February issue 'Sugar & Spice'

Sugar & Spice

Love Stories

Urban Legend

February Theme

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Issue 14 . February 2013

The Underground FRE The Hague E ®

Experience The Hague with us! Absorb the cultural and social essence of this diverse city through the eyes of the international community and locals.

You are The Underground!

FR EE CO PY

HAPPY VALENTINE' S DAY!

© Fashion & Accessories: Dorrith de Roode . Photography: Michael Danker . Hair / Make-up: Charlotte Mailhe . Model: Iris Coopmans

p.7 Fashion Designer Allan Vos

It’s hard to fathom the enormous success of 32 year-old fashion designer Allan Vos when you sit down at a desk in his atelier on Noordwal 18 in the Hague. Fashion reporter Virginia McDonald talks to Allan.

p.11 # 8i2013 8 Hours Overtime is not only about doing a good thing, it’s about getting to know those around you with common interests, and sharing ideas. The Underground is calling out to all international creatives to apply and get involved. Doe mee!

p.21 Music: Fantine Thó

Music reporter Woody meets up with local musician Fantine Thó and uncovers a remarkable story that not many people know about.

Read more about Fantine’s background and her reason for moving to The Hague.

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Issue 14. February 2013

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Issue 14. February 2013

Welcome

The Hague

PUBLISHER The Underground is an independent monthly newspaper published by Simone Branson Harper simone@theunderground.nl Phone: + 31 (0) 6- 815 050 49 Koninginnegracht 72 2514 AG Den Haag Full biographies of this month’s contributors can be found online

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Letter from the Publ�her It’s the most important thing in one’s life and it makes the world go round, Love! February is the month of Love and one of the reasons so many internationals settle in our city. We have, therefore, published some of your stories in this issue.

So what’s new? We are proud to announce our new collaboration with 8 Hours Overtime for charity, a great initiative set up by a team of creative individuals from The Hague (Nieuwe Garde). If you want to get involved with the local community then this is your chance, you can read how in this issue.

To stay tuned sign up for our monthly newsletter, follow us through social media or visit the website.

Nataly Parson, our Communication Advisor, who has been working with us since January 2012 will be moving abroad in March. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nataly for helping The Underground move forward, sharing her skills, setting up The Studentground and bringing so much joy and laughter. (Thank goodness we have Skype Nat, you can’t get rid of us that easily!)

Last month our fashion reporter Virginia McDonald visited the Amsterdam Fashion Week. What many of you may not know is that we have some extremely talented fashion designers right here in The Hague. You can read more on our website and we will be covering the topic of fashion in every issue of The Underground.

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is that it involves working with so many people and helping those who have just arrived in our city. What makes us unique is that we offer an environment in which different nationalities work together in teams. Friendships are forged and for those searching for jobs there is the satisfaction of putting their skills to good use during this process. Why not join us at The Underground? It’s a great way to connect, meet people and help you feel at home in our wonderful city while gaining work experience. Thank you to everyone involved in this issue and behind the scenes, remember You are The Underground!

I hope you enjoy this issue and I’m keen to hear your views, so don’t hesitate to get in touch: simone@theunderground.nl

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The Hague

News & Views

THe WeeK OF LOVe

HeADLINeS Top 10 news from The Hague

1. Children to be registered to primary school from age one after January 1st. Up until this year, parents were allowed to register their kids in to more than one school and at any time, even before their birth. This approach lead to long and messy waiting lists. The Hague, like other big cities in the Netherlands, is facing the issue of ‘the popular school’ and this new regulation aims at giving parents an equal chance in subscribing their children to the desired school.

2. The Pier of Scheveningen, cheaper to be demolished. This is the result of a study conducted by Omroep West (a local news provider) among demolishing companies. According to them, tearing down the old building would cost around two million euro, while a proper rehabilitation would rise up to five million.

On top of that, keeping the pier attractive would cost one extra million every year. The building, a symbol of Scheveningen was declared bankrupt last summer.

3. Anonymous letter to claim murder of 80 year-old. The letter was received by Omroep West and has been turned in to police. The murder took place in June and a relative of Hadji, the victim, has been convicted for murder. The letter brings a new lead on the case, and the defence lawyer hopes his client will be released. The opposing party claims that anyone could have written the letter, including the accused or one of his friends.

4. 17 year-old Rishi, victim of revenge. Rishi was shot by an armed agent after someone made a fake call to the police. This affirmation comes from sources close to the victim’s family. They claim that Rishi had an argument with the caller, who gave a very specific description to the police. The Ministry of Justice sustains that there is no evidence that Rishi was a victim of revenge.

5. Tram conductors to wear stab-proof vests.

As a result to the rising level of violence in The Hague, the local public transport company, HTM has decided to begin a trial with stab-proof vests for its conductors.

At first, ten employees will be wearing the vests and the company will decide by March if all tram conductors are to start wearing them.

6. 31 arrested last year in big drug case.

According to The Hague’s Police department, 31 men were arrested in relation to one of the biggest drug captures of the last years. During a search party in The Hague and surroundings, the police found, among others, 34 kilograms of weed, 150 of cocaine and 5000 ecstasy pills. Six men have already been convicted, while nine others are expecting their sentences in prison.

7. Municipality to research alternative for Fyra trains. In January, The Hague municipality has embarked on a search to find another intercity connection between Brussels and The Hague. Recently, the Beneluxtrein was replaced by the high-speed Fyra, but the new line doesn’t make the same stops as the old one. The research must show if a connection between Brussels South and The Hague via cities like Dordrecht and Delft would be financially viable.

8. UN congratulates The Hague with 100 years of Peace Palace. The UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has send a congratulations video to The Hague. In his message, he talks about his appreciation for the hospitality of The Hague and The Netherlands towards all the institutions created by or with the help of the UN. He also suggested that citizens should work harder on a future where all people can live freely and peacefully. Source thehague.com 9. Municipality to finance big events in 2013.

2.2 million euro will be allocated by The Hague Municipality for cultural and sports events. Among the most popular festivals to be subsidised next year are Festival Classique, Liberation Festival and ParkPop. New events such as a Japanese animation festival and the Cross Triathlon World Championship will also benefit of municipal funds. www.travelvalley.nl 10. New hotel open in The Hague. The hotel chain Holiday Inn has opened doors to a new location in The Hague. The Holiday Inn express is to be found on the Lange Houtstraat, close to the parliament buildings and the American embassy.

Issue 14. February 2013

Everything you always wanted to know about love and sex

By Darina Kozlova

BReAD FOR BReAKFAST Fresh local initiative!

By Virginia McDonald After noticing a distinct lack of freshly baked goods on his kitchen table on Sunday mornings, 18-yearold Thom Trentelman decided it was time to take action. “I noticed there were no other companies delivering on a Sunday morning, and the idea of freshly baked bread delivered to my door for breakfast sounded very attractive,” he says. The budding entrepreneur saw the gap in the market and with it his opportunity. With a little help and a lot of determination, Thom developed Brood voor Ontbijt (Bread for Breakfast).

