ACCESS Spring 2011

INFORMATION

,

ADVICE AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR LIFE IN THE NETHERLANDS

Spring 2011

pick r u up yofree own py co

The expat entrepreneur Special features | Time to study | Spring spritz your home |

Ten reasons to run | visit Texel for springtime sunshine | Museums: the hidden gems | Dutch beer and cheese pairings |

The future of international education ‌ > First class international education for students 11-18 years in our IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes > Fully integrated into the wider school population > Students are challenged to their full potential in a culturally diverse environment > A broad and balanced curriculum to prepare students for university entrance worldwide

with a Dutch Touch

> Adjoins the city of Leiden and is closely linked to both The Hague and Amsterdam

www.isrlo.nl Apollolaan 1, Oegstgeest, The Netherlands. Tel. 00 31 (0) 71 519 35 55

International Education with a Dutch Touch

| Spring 2011 ACCESS Magazine Spring 2011 Vol. 24 No. 1

The expat entrepreneur

Circulation: 15,000 Readership: 60,000

Contents 5

Letter from Lucie

7

ACCESS news

8

Community news

11

Whats on...

14

The expat entrepreneur

14

22 Spring spritz your home 24 Time to study 26 Volunteer profile 28 Books 29 Museums - the hidden gems 35 Ten reasons to run 38 Visit Texel for springtime sunshine

Spring spritz your home

visit Texel for springtime sunshine

43 Dutch beer and cheese pairings

38

47 ACCESS courses Copyright©ACCESS 2011 All rights reserved. No part of the ACCESS magazine may be used in any form without explicit permission in writing from the Publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at the time of going to press. However, ACCESS and its writers cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information included.

22

ACCESS - The Hague Zeestraat 100, 2nd floor, 2518 AD The Hague, Tel: 0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377), local rate 20c per minute, info@access-nl.org.

Visit ACCESS Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at: The Hague International Centre, The Hague City Hall Atrium, Spui 70, The Hague Colofon: Publisher Stichting ACCESS, Editorial content editor@access-nl.org, Advertising tel: 070 345 1700, Subscriptions info@access-nl.org, Editor Cathy Leung, Assistant Editors Carina Hyllested, Morgan Wood, Design & Layout Marek Moggré, Consultants Dijkman Publishers, Images Cathy Leung, Contributors Christine Fischer, Karen Slingenberg, Nikki Young, Printing HENK Grafimedia Center ACCESS magazine is widely distributed throughout The Hague and Amsterdam regions – you can also find our magazines in and around Eindhoven, Utrecht, Maastricht and Rotterdam. You’ll find our magazines in local municipality expat centres, libraries, Chambers of Commerce, Embassies and in shops, health centres, hospitals, relocation agents, hotels, and restaurants and cafes that offer a warm welcome to the expatriate international community living in the Netherlands. If you know somewhere that should stock the ACCESS magazine, or you would like to stock it, please contact fnd-dh@access-nl.org Also if you work for one of the major expat employers and the ACCESS magazine is not available through your HR department, please ask them to contact us – and ask them why it’s not available!

access | SPRING | 3

“American School of The Hague nurtures and inspires character, commitment, creativity, and learning.”

University preparatory program for students aged 3-18 years

AP®

Your CHILD is our mission

Rijkstraatweg 200 2241 BX Wassenaar The Netherlands +31 70 512 1087 www.ash.nl admissions@ash.nl

the preschool ✆ 070 3272088 The Windmill Preschool is an English speaking preschool for International children aged 2 to 5 years old.

We use a carefully planned curriculum giving all children an opportunity to succeed in an atmosphere of care and of feeling valued. Each session is designed to develop your child’s creative, physical and social skills.

We endeavour to provide a stimulating environment for your child to learn progressively and to support your child’s learning through a mixture of planned play activities and education to promote their creativeness and imagination.

www.thewindmill.nl

the

windmill toddlers

0 to 4 years old - Every Friday 09:15 to 11:30

Session times to suit your child’s needs all day - 09:00 to 14:45 or mornings - 09:00 to 12:00 or afternoons - 12:15 to 14:45 or a mixture

providing a solid foundation for your child’s education since 2000 4 | access | SPRING

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear ACCESS readers, Walking in my local wood recently with my friend visiting from Perth, Australia, we spotted the first snowdrops. Spring has arrived! Perth only has two seasons; I lived there for seven years, as a British expat like my friend, before I came to the Netherlands.

The four, distinct seasons we have here is something I have relearnt to cherish, and something my friend misses.

The move to a new country is often a time for change, and we lead this Spring issue with an article on expat entrepreneurs; their stories and tips for you on how to set up your own business. For those who prefer something a little more leisurely, our travel article ­features Texel, one of the islands in the north. As a family, we’re guilty of not exploring as much of the Netherlands as we could,

and this article reminds us all of the beautiful country in which we live. I would also nudge you to visit Keukenhof, a celebration of Holland, and an event we visit every year – with or without visitors!

This is a fantastic year for ACCESS, as we celebrate 25 years of serving the international expatriate community in the Netherlands.

We’ll tell you more about the celebrations in our Summer issue.

We’re always looking for new volunteers but are particularly in need of people with event management experience to help us over the next few months. Please do contact me.

Finally, I have to end on a sad note. ACCESS is a non-profit organisation, and consequently has to be particularly careful about how our funds are spent. We recently announced that we are closing our Amsterdam back office, and recentralising our national service in a single back office in The Hague, that can be contacted on 0900 2 ACCESS and info@access-nl.org. We will continue to be active in the Amsterdam region, with many volunteers still based there. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those volunteers who have dedicated their time to helping the international community in Amsterdam.

Warm regards Lucie Scott - edirector@access-nl.org

ACCESS Partners

Thank you for your continued and generous support Platinum • Gemeente Amsterdam • Gemeente Den Haag • Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency Gold • ABN-AMRO Bank • Deborah and Eric Brulo-Nisenfeld • Kamer van Koophandel Haaglanden • West-Holland Foreign Investment Agency

Silver • Adams Multilingual Recruitment Agency • American School of The Hague • The British School in the Netherlands • International School of Amsterdam • International School of The Hague • GMW Advocaten

Bronze

• Academy for Counselling and Coaching • American Book Center, Amsterdam • The Xpat Journal and Xpat Media • Crossroads International Church, The Hague

• Direct Dutch Institute • Kickstart School • Language Courses German School The Hague

• The Windmill Preschool • Thomas Green’s, The Hague

ACCESS Associates Thank you for your support

Associates AngloINFO South Holland, Bureau Kraamzorg Extra, Crunch Café, Isa Belle Linea, Koenders Makelaardij, Language Institute TaalTaal, Melvin Spry - English Painter and Decorator, Sealife Scheveningen, The English Theatre, Together Abroad, Tulip Expats Services.

The ACCESS Associate scheme is aimed at small and start-up businesses to enable them to reach a diverse international audience. With our Associate scheme we offer the benefits of a listing both on the ACCESS website and in the ACCESS Magazine, and promotional opportunities to our Facebook and Twitter audience. Contact fnd-dh@access-nl.org to find out more about becoming an Associate.

Your organisation’s name here? Supporting ACCESS means helping over 20,000 people in the expat and international community each year. access | SPRING | 5

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News Finding your feet in Holland In February, ACCESS and the International Community Platform* (ICP) ran a free workshop offering practical help and support to newly arriving families to The Hague region – the event even offered a crèche to help with the age-old problem of finding babysitters in a new country. This was a pilot event to assess demand for an ongoing programme.

Attendees chose from eight seminars including housing, healthcare, employment and education, and with over 60 ­people from organisations including Shell, Europol, EPO, OPCW and NATO, it was extremely successful. Following great ­feedback – to quote one participant, “I think it’s a very good initiative, maintain it I’d say!” – we hope to run this workshop three times a year. Details will be posted on www.access-org.nl at the beginning of April.

A new telephone ­n umber for ACCESS You can now contact us on 0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377). You will be charged 20 cents a minute for your call, wherever you call us from within the Netherlands. If you’re ­calling us from outside the Netherlands please see our website www.access-nl.org for our number.

About ACCESS Established in 1986, ACCESS is a non-profit organisation committed to supporting the international expatriate community in the Netherlands. We have since grown to become the leading source of free, personalised information in English for this community.

What we do

Our office is staffed by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who have experienced the expat relocation process and are able to ­provide comprehensive information, advice and support on all aspects of living and working in the Netherlands. ACCESS also offers a free referral service to a private, professional counsellor network as well as cancer support services.

* The ICP incorporates the main employers in The Hague region and works to improve the work and living environment for their international employees and their families. The British School of The Netherlands is a member and kindly hosted the first event.

New ACCESS website on its way Work has been started on a new ACCESS website, with our team planning a brand new, interactive design with lots of new areas and functionality to explore. The new website will have a web-based content management system, so if you have experience in online content management and you are interested in volunteer oppor­ tunities to help develop the website even further, please contact our Volunteer Resources Department (vrd-dh@access-nl.org). www.access-nl.org

How we do it

ACCESS is supported by Dutch, international and expatriate businesses and organisations through donations and sponsorships.

In return for their generous support, our partners benefit from the provision of help, advice and direct support to their expat employees. ACCESS is governed by an Executive Board made up of representatives from the business community, whilst an Executive Director is responsible for overall management of the organisation.

Volunteering for ACCESS

We offer volunteering opportunities in areas such as marketing, event management, advertising, fundraising, IT, finance, database research, copywriting, and much more. The core of our team is made up of our Help Desk volunteers, this is the front line of our service - helping and advising expats over the phone, by email or personal consulation at the expat desk at The Hague International Centre. You can volunteer for as little as six hours per week, and our hours are flexible.

access | SPRING | 7

Community News

Creative Awards Ceremony in April

The Awards Ceremony for the annual ACCESS Creative Contest will be hosted by The British School of Amsterdam on 2 April, including an exhibition of the children’s art. Expat children and young adults from across the Netherlands have submitted ­artwork for the competiton. Primary school children were given the theme, ‘My favourite place in the Netherlands’, and for Senior School students, the theme was ‘Essentially Dutch’.

It is clear that participating young students have already been inspired by the artistic heritage and current art culture of the Netherlands. Jo Jakabfy, Teacher of Art and Design at the International School Hilversum, participating for the first time, explained how the students have had the unique opportunity to visit and work in the studio of a local artist. “The students have been exposed to a different creative environment and have been encouraged to exchange ideas with each other”, she said.

Momoko, in Year 7 at the British School of Amsterdam said, “The ACCESS contest is the first art competition in my life that I have taken part in so I am very excited. I have made a piece of work based on Amsterdam in the night. I have used colour pencils on paper and in the picture you can see the shop ‘Small Talk’.

I worked on A2 paper and it took me two days to make”.

The prizes have been kindly donated by the Van Gogh Museum, Staedtler, and the American Book Center. This spring, the Van Gogh Museum celebrates another young expat artist’s work with the exhibition: Picasso in Paris, 1900-1907 (18 February - 29 May).

The Hague community ­centre expands

International school to open in Breda

The Hungry Mind Centre, for local and international ­residents in The Hague, has grown into a vibrant meeting place in just a few months. Located behind the International School of The Hague and open daily from 8:30am until 4:30pm, the centre has now added bridge, digital photo­ graphy, first aid lessons and a variety of exercise classes to its many other activities. www.thehungrymind.nl

In August 2011, the International School Breda will open its doors to cater for the needs of internationals in West Brabant and Zeeland.

The school will provide international education combined with day care and after school care. IS Breda’s Primary School will offer the International Primary Curriculum, whilst the Senior School will offer the IB Middle Years Programme for students from 11-16.

From August 2012 it will also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for students from 16-18. www.isbreda.nl

8 | access | SPRING

Community News

Appeal for fire-hit cat refuge In January a fire destroyed the Relief Centre of Stichting Amsterdamse Zwerfkatten, an organisation which helps improve the lives and control the number of stray-cats in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. Nineteen cats died but luckily another seven were rescued and have since been taken for care and observation to an animal clinic in Osdorp.

