com

solution. They distributed unused stock to organizations that offer help to people in financial need and sport instructors were making

Copyright and disclaimer

online workout videos so we all could stay fit at home. We all really

All matrials and content is

pitched in.

protected under Article 15 of the Copyright Act. Copying is prohibited.

Happy to be back!

Š 2020 HOWDO magazine

Love, Stephania Kipperman

HOWDO magazine is not liable for the content of the columns and eventual inaccuracies and/or typographical errors.

“Today is ………… day” Our goal is to gather special holidays, moments and occasions worldwide that unites people.

We love to point out to you those not-to-miss

THE EXPAT’S GUIDE TO BRABANT BREDA • EINDHOVEN • TILBURG

funny occasions. If you have suggestions for special days in August and September, please send them to fred@howdomagazine.com.

July 18th | Nelson Mandela Day Celebrated: Worldwide Since: 2009 Why: To recognize Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity and his contribution to the struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

July 23rd | Gorgeous Grandma Day Celebrated: Worldwide Since: 1984 Why: We have Alice Solomon to credit for this. She graduated from Wellesley College at the age of 50-years-old. She created this day in an attempt to get rid of all of the typical

FORMALITIES

HOUSING

TAXATION, FINANCE & INSURANCE EDUCATION & CAREERS & SOCIAL NEEDS

PERSONAL

CULTURE & LEISURE

stereotypes

that

surround

older

women,

showing them that there is still a lot that they can do.

July 30th | International Day of Friendship Celebrated: Worldwide Since: 2011

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Why: To encourage to make friends and build

relationships

with

people

outside

of your own culture, country, or background.

Through of

these

peaceful

relationships,

understanding

understanding develops.

a

culture

and

mutual

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3D-VCN Podiatry is open!

Recently, providing regular care to people under the age of 69 who do Podotherapie weer geopend!

not suffer from any underlying (chronic) health issues and/or corona

praktijk plannen de onze gezondheid zoveel mogelijk kunag er weer reguliere de symptoms has beenontvangen. allowed We again. eend aan mensen t/m agenda momenteel ook ruimer om de nen waarborgen.

As soon you contact usmin onmogelijk the phone, put together plan en to veielkaar zo te latenwe In will het kader van ‘veilig a werken onderliggende (chro-aspatiënten lig voelen’, voor zowel behandelaar als eidsproblemen en/of kruisen. see what we can offer you.

If you are an existing client, we can usually In de praktijk houden wij ons aan de patiënt, is er een leidraad opgesteld ag er weer reguliere de praktijk ontvangen. We plannen de onze gezondheid zoveel mogelijk kunadviezen en informatie VWS en de binnenisdepreferred, paramedischemostly wereld. Hierbij do a lot you remotely.

If avan physical consult in momenteel ook ruimer om de nen waarborgen. eend aan mensen t/mforagenda sch contact met ons richtlijnen van het RIVM zodat we uw en hanteren we o.a. ook de 1,5 meter regelpatiënten elkaar zo min mogelijk te laten In het kader van ‘veilig werken en veionderliggende (chronew clients, we can see you at our practice. geving We tryentomaken keep we ourgebruik schedule van pere een stappenplan met lig voelen’, voor zowel behandelaar als eidsproblemen en/of kruisen. soonlijke beschermingsmiddelen. en wat we voor u kunas open asIn possible, clients willaannot In our practice de praktijk so houden wij ons de cross patiënt,paths. is er een leidraad opgesteld We hopen u snel weer te mogen ontvanndien u een bestaande adviezen en informatie van VWS en de binnen de paramedische wereld. Hierbij gen op een van onze locaties zodat u op nnen we vaak al veel to the advice and information provided we stick by VWS (Ministry sch contact met ons richtlijnen van het RIVM zodat we uw en hanteren we o.a. ook de 1,5 meter regelgoede voet zult blijven. stand. Indien een fysiek maken(public we gebruik van pere een stappenplan met wellbeing, and sports) and we geving of health, followenRIVM health eur heeft, overwegend soonlijke beschermingsmiddelen. en wat we voor u kunTeam 3D-VCN nten, kunnen we u in We hopen u snel weer te mogen ontvanndien u eenand bestaande the environment) guidelines to secure your and our health gen op een van onze locaties zodat u op nnen we vaak al veel aseen much possible.

In the context of 3D-VCN working being safe as 3D-VCN - Podotherapie Stratum - Podotherapie Vredesplein erapie goede voet and zult blijven. stand.Eindhoven Indien fysiek as Van Speijkstraat 50 | 5612 GE Eindhoven JG Eindhoven eur heeft, overwegend Gladiolusstraat 20 | 5644 ND Eindhoven caregiver and client, a guideline has been provided in the paramedical 040 - 254 93 33 040 - 290 30 36 % Team 3D-VCN nten, kunnen we u in %

Podotherapie weer geopend!

Optimaal voetenwerk middels 3D CAD-CAM techniek sinds 2002

Optimal footwork with 3D CAD-CAM Het team van 3D Voetcentrum Nederland Eindhoven vindt dat 2002. nog weinig mensen zich technique since bewust zijn van wat de (sport)podotherapeut

3D kan Voetcentrum Nederland’s team in doen om de oorzaak van voetgerelateerde Optimaal voetenwerk middels lichamelijke klachten weg te nemen. Via een

3D CAD-CAM techniekonly sinds 2002 Eindhoven few people maandelijksethinks column willen weaeen kijkje in Het team van 3D Voetcentrum Nederland -

wereldof geven. areonze aware what a (sports) podiatrist Eindhoven vindt dat nog weinig mensen zich bewust zijn van wat de (sport)podotherapeut

cankando to eliminate the source of foot doen om de oorzaak van voetgerelateerde lichamelijke klachtencomplaints. weg te nemen. Via een related physical

maandelijkse column willen we een kijkje in onze wereld geven.

Jaap den Doop

world. Therefore, we use the 1.5-meter rule as well as personal

erapie Eindhoven protection.3D-VCN We- Podotherapie hope toStratum see you Gladiolusstraat 20 | 5644 ND Eindhoven JG Eindhoven 040 93 33 feet. % you will stay on- 254 your

3D-VCN - Podotherapie Vredesplein again soon at one of our locations so Van Speijkstraat 50 | 5612 GE Eindhoven

040 - 290 30 36 %

Kris Seuren

Jeroen Koch

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Kris Seuren

Jeroen Koch

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Team 3D-VCN 3D-VCN - (Sport) Podotherapie Eindhoven Airbornelaan 140 | Eindhoven T 040 290 3036

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3D-VCN - Podotherapie Vredesplein Van Speijkstraat 50 | Eindhoven T 040 290 3036

“EINDHOVEN IN ART”

by Lex Grote

The director of this very dynamic art spot is Lex van Lith: “What started as two separate workshops, Beeldenstorm and Daglicht, became one organization in 2017. Now, three years later, it’s time to combine the activities under a new name: Make Eindhoven. To be presented in September, hopefully with a grand opening.