From croissants, brioche and donuts, to baguettes, pistolets and paninis, Brood voor Ontbijt has a full range of delicious baked goods for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast. Thom is up bright and early on Sunday mornings armed with his eco friendly bike and a big smile, ready to deliver scrumptious breakfast to his clients. All the delectable products available at Brood voor Ontbijt are baked in The Hague at C.J van Kempen & Zn bakery.

Brood voor Ontbijt delivers to homes in Scheveningen with postcodes 2585, 2587, 2597 and eikendael, but Thom hopes to be delivering all over The Hague soon.

It’s easy to navigate around the order form even with a limited knowledge of Dutch, so jump on to the website at www.broodvoorontbijt.nl and start ordering! Make sure you order before 7pm on Saturday night so Thom has enough time to prepare and get his beauty sleep.

As a special treat for Underground readers, Brood voor Ontbijt is offering a FREE bottle of Appeven pure apple juice with every order.

Simply add the word ‘Underground’ in the ‘opmerking’ (comments) section of the order form to take advantage of the great offer. www.broodvoorontbijt.nl

FREE

Valentine’s Day is a time of trials for teenagers: they embark on romantic dates,feel the butterflies of the first love and deal with racing heartbeats and hormones. To make sure matters don’t get out of hand, Dutch health professionals have created the ‘Week of Love’ - an educational project about love, sexuality and relationships. The event is being organised every year around Valentine’s Day. The 10th edition of the Week of Love will take place in The Hague between the 11th and the 17th of February 2013. It is arranged by the Community Health Service (GGD), The Hague Youth Information Centre (JIP), Centrum 1622 and other youth health centres.

The Week of Love is meant to teach young people aged 12 to 16 the theory and facts about first love, safe sex and pregnancy, while giving them the opportunity to ask any questions that might be troubling them. Knowing how to use a condom, what a morning-after-pill is or how to say ‘no’ if you are not ready for intimacy can help teenagers to stay out of problems. ‘We offer lectures on sexual education and train students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences to give such lectures at high schools,’ says Kaajal from The Hague Youth Information Centre. ‘We also organise other activities, such as films, debates, workshops, and offer a brochure with information about safe sex, unwanted pregnancies and STDs.’ There will also be conferences and workshops for teachers, social workers and health professionals involved in youth education. Topics range from the methods of reaching teenagers and the correct way of dealing with teenage pregnancies to the role of the media in modern sexual education.

Minna Sun Kim : Underwater Cartoons ©

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News & Views

Issue 14. February 2013 Maxime Zech aka.

The Sponge Valentine’s Schmalentine’s.

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. The time allocated to traditional expressions of love, by way of card, rose or dinner. Couples everywhere, adverts for couples’ activities everywhere, love hearts everywhere.

If you - like me - are single, then it can sometimes prove difficult being confronted with the obligatory loving of each other that couples are required to do. I’m not really a bitter anti-Valentine’s Day person. I would love someone to share the day with, and more days after that. But the truth is that Bill Murray is not going to show up on my doorstep with flowers, ready to make me laugh and feel warm inside with his special madcap ways.

Having said that, sometimes being single is woefully underrated.

So here is an ode to single-dom. You can wear pyjamas for extended periods of time without being thought of as a filthy bachelor(ette). You can eat your weird favourite snacks without judgement. Mine is a brick of dry noodles sprinkled with just a bit of the flavouring from the sachet, washed down with a glass of milk. Try it and spread the delicious word. You can watch guilty pleasure T.V. or marathon Gilmore Girls as much as you like.

There is nobody to stop you or look at you funny when you explain that ‘oy with the Poodles already’ is a Lorelai reference, and you haven’t gone mad. You can take up your entire bed at night like you’re doing your best Patrick Star impression.

You can, on occasion, surprise even yourself by highfiving the air after a particularly stellar belch. Many people choose to conceal these things from their partners as they may deem them ‘unbecoming.’ I get to do them whenever I damn well please because Me loves Me no judgement.

I’m not saying I’m one cat away from Spinsterhood. I’m still holding out for that special, forgiving, eccentric, possibly hard-of-hearing guy that’ll take me for me. But in the meantime, knitting moustaches and perfecting my ‘mashed potato’ dance is highly satisfying. Do you for a while. It’s fun.

I’ve written this as I feel that at this time of year many people are unhappy because they are constantly reminded of the fact that they are alone, but it doesn’t have to work that way. There are perks. I know for a fact that if a future relationship doesn’t work out, I will be absolutely fine and secure with myself. That’s a good thing to know, although I might need to work on potential Murray stand-ins to be as comfortable with me.

Maxime

The Hague

A 5-STAR DIVORCe

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@undergroundth

Check in Friday, check out Monday as a divorcee

By Darina Kozlova

ivorce doesn’t always have to be D messy and long – in the Netherlands you can do it simply by check-

ing into the Divorce Hotel for 3 days!

This unique concept for a hassle-free divorce was thought up by Dutch entrepreneur Jim Halfens, who saw a market opportunity for a quick and comfortable divorce arrangement.

“Usually, divorce takes a lot of time, you always rely on the agendas of lawyers, real estate agents, notaries and other professionals, and there is a big chance that things will go wrong, with no possibility of mediation,” says Jim. “In the Divorce Hotel we book the professionals’ agendas for 3 days, making it possible for couples to check in on Friday and sign the divorce papers when they leave on Sunday,” he adds.

The idea only works for people with a constructive approach to their future, which means every couple has to pass

an entry-test before they are accepted into the hotel. Mediators evaluate attitudes during an hour-long conversation and develop a custom-made program for each couple.

A positive attitude is so central to the concept that the hotel was opened on Valentine’s Day in 2009. “We thought it would be a good idea to start on a day that gives people positive associations,” says Halfens. “It complements our philosophy that while a failed marriage may be the negative part, a divorce is a sort of positive start to a new life.”

In reality, there is no ‘one’ divorce hotel - Halfens cooperates with 6 luxury hotels in The Netherlands, including one in The Hague. Currently, the concept is open only for those with a marriage based on Dutch law, although its increasing popularity means it will soon expand to other countries. In the United States the idea will even get its own TV show.

THRee CHeeRS FOR ‘THe FReD’!

Most atmospheric shopping street’ in Holland

By Susan Gould I photo provded by Plasman huge congratulations to the FredA erik Hendriklaan aka ‘The Fred’ for winning the 2012 ‘Most atmos-

pheric shopping street’ in Holland.

The decision was announced on 19th December 2012 and ‘The Fred’ won 32% of the public votes to be named overall winner.

It beat out the four other challengers: Oudekerkhof in Utrecht, Langestraat in Amersfoort, De Tuinen in Naaldwijk and Wycker Brugstraat in Maastricht. De Tuinen was the runner up and Langestraat placed third.

Anyone unfamiliar with Frederik Hendriklaan should take a walk in the area as well as down ‘The Fred’ whenever you get the chance.

If you live in the area then it would also be well worth it to check out the following website: www. scheveningen-haringroute.nl as this is a locally produced website with eleven short walks around the Scheveningen area. It is in Dutch but an english translation is available as well. The walks take you around the local area and point out various places of interest from the ‘Visser’ houses near the harbour to the grand houses of Statenkwartier.