Although the seven surviving cats are doing well, Stichting Amsterdamse Zwerfkatten have lost their shelter and all their belongings and resources. The cats still need their help and the organisation have continued to catch and assist cats since the fire but are urgently looking for both financial and material assistance.

For donations: Giro number 6914 Stichting Amsterdamse Zwerfkatten www.zwerfkattenamsterdam.nl

Top Chinese Medicine comes to Holland Yu Zu Tang Health Garden, a market leader in China, has chosen the Netherlands for its first European branch. The new centre in The Hague offers preventative wellness treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine and is open seven days a week from 9am until 9pm. Yu Zu Tang Health Garden “fits the international profile of The Hague� said Vice-Mayor Henk Kool as he opened the new centre in February. www.yuzutang.nl

Strippenkaart phased out in The Hague In December we updated our Public Transport guide and added further information about the OV Chipcard. Zuid Holland province, including The Hague, follows the cities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam in phasing out the strippenkaart this year. Although at the time of going to press, the 3 February deadline for the crossover was put back, readers are advised that the OV Chipcard is now essentially the only way to pay for bus, tram and Randstadrail in Zuid Holland. To download the ACCESS Guide, Public Transport, visit www.access-nl.org.

access | SPRING | 9

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- 600 m2 meeting center divisable into 7 sections

- 7 Ambassador Suites with The Hague city & ocean view

- 3 boardrooms and 1 penthouse boardroom

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- Trendy Restaurant Purple

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- Brasserie, Bar Lounge and Embassy Jazz Bar

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What’s on Spring 2011

Special events in March WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access publications at pub-dh@access-nl.org, please title your mail as ‘what’s on’.

From 3 March onwards

The Temporary Stedelijk Amsterdam The Temporary Stedelijk at the Stedelijk Museum reopens on March 3, 2011, with an entirely new programme devoted primarily to the museum’s acclaimed collection of modern and contemporary art and design. www.stedelijk.nl

19 March

Stille Omgang (Silent Procession) Amsterdam Commemorating the 1345 ‘Miracle of Amsterdam’.

A dying man at a house on Kalverstraat took the last rites, including the Blessed Sacrament. He later vomited and what he had brought up was thrown on the fire. The next morning the host was discovered undamaged in the ashes. It was put into a box and taken to the parish church but twice it miraculously made its way back to the house on the Kalverstraat.

Every year since, local Catholics make a silent nocturnal walk that begins and ends at Spui; a candlelit procession through the Red Light District at night.

www.stille-omgang.nl

11 March - 24 July

Soulscape Road exhibition Amsterdam Black and white photography by Indonesian photographer, Oscar Motuloh, who travelled along disaster areas in Indonesia. His photographs show, among other things, the effects of the tsunami, the earthquake in central Java and the mud flows in East Java. www.tropenmuseum.nl

24 March - 20 May

Keukenhof 24-30 March

Lisse

Movies that Matter 2011

World famous gardens and pavilions show a fantastic collection of: tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, carnations, irises, lilies and other flowers.

Seven million flower bulbs have been planted in this former 17th century hunting area, ensuring that Keukenhof can be experienced in all its glory throughout the spring. Herbs for the kitchen of the castle of Jacoba van Beieren were also collected here; hence the name Keukenhof. Many events scheduled.

Filmhuis, The Hague “A film festival where Amnesty International does more than just showing a movie. It’s a platform where human rights and human dignity are at stake.”

Creating awareness for poignant situations across the world. Watch the movies and participate in talk shows and debates.

Open daily from 8am until 7.30pm.

Tickets: adults €14.50, children €7 www.moviesthatmatterfestival.nl

www.keukenhof.nl

access | SPRING | 11

What’s on Spring 2011

Special events in April WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access publications at pub-dh@access-nl.org, please title your mail as ‘what’s on’.

2-3 April

16 April

National Museum Weekend

Bloemencorso Haarlem

across the Netherlands

A 40-km long parade featuring stunning floral floats with wonderful scents, and marching bands. Route from Noordwijk to Haarlem. On Sunday 17 April, all the floats are on display along the Dreef in Haarlem.

Kodak moments!

PHOTO: George Burggraaf

Around a million visitors flock to one or more of the 500 state-funded museums, which offer free or discounted admission and special activities during National Museum Weekend. www.museumweekend.nl

12-23 April

Amsterdams Kleinkunst Festival

16 April

Amsterdam The Amsterdams Kleinkunst Festival is the annual highlight of the cabaret season in the Netherlands.

Since its founding in 1988, the festival has focused on stimulating the future and honouring the past.

The festival focuses on Kleinkunst in the broadest sense of the word: cabaret, musical and Dutch songs, by producing performances, tributes and several ­leading awards.

www.amsterdamskleinkunstfestival.nl

Nationale Bloesem Wandeltocht Utrecht Every spring the Red Cross organises the Nationale Bloesem Wandeltocht (National Spring Hike), a hike in Geldermalsen near Utrecht. You can choose one of the following tracks: 8, 15, 25 or 40km. Register online, cost €6.50. www.rodekruisbloesemtocht.nl

www.bloemencorso.nl

29 April

Koninginnenach (Queen’s Night) The Hague and across the Netherlands The Hague’s Koninginnenach (note no ‘t’) will have a different set-up starting this year, with music and performances at more locations. There will be around six small stages spread throughout the city. According to Deputy Mayor Marjolein de Jong, “we are kind of returning to the old set-up with lots of good bands performing in the cafés and bars in the city centre.”

Having originated in The Hague, there are now Koninginnenacht celebrations across the Netherlands. www.denhaag.nl

30 April

Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) across the Netherlands Originally celebating the late Queen Juliana’s birthday. People are allowed to set up stalls and sell their own wares. Don’t forget to wear your orange.

Amsterdam’s Vondel Park becomes one huge busking spot for the city’s children.

www.denhaag.nl www.iamsterdam.com

12 | access | SPRING

What’s on Spring 2011

Special events in May WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access publications at pub-dh@access-nl.org, please title your mail as ‘what’s on’.

4 May

Herdenkingsdag (Remembrance Day) PHOTO: Ewoud Koster for Bevrijdingspop

Remembrance Day National Monument, Amsterdam Remembering those who died in World War II, in the prescence of the Queen. After the laying of wreaths, there’s a two-minute silence at 8pm. www.4en5mei.nl

6 February to 15 May 2011

‘I promise to love you’ Kunsthal, Rotterdam

5 May

For the 40th anniversary of the Caldic Collection, ‘I promise to love you’ is a selection of over eighty paintings, photographs, installations and sculptures purchased over the last ten years. The main focus is on acquisitions that have never been shown to the public before, showing “the guts, diversity and originality of one of the most important privately-owned art collections in the Netherlands”.

Bevrijdingspop - on Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

Includes recent works by contemporary renowned artists like Ai Weiwei, Louise Bourgeois, Damien Hirst, Anselm Kiefer, Yayoi Kusama, Ernesto Neto, James Turrell, Sam Taylor-Wood and Robert Zandvliet. The exhibition presents an accurate image of the current state of affairs in the international art world to a broad and diverse audience. The title of the exhibition was derived from a neon work of the same name by British artist Tracey Emin. www.kunsthal.nl

Stadspark de Haarlemmerhout, Haarlem Part of Haarlem’s Liberation Day festivities. Dutch and international artists entertain an audience of 150,000 with a mix of pop music, street theatre and kids entertainment. www.bevrijdingspop.nl

14-15 May

27-28 May

National Windmill Day

Amsterdam Comedy Festival

across the Netherlands Windmills are a part of Dutch heritage (we’ve even incorporated one into our own logo). On this weekend, hundreds of windmills will be opened to the public. www.nationalemolenengemalendag.nl

29 May

Dag van het Park across the Netherlands Day of the Park: activities going on in various parks across the Netherlands. www.dagvanhetpark.nl

Melkweg, Amsterdam Contrary to previous years, the 4th Amsterdam Comedy Festival will present English speaking standup comedy only. Confirmed comedians inlclude: Richard Herring (UK), Brendon Burns (AUS), Dave Fulton (USA), Earl Okin (UK), Danny Bevins (USA), Nick Helm (UK) and Wil Hodgson (UK). Tickets will be available from mid March onwards.

Win free tickets!

For a chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to this year’s Amsterdam Comedy Festival, just email your name and address to editor@access-nl.org.

Closing date: 31 March 2011. www.amsterdamcomedyfestival.nl

access | SPRING | 13

Cover story

The expat entrepreneur

By Morgan Wood

14 | access | SPRING

Starting a new business is no easy task; there are business plans to write, finances to be arranged, logistics to be planned, materials to be sourced, and customers to be targeted.

Accomplishing all of this while living in a foreign country complicates the process.

However, the challenges and risk of failure does not seem to deter new entrepreneurs.

The European Commission estimates that, on average, 1.8 million new enterprises are established annually within the European Union.

Indeed, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are the engines of national economy. In the Netherlands, SMEs account for 99.7% of all enterprises, with micro-enterprises (less than 10 employees) comprising a robust 90%. Despite the recent global economic downturn, there has been an overall increase in micro-enterprises in the Netherlands, from approximately 660,000 in 2006 to 770,000 in 2009.

It is important to understand that there is no instruction manual, no ‘one size fits all’ solution to getting started. Individual entrepreneurs are faced with their own unique set of challenges and will draw upon individual experience to confront those challenges. While a lot of information is in English, more support is available in Dutch, so learning the local language or partnering with a Dutch national will only increase the chances of success.

as an entrepreneur “you need to somehow become integrated into the business community here.”

The Amsterdam American Business Club (AABC) works to help improve business contacts between Dutch and American companies in and around Amsterdam.

John Mahnen, an AABC Board Member, explains, “The Amsterdam American Business Club is in fact a great incubator for expat startups. Many of our members have done just that and are proactive in helping new ventures with the right information and leads.”

A great way to learn more about starting a business is to speak to those that have been through the process already. We sat down with three expats to hear their stories and to get some good advice. »

Professional networks

In addition to government-run resources that provide “what you know,” several professional organisations exist to help with ‘who you know’. The Women’s Business Initiative International (WBII), an organisation that includes both local Dutch and international members, provides the tools and network it takes to strengthen a new enterprise. Suzy Ogé, founder and director of the WBII stresses that in order to survive

Resources KvK (Chamber of Commerce) www.kvk.nl The Hague International Centre www.thehague.com WBII www.womensbusinessinitiative.net AABC www.aabc.nl Answers for business www.answersforbusiness.nl

access | SPRING | 15

Cover story | The expat entrepreneur

Jim Bowes GreenGraffiti® www.greengraffiti.com

As founder and CEO of GreenGraffiti®, Jim Bowes has been creating a buzz with an environmentally-friendly form of outdoor advertising that combines reverse graffiti and stylish design.

Originally from the US, Jim has spent the past 20 years in Amsterdam. After working in advertising and building his network, he came across a project involving the repurposing of steel from decommissioned battleships. The idea of using old to create new in an environmentally friendly way, inspired him to look at new options for his industry. After a bit of

“It doesn’t have to be reinventing the wheel”

research, he found that although the green movement was picking up momentum in other areas, the advertising industry had decidedly hit the snooze button.

“Traditional outdoor advertising is anything but sustainable,” Jim points out, which means that while an organisation can be ‘green’, their choice in an advertising partner may not. This is where he has positioned GreenGraffiti® to his customers, saying “now you have a choice.”

Jim admits that what he is doing may not be new but points out, “it doesn’t have to be reinventing the wheel, it just has to be using the wheel in a slightly different way.”

The “wheel” in this case is a high-pressure water sprayer and a customised steel template used to clean an advertisement out of the dirt on a surface. To offset their water consumption, GreenGraffiti® contributes to water projects in developing countries by setting aside 10 cents per litre used.

Advice for expat extrepreneurs

Jim cautions prospective entrepreneurs to be aware of the national labour laws and the strong rights of workers. The costs associated with firing an employee has a big impact on SMEs and he says that “this is a challenge that the Netherlands hasn’t really cracked yet.”