Make Eindhoven is the place to be for the creative and artistic thinkers such as the professional visual artists, designers, and architects. The people who want to push their boundaries with materials, and the In our city tour for

students of study programs who start an uninhibited learning process.

“Eindhoven in art”, our

We offer advice, space, knowledge, facilities and time to support the

host and artist Lex Grote

makers in realizing their ideas.”

shows us lesser known art hotspots of the Eindhoven

Make Eindhoven is a place to experiment, innovate, create, and

region. For this edition he

stimulate. To share knowledge. Makers are invited to discover and

takes us to ‘Beeldenstorm

research materials and techniques. To be surprised by the possibilities

/ Daglicht’ at the NRE

of making. All this with the certainty that mistakes do not exist,

site, close to the center

only possibilities.

of town. Lex explains: “In this creative environment

Workshops:

artists and designers

Lex continues: ”Make Eindhoven has a metal foundry where mainly

can experiment with 3D

bronze alloys and aluminum can be cast. There are possibilities for

techniques, materials such

various (re)production methods and post-processing techniques.

as glass and metal as well

In addition, there are facilities for experiments with various glass

as graphic techniques,

techniques, such as melting, bending, fusing, kiln casting and stained-

for example silkscreen

glass painting. The workshop has a large flatbed oven, two smaller

printing, etching

ovens and possibilities for finishing operations.

and lithography.”

In the graphic workshop, professional makers can use different

Eindhoven in Art Make Eindhoven techniques. surface

Relief

printing,

printing)

printing, (litho/stone

intaglio

(etching),

screen printing, Toyobo printing and

polymer

printing.

Here

too, you can work on large (XXL) sizes.�

Education: Tailormade

workshops

developed

for

institutions,

in

are

educational line

with

a

curriculum for optimal practice and talent development. For example,

Make

structurally Design Many

Eindhoven

works

with

Academy

the

Eindhoven.

(international)

students

find their way to the workshops and the Graduation Show often exhibits the results of their work.

The workshops are not open to the public. After all, makers want to be able to work on their

projects

in

a

quiet,

focused manner.

But Make Eindhoven organizes various

public

throughout

the

exhibitions

to

activities year.

From

workshops,

and from educational projects to lectures.

During the Dutch Design Week, the designers and artists can be seen at work as the workshops are always open to the public.

In addition, the Design Academy and Make Eindhoven collectively organize an exhibition of the

Lex van Lith

results of a minor in ceramics, a trajectory that students work on

Make Eindhoven

www.makeeindhoven.nl

for five months in the workshops

Gasfabriek 12

make@makeeindhoven.nl

on the NRE site.

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WTC•E

much of a culture shock for me; I

What does Interlingo specialise in?

hope the feeling is mutual.”

“Technical translations are at the

Eindhoven way of life isn’t too

core of our service offering. But

What interests you about the Brainport region?

“Whilst

I

consider

since 1994, client requests and a

word-of-mouth advertising have

linguist through and through

led to many other skills and

–

humanities

specialisms being added to our

guy – I’ve always had a keen

portfolio: legal, financial, retail

interest in technology, and in

and marketing translation work,

high-tech

we provide interpreters and we

very

much

in

a

myself

because we’ve been in business

particular.

Both

our client base and the region

work with native speakers.”

as a whole are teeming with

‘People who know people’ World Trade Center Eindhoven

interesting technical businesses,

“Last but not least, it’s well

producing

their

worth mentioning that we keep

products in incredibly modern

up with the latest developments

and innovative ways. I just love

in

translation

technology;

it. If I’m honest, from a business

we

work

the

perspective, I actually find this

sophisticated solutions.”

region

and

more

innovative

selling

interesting

than

the

skills? Then get in contact with Interlingo - info@interlingo.nl

"very much a humanities guy" “We recently moved to Strijp-T,

“Joël Sigling, 54, born and raised

one

in Amstelveen, where I currently

Brainport,

live. I also spent eleven years

our existing – and no doubt,

in Antwerp, during and after

prospective – clients are also

my studies, where I had lots of

located.

acquaintances from the south

new stage in the company’s

of

development.”

Netherlands.

So,

the

Do you want to enhance your c o mmuni c a t i o n/l an g ua g e

Could you introduce yourself ?

the

most

and

region

I hail from.”

Meet Joël Sigling, Interlingo a Platinum Member of WTC·E and take your language to the next level!

with

of

the

focal

where

It’s

a

points

in

many

of

very

exciting

11

Eindhoven365: Step by step towards the “new” economy / society

What has the municipality of Eindhoven done in these turbulent times to guide the ‘Eindhovenaren’, as well as its visitors, through the coronavirus crisis and to prepare them for its aftermath? Peter Kentie, director of Eindhoven365, the city marketing organization, informs us.

the official visitor website. Here we explained that our focus has shifted from primarily international to local. Simply because everyone had to stay at home and (international) tourism had come to a complete standstill. The main goal was to make the people of Eindhoven and regional visitors feel connected to the city, even though they could not visit it physically.

To transmit the positive energy of the city, we have

“Of course, the coronavirus also caused headaches

launched a video message. Very successfully, it has

in our city. With Eindhoven365 we have a long-term

been viewed almost 200,000 times!”

vision for international and business tourism, but now we’re mostly focusing on the local situation.

Phase 2: Buy locally

Behind the scenes our other ambitious projects and

“In May, we began the ‘Keep our city strong’

plans continue, but for now we provide as much

campaign. We portray local entrepreneurs and

clarity as possible about the way the municipality

we try to create awareness to buy locally as

of Eindhoven manages this crisis. For this we have developed a long-term campaign, consisting of several phases, with the aim to support the city’s economy.”

Phase 1: Stay-at-home activities “In March, we started the first phase of the campaign, which has now been completed. We posted content in both Dutch and English on “This is Eindhoven”,

Eindhoven365

much as possible. In order to

back’, the city center is provided

have the widest possible reach

with bilingual signage to steer

with this campaign, we used

the increasing flow of visitors

500

and

bus

shelters,

400

euro

panels and ten LED screens

there

are

multicolored

posters everywhere.”

for outdoor advertising and a continuous digital reference to

PSV Eindhoven City Store

the database of catering and

There are two more interesting

retail entrepreneurs.”

things for visitors to the city. A few weeks ago, after the closure

In order to make campaigns

of Brandstore Eindhoven / VVV,

successful and to convey a

the new information point in

clear message, it is of the

Eindhoven Central Station has

utmost importance to creatively

opened its doors. Visitors and

collaborate, innovate, and take

travelers can go there for tourist

decisive steps. “We noticed that

information or receive a free city

Eindhoven quickly adapted to

map. In addition, groups can book

the situation, but we also hear

a city tour led by an experienced

and see the need for a longer-

city guide. The information point

term vision. Moreover, that is

can be found to the left of the

the spearhead of our largest

entrance, opposite the Jumbo,

campaign ever: ‘keep our city

and with vibes stickers and a big

strong’. The local press also plays

red arrow in front of the door,

a major role in this, as they help

completely in Eindhoven style.

ensure that our message reaches as many people as possible.”