If walking and eating is a winning combination for you, then on 16 March a walking dinner will take place in de Statenkwartier. More information is on the website (www. statenkwartier.net)

either as a slice or a whole cake to buy and take away.

Plasman’s has been on ‘The Fred’ since 1909 and won awards in 2011 and 2012 for its delightful products.

Paagman and de Vulpen are two shops worth a visit if you are seeking stationary items.gifts or books. Situated close to each other on the same block, they offer a world of choice for children and adults alike. Paagman was founded in 1951 and has a lovely café (Kicking Horse) as well as a post office service point. The mid-section of the shop has been designed with children in mind and has been inspiringly planned as a place for children to sit and learn.

De Vulpen describes itself as ‘a stationer in the broadest sense’ but they stock international newspapers and have a junior shop in the back of the store so make sure you don’t miss the workshops on offer in here. More information can be found on www.devulpen.nl.

Cheese shop ‘De Kaas specialist’ (www.dekaasspecialist. nl) has got to be a favourite and has long queues outside on a regular basis due to its popularity. It came in the Top 5 of cheese specialist shops in Holland in a 2012- 2013 competition and the staff is exceptionally keen to help and explain the wide range of cheese on display.

More info on ‘The Fred’ can be found on the website www.defred.nl.

Coming back to ‘The Fred’, it is easy to see why the street won the prestigious award. There is a community feeling to this street and there is something for everyone to be found here. You can find the larger chain shops, but next to the high street giants are the more individual shops.

Here are a few examples to give you a flavour of this marvellous shopping street: Plasman’s (www.plasman.nl)– a tea room.bakery where you will find a divine selection of cakes and chocolates that are displayed to mouth-watering perfection. You will certainly get a sugar fix here and the Sachertartje is divine

Question of the Month: #missinghome What are you missing most from home?

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Issue 14. February 2013

THe HAGUe TAKeS ON Fashio n

AMSTeRDAM FASHION WeeK reporte

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@theu

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Text & Photos by Virginia McDonald

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ips T & s w Ne ANOUK WIPPReCHT, the techno-couture designer from the Netherlands, has come up with yet another quirky garment called Robotic Spider Dress in collaboration with Austrian software developer Daniel Schatzmayr. Wipprecht’s fashion-tech garments have been favoured by the likes of Fergie from the famous American hip hop group ‘The Black eyed Peas’.

SIx FASHION DeSIGNeRS from The Hague participated in Amsterdam Fashion Week last month: • Marije de Haan • Natallya Ryzhykava • Laura Smith • Allan Vos • Tessa Wagenvoor • Michelangelo Winklaar MUST See: The opening of Jean Paul Gaultier’s pop-up store Date: February 9, Location: Bjenkorf, Rotterdam Tip: Visit the Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk’ from February 10 until May 12, 2013 in the Kunsthal, Rotterdam ONLINe SHOP: Oki-ni is a pioneering, men’s retail and lifestyle website. www.oki-ni.com FASHION BLOGS: • annadellorusso.com • facehunter.blogspot.co.uk • manrepeller.com • advancedstyle.blogspot.com • hypebeast.com

@undergroundth/ fashion-the-hague

ith six designers from The Hague showing at Amsterdam Fashion Week, it was only natural W that The Underground sent me along to cover the festivities. I could only manage five shows (I don’t know how people go to every single one!), so I missed out on seeing Natallya Ryzhykava who showed her collection Saturday, 26 January.

TESSA WAGENVOORT ..........................

To put it simply, I loved Tessa Wagenvoort’s show. Structured tunics over nude trousers, flowing cream tops paired with patterned trousers, and burnt orange capes and simple cardigans teamed with modern jumpsuits. The fabrics were gorgeous, the designs were simple yet unique, and the garments flowed off the models bodies like a silky waterfall. My favourite part would have to have been the shoes; sky-high platforms in the same patterned fabric as the rest of the collection, brilliant! The only thing I could fault with the show is that we’ve seen the blue and white colour combination a few too many times before, I would have to liked to seen a more daring colour combination to bring out the special patterns in the collection (Wagenvoort’s trademark), but the collection was beautiful nonetheless.

MICHELANGELO WINKLAAR ..................

There is one word to describe Winklaar’s show and that is fabulous; he really put on a show. The models wore Hannibal Lector looking mouth guards while marching eerily slowly down the catwalk. A diverse collection, from strong military jackets to transparent dresses with strategically placed feathers, the collection was stupendous. A tailored gold suit with feathered shoulders and contrast sleeves was the most wearable piece, while a fuchsia, satin dress with floral details looked a bit out of place amongst the rest of the collection. Also interesting was the appearance of pantyhose with suspenders, and pant-less looks, no doubt inspired by Beyonce or Lady GaGa. My favourite piece was a gold dress, featuring a grey, structured shoulder, fixed jacket. I predict great things from Winklaar, an up and coming The Hague designer worth keeping your eye on.

LAURA SMITH .........................................

Job vacancies in fashion: www.fashionunited.nl

Laura Smith’s show didn’t blow me away. That isn’t to say the clothing wasn’t nice, because it was, it just looked like something you could find in any esprit. Desert orange tones and black featured heavily in the collection, with military jackets, floor length and cocktail dresses, and an LBD all making an appearance on the catwalk. What I found odd was that the models seemed a bit too daring for the collection,

with futuristic orange eyeshadow blocks covering the model’s eyes. Another photographer whispered in my ear ‘The models look like boys not girls’, and that highlighted the way the clothing and the models seemed to contradict each other. The collection was teamed with simple black heels or wedges, and the clothes were definitely for the ready to wear customer. Not a bad collection in all, but I would have liked to see a bit more originality in the design.

MARIJE DE HAAN ..................................

Marije de Haan has to be one of the best menswear designers around.

She takes inspiration from unusual places (in this case an evening with the devil) and turns it into a collection that is very interesting, but a only a few items were wearable.

From what I can only describe as half bunny suits complete with hood and ears, to gargantuan hats from black lace that made the models look like walking lamp shades, the collection impressed me. Haunting white, lace face masks hid the faces of some of the models, while others wore simple knitted hats, and one chap sported some kind of beekeeper inspired helmet. Loose fitting trousers, simple sweaters with fringed pocket details, fitted jackets and dress shirts with bow ties made up the rest of the collection, as well as the striped suits similar to de Haan’s last collection. A really cool collection.

ALLAN VOS ..........................................

When I walked into the Allan Vos show I really felt like I was at a fashion show. There were loads of photographers, it was noisy and crowded, and there were even a few celebs, the vibe was great and I really enjoyed the show. Ambience aside, the collection was also nice. The inspiration for the collection was the hunter, so there was lots of khaki, grey, black, cream and a hint of red. All the models (most of whom had red hair) wore wellingtons, and form fitting jackets and trousers featured heavily. With a few sweaters and shawls thrown in, and even a pleated, khaki skirt, I envisioned the collection as being made for a bunch of 17th century French hunters, that were avid followers of American Vogue. My favourite pieces were a khaki blouse with delicate beading and a long, great, large checkered coat. All in all a very enjoyable show but perhaps a bit too daring as a ready to wear collection for the average Dutch male, but certainly something I would love to see a few fellas sporting around the streets of The Hague.