Asked where he sees the business going in the next five years, Jim’s eyes light up with the same fire that has brought him this far, “we want to get away from the ‘bumper sticker’ on the ground and move more into city beautification projects.”

An ambition with roots in social entrepreneurship, GreenGraffiti® hopes to bring cities and advertisers together to clean up neighbourhoods.

16 | access | SPRING

Zoe Elizabeth Gottehrer CAKE Amsterdam www.cakeamsterdam.com

Attention to detail is essential to the success of a small business, even more so if the business is baking. Luckily, Zoe Elizabeth Gottehrer has baking in her genes and with the launch of CAKE Amsterdam in October 2010, Zoe has brought her unique style and approach to the evolving tastebuds of the Dutch.

Born and raised in New York City, Zoe traces her culinary lineage back to her mother and grandmother, both American home bakers. With an education in visual arts, and professional experience in graphic design and the music industry, she brings a fresh approach to an age-old profession, “I am an artist first and cake is my medium. I work with clients to produce delicious custom made cakes.”

Time for a change

After getting caught up in the human swell of big-city living, in 2002 Zoe decided it was time for a change of pace. Having initially planned a short-term stay in the Netherlands, this bloomed into a new life in a country she now calls home.

“My decision to move to Holland was personal. To find work I’ve relied on a network of expats and Dutch friends I’ve made along the way.”

“ zoe stresses the importance of patience and clear communication” Advice for expat extrepreneurs

In a previous position as Head Cake Artist at a specialty cake shop in Utrecht, Zoe learned first-hand what it took to run a cake business. “I was constantly taking notes of how I would do things differently and that’s when I really came to terms with the fact that I wasn’t going to be happy unless I was doing it for myself,” she says.

Zoe stresses the importance of patience and clear communication, “It can be quite frustrating, you ask a question and get an answer, nothing more, nothing less.

Choosing your questions well, rephrasing and asking them several times over, is sometimes necessary.” She also notes that the KvK and the local stadhuis (townhall)

have been very helpful in opening doors to subsidies and small business counsellors that she never knew existed.

Using social media, especially Facebook, Zoe sees her client base growing at a healthy pace. Within two years, she hopes to have her own small bakery and shopfront with 1-2 employees. » access | SPRING | 17

Cover story | The expat entrepreneur

“ I ’ve learned that for things that I’m not an expert in, to go seek advice.”

Nina sets herself and her business apart in her detailed, thorough approach to interior design. Her process begins by interviewing the client to find out exactly what it is they want to achieve, “it’s really important for me that I am attuned to my client’s needs,” she emphasises. After taking a survey of the room, she creates a master plan with a furniture layout, lighting plan, and a sample board of suggested materials (sourced locally). Her approach is designed to create unique spaces by combining the underlying values of practicality and beauty.

Advice for expat extrepreneurs

Doing business in a foreign country is not always as easy as copying and pasting, so Nina has turned to organisations such as the Women’s Business Initiative International and the KvK for help. She greatly values these resources, saying, “I’ve learned that for things that I’m not an expert in, to go seek advice.”

Nina du Pré Interior Solutions www.ninadupre.com

Sometimes, moving to a different country just means new customers. When Nina du Pré came to the Netherlands it didn’t stop her from continuing to do what she loves, interior design. Through her business, Nina Du Pre Interior Solutions, Nina’s aim is to help her clients realise their dream interiors.

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A mobile career

After gaining a diploma from the KLC School of Design in London, Nina worked on several interior design projects back in her native UK before moving to the Netherlands with her husband in 2005.

After getting oriented, she decided to continue with interior design and establish a business in The Hague. “I always say that if you are a hair dresser you can work all over the world and for me, interior design is the same, I could do this anywhere”, Nina says.

As an entrepreneur, Nina can point to three things that have brought her success thus far; being passionate, seeking advice, and being open to opportunity. She stresses that “if you are running your own business, it is hard work, so it has got to be something you believe in.” « Are you inspired?

Do you think it’s time to get the gears turning on your own small business idea? For further advice and information visit www.access-nl.org to download our ACCESS Guide, Starting Your Own Business (PDF). And as the Dutch say, “Succes!”

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Legal aspects of setting up a business in Holland Statistics show that an increasing number of expats and/or their spouses create new business ventures. Statistics also show that the entrepreneurial enthusiasm often gets dampened once the unfamiliar rules and regulations start to kick in. Let me therefore provide you with some legal tips.

Legal structure and liability

Most expats who set up a business in the Netherlands establish either an eenmanszaak (sole trader) or a VOF, Vennootschap onder Firma, (partnership). The legal structure has consequences regarding liability. For sole tradership, there is no distinction between your business and personal assets: the sole trader is personally ­liable for the fulfilment of business obligations and personal creditors can make a claim on your business assets. It’s even trickier when you are married on the basis of the ‘general community of property regime’.

Then, there is no distinction between your business, your personal and your spouse’s business and personal assets! Business creditors can demand that you pay your business obligations from your spouse’s assets and that your spouse’s personal creditors can also make a claim on your business. It is wise, therefore, to draw up a marriage settlement to limit liability. For partnerships, the partners are both personally liable for business obligations, and when married without a marriage settlement, your spouse’s assets are also at risk (legislation to limit ­personal liability is pending). Private creditors, however, cannot make a claim on your business assets.

Experience shows that a sound debtor policy and the accuracy of written warnings to be quite effective.

Employment contracts

Once you can afford to hire employees, your employment contracts must include, among others: an accurate job description, the type of employment agreement (permanent, temporary, oncall, zero hours), the length of the employment (definite or indefinite period), the length of the trial period, the notice period, rules on sickness leave and holiday allowance, salary agreements, work conditions, and pension schemes if any. Furthermore, contracts should not be in breach of mandatory law or a collective labour agreement, which unfortunately is often the case.

Lease agreement

As a lessor of business premises it is of great importance that you use a lease agreement that protects your interests. Most probably you’ll be faced with a standard contract usually covering a period of five years. Standard, but not compulsory! These terms, like many others, can be negotiated. As you don’t know whether your business is going to be a success, it’s wise to start with a shortterm lease (one or two years).

This is just the tip of the iceberg - should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Agreements

Even though Dutch law recognises verbal agreements, it is of the utmost importance to put down all agreements in writing.

Remember the saying: ‘Verba volant, scripta manent’, that is ‘spoken words fly away, written words remain.’ No need to elaborate on this one.

René Willemsen, Corporate Law Specialist, GMW Advocaten 070 3615048 r.willemsen@gmw.nl www.gmw.nl/en

General terms and conditions

As too many unpaid invoices may very well jeopardise your business’ financial balance, it is wise to draw up sound general terms and conditions to limit the number of outstanding invoices. access | SPRING | 19

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Start-up help from the KvK The Den Haag Kamer van Koophandel (KvK), or The Hague Chamber of Commerce, plays a vital role in helping entrepreneurs to make their dreams of starting a successful business a reality.

Not only does the KvK assist in the administrative aspects of setting up a business, they also provide strategic advice and support.

With a staff of knowledgeable and experienced Business Advisors, the KvK can help to refine a rough-draft business idea into a sharp business plan.

Available to new and existing entrepreneurs, the KvK’s services include: • a detailed website with key business information and links to valuable resources • knowledgeable Business Advisors available on a walk-in or appointment basis • seminars and group information sessions.

An important tool for every business owner is his/her network.

The seminars and group information sessions offered through the KvK provide valuable information and insight on important topics and also allow for attendees to share ideas and even to conduct business with each other. With a strong network of tax, insurance, and legal professionals, the KvK can help answer difficult questions that may arise when setting up a business or during the operations of an existing business.

Margreet Niemansverdriet, Business Advisor at the Den Haag Kamer van Koophandel, has helped many entrepreneurs strengthen their business plans. Her advice to those thinking of starting a ­business is to be realistic during the planning stages. “I see far too many entrepreneurs inflating their sales and deflating their costs”, she says.

By starting out with a realistic expectation of business operations and growth, the chances for success are increased.

If you are thinking of starting your own business, call to make an appointment with a Business Advisor or visit us at Koningskade 30, The Hague.

We look forward to working with you to create a successful business!

Den Haag Kamer van Koophandel Tel: 088 588 8000 denhaag@kvk.nl www.kvk.nl

Do you have international ambition?

Ten steps to start your business:

Are you interested in shipping flower bulbs to Japan or do you see an opportunity to import clothing from Morocco to the Netherlands? If you think your company has international opportunities the International Trade Day at the Chamber of Commerce may help you to realise your plans.

• evaluate your entrepreneurial skills • explore and define your market • define your market strategy • choose a name for your business • choose a legal form • define your business terms

On Thursday 7 April 2011, the Kamer van Koophandel will host workshops and a roundtable session to inform you about the aspects of international trade. Several network partners and fellow entrepreneurs will be present to help you get the information you need. For further information and registration please check our website www.kvk.nl/ihdagdh or contact Marco van Hagen, 088 588 8026.

Besides the location in The Hague, the International Trade Day will also be organised at ten other l­ocations throughout the Netherlands.

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(payment, delivery, returns, etc)

• write a business plan • organise and retain funding • register your company with the KvK • network.

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Banking in

the Netherlands First impressions

Picture this: you just accepted a great new job in the Netherlands and you have to move within a few weeks. You just recently found out where this country is located on the map and you’re expected to arrange everything as soon as possible. Working abroad is a great experience in one’s life but it can be stressful at the same time. One of the most important things to do is to secure your financial situation in a foreign country. This is a very delicate ­matter and should be dealt with as soon as possible.

When an expat is exposed to our country for the very first time, the impressions can be overwhelming. One of the things that is characteristic of the Netherlands is that everything is well-organised and systematic. The local people are down to earth and the working pace is very fast. We don’t like to waste money and tend to save it. And when we serve coffee you get one cookie to go with that.

at strategic points in the country. ABN AMRO International Clients has branches at Schiphol Airport close to Amsterdam, in The Hague and in Rotterdam. We are distinctive for our services, in that we reserve time for our clients to look at their personal ­situation with them. Our advice on banking products is focused on what the expat specifically needs.

You’re welcome at our branch

We have a team of experts ready to set you up with a bank account, insurance, a mortgage and a credit card. And most importantly, a friendly face to help you find your way in the Dutch financial world.

All the best, Lars Tomson Director International Client Services ABN AMRO Bank NV

What do the Dutch think?

The Dutch are very internationally minded. Since our Golden Age our culture has been focused on maintaining international relationships. Expats have always been very welcome in our country.

Our second national language is English and because of the ­globalisation of our culture, expats can adapt to Dutch life very quickly - for example, almost everybody in the Netherlands speaks English. Also most of the websites of Dutch companies and ­governments are available in one or two European languages, English being the most frequent one.

Getting started

The first step to starting a life in the Netherlands is to set up a bank account as soon as possible. Without an account it is virtually impossible to get any kind of subscription or tenancy agreement here. That is why ABN AMRO created a special department for expats who have found a job in the Netherlands. We make sure the client is set up with a basic package to use all the banking facilities needed. Our departments for international clients are located

International Client Services The Hague/Rotterdam international.clients@nl.abnamro.com Tel: +31 (0)70 3752050 International Clients Amsterdam Schiphol Airport expat.clients@nl.abnamro.com Tel: +31 (0)20 4466720 access | SPRING | 21

Shopping

Spring spritz your home It’s time for some spring cleaning everyone! living in a densely populated country such as the Netherlands also brings particular challenges - oddly shaped houses, small gardens or barely-there balconies, and just a plain old lack of square-metres.

Three tips if you want to help make a small room feel larger: • use pale colours and light tones • use neutral colour schemes • incorporate reflective surfaces, like mirrors or glass which reflect light.

Always have flowers in the house. Nothing lifts an area quite like a vase of fresh flowers. Keep it simple: a vase containing a bunch of tulips looks wonderful. We are in the heart of tulip land, make the most of it.