In addition, on July 1st the PSV Eindhoven City Store will open, in cooperation with PSV. In the new

Phase 3: Come to the city Now that the limitations are

store in the Marktstraat, PSV

gradually

many

fanwear as well as ‘vibe-based’

people the first outing is a visit

Eindhoven merchandise will be

to the city center. Shops and

on sale.

easing,

for

caterers have taken measures to be prepared for the ‘oneand-a-half-meter

economy’

and the highest priority now is to ensure safety when visiting Eindhoven. Peter’s team plays an important role in this: “In order to continue to boost the city’s economy, we pulled out all the stops to attract and warmly welcome visitors. Using the slogan ‘Good to have you

The children in the picture are not mentioned in the article

ISE: More than a school The International School Eindhoven (ISE) is situated in the Brainport area of Eindhoven.

On our beautiful (green) campus we provide excellent primary and secondary education as an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School. Our aim is to ensure that each and every ISE-student is known, cared for, and challenged. We know that moving to a new country, region and community is not without difficulties. As a school that serves families from 55 different countries, we recognize that we must also provide more than just an ‘education’ in its traditional sense.

International School Eindhoven

This is a challenging job and we are pleased to show

become Google Certified Educators. This certification

you how we do this through stories of a few of our

means that they aren’t only able to use the G-Suite

teachers and students.

tools to an excellent standard but also know the best way to put them into the curriculum to support

We asked them what the slogan “More than a

our students.”

school” means to them.

“More than a school comes back in the holistic approach of supporting young people in their development as a caring, internationally minded and happy person. In my roles as CAS and ELL

“For me this is more than a job, it feels like home.”

coordinator, it means that I have to listen very carefully, empathize with students and understand cultural differences. Besides creating a safe place in the school for those students who have English as a

Lars and Stevie share their experiences as DP

second or third language, I also encourage students

(Diploma Program) students. “We experience ISE as

to discover who they are, what their passions are

a community and feel that teachers are there for you

and how they can help others.

when needed. ISE connects to any level. When you are new to this school, you stream in smoothly. Teachers

Remote teaching, because of COVID-19 measures,

and career counselors help you to choose subjects

has been challenging, but I have felt supported by

and to accustom yourself. We have experienced that

students, teachers and parents. By being realistic,

the system is organized around you as a family and

keeping a daily structure and communicating our

not the other way around. This helped tremendously

expectations clearly, I believe that our community

to settle in quickly. As graduates we will leave ISE

has become even stronger.

and the sense of community is what we are going to

For me this is more than a job, it feels like home.”

miss. We think the school did an amazing job.”

(Dirk Visscher) Finally, we asked Daksh, one of our pupils in “I am one of the leaders for learning in the primary

primary, what our slogan means to him.

school,” continues Heather Spanbroek. “My task

“A few years ago, I came from India and went to

is to make sure that students are learning. This

Group 2. I feared not having any friends. Fortunately,

includes not only academics but also improving

this was only for a short time. On Monday I started

their competencies such as personal development,

in my class and everybody wanted to be friends.

self-reliance, creativity, international mindedness,

Soon it felt like one big family. We take care of each

and communication.

other and help each other with our work. Our slogan

We work thematic based and project based on

is: “There is no I in ISE, we are a group.”

subjects, for instance UN-goals on sustainability; teaching that you can make a difference, on a local or a global scale.

We are continuing to develop as a learning

Discover our beautiful campus on the

community. Our whole community has been doing

Oirschotsedijk:

an amazing job in going digital during distance

www.ISEcampus.nl

learning. Many of our staff members have even

www.facebook.com/isecampuseindhoven

A H I GH-QUA L ITY PERSO N AL APPRO AC H TO LEGAL IS SU ES As one of the largest family law firms in the Netherlands, our office is home to high-quality, well-renowned attorneys and divorce mediators. We offer a personal approach to legal services across a whole spectrum of family law and/or inheritance law disputes, both to international, as well as Dutch clients.

Every day we advise and represent our clients in family and inheritance law matters. Our services are based on a personal approach, never losing sight of the human dimension of a case. We are at your side in difficult times, but also when you settle in the Netherlands and want to be informed about the family law-related consequences.

If you are interested in no-nonsense advice on obtaining a decent out-ofcourt settlement or a court decision, we look forward to hearing from you.

For more information please visit our website or send an email to cvandervegt@scg-advocaten.nl.

WWW.SCG- ADVOC ATE N .NL AMSTERDAM OFFICE

EINDHOVEN OFFICE

De Lairessestraat 151 1075 HK Amsterdam Tel +31 (0)88 909 49 20 Fax +31 (0)88 909 49 99

Parklaan 54 5613 BH Eindhoven Tel +31 (0)88 909 49 00 Fax +31 (0)88 909 49 99

What's the Deal with Hagelslag?

The Dutch have found a unique way to eat chocolate for breakfast with a daily dose of sprinkles. One of the most unusual Dutch culinary habits is to take sprinkles, reserved in other countries for topping cakes and cookies, and pour them on toast or bread with butter.

Hagelslag comes in a variety of flavors and shapes, and the selection can be frankly overwhelming. Licorice-flavored hagelslag has its own name: muisjes, and is eaten to celebrate the birth of a newborn. In old traditions, anise was thought to help a post-partum woman by stimulating lactation, shrinking the womb, and even repelling evil spirits. Today, muisjes are available in pink or blue.

The Dutch consume over 14 million kilos of hagelslag annually, and over 750.000 slices of bread with hagelslag are enjoyed every day. If you ever thought you couldn't have chocolate for breakfast, hagelslag will change your mind.

What is Rokjesdag?

While we had a mild winter this year, which diminishes some of the impact of Rokjesdag, it’s still an annual day of note in the Netherlands. Rokjesdag is the spring day with temperatures warm enough for women to reach into the backs of their closets and bring out their summer dresses. Literally translated as “little dress day”, it’s a day that Dutch men and women look forward to every year, with an end to big winter coats and dressing for warmth. Happy Rokjesdag!

Nepali, Newar wedding rituals Megha Vaidya Surrounded by photo albums and inspired by much new information, Ellen and I listened to the beautiful story of Megha Vaidya, a Nepali Newar woman. In our lovely gathering we heard everything about Newar wedding rituals in Nepal. Newar girls marry three times. The first time they marry to a fruit, the second time to the sun and the third time, yes of course, to a person. These marriages have nothing to do with child marriages, but are highly spiritual sacred rituals that are centuries old. Are you ready for another beautiful story? Here we go!