MORe ONLINe FASHION RePORTS: • • • • • •

Michael Barnaart van Bergen – The Hague’s golden boy of fashion Meet fashion designer Marije de Haan Floor van de Water, the woman behind the brand ‘by LouLou’ HOOP Creatief Warenhuis, a platform for designers Photos of The Amsterdam Fashion Week Spotted someone in the streets? Send your photo to: info@theunderground.nl

WEA

SPO

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D G R CIT ED Y CE NTR E RIN

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Issue 14. February 2013

Fashion

The Hague

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ALLAN VOS THe HAGUe’S FASHION FOx Text & Photos by Virginia McDonald

I

t’s hard to fathom the enormous success of 32 year-old fashion designer Allan Vos when you sit down at a desk in his atelier on Noordwal 18 in the Hague. Dressed in a casual grey sweater and wood-framed eyeglasses, Vos is charming, relaxed and artlessly friendly as we speak, while his small army of interns works away at his new collection for Amsterdam Fashion Week.

Born and raised in the Hague, Vos first found himself working with fashion after high school as a visual merchandiser dressing out shop windows. After getting bored with using the same borrowed clothes for the shop windows, Vos decided to design them himself, and made his first foray into design. A lover of film, Vos then decided to try the Film Academy in Amsterdam. “I was very happy to get in, because only six people could get in, but I was bored within two months because it was too technical, and I am not technical at all.” The next logical step for Vos, who yearned to design beautiful things, was costumes for film and theatre. “I already loved fashion, and I thought it would be the perfect combination to start fashion study here in the Hague.”

Vos graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Art with a theatrical fashion collection, and went on to work backstage in the costume department for Cirque de Soleil and Disney, to learn about costumes and master the trade.

Red Carpet to Catwalk Vos started approaching celebrities and dressing them for the red carpet, and has dressed stars Cindy Bell and Chantal Janzen to name two. In 2010 Vos did Project Catwalk to build up a name for himself, but the public wanted something more from his designs. “The guys were asking me ‘why not design something for us? Women have so much choice already’, and it’s so true.” Vos then met Carlos Wijnands, the programme director at Amsterdam Fashion Week who convinced him that he should be designing menswear. Vos decided to take the plunge and do a menswear line, joking that, “If nobody wants it at least I’ll have something to wear”, but they did want it. His first unisex collection is still in high demand for photo shoots today, and the Allan Vos clothing rack at So PR is almost always empty. Vos fell straight into designing menswear, “It went so fluidly, the designs were coming so fast out of my pen, and it worked really well.” Vos showcased his first collection for Amsterdam Fashion Week in July 2012 to huge success, and showed his second collection last month.

Hunters and Lumberjacks Vos was inspired by hunters and lumberjacks for his winter collection for Amsterdam Fashion Week and mixes easily wearable pieces, with more laborious, high fashion pieces, and just a touch of Napoleon to add the element of costume that Vos loves.

“Fashion history is so interesting, I love to mix it up with clothes from now which is possible because there are so many cool things form years and years ago.” Fashion-loving men can expect a fierce yet sophisticated range of high quality, well-tailored pieces that exude good taste, with an unconventional twist.

Allan Vos designs can be made to order by contacting the designer, and an online shop will be open soon at allanvos.nl

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Shopping

The Hague

Issue 14. February 2013 8

Streeters The Underground’s reporter Dorine Schreiner asks people on The Hague’s streets the following question:

“What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?”

Indigo Smith-Poelz (27), harpsichord student at the Royal Conservatoire “When my parents left my home state Colorado and moved to Oregon, I was very upset. A family friend emailed me out of the blue and told me I could always stay with her in Colorado. It was so nice, especially because I hadn’t talked to her in years.

I’ll definitely take her up on her offer next time I go to the States. I can’t wait!”

STOeRe VROUWeN!

By Lisette van der ende

T

ough woman shopping with a conscious attitude. Those were the keywords Saturday, January 12, when EerlijkWinkelen (honest shopping) launched a special shopping route with stores that sell fair trade and organic products.

To make the launch even more special, eerlijkWinkelen asked StoereVrouwen (tough women), who strive for conscious shopping and consuming, for help and to scream and shout the message out loud in the streets of The Hague. With seven other tough women, I visited each store to present the ‘Honest Shopping’ route map. Our ‘green’ journey began at exki.

Dimitrije Kips (11), primary school student “When I was six, I broke my leg when it got stuck in a bicycle wheel. My mom was there, but we only had the one bicycle. A complete stranger brought my mom and me to the hospital. It was so nice. Unfortunately we’ve lost contact with her.”

When I first met Rieneke from StoereVrouwen, I though immediately that she was a strong woman with a clear message to tell the world. She doesn’t strive for a world where consumers consume less; instead she wants to make consumers aware of the products they are buying. Karen of eerlijkWinkelen on the other hand, wants to show through this initiative that fair trade shopping is simple and accessible for everybody, you just have to know the right shops!

Dressed in green coats and pretty pink hats and lips, Rieneke, Karen, Wicked Wendy, four other tough woman and I surprised the employees from the participating stores with the new shopping map.

The reactions were beyond positive, and everybody was thrilled and enthusiastic to be part of the eerlijk Winkelen route. People who passed by this march of tough, pink ladies where more than interested in where they could buy these ‘honest’ products.

The eerlijkWinkelen route is very diverse. I loved the fair trade gift store Waar at the Schoolstraat, the products are very practical and 90 % are fair trade! The Lush store at the Grote Marktstraat is also great, with handmade, fresh, vegetarian soap.

The scent of the soap is delicious and the soaps are unpacked, so it is true eye candy! For vintage clothing you must put Cute But Wrong on your list, I loved the jewellery! And if your feet get a little bit tired you can always get a slice of homemade, organic cake or a vegetarian lunch from the friendly staff at lunchroom Baklust on the Veenkade.

I will visit each store again for sure, because now I know that I can make a difference and how I can participate to make a ‘greener’ world. It just takes a little bit of a conscious attitude.

If you are also interested in where you can find the fair trade shops, go to www.eerlijkwinkelen.nl

DATING WITHOUT DISASTeRS; Frans Fox (48), director Tax & Customs Museum Rotterdam “Just after my mother passed away in 2001, one of my friends was really there for me. We went for a drink at a café on the Hooikade. To make the situation sadder, German ballads were performed live at the café. It was so nice that he took me out though. Of course my family offered support too, but the way this friend distracted me was really nice.”

WHAT NOT TO WeAR

By Lisette van der ende

I

still remember my first Valentine’s date, it was on a holiday trip to Antwerp and I had bought a red scarf for the special day. As the feathers of my scarf fell out in the hotel lobby, restaurant and in the street, the scarf and I looked like a chicken without feathers. Not a good look! Since then, I graduated cum laude in picking out disastrous clothing for dates. So if you don’t want to end up like me, follow these tips!

Don’t wear too much white You don’t want to glow in the dark on this special date and besides, white is for your wedding, not for your first date.

Marlous Krens-ter Haar (30), school teacher “I really like the small things my husband does for me. Like sometimes he buys me a melon, because he knows I think they’re delicious. And when he makes breakfast for me. He also held a speech at our wedding even though he hates speaking in front of a crowd.”