Nina Du Pre Interior Solutions

Sweet Cake sand-pit

Canal House Box Who doesn’t recognise it? The old fashioned cup cake case, now enlarged to extraordinary proportions!

Can be used as a baby’s bath, flower box or garden pot and a nice basket for a dog or cat.

Sweet Cake, 70 x 27cm, polyethylene (environmentally-friendly), €149, www.beerdvanstokkum.com

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Spiral Spider

Memo Board The metal frame allows you to brace photos, business cards and other important bits of paper in place so you don’t have to pierce them with drawing pins. Buy several and make one mammoth memo board.

Spiral Spider Memo Board, 40 x 4 cm, available in several colours, HY0474, €9.95, www.dutchbydesign.com

Jewellery tree Fed up with a cluttered dressing table or just want to show off your accessories? Try a tree.

Jewellery Tree Dress Up, white plastic, 31 x 10 x 20cm, PT0273WH, €21, www.pt-products.eu

Based on the original 17th century Dutch canal houses, these carton boxes are perfect to store papers, toys, files and photos.

White on the outside so you can decorate it yourself and make your own little street . The inside is printed in bold colours.

Made of biodegradable, durable and recycled carton.

Canal House Box, assorted set of 3 pcs, 21 x 33.5 x 53 cm, TK1003, €24.95, www.dutchbydesign.com

Cleanup soap

With a simple act of washing our hands, we can help wash the earth clean of landmines. Cleanup is a line of all-natural soap formed in the shape of landmines, raising funds for landmine removal, survivor assistance and promoting awareness of the global landmine crisis.

Cleanup soap by Hideaki Matsui, €8.50, www.droog.com

Tea towels These will certainly brighten up the kitchen but might be too nice to get dirty!

Set of 2 silkscreen printed tea towels, Two Tea Towels “Souvenir”, 50 x 65cm, 100% cotton, €29, www.otherist.com

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Education

Time to study Many people decide to take advantage of the opportunity to study during their stay in the Netherlands, either because they can’t find work here, or, the timing is just right for post-graduate study, working towards an MBA or pursuing a field of interest to supplement their educational expertise.

by Nikki Young

The Netherlands enjoys a long tradition in education and research; its oldest university was established in 1575 in Leiden.

There are 84 institutions of higher learning; including 14 classical universities.

Besides these, there are 43 colleges offer-

Open Days 15 April from 4-9pm The Hague University of Applied Sciences www.thehagueuniversity.com 16 April from 10am-2pm School of Economics & Management The Hogeschool van Amsterdam www.international.hva.nl/opendays 12 May from 3-9pm RSM Master’s Orientation Day Rotterdam School of Management www.rsm.nl

Info www.nuffic.nl www.study-in-holland.com

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ing 200 different programmes for a variety of professions, as well as one open university, 54 universities of professional education (hogescholen) and 15 institutes of international education. In addition, there are numerous private academies and schools, ranging from fine arts to business, hotel management, and other specialist fields.

What about the language? Don’t worry, there are plenty of options if you wish to enrol on an English-taught degree programme or short course. Or, if you speak Dutch well, it’s possible you could enrol on a Dutch programme. The NT2-II Staats­ exam (Dutch as a second language) provides proof of Dutch proficiency sufficient to study in Dutch.

i­ nternational studies in the Netherlands.

In their database you will find 1,560 international study programmes. The majority of these programmes, ranging from short training seminars to full-fledged bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, are taught entirely in English. They also provide information on internships.

Open days are held at Dutch universities and institutions throughout the year, details can be found on their websites.

The Association of Universities in the Netherlands provides a listing for all ­institutions at: www.vsnu.nl.

Degrees and doctorates

Students in higher education study in one of three streams: universities, university of professional education (HBO) or hogerberoepsonderwijs, and international education.

The first year of required studies is termed a propadeuse and must be completed before you may continue to study. University students follow a four-year study and receive a masters degree, which is at the same level as a master’s degree in the UK, USA and Canada. After researching and writing a doctoral thesis or dissertation based on your original research, generally as a paid employee in a research position, you are eligible to pursue a Doctorate, through a process known as a promotie.

Finding course information

The Netherlands Organisation for International Co-operation in Higher Education (NUFFIC) provides much of what you will need to know. Their website, www.nuffic.nl, lists all of the possible

The Dutch doctorate is equivalent to a PhD. Engineering, natural science, mathematics and agriculture requires five years of study; medical and health sciences take five years, for dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and vet-

“... there are plenty of options if you wish to enrol on an English-taught degree programme or short course.”

erinary medicine, six years. HBO professional education institutions (hogescholen) have a specific career orientation and internships with companies are a significant part of the programme. HBO degrees do not require students to conduct research and do not allow you to pursue a doctorate.

Academic titles range from Doctorandus (drs) for a master’s degree, Ingenieur (ir) for engineering, or meester (mr) for law, equivalent to a master’s degree (four to six years).

Additionally, you must successfully defend your dissertation in a public ceremony before a committee of professors to earn

Funding

the title of doctor. For HBO degree graduates, baccaleureus (bc) is used, or the title Ingenieur (ing) for engineering and agriculture graduates.

Nuffic manages various grants, including those available from the ministry of Education, Culture and Science. For information on financial assistance contact the IB group in Groningen, www.ib-groep.nl.

The lower costs of education here, which is subsidised by the Dutch government, is attractive when compared to the fees for a university education or postgraduate degree programme in other countries.

Eligibility for a higher degree requires a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent PhD, or a master’s degree along with the ability to conduct research. For the evaluation of foreign qualifications, international students may submit their diploma to the Information Centre for Credential Evaluation (IDW), www.idw.nl, or to DUO, www.ib.groep.nl.

If you are an EU citizen, the fees are around €1,700 per year. However for non-EU citizens the tuition fees are higher. Many schools offer grants and scholarships to foreign students. Tuition fees can vary from about €300 to €24,000, but in general most courses cost between €1,700 and €12,000. To search for student grant information in particular, visit the website, www.grantfinder.nl. « access | SPRING | 25

Volunteer profile

Fireside chats about One of the first questions any expat gets asked is: “What brought you to the Netherlands?”

I came here on the advice of my graduate school professor. She said that if I ever wished to be a competent multicultural counsellor I had to live abroad, not just travel abroad, live abroad. I took those words to heart. by christine fischer

Around that same time my partner Bram, a “Dutchie”, was returning to the Netherlands and he said I should join him.

I thought about the opportunity for a year while I finished my studies. Friends always joked that he made this suggestion because it was cheaper to bring me to the Netherlands than to keep paying the telephone bills for the daily four-hour phone calls. With an adventurous heart, and literally three days after I handed in my last university paper, I was on a flight to the Netherlands. That was nearly 12 years ago.

From that time until now I’ve lived in various places in Delft and The Hague. I currently call the Segbroek area of The Hague my home. I am literally 15 minutes away from everything – the city centre, the Haagse Markt, and the Scheveningen shore. On one street alone you can see mosques, churches, a Polish supermarket, an Egyptian restaurant, a Turkish pizza shop, an Islamic butcher and a traditional Dutch bar. I adore having this variety so accessible to my daily life. I am mesmerised by the different languages I can hear; Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, English, Dutch, Arabic, French, Farsi…

My personal experiences have been overwhelmingly good in the ‘lowlands’. In my first two years here I took a Dutch language course. My teachers taught me well enough that I passed the NT2 Staatsexamen on the first try. Want to do well in learning the language? Make sure your teachers are positive and encouraging is my advice.

During those first two years I made lots of

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multicultural Holland lasting friendships. I’ve met so many people from so many countries that my cup literally overfloweth with diversity. I’ve met people from Cameroon, Poland, Pakistan, Iran, Latvia, Ukraine, Spain, Chile, Japan, China, Venezuela, I could go on but I’ll end up naming every country on the globe.

guest instructor for Dr Dienke Hondius for her History of Racism course at the Vrije Universiteit. As a co-teacher, when I wasn’t providing lecturing-coaching assistance, I also developed teaching ­material and an international database of academic research on race and racism.

about diversity in a positive, informed manner. I’ve been busy setting up my website (www.fischersfiresidechats.com) and am doing all the things a new business owner must familiarise themselves with – terms such as KvK, Belasting, BTW are being incorporated into my Dutch lexicon.

On the flip side, my professional experiences in the Netherlands have been challenging. My background is in multicultural counselling psychology - a mouthful,

My most intensive and ongoing activity is the work I do as a volunteer researcher for the European affairs correspondent Khalid Hameed Farooqi. I am responsible for col-

My interest in multicultural issues is one reason I began volunteering with ACCESS. The organisation shows how a diverse workforce can work together successfully and effectively. I chose the Community Education Department and became its ­co-ordinator because its primary goal is helping the community. It often handles issues of diversity in a practical manner: each of the trainers on my team, in their own way, helps expat clients adjust to ­living in the Netherlands.

“ I hope to get people talking about diversity in a positive, informed manner.”

I know. Most of my research at Columbia University, Teachers College focused on racial identity and racism issues in a counselling context. A concept quite foreign to Dutch universities. This was the biggest culture shock I experienced. I suddenly became this unknown entity. However, I am always up for a challenge. You can’t always wait for people to give you permission to make a difference. Sometimes you need to make the differences yourself.

Lacking opportunities to do PhD research through the universities I found other ways to do the research I love. I met with various professors in various fields. For a time, I assisted Dr Philomena Essed in doing article and internet searches relating to her cultural cloning research. I was also a

lecting news sources and research articles in the western media regarding minorities (particularly Muslim minorities). Anyone that reads a newspaper or a magazine will know how busy I am with this task.

My latest pursuit is my own business called Fischer’s Fireside Chats. Through discussion groups, workshops and seminars characterised by a warm, intimate, and informal tone I hope to get people talking

Plenty of people might be asking: “Yes – but how does one adjust? Really adjust. I don’t feel at home. How am I ever going to feel settled?” I think it is a balancing act. It is learning to value your own culture and identity, even when people may be pushing you to forget your roots. Once you realise your own identity should be valued, it is an easy transition to value and respect the cultures around you. «

My favourite spot This would have to be a little place called Casa Di Bella on Abeelplein. I have a soft spot for great coffee and they serve the finest Italian black gold that I’ve ever been graced to drink.

Casa Di Bella, Abeelplein 2, 2565 XS The Hague, 070 326 4048

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Books

Local expat authors Not one but two expats living in The Hague have just published their life stories. Both

The Singing Warrior

by Niamh Ni Bhroin, ISBN 978-1-904881-31-5, €27.60

write about surviving traumatic childhoods and how, for different reasons, living in the Netherlands has helped them leave the past behind and lead fulfilling lives.

Niamh is Irish and has lived in the Netherlands for 20 years. After a childhood and adulthood filled with pain, she found herself, at last, at the age of 52. Her harrowing memoir tells how singing has been her salvation.

Black and Abroad: Traveling Beyond the limitations of Identity

by Carolyn Vines, ISBN 978-9490906-01-6, €17.99

Leaving the US at thirty years of age Carolyn gave up her career, culture and country to live in the Netherlands with her Dutch boyfriend. She chronicles her physical and emotional journey in this engaging and intimate memoir. Readers are told: “don’t be fooled by the title for this book is not about race; rather, it is about identity”.

Dutch Ditz

By Reinildis van Ditzhuyzen, ISBN 978-90-230-1259-7, €13.50

Excerpt: Do you need to request something from your Dutch colleagues or subordinates by e-mail or letter? Then be careful about being too blunt and first briefly introduce the matter. Remember: the Dutch do not like being issued commands! They like to be informed and prefer to be asked to do things in a friendly manner.

According to some expats its more like ‘you have to beg them on your hands and knees to get something done, because, yes - you mustn’t think you’re better than the next guy...’

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Good & Green Guide: The Hague Good & Green Guide: The Hague, ISBN 978-94-90409-03-6, €19.90

A directory of all that is environmentally friendly in The Hague is now available, adding to editions covering Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Arts & Entertainment

Museums

- the hidden gems Holland has a treasure trove of museums worth visiting. The Museumkaart is your ticket to over 400 of them. The costs of the card are earned back after only a few museum visits. After that it is free entry ...