Marriage to the bael fruit

wanted to exchange her bael

Among the traditions for Newar

fruit with mine, because mine

girls,

ceremonial

had fewer wrinkles than hers! But

wedding ritual is Ihi/Ehee/Bael

according to the tradition we are

Bibaha. In this ceremony the

not allowed to swop our fruits.”

girl is married to the bael fruit

After the group ceremony, on

(wood apple), which is a symbol

the second day, the girls attend

of god Vishnu, to ensure the girl

a more family-based ritual at

becomes and remains fertile. The

home.

In the country with the world’s

ritual marks a certain period in

home, the eldest female member

highest mountains, where more

the girl’s life. It is conducted on

conducts some rituals at the

than 125 ethnic groups live

the basis of the lunar calendar

entrance of the house. At home,

together and 123 languages are

and can only be organized at

the girls sit down in a room and

spoken, the Newar is an ethnic

specific times and dates of the

go through the remaining rituals

group that follows the Hindu

year. When Megha thinks back to

to complete the ceremony. The

or Buddhism religion. However,

those days, she remembers her

rice and fruits served from a

they share a common language

five-year-old self together with

brass bowl is a holy ritual as

known as ‘Nepal Bhasa’ and

her nine-year-old sister and a lot

well. And of course, they receive

have a beautiful writing system,

of other girls.

presents

the

first

Ranjana Lipi as a standard Nepali

Before

from

entering

their

their

parents

and relatives.

calligraphic script. When you

The girls are dressed in very

visit Newar families, you are

colorful clothes and the whole

Marriage to the Sun

absolutely sure there will be

ceremony takes two days. In the

At the age of seven Megha was

some kind of celebration. Newars

ceremony the girls are married

spiritually married to God Sun.

are

to a golden statue of Vishnu

This ritual is mostly held in

where

and the bael fruit is the witness.

wintertime, is highly spiritual

gods and goddesses are being

They say that the shape of the

and protects the girls from bad

worshipped

fruit resembles the man you

people and bad omens. This

will marry. Megha: “My sister

ritual is known as Bahra Teygu/

famous

festivals

for

and

year-round

cuisines

and/or

events are depicted.

historical

Yes I do!

Gufa rakhne (Gufa translates to den in English). The girls must attend

Of course, we can write about

this ritual before their first period or when they have their first period,

the third marriage ritual as

depending on their community. It takes place in their house where the

well,

girls reside for twelve days in a room without any sun. During these

her husband. But not now. We

days the girls are not focused on the outside world and don’t eat

thought, this is a beautiful and

any salt for five days and are also not allowed to clean their dishes

very unknown marriage ritual to

themselves. “Instead of rice, dahl and curry which basically contain

share with you.

when

Megha

married

salt, my mom prepared plain rice and added hot melted chaku (similar to jaggery) in the rice and fried potatoes with sugar instead of salt”, Megha tells us.

But it is also a time when the girls play a lot, dress in different sari, and play with stones found at the riverbank. Different activities bring the girls together. Mirrors and electronic devices are not allowed in the room. If a mirror is present it is either removed or covered by a piece of cloth.

“Now I am entering a new stage in my life”

One of the female family members creates a figure representing a Bahra

Did

khya (a spirit) out of cotton that is worshipped during those days. It is

wedding ritual and do you have

crucial that before the girls eat anything, they have to first offer some

a special one you would like

food to the god. Doing so, they are protected by spirits from accidents

to share with us, please do! We

and bad things. This whole ritual is mainly a female gathering. Boys

are thrilled and look forward to

are not allowed to enter the room, only when they are very young and

hearing from you. You can send

haven’t gone through Bratabanda, a ritual for boys.

an email to info@lindetenbroek.

you

like

this

authentic

nl and share why this ritual After the sixth day, relatives visit the girls. And one of these days a

means a lot to you. We would

lovely girl visited Megha and looked very happy to see her. She brought

love to meet you!

her the sweets she loved the most. Until now she doesn’t know who the girl was. Being kept in a room without sun and no male contact

Text: Linde ten Broek

symbolizes the purification of the girl before her marriage to the sun

Drawings: Ellen Schoumacher

on the twelfth day.

After twelve days the girls take a bath and are dressed in a traditional wedding dress, red sari, and golden jewelry. They are then taken outside on the rooftop mostly with their heads still covered with a shawl or veil and sit opposite of the priest. It is a sacred ritual where the priest, like in Ihi or Wedding, performs rituals. The gods and

In this column Yes, I do! Linde ten

goddesses are worshipped as well as the ancestors who are there to

Broek, wedding officiant, poet

witness and bless the girls. With the priest’s permission, the girls can

and storyteller,

unveil their face. But no, they are not allowed to look directly at the

www.soulstories.nl and Ellen

God Sun but bring their hands together and peep through a small hole.

Schoumacher, wedding officiant

The ceremony ends with a celebration and a traditional party. Megha:

and visual storyteller,

“After completing the ceremony, I knew this is it. Now I am entering a

@ellentekent, share stories about

new stage in my life.”

international wedding rituals.

dishes. This Arabic and 100% vegetarian, almost completely vegan, restaurant is the absolute best when it comes to falafel in Eindhoven.

But don’t rule out all the soups, salads, stews, sides and dips, all filled with veggies. Delicious tea is served in traditional pots and the service

Falafel Masters

is friendly. It is like you’re on a Middle Eastern holiday. All of this can be found at Woensel Westside stores.

Edisonstraat 131-133

Vegetable feast! This is not only the truth about

T 040 842 3406

this place, but also the name of one of their

info@falafelmasters.com

Hella’s Home Such a colorful store, just being here will make you happy.

A slightly different and surprising home and gift store, with beautiful home accessories, furniture, lighting, funny gadgets, toys, baby shower gifts, cards and more…

Edisonstraat 26 www.hellashome.nl

Tattoosalon Joan Do you want to get a tattoo done by Joan, stop by for free advice and information in the best neighborhood of Eindhoven! We work by appointment Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 20:00. Call or e-mail to get more information: 06-1447 5422 or joanrose@hotmail.com.

Edisonstraat 109

Woensel WestSide Stores

KIP 040 Because we love pure and honest food, everything we serve is halal, freshly homemade and prepared with the best ingredients.

Do you prefer to enjoy our delicious, healthy meal at home? Place an order to takeaway or have it delivered right to your doorstep.

Edisonstraat 4 www.kip040.nl

MDG Real Estate Agents & Art Gallery MDG Real Estate Agents & Art Gallery For tenants, landlords, buyers and sellers, from lofts to exclusive villas. No waiting lists - just years of experience in real estate, an extensive network, a variety of extra services and an infectious smile. Oh, and‌ an art gallery.