Don’t wear more than four colours at once Joseph already found the amazing technicolor dream coat and it only looks good on him.

Don’t overdo the prints Too many prints or numbers and you’ll look like the stars and stripes. (Numbers will scare him away as he might think it is the amount of kids you want to have with him.)

Don’t wear anything flammable You might catch fire when you lean over to give your date a kiss during a candlelight dinner.

Also if your date is a total hottie, you might get burnt!

Don’t wear bowling shoes Bowling shoes are strictly for bowling. These shoes are too slippery, you want to fall in love, not on your love.

Don’t overdo the jewellery Leave the tiara at home, you are a princess but you don’t want to look like a Christmas tree. Remember, Christmas holidays are over.

Don’t wear jumpsuits or overalls These outfits are real man repellers! Besides, these are what their mothers used to wear in the sixties!

Don’t wear candy underwear It’s bad for your cholesterol, it’s sticky and bad for your teeth!

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Issue 14. February 2013

Lifestyle

The Hague

THROUGH THe KeYHOLe WHO: YALeeSA SIeGeRS WHeRe: De KROON

By Ferry Post

A

new gigantic building has risen up on our skyline. It's the grey building of one of the three new tall buildings in between Central Station and the City Hall. 'Living here is just amazing. I feel like a New York city girl. I live on the eighteenth floor with a stunning view over The Hague, and with clear weather even Rotterdam. The view is magical in the evening with all the lights.

During the day, when I look to the right side, I see Scheveningen and the sea, when I look to the left I see Rotterdam with the euromast and when I look straight, I see the ''Binnenhof.'' Almost every night I see fireworks at Hoek van Holland or Scheveningen, how cool is that! Living so high, makes me feel like I'm living on top of the city.'

Yaleesa has lived here for six months with her boyfriend and couldn't be happier. She tells me: 'I live in the middle of the city centre, close to all the shops and with the Albert Heijn and Action on the ground floor(!), and of course the ''Plein'' with all its clubs and cafes.'

The house itself has loads of windows, a high ceiling and a luxurious kitchen and bathroom. Another reason to live here: 'A lot of expats live here, combined with the Dutch, which is a perfect representation of our international city. I believe there are a few more houses for sale.'

On the top floor, which is the fortieth floor, are two penthouses and underneath the building is a parking lot. The entrance makes you feel like coming home into a royal palace, with a marble floor, high ceiling and a large golden door which opens automatically.

The elevator is quite fast, which forces you to pop your ears, but Yaleesa told me that you will get used to that feeling. And what happens when the fire alarm goes off? 'Then we have to take the stairway, which is quite tough and unfortunately happened once before. But ''luckily'' I don't live in a penthouse on the fortieth,' says Yaleesa with a smile.

For more information about living in 'De Kroon' check out the website: www.DeKroonDenHaag.nl or www.FrisiaMakelaars.nl

ONLINe HOMe & LIVING: •

Each month, Hedwig (Miss Green Fingers) will be offering readers of The Underground her seasonal tips for your garden or balcony.

If you have any gardening questions that you would like to ask Hedwig, get in touch!

•

Interior designer Hedda Pier has started a new project renovating a farmhouse in the country. She takes us on her journey from the start of the project in October to its completion in March, while sharing some helpful design and DIY tips along the way.

Don’t miss Hedda’s suggestions of the best places to find country-chic homeware in The Hague!

•

Please email your feedback or questions to info@theunderground.nl

Looking for Home I’m the most handsome and friendly cat in the animal shelter. Okay, why am I still here? I’m waiting for you!

I’ve lost my kitten coat, but never the less I’m still in proper condition (If I say so myself). I have passed the 10 years but I’m left with 8 more lives to give. I’ll be the perfect friend that will listen and help you finish the leftover fish. I will settle for a quiet but mainly safe and warm home to call my own. It’s time to start a new adventure!!! Please, can I spend my senior years in a home with lots of love? beerlankhorst@haagsdierencentrum.nl

Tip! Homes & Living: Online shop with hand made products, such as cushions, chairs and more www.etsy.com

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Community

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Issue 14. February 2013

our Share y stories!

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E-mail: info@pure-esthetics.nl

RUSSIA-NeTHeRLANDS 2013 400 YeARS OF FRIeNDSHIP Darina Kozlova takes a look at the preparations for the Dutch-Russian bilateral year.

2

013 will be the year of Russia in the Netherlands and of the Netherlands in Russia. The first diplomatic relations between the countries began in 1613, when Tsar Mikhail I sent envoys to the Netherlands, announcing his ascendance to the throne, and Isaac Massa became the Dutch ambassador to Russia. Since then, every century has seen new developments in DutchRussian relations. Peter the Great arrived in the Netherlands to learn shipbuilding and as a result he was able to help build Russia’s navy. Grand Duchess Anna Paulowna married Prince Willem of Orange, later to become King Willem II, and brought Russian culture to the Netherlands. In 1913, The Hague’s Peace Palace opened, after Tsar Nicholas II proposed to hold the first peace conference in The Hague.

The Dutch and Russian governments will celebrate 400 years of economic, social and cultural relations between the two countries by organising a broad programme in different Russian and Dutch cities. It will focus on three main themes: economy, Politics & Civil Society, and Culture.

The Hague, with its many ministries, the Parliament, the Royal Family and the Russian embassy, deals with most of the organisational moments for the year. The Russian embassy, in particular, is responsible for overseeing the Russian part of the program in the Netherlands. ‘We looked at what kind of events would be interesting for the local public, what we could offer during the year of Russia in the Netherlands’, said Senior Counsellor Vladimir Naydenov, ‘and we now have prepared about 50 events, such as the participation in the flower parade at the Keukenhof and the participation of Russian troops in the Nijmegen Marches. These proposals were suggested several years

ago, when this celebration was just being conceived.’

Although the official opening of the year of Russia in the Netherlands will be in March 2013, some events started in January: a simultaneous chess tournament with top Russian chess players took place on January 28 at The Hague City Hall. The tournament was first held in January 2012 as an introduction to the Dutch-Russian bilateral year. The tournament was jointly organised by the Russian embassy and the Municipality of The Hague.

The Russian community in the Netherlands was also involved. The embassy cooperated with Russian companies and individuals in the Netherlands, who sent in their ideas and proposals for the year. Amateur photographer Mikhail Yevdokimov saw it as a good opportunity to show to the Russian audience his perspective on life in the Netherlands. Mikhail has been living in The Hague for almost 13 years and feels that the two countries are closely connected: ‘Russia is always in the news. every day I see something in the newspaper or on TV about Russia, so I almost feel like I’m back home. They show Russian movies at Dutch film festivals and many of my Dutch friends are connected to Russia in some way: either they have visited it or they have Russian friends, wives or ex-girlfriends.’ He expresses hope, however, that the celebration this year will help to break many stereotypes about Russia.

Former Muscovite Alec Haliash, now working as a Political Officer at the OPCW in The Hague, anticipates that the event will promote a positive image of Russia and will change the sometimes sceptical and even critical attitude some Dutch people have of Russia. ‘I hope this year will give Dutch people a chance to have greater exposure into Russian culture, people, customs and society and provide a platform for further constructive dialogue.’ He believes this year will also help strengthen business, economic and political relations between the two countries and even between Russia and the european Union as a whole.