By Karen Slingenberg

The Museumkaart revealed

It is surprising that a country as small as the Netherlands counts more than 700 museums, an indicator of the country’s cultural and historical wealth. The Museumkaart (Museum card), run by a non-profit organisation, is one of the cultural bonuses of living in the Netherlands.

Camille Boyer, spokesperson for the Museumkaart explains, “Almost 30 years ago, an initiative was set up by a group of museums to create an instrument to generate more museum visitors and to encourage people to visit a more varied selection of museums.”

Some 400 museums are linked with the Museumkaart organisation and every cardholder is allowed free entry into a museum that accepts the card. There are some exceptions where special or temporary exhibitions may charge a supplement fee.

“There are 735,000 Museumkaart holders

and the amount is on the increase. Only five years ago, it was 315,000. It is not subsidised, so we are completely dependent on the income generated by the purchase of a card. From the revenue, two thirds of the full price of an entry ticket is paid out to the museums when a free Museumkaart visit is declared back to our organisation. Part of the revenue is used for Museumkaart overheads with residual money flowing back to the museums,” says Camille.

Using the website

When browsing the Museumkaart website, it becomes clear that all information is in Dutch. Let this not discourage anyone, as the benefits of owning this card outweigh any deciphering of the Dutch language.

The site lists all 400 museums under the heading; ‘Welke Musea doen mee?’ They are listed according to name of Museum, Town and Province. Links to individual museum websites are also included on the Museumkaart website. Additionally, a selection of museums in English can be found on www.museum.nl.

Cardholders receive both printed and email newsletters which provide regular tips for museum visits (both in Dutch).

Where to buy

Order online or at any large museum. www.museumjaarkaart.nl »

Practical info The Museumkaart costs €39.95 per year for adults (first time ­purchase €44.95 incl. €5 admin costs).

The Museum Youth Card (up to 18 years) costs €19.95 per year.

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Arts & Entertainment | Museums - the hidden gems

Tips for exhibitions Spring 2011 The Mauritshuis (The Hague) Jan Steen 3 March - 13 June The Mesdag Collection (The Hague) reopening 12 May The Hermitage (Amsterdam) Splendour and Glory: Art of the ­Russian-Orthodox Church 19 March - 16 September Museum Volkenkunde (Leiden) Maori: A Family Exhibition until 1 May

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“ Teylers museum in Haarlem is Holland’s oldest dating back to 1784, the time of the Enlightenment.”

Try some new museums

Step back in time

One of the bonuses of the Museumkaart is that it also opens doors to less well known museums. Most international expats are aware of the main museums in the Netherlands, the usual suspects, yet there are also many secret gems just waiting to be discovered.

Teylers museum in Haarlem is Holland’s oldest dating back to 1784, the time of the Enlightenment. When most other museums were being renovated in the 1960’s, Teylers remained intact so that all its collections of fossils, scientific instruments, coins and paintings can be viewed in their

original setting. There is a free audio tour in English and French. Teylers will satisfy fossil lovers and for science buffs, the laboratory has a fascinating display of assorted scientific instruments. Before you leave the room, look out for the fossil of a two horned monster from Egypt. Whether it was an Egyptian freak of nature or just a common pest of that period, I suppose we’ll never know! Paintings and unique Rembrandt etches add variety, while there is also space for temporary exhibitions.

Froukje Budding, spokesperson at Teylers gives her perspective. ‘Teylers seems unique in the world because of its distinctive 18th Century interior. Another rarity is that the museum houses both art and science collections because they came about in the Age of Enlightenment which strove to bring together all types of knowledge to represent the outer world’.

An exotic option

The Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam focuses on indigenous cultures around the world.

There are three floors of exhibitions scaling the continents. An audio tour in English complements the exhibitions which concentrate on shamanism, animism and the influence of Buddhism on various cultures. The vibrant collection of Tibetan singing bowls, mandalas, prayer cloths and an array of lanterns made from multicoloured strips of cloth make for an eye-catching display. The sound of chanting monks in the background combines in such a way that you are transported to a world of quiet contemplation. Luna Bremer, Wereldmuseum spokesperson, adds, “Our most exceptional exhibitions are those of Tibet and Japan with objects nowhere else seen in the world, such as the Tibetan Temple which can only be found in Tibet itself.”

Tips for kids Some museums are interactive, an attractive alternative to going to a playground. You are also more likely to visit regularly when you have a Museumkaart!

Gemeentemuseum (The Hague) The Wonderkamers or Wonder Rooms are interactive, concentrating on sound and music.

Naturalis National Natural History Museum (Leiden) Science Centre Nemo (Amsterdam)

Rembrandt revealed

The Rembrandthuis in the heart of Amsterdam is a jewel. The exterior of the museum is deceivingly modern, but inside, Rembrandt’s world is revealed. There is a free audio tour in 6 languages which provides details about the house and how Rembrandt worked. The rooms display Rembrandt’s paintings from which the reconstructions are made, such as where his easel would have been, creating a very authentic atmosphere. You half expect the man himself to appear with brush and paint in hand. Paintings of his contemporaries, furniture and objects are also exhibited. Demonstrations are given on how Rembrandt made his etchings and how his paints used to be mixed by hand.

One the kids will enjoy too!

Museon, in The Hague, is an educational paradise for children as well as adults. The emphasis is on interaction as a means to learning. Museon aims to pass on knowledge about man and his relationship with

nature and culture. The ground floor hosts temporary exhibitions that are especially set-up for children, a great way to entertain little ones as well as older children.

The permanent exhibition can be found upstairs; it is a space worthy of exploring.

Discover geological artifacts such as fossils, rocks and minerals or flora and fauna from around the world. Look out for the stoneage woman from Scheveningen whose face was reconstructed from a skull discovered in The Hague area. Her face looks familiar, yet she lived in the pre-historic age! The musuem also has an extensive Science and Technology section that includes interactive devices and instruments illustrating the laws of nature.

It seems that there are numerous benefits to owning a Museumkaart. As well as the cost-benefits, it brings personal and cultural development and for parents it can be the perfect answer to ­finding constructive amusement for restless children. « access | SPRING | 31

Advertorial

Creativity to beat cancer If you, or anyone close to you, have ever been diagnosed with cancer, there’s a likelihood you have suddenly become open to lot of different methods, in addition to the conventional treatments, to survive.

Until you heard the diagnosis, words such as ‘death’ and ‘cancer’ might have been whispered, but rarely spoken out loud.

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By Audrey Gran Weinberg

Many people want to be involved in some way in their own healing, but if they aren’t doctors, how? Some physicians, feeling this frustration and also realising the limitations of conventional medicine, have tried to find ways to assist patients in coping with cancer. Dr Bernie Siegel saw that patients were not always being completely healed by the regular treatments offered.

He started support groups for what he called ‘exceptional cancer patients’ and

taught his cancer patients ways of assisting in their own recovery by not just complying with the doctors, but doing extraordinary things to help themselves.

Clearing the blocks

Dr Pinki Feinstein, an Israeli doctor with an artistic passion, continued in Dr Siegel’s footsteps. To clear creative blocks, Dr Feinstein came up with a method called ‘Intuitive Painting’, loosely based on The Artist’s Way, by which people would combine a process of psychological reflection on their creativity with a 12-week course in which they would practise the art of creativity.

“ T he most significant benefit of Intuitive Painting is its ability to empower people and to reconnct them with the basic urge to create”

were forced upon us, doing things we ‘should’ more often that what we want and yearn to do. Sadly, it often takes a scare with cancer or the death of a loved one to realise that life is too short to just do what you ‘have to’.

Workshops

Dr Feinstein’s first Intuitive Painting group included people in a cancer support group called ‘Cancer Patients Fight’. I too was in that first group, working through my own grief. Although Intuitive Painting has never claimed to actually save lives, it does promise to enhance life - and I enjoyed many frivolous as well as deep moments while doing the writing and the drawing tasks set out for me in the course. The little girl in me came alive again, and despite a reality that was difficult, to say the least, I found myself singing as I painted and feeling extremely alive. Remember the taboo word ‘death’?

Turn on some loud sad music and fill a page with color while thinking of that word.

The most significant benefit of Intuitive Painting is its ability to empower people and to reconnect them with the basic intuitive urge to create. While this is common in children - think of the two-year-old who is able to stand up to the adult parents in his life and proudly display his crayon scribbles all over the wall - as adults we seem to have lost our way. We find ourselves all too easily stuck in habits that

What happens in an Intuitive Painting workshop? You take the first step to overcoming your fear of failure, that terrible fear of not getting it right. Cameron and Feinstein are not alone in the realisation that we are our own worst enemy. Once given the permission to ‘go for it’ along with the safe structure of how long you may paint and on what size paper, it’s quite amazing how people are able to relax and enjoy the experience. As one former student of Dr Feinstein put it: “The more you do, the easier it is to let go. Letting someone else draw on your paper was hard at first! But the painting is refreshing, relaxing, enjoyable. You lose yourself for those two hours - focusing on something different, being absorbed into another activity which is even mysterious at times.”

Research into the value of creativity in healing continues worldwide. “Individuals can do things (in the creative arts) to affect their health and functioning,” says Gene D Cohen, Director of George Washington University’s Center on Aging, Health and Humanities.

It’s not easy to break old habits, nor to try new things, but the threat of cancer can actually help unshackle those chains.

Combine that with an empowering workshop that allows you to paint while shutting off your internal critic and you will be taking that first brave step towards discovering someone you once knew and loved very dearly: your own self.

So, if you know someone who is living with cancer, or if you yourself want to give it a try, I will be giving a workshop on Intuitive Painting in April 2011, hosted by ACCESS Cancerlink in The Hague. Please contact Kathleen Sheridan (kathleen@icconnections.org) for more details and check the ACCESS website and www.icconnections.org for an announcement of the time and date.

Look forward to seeing you there! www.creativetherapy.nl «

References Siegel, Bernie S, Love, Medicine and Miracles, HarperCollins, New York, 1986 Cameron, Julia, The Artist’s Way, Tarcher/Putnam, New York, 1992 Cohen, Gene D, The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life, HarperCollins, New York, 2000.

access | SPRING | 33

Health

Ten reasons

to run

1

A marathon is 42.195km and a halfmarathon is 21.09km. We do not all have the ambition to complete a marathon. But then again wouldn’t it be cool to say you have run a marathon once in your life. The races in the running calendar provided are all annual events, so if your goal is to run your first marathon, why not go for one in 2012 and for now get busy training?

The sun is back, the days are getting longer and the city is awakening. It is time to get out there and enjoy nature painting the palette green.

BY CARINA HYLLESTED

Cool facts

2

The Great Outdoors

The Netherlands has some idyllic scenery, and even though Amsterdam and The Hague are pulsating cities they both offer green recreational areas ideal for walking, running and ­getting fit. In Amsterdam you will find Vondelpark, Beatrixpark, Amsterdamse Bos, The Amsel river, Frankendael, Sarphatipark, Amstelpark, Oosterpark and Westerpark. In The Hague you can enjoy Haagse Bos, Zuiderpark, Westbroekpark and Clingendael.

And then of course there is the beach and the dunes in Scheveningen. Use running websites to find ­running routes in your area that other runners have tried, tested and uploaded (www.runtheplanet.com and www.mapmyrun.com).

3

Running is inexpensive

You will need a good pair of shoes but no registration fee, no membership fee, and there’s no requirement to sign up for a year.

The asphalt, the soil and the sand are out there ready for running on.

4

Improve your health

Running is among the best aerobic exercises for physical conditioning of your heart and lungs. It helps ensure the efficient flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body, which are proven to help to decrease the risk of a heart attack. Exercise is one of the best ways to naturally reduce your blood pressure if it’s above normal.

If you have high cholesterol, running can also help keep it in check. It also improves your immune system, so your body functions are more effective and 34 | access | SPRING

efficient at fighting off germs. Running and other weight-bearing exercises increase bone density, which can fend off osteoporosis. 2.5 hours running per week has also proved to keep the risks of diabetes and its secondary diseases away.