Edisonstraat 67 www.mdg-makelaars.nl find us on FB and Instagram

MOSE AND MORE A quirky, little shop selling unique handmade bags, wallets and other wannahaves. This is also the place to spot a great assortment of retrovintage interior accessories.

Edisonstraat 111 www.moseandmore.nl

BE EFFECTIVE IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE

UNDERSTANDING THE DUTCH

Do you want to learn Dutch quickly and thoroughly?

Working and living abroad as an expat

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is exciting and challenging for you as a

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Learning the Dutch language and getting

focused on your language goals ·

to know the customs of the country will help you understand the Dutch and integrate smoothly.

Individual, tailor-made courses Tried and tested method based on scientific insights

·

The language trainers are all native speakers

Visit www.reginacoeli.com or give us a call +31 (0)73 684 87 90

Regina Coeli

How much does speaking a language pay?

There are loads of articles on how pleasant it is to speak multiple languages; how good it is for your brain and how enriching it is for your life. But does knowledge of a foreign language literally enrich you? In other words, does speaking a foreign language have financial benefits?

Various studies have shown that, yes, this is the

(Mandarin). Another striking fact is the 24% jump

case. Exactly how much your language skills benefit

in job listings which specify knowledge of Dutch as

you depends on how and where you use them.

a requirement.

For example, François Grin, a researcher at the University of Geneva, has shown that knowledge of

Find the right job

English in the German-speaking part of Switzerland

If you want to take a step in your career soon, then

will net you at least 18% extra in salary. In the

brushing up on your language skills is not at all a

French-speaking part of Switzerland, it tags ‘just’

bad idea. For example, we see that many people use

11% on to your pay.

their education budgets following reorganizations for language training. They are convinced that by

Increasing value of Chinese

speaking English or German well, for example, they

Grin has also calculated that for Europeans, English

will have a better chance of finding the right job.

yields the best returns. In financial terms, the effort you make to learn the language is recouped

To come back to the first question in the article:

the fastest. Perhaps not surprisingly, French and

speaking a language will not automatically make

German follow on the list of lucrative languages for

you rich, but it does have its benefits! Are you ready

Europeans. And according to his calculations, the

to improve your foreign language skills? Regina

value of Chinese on the labor market is increasing

Coeli’s trainers would be happy to help! You can

the fastest.

make tremendous leaps forward in a training course designed just for you. Simply contact us to discuss

Dutch required!

the options.

Job vacancy site Indeed recently carried out a research. They compared the required language skills listed in Dutch vacancies with those from the previous year and saw a skyrocketing rise in

www.reginacoeli.com

demand—nearly 70%—for knowledge of Chinese

073 684 8790

Still Making History: The Dutch East India Company You

may

corporations ExxonMobil

think

that

like are

modern

Apple, the

most

mega

Google,

or

profitable

companies in history. But the truth is, they don’t compare to the economic juggernaut that was the Dutch East India Company,

Did You Know: Eindhoven is one of the most livable cities in Europe?

which remains the most valuable global company of all time. Established in 1602, the Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC, or Dutch East India Company) was granted a monopoly on the spice trade with the far East, and was allowed to trade, establish colonies and even military forces to engage in conflict with other countries.

According to a recent expert ranking by ECA International of 480 cities around the world,

At its peak in 1637, the VOC employed over

Eindhoven came in fifth position.

70,000 people and was worth 78 million Dutch guilders. In today’s money, that

The

cities

were

health,

amounts to $7.9 trillion dollars, which is

leisure

equal to the peak value of Apple, Microsoft,

While

Amazon, ExxonMobil, Berkshire Hathaway,

Copenhagen and Bern topped the list, the

Tencent, and Wells Fargo combined. In fact, it

Netherlands as a whole proved the most

was equal to the modern-day combined GDP

livable country, with four cities in the top 20.

of Japan and Germany.

housing,

safety,

facilities,

and

evaluated air

political

for

quality, tension.

The Hague (3), Eindhoven (5), Amsterdam (7), and Rotterdam (12).

Today’s most profitable company in the world, Saudi Aramco, is worth just over half

And it’s not just this ranking: according to

of the peak value of the Dutch East India

online database Numbeo, Eindhoven places

Company, which suggests that the VOC will

just behind number 1 Zurich on its Quality of

remain history’s most valuable company for

Life Index. Congratulations, Eindhoven!

generations to come.

John Jorritsma

John Jorritsma John Jorritsma (born in Bolsward in Friesland in 1956) has been the Mayor of Eindhoven since 2016. At the same time he is chairman of the ‘Veiligheidsregio Zuid Brabant’ (Safety Region South-East Brabant). In that capacity, handling Corona has been his main activity since February. The Security Regions play a crucial role in the (implementation of the) measures to stop the virus. “There is a lot of tension and these are intense days. But that is all relative if you compare that to the effects that many others are suffering.

The impact of this corona crisis is

closing the hotel and catering industry and canceling events. It hurts,

enormous. In Brabant we had the

but needed to be done, it was necessary to contain the virus.

dubious honor of having the first

In the corona era, we try to ensure that internationals are well informed

corona patient. Everyone looked

of all corona developments. Therefore, with a number of parties we

at Brabant. With my colleagues

developed the “Corona Portal”, not only in terms of measures and

Theo Weterings and Jack Mikkers,

financial support, but also for social initiatives designed to fight

respectively chairman of the

loneliness.”

Safety Region Central and West Brabant

Region

In one of your presentations I attended, you, Mayor Jorritsma,

Brabant-North, we immediately

and

Safety

referred to the fact that more and more internationals are coming

put our heads together and

to our region and that you consider it of the utmost importance that

announced

for

the original and new people of Eindhoven interact well and also

the whole of Brabant at the

mingle.. What’s your vision of how Eindhoven works on this and which

beginning of March, such as

bottlenecks are there.

measures

“Even now, or rather: particularly now, the connection between all Eindhoven residents is important. This concerns a connection between the resident born and raised in Eindhoven and the Eindhoven citizens who were brave enough to build a new future, often far from the home country. This brought a number of challenges that should not be underestimated.

It is basically about how Eindhoven as a city can create a 'sense of home', thereby contributing to the universal needs of 'belonging' and 'being valued'.

Creating

a

pleasant

and

accessible

living

environment in this way has a number of effects.

With a focus on promoting mutual understanding and the contribution of the internationals to our city, you contribute to social cohesion. Another desired effect is, that the feeling of home that the international experiences, leads to a longer stay in the region and thus to retaining the talent that our economy needs so badly. Certainly to remain strong during this period and beyond.

For the long run,and to create that pleasant and accessible living environment,we have been working on the so called ’Living In’ program since 2016.