You can follow the developments of the bilateral year on www.nlrf2013.nl and on the website of the embassy: www.rusembassy.nl

The Longest Married Couple Ever Does happy ever after exist? YeS it does!

This is proven by the world’s longest married couple Karam (107 yrs) and his wife Katari Chand (100 yrs) are married for 87 years. In an era where few marriages endure the test of time, 107-year-old Karam and his wife Katari Chand, 100, are proof that happy ever after does exist. The couple, who have 8 children and 28 grandchildren together, have lived in matrimonial bliss for 87 years making them the world’s longest married couple. The duo say looking after each other in every way possible is the key to the success!

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Community

Issue 14. February 2013

NIeUWeGARDe Creative people wanted!

A few weeks ago Bart from The Hague sector of Nieuwe Garde contacted The Underground with an exciting opportunity for the expats in The Hague. Every year Nieuwe Garde organises a charity called ‘8 Uur Overwerken’ or 8 Hours Overtime, where young professionals can offer their creative expertise as charity for various organisations, and this year Nieuwe Garde wants to you to get involved.

When: Friday 22 March 2013 Where: International Club The Hague, Javastraat 26 2585 AN Who: Nieuwe Garde www.nieuwegardedh.nl Twitter @nieuwegardedh Facebook.com.nieuwegardedh www.achtuuroverwerken.nl

What is the Nieuwe Garde?

The Nieuwe Garde is a network for young creatives. It is an organisation made up of mostly volunteers that brings creative people from various disciplines together to discuss ideas, brainstorm, and network. Nieuwe Garde began in Groningen in 2004 and is now in every major city in The Netherlands, creating a country wide network of creative professionals and one enormous web of connections.

Programme: The official programme will be announced on our website. The event will be kicking off at 6pm and ending at around 3am with a great after party.

How can you get involved?

All you need to do to get involved is to email denhaag@nieuwegarde. nl, Easy!

What is 8 Uur Overwerken?

8 Uur Overwerken is a way to donate to charity using particular skills and knowledge and putting them to good use. The name speaks for itself; those involved will be working for eight hours overtime on a Friday evening using their creative expertise to help charities develop ideas and concepts and by giving invaluable advice and feedback. 8 Uur Overwerken will be happening simultaneously at most branches, so while you’re working away in The Hague, people in Rotterdam, Arnhem, Groningen, Leeuwarden and Tilburg will be doing exactly the same thing. Everyone involved, including those joining in at home, will be connected via live Twitter feeds with the hashtag #8i2013 and will be able to tweet help and advice, or just kind words of encouragement.

The event kicks off at 6pm and goes throughout the night culminating in a work presentation at 2am and then the ever important after party.

Tip!

#8i2013 De ReGeNTeS The Lady Governor’s Swimming Pool

O

nce upon a time – in 1920 to be precise – there was a new swimming pool in The Hague called ‘Zwembad de Regentes’. It was located at Weimarstraat 63 and was the largest indoor swimming pool of Europe. Built in art-deco style, this grand swimming pool was around the corner of the Regentesselaan in the Regents area of The Hague.

The Zeeheldenfestival has taken place on the Prins Hendrikplein for as long as we can remember. So if you can sing, dance, act, are in a theatre group or band, sign up for the Zeeheldenfestival 2013 ASAP! The Hague’s biggest neighbourhood festival takes place from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 July 2013. Five days of children’s activities, street theatre, art, dance, music, delicious food and drink and hopefully a great deal of sunshine. If you would like to perform for the most enthusiastic audience in The Hague send a demo and bio or if you would like to sponsor this unique festival please get in touch via www.zeeheldenfestival.nl

8 Uur Overwerken is not only about doing a good thing, it’s about getting to know those around you with common interests, and sharing ideas. These organisations are particularly important for expats struggling to make contacts and meet new people in The Hague. The opportunity to work together in a team for potentially large charitable organisations with total strangers, Dutch and Internationals, is an opportunity that should not be missed, so as the Dutch say, doe mee!

NEWS! STUDENT COMMUNITY GROUP OPENEND ONLINE, THE STUDENTGROUND IS HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM. GROUPS.THESTUDENTGROUND

by Trix van der Schalk

The Zeeheldenfestival is looking for artists and sponsors

11

essentials

By Virginia McDonald

The public is also welcome to come along and take in the sights. The doors will open at 8pm for visitors with rooms dedicated to music, lectures, and activities to keep everyone busy.

The Hague

Three generations of ‘Hagenaars’ had swimming lessons at the Regentes. Mrs. Lammers (79) used to swim there as a child and the Regentes was where Mr. Heres, (67) now residing in India, obtained his swimming diploma. The younger generation also swam there, including Wicked Wendy’s daughter Sharlah.

During World War II it also had a heroic function. Because it had a double roof, people who were in danger of deportation could hide there.

Then came the day when the Regentes had to be closed down. Hygienic and environmental conditions were no longer up to modern standards and it was too expensive to renovate. In 1995 the municipal government decided to demolish it. But the neighbourhood did not want to part with this charismatic building and tried to find a new lease of life for the Regentes. Fortunately the municipality embraced the idea and the building was let to the newly set up foundation Zwembad de Regentes.

The old swimming pool then became a theatre hosting its first performance in1996. Over the years, the building transformed into a fully-fledged theatre with five halls – the large hall, which has excellent acoustics (above the actual pool), the small hall, the boiler room, the deep end (the

actual swimming basin) and the studio, which is over 100 m2, has walls lined with mirrors and real daylight.

Suddenly the Regentes was again threatened with closure.

As of 2013 it would no longer be given subsidy due to the economic crisis and the fate that it had escaped in 1996 seemed to be hovering yet again. But just in the nick of time, exactly 15 years later, ‘De Nieuwe Regentes’ led by Ms. Laudie Vrancken and Mr. Joeri Oudshoorn among others were able to take over the lease – promising to make the theatre pay its own way in future.

Vrancken and Oudshoorn will continue to exploit this unique building by making it a cultural meeting centre, ‘De Nieuwe Regentes’. It will do duty as a neighbourhood theatre and will also host performing arts, cultural events, congresses, meetings and private parties. With much enthusiasm it hopes to open its doors to the public before March 2013. Are there any readers of The Underground readers who feel up to producing a play or reading their poetry, having a musical evening or giving a party in this unique setting? www.denieuweregentes.nl

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The Hague

Art & Design MeeT THe ARTISAN

By Mai Ramos | Photos by Wouter Krasser Masaaki Oyamada is a peculiar artist specialised in capturing the essence of his customers in personal stamps. www. masaakioyamada.com Describe your craft.

A stamp is very small, only takes me about an hour to make it and when I am in the process, there is no way going back.

I need to decide every moment what to do next and when something unexpected happens, let’s call it mistake, that brings me to a second stage where I ask myself: what can I do now? Making stamps is like meditation to me, I need to be concentrated because I cannot stop in the middle of the process.

Examples of artist’ stamps.