5

Get smarter

6

Boost your energy

Run and nurture your brain and memory. A Swedish study has shown from a test done on 1.2m young men that the more fit you are the higher your IQ result. When we exercise, the protein Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is released in your brain, and can make the Hippocampus grow. The Hippocampus is your brain’s intellectual centre, and what we use when we learn new things and are concentrating.

Using energy generates energy.

Running helps release feel-good hormones like endorphins, which help boost energy even hours after exercising. Research has shown that healthy adults who exercise regularly are generally happier than those who don’t and the release of the endorphins is a great cure for stress, emotional strain and even mild depression.

7

Beat snoring

8

Expand your social life

A US study shows that 70% of Sleep Apnea patients are obese. By reducing their body weight by 10% they would get a better and calmer sleep – for themselves and their partners.

Some runners enjoy the quiet and solitude of running on their own, but other runners see running as a social opportunity.

Finding a running buddy or running with a group is a great way to develop a sense of community. You can set goals and accomplish them together. It can make all the difference in keeping that motivation going.

Some runners also share advice and motivation via online forums. Run2Day Netherlands has shops and running groups at various levels in 22 cities through-

out the Netherlands. They offer the iRun Clinics, which are running groups for beginners where you will get inspiration, training tips and ­useful information for your ongoing running life. www.run2day.nl

9

Cool tools

Use iPhone and Android applications to combine routes, training results, and music on your mobile phone.

Nike+: As you run, your iPod or iPhone tells you your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. It gives you feedback at the halfway point and in the final lead-up to your goal. When your run is finished, your workout data gets uploaded to nikeplus.com where you can see all your completed runs and share motivation with runners across the world. www.nikeplus.com.

Endomondo: Track your workouts, challenge your friends, analyse your training, and share your results on social media. www.endomondo.com

10

Set a goal

On Sunday 13 March the City Pier City race in The Hague takes place and you might be wishing that you knew about this sooner.

But not to worry, there are many runs throughout the Netherlands during 2011. «

Sources: www.runnersworld.com and www.lobnu.dk.

Running calendar 2011 13 March: City Pier City, The Hague, www.cpcloopdenhaag.nl 10 April: Marathon Rotterdam, www.marathonrotterdam.nl 16 October: Amsterdam Marathon, www.amsterdammarathon.nl 15 May: 20th Leiden Marathon, www.marathon.nl 15 May: Marikenloop, Ladies Run, Nijmegen, www.marikenloop.nl 10 June: adidas Ladies Run, Rotterdam, www.ladiesrun.nl/home 9 October: Eindhoven Marathon, www.marathoneindhoven.nl December (date tbc): Bruggenloop, Rotterdam, www.bruggenloop.nl access | SPRING | 35

Ignore your health and it will go away CH I ROPRAC TIC C ARE

Why

Our experienced chiropractors are trained to examine you for distortions or misalignments in your spine that can irritate your nervous system. They can choose from a range of chiropractic techniques freeing you from these unhealthy distortions.

Whom

The short answer is: for “everybody with a body�, ranging from babies to the elderly.

When

Not just for acute pain, but also for early pain. Early pain is often so mild that most people ignore it altogether. Prompt chiropractic attention can help prevent low back pain, hernia, sciatica, neck pain, headaches etc.

PRAKTIJK C H I R O P R A C T I E STEGEMAN

Where

At the well established Stegeman Chiropractic Clinic, where we have been treating well over 17.000 people since 1987, you will find our four dedicated chiropractors, all trained in the UK or USA.

Wow!

If you bring this article to our clinic, you will receive a Euro 26,- discount on your first visit.

Praktijk Chiropractie Stegeman: Zwolsestraat 197 2587 VB Den Haag 070 3502638 info@chiropractie-stegeman.nl

www.chiropractie-stegeman.nl

DEF 4 advertentie.indd 1

29-1-2011 18:06:11

EUROPEAN CONGRESS FOR CHRIST (EUROCON) THEME:

RESTORATION ATION 2011 A

Pastor Jan Sjoerd Pasterkamp

Evangelist Jan & Henny Zijlstra Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) E.A. Adeboye General Overseer RCCG

Pastor Sritawong Phitsanunart Other Guest Speakers: Pastor Jean Bertoti (France) Pastor James Fadele (USA) And others

Venue: Uithof Sport Centre Jaap Edenweg, 10, 2544 NL Den Haag (Randstad Rail 4 from Den Haag Central Station to Uithof)

Date: 20th - 23rd April, 2011 For more information, please contact: Koningin Sophiestraat 45, 2595 TG, The Hague, The Netherlands.

E-mail: administrator@rccgnetherlands.org ; Telephone: +31 70 444 2922 Websites: rccgeuropemainland.org, rccgnetherlands.org

Pastor Kunle Ajayi

Also Featuring: - Elisa and Reni - Swedish Band - Ron Kenoly - RCCG Mass Choir

Advertorial

A demanding school

– a school in demand Why parents should make a careful decision – now!

By Peter Kotrc, Secondary Principal

Moving to a new country and to a new job is always stressful for the whole family. Will all the boxes arrive on time? Is the new place big enough? Is there enough sun? Or rain? Many factors are difficult to influence, so what you need most of all is some stability, a pattern, something that keeps your children focused and happy at the same time. The right school. This choice is crucial and we are fortunate to be offered a broad variety of schools with an international touch.

The challenge is, at the beginning, on your side: how will your career continue? Is it likely that you will be posted back to your home country soon, then it is essential to look at curricula and exams recognised or compatible, or in the best case also available in your country of origin. Will your children profit from education in a particular language? Is it important that now, or at a later stage, there are enough subject options accessible to support a particular talent of your child, be it sciences, business and economics, or foreign languages. Do you think about tertiary educa-

tion already, looking for portable qualifications and worldwide recognised diplomas? How relevant are sports and after school activities to you? Surely, the location matters – are there tram stops, school buses, or safe bicycle routes nearby?

My recommendation is to put these factors all in a long list and assign a different number of points to each, weighing by agreed importance. Only then should you embark on the journey of school choice, check out websites, call admission offices, and talk to colleagues about their experiences. If you are in the country already, then of course, go and visit.

One option is The International School of The Hague, located in Kijkduin, a few minutes from the beach by tram 3 and linked with the centre by public and school buses. A school which, by statute may only accept internationally mobile students – this explains the mix of over 85 nationalities amongst the 1300 students. A school offering English, Dutch, Spanish, French and German as both mother tongues and foreign languages. The school offers the International Primary Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, leading to the IB Diploma, with constant pass rates of over 95%.

The building is just a few years old with adjacent sports fields, offering a variety of competitive and recreational sports. At the ISH, holistic education is not just a trendy term, as all students up to 14 have drama, music and visual arts as mandatory subjects.

Demanding for the students but also rewarding – everybody can experience success here. Not surprisingly, the ISH is a school in demand. Parents are well-advised to contact us as early as possible to secure a place. “Learning is the Heart of the International School of The Hague”. « access | SPRING | 37

Travel

Visit Texel for

springtime sunshine What better way to throw off the harsh Dutch winter than to seek out the sunniest spot in the Netherlands, and one of the warmest welcomes.

BY CATHY LEUNG

Of the five Wadden Sea Islands spanning the coastlines of Noord Holland, Friesland and Groningen, the biggest, Texel, is also the most accessible and versatile. With a regular car ferry from Den Helder, just over an hour’s drive or direct train from Amsterdam, you could be on this island haven enjoying a creamy Texels Tripel (one of the local beers), in less than two hours.

On Texel

PHOTO: VVV TEXEL

On a land mass 15 miles long and 5 miles wide there’s room enough for large nature areas, a significant farming culture and seven small villages. In an area roughly the same size as the capital, there are less than 14,000 inhabitants - not including the sheep. Den Burg, the biggest of the villages, is both charming and vibrant, boasting plenty of interesting local shops and even a cute little cinema.

38 | access | SPRING

The island is renowned for its bird-watching opportunities, and although I haven’t taken up this hobby, it’s fascinating to discover that the island is a vital stop-off point for migrating birds from across the world. This place is essentially the equivalent of Schipol airport for our feathered friends, and like

De Slufter is the only area in the Netherlands where the sea is left to do its thing. Here it is allowed to flood the dunes; every six hours it makes its way inland, unrestricted by dykes and dams. It’s a reminder of the sea’s persistence - the sea that the Dutch have been fighting with for so long. The area is enchanting, a wide and open space where you can meander past pockets of water and sand dunes on the way to the sea mouth. This living, breathing, fresh and tidal place is a complete contrast with Holland’s more typical waterways; the murky canals.

PHOTO: vvv TEXEl

many of us expats, they might well stay a while to rest and forage for local delicacies before they set off on their next adventure or their journey home.

Did y know ou are mor ... there e sheep than people living o Texel? n

The island is well-developed for tourism, campers especially are spoiled for choice, as are families seeking a holiday rental - the Dutch are keen on their selfcatering holidays. For couples seeking a romantic break, however, Texel Design Suites (www.texelsuites. com) in the harbour village of Oudeschilde are perfect; finished to the standards of a fine boutique hotel. Arriving on the last ferry over, we weren’t too late to snuggle up on the comfy sofa with a woolen blanket, a DVD and a bottle of good red wine. Come Friday morning and it was time to watch the fishing boats returning home for the weekend whilst we made our breakfast from the well-stocked kitchen.

A stay at De Krim (www.krim.nl), near De Cocksdorp at the northern tip, is a good bet for families. It’s a well-designed holiday park with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, playgrounds and organised activities. Make use of their inhouse bicycle rental and ride over to see De Slufter - it’s an easy 20-minute cycle, the sand dunes are even nearer.

PHOTO: vvv TEXEl

Where to stay

renowned for its special saltiness. Between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day is the time to try the local grown asperges (white asparagus). Since farmers introduced it relatively recently, Texel is now recognised as one of the best sources of asperges in the country. Too early for spring lamb on our visit, I tried out an intriguing offering from a Den Burg eetcafe: lamb bouillion with lamb salami. The clear soup was rich in flavour and the crumbly salami was tasty but more like tiny meatballs.

Texel produce

In spring, especially in April, the countryside becomes a teeming hotspot for bouncing baby lambs. The Texel breed of lamb has been exported and bred all over the world but the original is still

Info VVV Texel (Texel Tourist Office) Emmalaan 66, 1791 AV Den Burg Tel: 0222 314741 info@texel.net www.texel.net Ferry from Den Helder www.teso.nl

Wadden Sea life

In search of some local sealife we boarded a boat in Oudeschild. Shrimp cutters take tourists fishing for garnalen (shrimp) - combined with some seal-spot- » access | SPRING | 39

PHOTO: VVV TEXEL

Travel | Visit Texel for springtime sunshine

“ A land bank off the coast of Texel provides an ideal resting place for grey seals”

ting for good measure. A land bank off the coast of Texel provides an ideal resting place for grey seals, and when the tide is low, they bask in the sun for all to see (research shows that out of all of the Netherlands, Texel has the most hours of sunshine per year). The seal population is growing due to greater numbers of fish in the area, in turn following a concious effort to reduce pollution.

Things to do Shrimp cutter www.garnalenvissen.nl (Dutch website only) Ecomare www.ecomare.nl Maritiem & Jutters Museum www.texelsmaritiem.nl (Dutch website only)

40 | access | SPRING

On our trip even though at hide tide, we saw a solitary seal swimming along quite happily in the distance. The shrimps and various other creatures from the fish nets, we got to see up close and personal.

The crew guide spread out the catch in all its resplendent hues of grey and gave an animated description of the pickings. Whilst we nipped into the onboard bar to warm up with a cheeky juttertje (a herby Texel spirit), the garnalen were cooked up and ready to eat.

I have never been that keen on tiny, brown shrimps but fresh from the sea and more of a dirty peach in colour, they were sweet and juicy. We all got to take

a big bag home to have with our borrel (5pm drinks) and I finished all of ours: pulling the tiny bits of meat away from the shells is a strangely compulsive activity.