Starting point is that migration is a 'family decision' and that our response as a host city must therefore also be aimed at that family, meaning we also focus on the partner and children. They should also feel at home here. This largely determines whether people who come to work for companies here also want to commit to our city.

We explicitly work with the internationals on this.

This leads to intensive cooperation on a daily basis and that example is increasingly being followed in the region. Ensuring a good first impression, improving the (English) accessibility of facilities and promoting the learning of the Dutch language are essential to establish a real connection with the other Eindhoven citizen as an international.

An important attention point in the program is the Photos: Pieter Goudsmits, Zwaan fotografie

cooperation between companies, governments and

John Jorritsma

knowledge

institutions,

which

ensures that it is also pleasant for new Eindhoven residents to live, work and relax in our region. For example, we pay much attention to the professional integration of highly educated husbands, wives or partners. About 60 percent of them have a non-technical background. We endeavor to also use their talent for Eindhoven by linking these people to the mainly Dutch SMEs. We support the same SMEs by guiding them in hiring international talent.

Simply because this ensures that we can retain all the talent for

For example, by having a spouse tell its story to an employer, employers

our city. We also try to ensure

understand that as a company they can do more for their (international)

that international students stay

staff than they did before. This kind of thinking is what we are looking

in Eindhoven or the surrounding

for, which stands for that inclusive mindset and the willingness to

area after they have completed

take action.

their education. For universities, this subject is fairly new and

It is also a challenge for new Eindhoven residents to enter a Dutch circle

slowly but surely the importance

of friends. In general, we Dutch have a fairly strict division between

of integration of international

work and private life and the average employee doesn’t hang out with

students is recognized and a

his international colleague during the weekend. Fortunately we see a

creative look is taken at what

shift in this, an increasing number of Dutch people are developing a

promotes this integration.”

more international mindset.

And what are the bottlenecks?

Since 2012, The Hub, was promoted as ‘the international living room’,

“For

inter-

where internationals and local Eindhoven residents could meet. It

nationalization is still a 'ver-van-

closed permanently over the last weeks, can you indicate whether

mijn-bed show’ (distant reality).

there are plans for a restart or revival of The Hub?

As

many

a

result,

people,

new

Eindhoven

residents can’t always count on

“The closure of The Hub creates a kind of new energy. Many parties in

empathy or understanding. Too

the city recognize the importance of a living room where all Eindhoven

many international families are

residents can meet. An inventory is currently being made of what is

left to their own after one of the

needed and how the new plans may be implemented. For now it’s

two partners is hired for the first

important how the redevelopment of the VDMA site will take place.

time in a company in our region.

It looks like the current Hub's location can be used for another 1 to

With the ‘Living in program’,

1.5 years and we’re looking for other locations elsewhere in the city.

employers and parties in the

Whether in the meantime some of the usual activities of the ‘old’ Hub

city try to make clear what the

can take place is unsure and depends on the redevelopment and the

challenges for internationals are.

phasing of the project.

foto: Eddie Mol

Disaster Preparedness: A Gen X Manifesto

by Rebekah Villon

I am a huge fan of Ask Polly by Heather Havrilesky.

I remember myself. I understand it from the

It’s an advice column that transcends the writer’s

inside out.

immediate

situation,

urging

people

to

find

deeper connections with themselves and others.

Because Havrilesky is young (in her 30s when she

It’s heartfelt, vulnerable, and inspiring. So, of

wrote this book), and because she is reflecting on

course, I couldn’t wait to read her memoir, Disaster

her youth, the book deals a lot with the peculiarities

Preparedness.

of her family, and of families in general.

In Disaster Preparedness, Havrilesky writes candidly

forces that describe a whole generation.

When it comes to family, there is no escape.

The beauty—and the nightmare—of family is how well they know you after so long, and how deeply you belong to each other. There is no easy exit. There are witnesses, and they remember everything.

Havrilesky is only a few years younger than I am, and

Later in life, she goes to therapy. As is often the case,

I am not sure I’ve yet read a memoir from someone

in therapy she works to tell the truth, to recover the

my own age. So, when she describes listening to Tea

innocence and transparency of a child, and to reveal

in the Sahara by the Police on her Walkman, playing

her authentic self. But she shares an insight that I

the boardgame Clue, or playing Barbies with her

find really interesting: is a person’s childhood self

sister, it’s as though she’s describing a childhood

really their authentic self?

about her childhood and youth, about her family and friends, and about the influences that shaped her adulthood. Along the way, she describes aspects of her life so specifically she perfectly captures the

Book Review by Rebekah Villon But was my personality as a child—honest, open, full of wonder, prone to weeping at the slightest provocation— somehow more authentic than the pessimistic, spiteful cad I’d become? Was it really fair to claim such innocence and purity as my true self, or to throw away years of meticulously constructed defense mechanisms, many of them awesomely complex and imaginatively designed, the psychological equivalent of an internal-combustion engine?

Maybe, instead, I was some unsteady combination of innocent... child and cynical... adult. My genuine self was at once kind and nasty, well-intentioned and short-tempered and avoidant and thoughtful and hesitant to shower regularly.

It’s this kind of thinking that comes to inform Havrilesky’s acceptance of herself and others, a form of radical self-acceptance that she practices imperfectly, but that informs all of her writing. It’s what makes reading her work so inspiring, charming, and touching, and what keeps me coming back to her again and again. It’s startling how her journey, from a childhood with “toughen up already” parents to the dramas and agonies of adolescence, to an adulthood that is messy and confusing, infused with moments of enlightenment, echoes aspects of my own, and of a whole generation that grew up in the same way. I hope that all of us learn to practice the exuberant love that Havrilesky has come to model.

We are frazzled and unruly, you and me. We are desperate and wistful and restless and funny and frayed at the edges...

There is nothing wrong with feeling unsafe and uncertain.

There is nothing wrong with addled, misguided parenting, or self-involved rambling. I give you permission, my friend, to continue on this twisted, sweet path of suffering and satisfaction and distraction. I give you my blessing, my partner in failing at everything. I am witness to your grace and your faltering. I give you my undying love, as you struggle and stutter and the sun falls from the sky...

You

read

Ask

Polly

at

at @hhavrilesky, and I highly recommend doing both.

Please remember, we were not a disappointment. Not at all, not even close. We were gorgeous and strong, you and me. We were terrible and troubled and utterly divine.

Questions or comments about this review? Ideas for what I should read next?

Contact me at rebekah@howdomagazine.com

can

thecut.com and follow Heather

Notariskantoor Broekmans.

Your notary.

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Your life. Your choices. Your notary.

040 213 63 60 Like us on Facebook www.jouwnotaris.nl

Giving birth in the Netherlands Having a baby is the most special period in your life.

For internationals there are quite some differences between health care in the Netherlands and health care you would receive in your home country, especially regarding health care during pregnancy, birth and the time after birth. We know that these differences may worry you, so let us explain how things work.