Where did you first learn your craft?

At the beginning I had the idea to make personal logos in the shape of stamps but did not know how to make them or from whom I could learn. I have developed this skill by practicing and keep learning every time I make a new stamp.

Tell us the story behind your studio.

Three years ago I received an email from someone who had seen one of my stamps on my website and asked me to make one. I liked the process of making stamps very much so I started making stamps of everyday things and eventually announced in a public board that I could make personal logos.

This was the start of my studio.

Who are your clients?

My clients are ordinary people with different backgrounds and aged between 30 and 70 years old. Once they contact me, I interview them to get an idea of what makes them unique and try to catch that in my stamps.

Masaaki Oyamada with a stamp and a happy client.

What are your future dreams?

I would like to travel around the world and meet people from different countries to make stamps of them. By interviewing people with different nationalities, I would get a huge variety of answers and hence, a wide range of visual ideas to transfer into stamps.

If you want to see how Oyamada makes a stamp, don’t miss our step by step photo gallery on our website, www.theunderground.nl, under Meet the Artisans!

Issue 14. February 2013

Must See LUC TUYMANS GRAPHIC WORKS 1989-2012 16 February – 2 June 2013 Gemeentemuseum Den Haag The impressive oeuvre of Belgian artist Luc Tuymans (b. 1958) may seem to centre mainly around painting, but this first ever retrospective of his graphic work reveals another aspect of his work that is at least equally important.

In his graphic work, Tuymans makes use of countless pre-existing images and photographs. He is an investigative artist. The collection of visual materials leads to the production of graphic work, and this can eventually give rise to a painting. Since Tuymans paints just one day a week, he has to get his paintings right first time.

His graphic work is therefore the arena in which he experiments. It is not unusual for him to gather a number of graphic works together to form an installation, as in his 2002-2003 work The Rumour. This work has recently been presented to the Gemeentemuseum by its Association of Friends to mark the occasion of the present exhibition and accompanying catalogue raisonné (Luc Tuymans – Graphic Works 1989-2012). The array of graphic works in the exhibition is supplemented by a selection of ten paintings that form a cross-section of Tuymans’ oeuvre to date.

VeNICe, CITY OF LOVeRS

By Patrícia Sousa Venice is well known as the city of lovers. Its history, its urban landscape and its art are some, among many other reasons, why many honeymooners choose Venice as a background for their romantic days. The city has also inspired several writers, film directors, artists, musicians and other cultural practicioners.

An example of this is an installation work made by two French artists where they document a romantic trip to Venice. Together as a couple since 1970, Christian Boltanski and Annette Messager are both internationally recognized artists. Based in France and working independently since the sixties, the artists worked together on some projects, among them, Voyage de noces à Venise (1975).

The drawings made by Messager and the color photographs made by Boltanski clearly describe a love trip, with Venice as a scenario. The bridges, the buildings, the waterfront, the loved one posing, the gondolas and all the other images we can imagine from a honeymoon in such a place.

This is actually a good way to arrive at the central point of this work - to imagine.

Imagination and memory are issues that come together in this work. Based on the cliché of Venice as a preferred touristic destination by many honeymooners, the artists decided to create a fake visual archive of a love trip to Venice. These images are thus the result of other images, or as Boltanksi refers to, of ‘images-modéles’. Images that we already know them even before we make them. Similarly, well-known images of Venice are constantly being re-made by the ones who visit the city. Posing and photographing becomes then part of a ritual; the image as souvenir authenticates the trip and the experience.

The work invites the viewer to reflect on these images and thus of Venice as representation of a romantic scenario. As Messager refers about this work, ‘We wanted to play with the stereotypes of Venice, city of lovers.’’

Christian Boltanski (1944) is a French well-known photographer, sculptor and installation artist (although he refers to himself as a “painter”, with regard to his concerns in all media).

Christian Boltanski was born in Paris of Jewish descent, and spent the early years of his life in hiding from the Nazis. He is married to the artist Annette Messager, with whom he sometimes collaborates. His artistic work is haunted by the problems of memory and loss; he often seeks to memorialize the anonymous and those who have disappeared. Annette Messager is a French artist who was born in 1943 in Berck-sur-Mer, France.

The artist is known mainly for her installation work which often incorporates photographs, prints and drawings, and various materials. She comments that she wants to “make life more interesting than art.” She has exhibited around the world in Berlin, Germany; New Delhi, India; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Japan; the Pompidou Center, Paris Images:: Voyage de Noces à Venise (1975) by Christian Boltanski and Annette Messager. 21 drawings and photos.

Courtesy Galerie Marian Goodman, Paris.NYC. Source.credit: Anthropia: www.blog.org

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URBAN LeGeND: AKBAR SIMONSe

THe HAGUe THROUGH A LeNS

By Laura Dragulin | Photos by Akbar Simonse Some would say street photography started with Henri Cartier Bresson and his Leica, but I would say that it started with candid shots.

And even if Paris is the birthplace of street photography, The Hague has its own hidden gem in Akbar Simonse.

You might know Akbar from the Klik stickers posted around town in a Bansky style kind of movement. A street artist created the stickers inspired by Akbar’s mysterious bohemian appearance and his portrait is painted inside a tunnel in Delft. Or even better, perhaps you already met him strolling on the streets of The Hague with his camera, scoping for slices of life.

Akbar is not a stereotypical street art photographer. He is 65 years old, and just a few years ago he was still thinking that he would be the last man on earth without a computer. Yet when his grandchildren were born, the idea of having a camera to capture the moments with them and a computer to store the digital memories popped up in his mind and this is how it all began. First there were pictures of his granddaughter, then facades of old houses, Art Deco, sculptures, and graffiti.

Now street art and candid shots are his main interest.

‘A photographer that I once knew said that street photography is kind of like anthropology. Look at the pictures of the first street photographers. Without their work we wouldn’t know how life was in those days,’ says Akbar with a smile.

Most photographers have a ritual regarding their shots.

They have favourite places, habits, and routines but Akbar believes in the god of spontaneity. ‘For street art, I have my places. For people, I’m just spontaneous. When I walk on the streets, I have my camera with me. I just walk and look around and I see my shots.’

Same thing happens with waiting for the best shot. Akbar doesn’t like to wait. He started photography only 6 years ago, so he’s willing to explore it in the purest way possible. ‘I seldom wait. People don’t have to do special things, you know, it’s just the way they are. Waiting for something to happen, it isn’t like posing. I don’t like that!’

Continue reading the interview on our website: www.theunderground.nl

©Akbar Simonse

‘You have onlY one life, live it!’

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Featured

The Hague

©Veronika Motzova (Czech Republic) and Attila Androvics (Slovakia)

Issue 14. February 2013

©Natalia Grzesik (Poland) and Cyriel van Herpt (NL)

© Wouter Dikker (NL) andd Madeleine Lanier (France)

LOVe IS IN THe HAGUe!

The Proclaimers scored a musical hit about travelling for love. Many others don’t just sing along ... they actually do it!

The Underground’s reporter Dorine Schreiner found internationals who came to The Hague from far, for no other reason than ... yes, love.