Ecomare

Currently undergoing refurbishment, Ecomare is still worth a visit, especially if you would like to say hello to the zeehonden (seals) and learn more about the Texel environment. The centre has lots of interactive nature and wildlife displays, and it is only outside at the back that you are conscious of the building work in progress - the seals are to have more spacious and stimulating pools come the summer. We were still able to peek at the newly found seals through the windows to the quarantine room (tiny Wenny had been found that very morning), whilst in an outside pool, Tonny was particularly happy to make our acquaintance whilst he waited to be released back into the sea. Ecomare is also the visitor centre for exploring the 70 hectares of The National Park Dunes of Texel and, amongst other things, provides GPS-guided walks in case all that wide open space is overwhelming.

Traditions and history

With no forest, and thus poor wood supply on the island until 1898, the farmers developed tuinwallen (turf walls) as a way of fencing property and fields.

In typically Dutch, neat rows, in time they become

alive with characteristic plants and flowers. The turf walls are particularly prevalent in the oldest part of Texel, known as De Hoge Berg (the High Mountain); an amusing title, given that is in reality merely a slightly raised area in the centre of the island.

On the lookout for washed up timber to build with and other finds to supplement their income, poor islanders became intrepid beachcombers (jutters).

Not one but two museums celebrate this tradition and display a wonderful collection of finds, from ornate VOC measuring weights to a painted toy made of coconut shells.

Tourism is the main industry and I think you can tell.

We got a noticeably warmer welcome and better ­service throughout our stay on Texel than we get on a weekly basis in the bars and cafes of Amsterdam.

There is much information in English, but where there is not, the tourist office in Den Burg will happily provide assistance, arranging tours and accomodation.

We arrived at night and immediately noticed the stars - it was a clear evening and the constellations were there to greet us in all their glory. Indeed, throughout our stay, the open skies provided a welcome contrast with the narrow streets of our home amongst the ­sardine-packed houses of Amsterdam. The countryside in daylight is also very different from the plain, green fields of mainland Holland; the various grasses and undulating terrain providing greater texture.

Perhaps due to more light, the landscapes bring to mind the feeling of a watercolour as opposed to an oil painting.

At the beach near Den Hoorn, we strolled along in time to watch the sun go down, settling down to watch the final effects in the gezellige Paal 9 beach cafe (www.paal9.nl), with the comfort of a log fire and sheepskin throws. Close to the ferry terminal, it was the perfect place to chill out before the crossing back to the mainland. «

PHOTO: VVV TEXEL

Lasting impressions

Events in spring 25 April 2011, 9 am, Lammetjeswandeltocht Walk amongst the meadows to see the thousands of newborn lambs.

5, 10, 15, 25 and 40km routes. €3 per person. www.hetgoudenboltje.nl (Dutch website only) 30 April, Meierblis Every year the locals celebrate Meierblis, grabbing everything they can burn to set up bonfires in the various villages. The tradition symbolises the end of winter and the beginning of a new season, and a new start.

7 May Nature market in the forest with an evening theatre show.

access | SPRING | 41

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The training for Counselling and Coaching is given in The Hague - Amsterdam or TeleClasses Your trainer is Els Barkema - Sala, an international professional in counselling and coaching.

Expand your personal skills and professional repertoire and Register now for the new English-language Diploma Course in Counselling & Coaching.

Ask for further information Els Barkema-Sala, MPhil, MBACP at 071 - 52 82 661 or basal@planet.nl www.counselling.nl - (mind: double ll)

Food

Dutch beer and cheese pairings While most of us are familiar with pairing wine with cheese, matching a well-made beer with an artisanal cheese can be an equally, if not superior gastronomical experience.

By MORGAN WOOD

The Dutch are masters in the production of cheese and have been perfecting eponymous varieties such as Gouda and Edam for ages.

This dairy-rich history coupled with the more recent emergence of Dutch craft beers, makes this the perfect time to introduce your taste buds to a farmhouse tradition.

Beer and cheese are older than old, each with origins that predate recorded history.

Beer was a safe beverage in an age when water could kill you and the production of cheese was part of a farmer’s source of sustenance and income. The two combined became a typical farmers’ lunch (the English know it as a ‘ploughman’s lunch’).

Why pair beer with cheese?

Beer and cheese share the same basic origin. Barley is a cereal grain essential to the production of beer. This same grain, in grass form, is fed to dairy cows to encourage healthy production of milk which is then used to make cheese. In addition to a common base, the flavors we often taste and smell in beers and in cheeses - toasty, creamy, sweet, nutty, rich, musty, fruity, yeasty, earthy, floral - combine in a way to heighten the experience. The differences

between beer and cheese add further pairing possibilities. Cheese, by its nature, is high in fat and often creamy. The carbonation found in beer serves to cleanse the palate before another bite is savoured.

Did you say Dutch craft beers?

The story is the same in many countries; a handful of beers dominate the public consciousness through ubiquitous availability and relentless advertisement.

But remove a few layers of the hop flower and you will find that for each monolithic brew, a militia of microbrewers, nanobrewers, and homebrewers has formed to provide amazing beers to those that seek them out. Germany and Belgium are more widely known for their beers but the Netherlands is quietly building its own space »

“Beer and cheese share the same basic origin.”

access | SPRING | 43

OPEN DAY WED 9 MARCH

British International Education opens doors ...also for your child

van Beuningen advocaten

Specialist law practice in The Hague

THE BRITISH SCHOOL Junior Schools Open Day Wednesday 9 March More parents choose - and switch to - the BSN than any other international school.

Come and see for yourself why...

britishschool.nl

Need a dentist?

The Jan van Nassau Dental Clinic is new in The Hague State–of-the-art dentistry with the latest equipment and techniques

Appointments after office hours also possible.

Sign in on www.janvannassau.nl or call our friendly staff on 070 324 55 30

Opening hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 8am - 9pm Thursday: 8am - 4.30pm Friday: 8am - 12.30pm

How and where you can reach us: Jan van Nassaustraat 99 2596 BR The Hague 070 324 55 30 E-mail: info@janvannassau.nl www.janvannassau.nl

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van Beuningen advocaten Nassaulaan 19 2514 JT The Hague Phone: +31 (0)70 356 08 50 Fax: +31 (0)70 361 50 50 E-mail: van.B@wxs.nl www.vanbeuningenadvocaten.nl

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INSPIRING LEARNING

Food | Dutch beer and cheese pairings

“Aside from their compatitbility, beer and cheese are relatively cheap to enjoy.”

Craft Beer Shops Alien Brewing Company Korte Koediefstraat 5 2511 CE Den Haag www.abcbeers.nl J.P. Alsem Loosduinseweg 693 2571 AM Den Haag www.alsem.nl De Bierkoning Palace Street 125 1012 RK Amsterdam www.bierkoning.nl Cracked Kettle Raamsteeg 3 1012 VZ Amsterdam www.crackedkettle.com

Dutch Cheese Shops De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam Runstraat 7 1016 GJ Amsterdam www.kaaskamer.nl Kaasland Haarlemerstraat 2 1013 ER Amsterdam www.kaasland.com De Kaasspecialzaak Fahrenheitstraat 625 2561 DC Den Haag www.kaasspecialzaak.nl ‘t Hollands Kaashuis Reinkenstraat 15 2517 CN Den Haag Kaashuis Jan de Bruijn Van Hoytemastraat 48 2596 ES Den Haag

in the beer lover’s heart with exceptional beers from De Molen, Brouwerij De Eem, Muifelbrouwerij, Jopen, and Emelisse to name just a few.

Where do I start?

As with anything related to our five senses (which is pretty much everything), individual taste is highly subjective. Most importantly, use your own personal preferences to guide your selections. Enjoy a light, crisp beer that won’t get your head spinning or do you prefer your drink opaque and as dangerous as a shot of whiskey? Do you prefer your cheeses as a complement to a cracker and a slice of meat or do you allow it to dominate the palate with strong taste and smell? Whatever the answer may be, the beauty is in the near boundless pairing possibilities and while beginning with something you know will ease introductions, tasting outside of your preferred range may bring new favorites to the table.

There are, however, a few rules to consider when picking your pair: • Pair light and delicate beers with young, fresh cheeses.

• Pair malty and heavy beers with aged, nutty cheeses.

• Pair hoppy or bitter beers with sharp, spicy, or tart cheeses.

• Pair strong and sweet beers with blue cheeses.

Specific suggestions to try tonight

Aside from their compatibility, beer and cheese are relatively cheap to enjoy. Try pairing six different cheeses with six differ-

ent wines and you may need to sell your pants, depending upon the age and esteem of the wines you choose. A great bottle of beer won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Martin King sees the recent resurgence in beer and cheese pairings as a natural progression; “those who love cheese will further enjoy it with a good beer and those who like beer will see how well cheese complements their tasty beverage”, he says. Martin, along with his business partner Dean Southall, run the Alien Brewing Company (ABC) in The Hague. Their bottle shop sells an extensive variety of Dutch craft beers and doubles as a tasting venue for brewers to showcase their various beerv recipes. With his culinary background and deep knowledge of Dutch craft beers, Martin has recommended the following pairings to try:

Martins choices: • Leidsch Aaipiejee (IPA) paired with Cumin Cheese • ABC Winterbieah Dark IPA paired with Jong Cheese

(10-months) • Brouwerij Eem Blond paired with Oude Sheep Cheese • ABC Haagse Harry Porter paired with Andijker Sheep Cheese

with Fenegriek • Muifelbrouwerij Broeder Everardus Tripel paired with North Holland Goat Cheese • Kleine Duimpje Imperial Russian Stout paired with

Oude Gouda • Emelisse Barley Wine paired with Dutch Blue Cheese

access | SPRING | 45

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Traditional Sunday Worship Services 09:00 11:30*

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For all your creative needs contact Kimpala Graphics 070 211 5264 ~ 06 202 90 142

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courses please register for courses online at www.access-nl.org, or telephone ACCESS ON 0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222377), CALLS COST 20 CENTS PER MINUTE.

Date / Time

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Contact

The British School Amsterdam

€200

ceb-dh@access-nl.org

Childbirth & baby courses Tuesdays, 5, 12 April, 3, 10 and 17 May + one postnatal session

Childbirth Preparation Course

Popular six-session course, presented by a Dutch-English speaking, qualified midwife. For women in the last few months of pregnancy.

On demand

Childbirth Preparation – Individuals

Individual childbirth preparation sessions in the On demand Amsterdam region.

€135

ceb-dh@access-nl.org

30 March (June due date), Childbirth 11 May (July/Aug due date), Preparation 18:45-21:00 Course

Six two-hour sessions on Wednesday evenings preparing for childbirth in the Netherlands, led by our very experienced trainers.

Bronovo Hospital The Hague

€200

Nester Moyo/Lee Tolman 070 346 2525 ceb-dh@access-nl.org

Start dates: 29 March and 24 May 18:15-19:30

Prenatal Yoga

Complete preparation for labour through breathing and relaxation techniques, yoga postures. Eight sessions on Tuesday evenings.

Bronovo Hospital The Hague

€135

Joke van Roosendahl 070 326 2638 sport-en-spirit@hotmail.com

On demand

Prenatal exercise

Two-session course led by qualified physiotherapist. For women in their 3rd trimester who want to get fit before the birth of their baby.

Oegstgeest The Hague

€120

Vera Atlas 070 346 2525 ceb-dh@access-nl.org

Tuesdays, 20:45-22:00 Register anytime, six weeks after birth

Postnatal Yoga

Relaxation techniques, muscle strengthening through Pilates, energy building through Hatha Yoga. Eight sessions.

Bronovo Hospital The Hague

€80

Joke van Roosendahl 070 326 2638 sport-en-spirit@hotmail.com

March 28, April 21, May 16, June 9, July 4

Breastfeeding

Designed for first-time mums, this workshop offers you the opportunity to explore breastfeeding in more detail.