In the Netherlands there is a unique system of midwives and gynaecologists. Midwives guide the healthy pregnancies and regular births. A gynaecologist steps in when complications arise. A Dutch midwife is primarily a medical expert, but, aside from this, she is also a coach and a confidant during the whole pregnancy period.

A midwife has had an extensive training during her 4 year bachelor program throughout which she spent 50% of her time doing internships. By the end of her training she has witnessed and assisted in a lot of deliveries.

Geertje Swinkels en Janneke Oudenaarden

Gezondheidscentrum SGE Meerhoven Meerwater 27 5658 LP Eindhoven Gezondheidscentrum SGE International Strijp-S Videolab 4.042 Torenallee 20 5617 BC Eindhoven Tel: 06-28069584 (24|7)

During pregnancy a midwife checks on the wellbeing of mother and child. She does so by taking an extensive medical history of the future parents. She checks weight and blood pressure of the mother and growth of the baby. She orders several blood tests and ultrasounds are made.

Besides all the medical checks the midwife gives all the information you need to prepare yourself for birth and parenthood. She is there, 24/7, for all your questions and worries. She does so involving both future parents and possible siblings.

During the delivery the midwife makes sure that both mother and baby are doing fine by doing the necessary medical checks.

She offers support to make sure that a woman can cope with the contractions. She does all this following the wishes expressed in a birth plan that has been discussed together during the pregnancy. At the end of it all your beautiful baby will be born through her hands.

At Midwifery Practice Eindhoven we have made the care for international clients one of our specialties. We will take the time to explain what you can expect and to understand your needs. We want you to feel safe and supported and have a good start as a family.

We welcome you from the moment your pregnancy test is positive but also if you already have questions before you conceive. www.midwiferypractice-eindhoven.nl

Behind the Veils: Revealing Mata Hari

by Rebekah Villon

Part 3: The Toast of Paris

years in Java, Margreet returned to the Netherlands as a divorcee,

The life of Mata Hari is shrouded

living in poverty while her husband kept custody of her daughter.

in mystery. There are competing and contradictory stories, and

After the dissolution of her marriage, Margreet moved to Paris.

everyone,

Margreet

Although it pained her to be so far from her daughter, she could not

herself, has different motives

support her, and her ex-husband used every scandal and accusation

for misrepresenting the truth.

from her life as a reason to keep her from her child. She was fluent in

My approach has been to sift

French (among other languages), and it's likely that she was working as

through these different stories

a prostitute and wanted to avoid more rumors and scandal reaching

and present the version that I

her family.

including

find most probable, but there are truths and facts that we may

Like a Shooting Star

never fully understand.

In

1903,

unconventional

dancers

like

Isadora

Duncan

were

revolutionizing dance performance in Europe, moving from the drawing This is part three of a six-part

rooms and salons to centerstage and international fame. Margreet,

series exploring the life, loves,

who was working as an artist's model and circus performer under her

and legacy of the legendary Mata

married name of MacLeod, was likely inspired by these stories. When

Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida

she was invited to dance in a salon, she seized the opportunity, and

Zelle. In previous issues, we

quickly gained fame as an exotic dancer.

covered her tragic youth, a deeply troubled marriage, and

For her performances, Margreet adopted her Javanese nickname:

the loss of a child. After several

Mata Hari. She wore incredible costumes with elaborate head-

Mata Hari part 3

dresses, performing dances she

offstage as well, telling people

never a great dancer; that her

had learned in Java, playing to

alternately that she was the

act was successful because it

European fascination with exotic

daughter of an Indian temple

was so sensual and she was so

and Oriental cultures. Her lean

dancer, or that she was born in

beautiful.

figure and dark hair and eyes

Java to European parents. No

What her dancing career did was

contributed to this mystique. Her

matter her real origin, she was

catapult her into the upper ranks

dances ended with her (nearly)

an exotic beauty, the desired

of society, where her beauty and

naked, typically wearing nothing

companion

charm could win over many men

but a sheer body suit and

powerful men.

and be used to make a profit.

jeweled chest pieces. She had

She toured Europe to acclaim

Her transition from dancer to

always been self-conscious of

wherever she went. She was

courtesan

her breasts, thinking they were

seen with a series of lovers at

perhaps, inevitable.

too small, and always kept them

the highest ranks of society. She

of

wealthy

and

was

graceful

but,

covered, even later in her career

By 1914, Mata Hari was known

when she skipped the body suit.

throughout

‘so feline, extremely feminine, majestically tragic’

Mata Hari avoided obscenity laws by claiming that these were the sacred temple dances of the people of Java, and audiences were immediately smitten. A Paris newspaper claimed that she was: "so feline, extremely feminine,

Europe,

traveling

all over the continent, received in palaces and parlors, known to princes and generals and everyone worth knowing. Her reputation for being interested in wealth was well-established, and some would say that her beauty was fading. Was there anyone, perhaps, better positioned to gather military intelligence? The

majestically tragic, the thousand curves and movements of her

had lavish clothes, jewels, and

body trembling in a thousand

an incredible lifestyle. She was a

rhythms."

famous beauty, written about in

French didn't think so.

society pages, and photographed A glowing review in Le Journal

often. Although her reputation

said:

with men further strengthens his case against her, aside from

“Mata Hari personifies all the

her child, she had everything she

poetry of India. Its mysticism, its

ever wanted.

voluptuousness, its languor, its hypnotizing charm.”

The Fruits of Fame In truth, Mata Hari's dancing

Mata Hari was an overnight

career didn't last long. She

smash hit. Her performances

was in her twenties when she

Join

were daring and sensual, but,

first

and

issue of HOWDO as we

presented as art and culture,

was 26 or 27 when she became

continue to explore this

in the salons of the wealthy,

a

would

fascinating Dutch woman

they

She

say (although years later, and

at the turning point of

maintained her stage persona

perhaps in spite) that she was

European history.

were

respectable.

learned

to

professional.

dance, Some

me

in

the

next

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Physical distancing, please!

This is corona time. But that’s not news – there’s no escaping it. It’s everywhere and it affects us all in many ways. The world looks empty; it is both quiet and loud at the same time. We are in this bizarre movie featuring an invisible enemy, and we’re hoping that some superpower hero will appear and save us all. But this is real and it is up to each of us to deal with it.

the communications department to tell us that the term was not correct. We should not practice ‘social’

distancing

but

‘physical’

distancing,

he explained.