Amsterdam

€25 per person/ couple

020 470 0321 info@borstvoedingscentrum.nl

27 April, 10:00 25 May, 19:30 29 June 10:00

Breastfeeding Course

Qualified lactation consultant offering one 2-hour information session on breastfeeding for pregnant women.

Nootdorp The Hague

€30

Sharron van der Linden-Woodley 070 346 2525 ceb-dh@access-nl.org

Creative workshops 3 and 10 March 09:30-13:00

Definite Articles

How to write and sell winning articles based on your life overseas. Learn how to craft, edit, write, pitch and sell articles.

Bankastraat 20, The Hague

€150 for the course

Jo Parfitt 06 4847 3779 www.joparfitt.com

5 April 09:30-13:00

Blogging, Tweeting and all that Jazz

Learn how to blog, why to blog and what on earth to write in order to promote your business or attract followers.

Bankastraat 20, The Hague

€75

Jo Parfitt 06 4847 3779 www.joparfitt.com

26 May, 9 June 09:30-12:00

Write Your Life Stories

Lots of inspiration, examples and practise in lesson with homework too. The classes cover writing humour and writing in stories.

Bankastraat 20, The Hague

€50 per session

Jo Parfitt 06 4847 3779 www.joparfitt.com

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays, 10:00-13:00, Friday nights, 19:00-22.00

Spear Your Fears

Find your creative self and release your singing voice or inner author; great for artistic beginners who want constructive tips in a fun setting.

The Hague

€75 / 3hrs

Niamh Ni Bhroin 06 2674 7504 www.NiamhCelticWarrior.com

access | SPRING | 47

Challenge Your Talent (YCYT)

BEGINNER TO ADVANCED DUTCH & ENGLISH

Educational consultancy and training

IN-COMPANY COURSES

PRIVATE TUITION LEGAL AND BUSINESS ENGLISH

● Specialized in gifted education ● Counselling and training for parents, children and teachers ● Coaching children in social skills Contact: Yarona van der Horst (educational counsellor) E-mail: yaronavdh@hotmail.com mobile: 06 1424 5010 www.challengeyourtalent.nl

DUTCH & ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING

KO N I N G I N N E G R AC H T 6 6 & 7 2 | 2 5 1 4 AG D E N H A AG T 070-360 78 60 | M 06-55 88 56 18 I N F O @ K I C K S TA RT S C H O O L . N L | W W W. K I C K S TA RT S C H O O L . N L

Language Courses German School The Hague (Statenkwartier)

German & Dutch courses All levels Private tuition, groups, in-company training Deutsche Schule Den Haag

e

S ti

f tu rs ng S chku pr a

All t e nati achers ve s pea are kers

www.stiftungsprachkurse.nl email:info@stiftungsprachkurse.nl van Bleiswijkstraat 125, 2582 LB Den Haag, Tel.070-354 94 54

est. 1985

I N S T I T U T E 12 week beginners, intermediate, advanced, NT2 level II 2 week intensive beginners and intermediate courses Private and in-company courses www.directdutch.com Laan van Nieuw Oost-Indië 275 2593 BS Den Haag Tel: 070 3654677

Simply the best all-in-one guide to travel and life in Holland.

65,000 copies sold

CCESS From A nly .5 4 �2 0 o 9th Edition - Written by expats for expats From bookshops, VVV's, Amazon.com or direct from publisher@heresholland.com �27.50

www.heresholland.com

courses please register for courses online at www.access-nl.org, or telephone ACCESS ON 0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222377), CALLS COST 20 CENTS PER MINUTE.

Date / Time

Title

Details

Location

Cost

Contact

Personal development 17 March, 5 April, 19 May, 9 June 09:30-12:30

Understanding Yourself

‘Use your values as a personal compass’. Clarify what is important to you as a person and identify your values, needs and limits.

The Hague

€88

Marie Dewulf 06 2440 1355 www.coach2moveon.com

From 22 March 19:00-21:00

The Wine Series - Wine Course

Sign up for one or more evenings on a range of wine-related topics. Certified WSET tutor.

Includes tapas.

The Hague

€55-€70

Anne Nielsen de Bérard 06 2631 7807 www.anneswines.com

31 March, 14, 21 April, 19 May, 2, 23 June 09:30-12:30

Confidence Building for People in Transition

Gain valuable advice and tips to help you build up your confidence for life in the Netherlands.

One coaching session per person.

The Hague & Haarlem

€120

Jacinta Noonan 06 5127 6691 www.jacintanoonan.com

14, 26 March, 11, 23 April, 16, 28 May, 11, 25 June 09:30-16:30

Find Your Passion

We are more effective, successful and happier when we are doing things we are passionate about. Let me help you Find Your Passion.

The Hague

€240

Jacinta Noonan 06 5127 6691 www.jacintanoonan.com

7 April-12 May 19:30-21:30.

POWERtalk Short Course

Gain confidence in speaking and presenting yourself in all situations from corporate and community groups to daily life.

The Hague

€180

Marlene Burns 06 2027 7765 burns.marlene@gmail.com

Check website

Diversity Series - Fireside Chats

Learn about multicultural and diversity issues through discussions, workshops, and seminars characterised by a warm and informal tone

The Hague

Check website

Christine Fischer 06 3615 0875 www.fischersfiresidechats.com

On demand

Mindfulness Training

Eight sessions to help increase concentration and focus, and enhances both energy levels and quality of sleep.

Prinsengracht, Amsterdam

€550

020 423 3217 lot.heijke@planet.nl www.presentmind.nl/en/

To be confirmed

The Wine Series – Wine Course

Sign up for one or more evenings on a variety of wine-related topics. Taught by a certified WSET tutor. Includes tapas.

Amsterdam

€55-€70

Anne Nielsen de Bérard 06 2631 7807 www.anneswines.com

Caring for yourself 6, 13, 20, 27 March, 3, 10, 17 April, 1 May, 5, 12 June 14:00-18:00

The Healthy Cooking Series

Taught by certified culinary nutritionist and naturopathic doctor. For special needs such as diabetes, gluten-free, anti-aging, breast-feeding. Prices including recipes and beverages.

Cucina Reale, ­Paardemarkt, Delft Center

€50-100

Barbara Reale 06 4805 8793 www.royalempowerment.nl

Start date: 28 March Four sessions 09:30-12:30

Weight Loss Big on the Inside

Learn how to manage your weight without the tyranny of diets and calorie counting. Learn new skills to ensure long term results.

The Hague & Haarlem

€397

Jacinta Noonan 06 5127 6691 www.bigontheinside.com

Start date: 6 April 10:30-11:45 or 17:30-18:45

Have a Better Sleep for a Better Day!

Learn how to improve your sleep and reduce insomnia using Sophrology techniques. Ten one-hour sessions, including audio CD.

A location near the Peace Palace, The Hague

€180

Mireille BARREAU 06 3003 0888 www.4moreharmony.com

Every third Thursday, ­Friday & Saturday 09:30-13:00

Energy is Your Best Medicine

Rediscover your natural resources of energy through a combination of ancient healing arts & modern day technique.

Statenkwartier & Bezuidenhout The Hague

€ 49 incl.

VAT

Ingrid Schippers 06 2213 3894 www. theportableyogacompany.com

access | SPRING | 49

courses please register for courses online at www.access-nl.org, or telephone ACCESS ON 0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222377), CALLS COST 20 CENTS PER MINUTE.

Date / Time

Title

Details

Location

Cost

Contact

Parent education seminars 4 April 19:30-21:45

Money Matters for Mothers

Get on top of your family’s finances: learn from Jose de Boer about home admin, budgeting, insurance, tax breaks and savings.

van Hogenhoucklaan 89, The Hague

€35pp €52.50 (couples)

Soul Robertson 06 4185 7773 www.passionateparenting.nl

9 May 19:30-21:45

Dutch Wills & Testaments

Every expat parent should have a Dutch will to avoid legal and tax related problems, should the unthinkable happen. Especially guardianship.

van Hogenhoucklaan 89, The Hague

€35pp €52.50 (couples)

Soul Robertson 06 4185 7773 www.passionateparenting.nl

6 June 19:30-21:45

Expat Kids and Global Nomad Families

Each time we move, a small part of us is lost.

What is the impact of our international lives on our kids? Learn how your family can thrive.

van Hogenhoucklaan 89, The Hague

€35pp €52.50 (couples)

Soul Robertson 06 4185 7773 www.passionateparenting.nl

Job seeking 10:00-12:00 March 7th

Career Explorations in the Netherlands

Insight into the specific situation of the expat partner. Encourages and energises you to start, and to give you ideas about ‘where and how’.

Amsterdam

€50

06 1537 4371 info@cctransitions.com

21 March 09:30-12:30, 24 May 09:30-12.30

Job Hunting in the Netherlands

Strengthen your application techniques; improve your CV and cover letter, practise interview skills and find out where to find the jobs.

Includes a personal follow-up consultation.

The Hague

€107

Teresa Moynihan 06 2665 4708 www.moynihan-hr-consulting.com

13, 27 April, 11, 18 May, and 1, 15 June 10:00-13:00/18:00-21:00

Coaching Group for Expat Women

Six sessions plus an individual coaching session. For women looking for their dream job and want to discover their strengths.

The Hague

€499

Dorota Klop-Sowinska 06 1325 3655 www.dosocoaching.com

A location near ­Valkenbosplein, The Hague

€500 + €92 for book & CD

Henny van Santen 06 5719 4646 hennyvans@casema.nl

Languages Start dates: 7 March and 9 May 09:15 -12:15

“At Home Abroad” An intensive language course with a certified - Dutch for Starters Dutch language teacher, in a relaxed atmoLanguage Course sphere. Ten sessions over five weeks, in groups of four to six people.

13, 20, 27 April, 11, 18, 25 May, 1, 8, 22 June 09:00-10:30,

Dutch for Beginners

Nine classes of Dutch lessons designed to improve communication skills in Dutch

Amsterdam

€250

06 1537 4371 info@cctransitions.com

13, 20, 27 April, 11, 18, 25 May, 1, 8, 22 June 10:30-12:00

Intermediate Dutch

Nine classes, designed for those who have received previous Dutch classes. Focus on daily conversations

Amsterdam

€250

06 1537 4371 info@cctransitions.com

On demand

Eight Things to Know in Chinese

Four-hour intro to the Chinese language. ­Practise pronunciation, names, numbers and some survival phrases. Private lessons also available.

The Hague

€60

Wang-Ju Tsai 06 1217 3662 tsaiwangju@gmail.com

50 | access | SPRING

Quality day-care for your child, peace of mind for you Comme à la Maison is an international childcare center in The Hague. We provide a warm and welcoming home for both Dutch and English-speaking children.

• Special activities: art, gymnastics, music and dancing • Registered with the GGD. An active Parents' Committee • Warm, nutritional and balanced meals available daily • English and Dutch-speaking groups of children aged 0-to-6 • Secure environment, fully equipped for play, sleep and educational needs • Swimming: unique to day-care, a chance to experience the world of water

International Child Care House Comme à la Maison Duinweg 1, 2585 JT Den Haag 0031 (0) 70-404 9750 info@calmkid.nl

www.calmkid.nl

YOU’VE GOT ENOUGH TO DISCOVER That’s why we offer financial services especially for expats. At ABN AMRO we are aware of the cultural and other differences you will encounter in the Netherlands. That’s why we’ll do everything to ensure that you won’t have to worry about your banking matters. Our International Client Service starts with quick and easy Internet Banking in English. But we communicate in more than 20 different languages. For advice on more complex financial issues, you can count on the expertise and assistance of a Preferred Banker. Would you like to discover more about our service?

Please visit abnamro.com/internationalclients

ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (“ABN AMRO”) is not licensed to conduct banking business or sell insurance products in the United States under applicable federal and state laws. The offering, sale and/or distribution of this product or service can also be limited to other persons by the laws and regulations of other jurisdictions. Every (future) client is obliged to make inquiries after and comply with such restrictions. Neither this document, nor any copy there of may be sent to or taken into the United States or distributed in the United States or to a US Person.