And he is 100% right. There is absolutely no need to stop socializing. If anything, it is more important and probably more necessary than ever. A friendly interaction will overcome any 1.5 meter barrier. It is possible to introduce yourself as the new neighbor

Governments and health organizations tell us

and keep a safe distance at the same time. We can

what to do to stay healthy. Some of their advice is

still greet, comfort, listen, smile, care, talk, admire

so basic but we apparently need reminding: wash

each other’s kids, exchange information about our

your hands! Other precautionary measures are

favorite restaurants and tell our friends they are the

new and directly influence the way we interact with

best. It is possible to do all of this, in any language,

each other: stay home, practice social distancing.

in any culture. All it takes is not to practice social

That’s hard for any human being. We want to meet

distancing, but physical distancing: 1.5 meters.

people, go out, and, particularly if you just arrived in Eindhoven, get to know your new home.

Maybe the superpower we need right now is that little bit of human interaction. It will get us through

Working in the high-tech region of Brainport

this. Stay safe, stay healthy.

has taught me that when serious issues are at stake, the language used to communicate about

Monique Mols

them has to be extremely precise, just like the

Corporate Communications, ASML

technology developed here. So when the term ‘social distancing’ was first introduced, one of my colleagues at ASML immediately contacted

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/Haagdijk, 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 Or order online: www.deolienoot.nl

Living in another country When you go and live in another country there are many different

the differences depending on

things that you need to get acquainted to. The differences in culture,

where you came from and the

in habits. What is considered usual and what is not. Getting to know

habits and customs here in the

all these different things can be quite time consuming and sometimes

Netherlands. We have experience

costly. The traffic rules for example can be slightly different, which

in living and working in and with

can result in a fine. Also, conducting business can be different. Some

many different cultures. We can

customs can be considered offensive like making a deal on buying a

give you the benefit of these

house and then having extra demands afterwards. In the Netherlands

experiences. Please have a look

that is not common whereas in the south of Europe this is the way it

on our website to see which

is done.

services we can help you with.

When settling in a new house for example do you now invite the neighbors over or do you go and introduce yourself to them in the street? All these questions might be going through your head when you move into a new house and start to get acquainted to the new customs.

You don’t want to make a bad first impression. In the Netherlands you do not arrive unannounced at a neighbor’s house, this is not appreciated.

But obviously when you meet them in the street, by accident, you can always introduce yourself as the new tenant or owner. But like in any country some people are very welcoming and other people tend to be more private. Everyone needs to get accustomed to the new people on the block.

At Tulip Expat Services we provide a relocation service which always also includes informing you about these small differences which can make settling in just that much easier. Give you a heads up on

Eindhoven and surrounding areas Tulip Expats Services BV +31 6 53 14 70 86 marielle@tulipexpatsservices.com

Postal address: P.O. Box 82301, 2508 EH The Hague +31 70 220 81 56 tulipexpatsservices.com

Discover the heritage language schools of Eindhoven!

Heritage language schools (also called “mother tongue schools”) provide the opportunity for multilingual children to follow lessons in a language they speak at home, but are not able to study at school. The Eindhoven region is fortunate to have this valuable form of education available in over twenty languages! The heritage language lessons are usually organized by non-profit initiatives and take place after school or in the weekend throughout the school year.

Why enroll your child in a heritage

HLSE also regularly reports news about new school

language program?

Following

lessons

openings, the development of an international in

the

home

language

is

considered a basic right of every multilingual child.

children’s book collection, and events about multilingualism for parents and teachers.

Parents want their children to be able to connect with other people who speak the same language, to learn to read and write in the home language, and to understand the traditions of the culture. It has been shown that a strong foundation in the home language leads to greater social and academic success overall for multilingual children.

Heritage

Language

Schools

Eindhoven

(HLSE)

is a platform that ensures families can easily find information about the available programs.

Check out the list at www.hollandexpatcenter. com/heritageschools

to

see

if

your

child’s

language is offered. For additional details, see www.hlseindhoven.com/heritage-schools-list.

Visit www.hlseindhoven.com to find out more.

Column Expat Center

Keeping the Non-Dutch Speaking Residents Informed about the Coronavirus

By Olivia van den Broek-Neri

Holland Expat Center South partnered with Brainport Development

Do you have a suggestion for

to developed a portal

something that should be added

for the non-Dutch speaking residents of

Brabant about the coronavirus outbreak in the Netherlands. It is a

to the portal? Please Send an

joint initiative of the Municipality of Eindhoven (Holland Expat Center

email to:

South), Brainport Eindhoven, TU/e, Fontys and High Tech Campus

info@hollandexpatcenter.com.

Eindhoven, in collaboration with Expat Spouses Initiative and Eindhoven365. “The portal provides a perfect starting point for anyone

Tips from the Coronal Portal for

who is looking for corona-related information,” says Mira Dreessen,

Brabant Team

Projectmanager, Brainport Development. She helped develop the portal

“… I try to find a balance in

together with her colleague Heather Donaldson (Project coordinator at

being ambitious and dedicated

Brainport Development) and Olivia van den Broek-Neri (Holland Expat

at work, socially engaged with

Center South). “The goal is to get you started on where to find more

family and friends, as well as

information on several topics as well as regional initiatives,” says Mira.

attending my own wellbeing with moments of relaxation.”

It is also important to make sure that the community is aware of the

Mira Dreessen, Projectmanager,

portal. To ensure that the portal reaches as many non-Dutch speaking

Brainport Development

residents as possible, Expat Spouses Initiative created a PEP team to work on the portal: Dilan Sarac and Katarzyna Hejna. “We are working

“These are stressful times, which

in a team where everyone has a different background,”

is why I make it a point

says Katarzyna, “Thanks to this we can think in a broader

to unplug at different

perspective about the needs of internationals. Working on

times throughout

this portal I have discovered for myself how many amazing

the day. I have found

places there are to explore [in Brabant]!”

that swimming and reading have helped

Although these times are difficult for internationals who

me, and recommend

are away from friends and family, Dilan Sarac points out

that everyone does

something positive that has resulted: “The pandemic

one thing (or activity)

showed us how many we are,” she says. “We are not alone at all.”

a day to unwind. Check out the portal for some tips and tricks!”

Visit the portal at: www.hollandexpatcenter.com/corona-portal

Olivia van den Broek-Neri, Project Coordinator Communications & Events, Holland Expat Center South The Holland Expat Center South office is temporarily closed, but the HECS team is still available to answer your questions about settling into Brabant.

The ‘Quintessential Dutch’ crossword puzzle 1 2

Horizontal

3

2.

wooden shoes

4

4.

the chocolate sprinkles 5

6

that the Dutch put on sandwiches

5.

7

what people in Brabant

8

say when parting ways

9

the annual holiday for children celebrated on 5 December

7.

8.

a round, fried snack

10

How much do you know about Dutch culture? And do you know the right Dutch words for quintessentially Dutch things? Test yourself with this crossword puzzle!

a two-wheeled means of transport

10.

Vertical

1.

the longest nightlife street in Eindhoven

a structure with turbine blades

3.

6.

the colour of the Dutch royal family

the flowers most associated with the Dutch

9.

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