Carina Mensching (22), German German Student, The Hague & Jordy van Kuijk (24), Dutch Student, Delft University of Technology It was a summer holiday in Spain that brought Carina and Jordy together in 2008.

When returning home, they continued their friendship over Skype. Within months, this bloomed into a relationship.

After three years of longdistance romance, Carina moved to The Hague after her graduation. Jordy and Carina plan to move in together this year.

Vicky Kuyt Cassar (47), Malta, Owner.hairdresser at Hair Topic & Leo Kuyt (43), the Netherlands, Insurance relationship manager Leo was on vacation in Malta with some friends in late 1994. At a bar, he met Vicky.

She invited him to her family’s Christmas dinner the following day. It was soon, but she “had a good feeling that he was the real one,” she said. They travelled between Malta and the Netherlands for a while, before Leo moved to Malta in 1996. They got married shortly after. The couple, who now have two daughters, moved to The Hague in 1999, forcing Vicky to close her hair salon. After 10 years of being a hairdresser across The Hague, she now opened her own salon in the Statenkwartier.

©Mimi and Sofie Dikker (Netherlands)

Colleen Peters (24), Canada, Teaching assistant & Leon Diepenhorst (26), the Netherlands, Financial advisor Colleen came to The Hague in 2010 to be an au pair after graduating in sociology at the University of Guelph in her home country. When going out at the Grote Markt with another au pair one night, Colleen met Leon and they hit it off immediately. Now, they live together in The Hague. “I didn’t come to The Hague for love, but I stayed for it,” she says. “And I don’t regret my decision one bit.”

Jelmer Krijthe (28), the Netherlands Senior performance analyst & Kristen Wiens Krijthe (26), Brazil, Primary school teacher

Guillermo Navarro (26), Spain Graphic Designer and cook & Laura RodriguezPomatta (21), Spain, Student & waitress

A basketball scholarship brought Jelmer to Fresno Pacific University in California. Kristen had moved there from Brazil to earn her teaching credentials. After a couple of years of dating and a long-distance engagement, the couple got married in California. After their honeymoon, Jelmer started a traineeship in The Hague. Having grown up in an international setting, Kristen likes the international mindedness of The Hague.

“Being surrounded by people from around the world really makes me feel at home,” she says.

Guillermo and Laura are both from Los Molinos, in the outskirts of Madrid, Spain. In Spain’s capital, they worked in a restaurant together.

Now, they’ve been together for more than two years. Last summer, Guillermo completed a bachelor degree in law.

Laura received the erasmus exchange programme and decided to study in The Hague.

Guillermo joined her. “The Hague is a lovely place for us. We love the bikes, markets and fun people from around the world,” he says.

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Issue 14. February 2013

©Monika Kralikova (Slovakia) and Lucia Kralikova (Slovakia)

Sean Leahy (31), USA Head of media communications & fine art department, Webster University Leiden & Lauren Cortesi (31), USA Teacher of social studies at the American School of The Hague Sean and Lauren met three years ago in a master’s programme in Rouen, France.

The summer they met was right in the middle of Lauren’s move to the Netherlands. They quickly discovered that although they met in France, they had grown up and spent many years in the same towns only a few streets from one another their entire lives in the USA. Sean says that after dating long distance for several months, he knew he “would move to any place on this planet to be with Lauren.” Sean and Lauren’s wedding is planned to take place in Michigan this summer.

Johanne Garland (29), USA.New Zealand Msc International Development graduate & Patrick Eissens (30), the Netherlands Hypnotherapy student It started as just another fun night out at a bar in Tel Aviv in October 2009. He was there on vacation, and she was on a five-month volunteering project in Israel. Two days after they met, Patrick and Johanne went out on their first date and fell in love. Five months later, she moved to The Hague to be with him. Six months ago, while on vacation with Johanne’s family in Yosemite, California, Patrick proposed and she said “YeS!”

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Ena Hejko (Czech Republic) and Jorgé Marley Adolf Fernand (NL/Suriname) ©All above photos by Markéta Tichavská

Dominy Clements (48), UK Classical musician at the Royal Conservatoire & Trudi Rickman (41), UK Custom cake artist Dom was already working in The Hague when he met Trudi through an online dating site in 2000. After several trips between the Netherlands and the UK to visit each other, she moved to The Hague in 2001, along with her nineyear-old son. Leaving behind her home, family and friends was harder than she’d ever imagined. Trudi doesn’t really feel at home in The Hague, but the only thing that kept her here is ... love!

Nataly Parson (33), Russia, Communication advisor & Dean Parson (36), USA, Quality control co-ordinator

Best Marriage Proposal Ever Recorded

Nataly went to Amsterdam for New Year’s eve 2006. At the Hard Rock Café there, “the cute American bartender’s smile made my heart melt,” she says. After Nataly returned to Moscow, she and bartender Dean exchanged a few emails.

Then he suddenly stopped. Out of the blue, Nataly received a message from him again in March 2007. It turned out that Dean’s computer and cell phone had been stolen and he’d lost her contact details.

Later that year they met again and have been together ever since. Dean was transferred to The Hague for a new job, where Nataly joined him and became a master student at The Hague University. “He now only uses his bartending skills at our family parties!”

Recently, a couple from Washington DC raised the bar on awesome proposals. Corey Newman proposed to his girlfriend Marlowe epstein via crossword puzzle in Sunday’s Washington Post. She said YeS because, after all, how could she not?

It is the sweetest thing ever. Newman worked with a crossword writer at the Post to come up with the perfect crossword for epstein who is an aficionado. Clues led to her hometown, her first name, his first name and more. Then of course, finally, it was: Will you marry me? And he dropped to one knee. Can we get a collective awwwwwww....?

The Underground

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Issue 14. February 2013

Culture & History

The Hague

16

OH. HAPPY DAYS!

By Alix de Morant

O

n this sunny very first day of 2013, I was against the idea of running into the North Sea in a crowd of soup addicts to ensure me one year of courage and an immediate New Year’s Eve detox. Nevertheless driven by the need of a refreshing experience, I decided to go to Scheveningen and to walk to the end of the Pier where the sea and the sky meet in a tumultuous and milky texture. The concrete architecture actually looks quite decrepit, constantly assaulted by the northern wind and the salty waves. Partly abandoned, with its “Tardis like” shops selling ice creams in the middle of the winter, kitsch souvenirs and exotic shells. I’ll bet you’ll never find one of these in this part of the hemisphere. The Pier has the vacuity of a no man lands and the pathetic beauty of an old movie star.

First conceived in 1900, as an extension of the Kurhaus the pleasure pier was a wooden construction. An oriental arch flanked by Chinese towers opened the promenade, which ended in a round and luxurious pavilion. Concerts were organized here to entertain the society who used to gather in Scheveningen to enjoy the healthy sea baths. Destroyed by the flames of the Second World War, the Pier was reconstructed during the 50’s as a symbol of peace by Rotterdam’s architect Hugh Maaskant. Subsequently it was transformed into the ugliest expression of wealth and modernity at the end the Nineties.

It has survived the twentieth century and even the end of the Mayan calendar but today its structure looks decayed. even the people strolling around, Dutch families or Asian tourists, seem to be hostages of a haunted castle.

It would be better also to ignore the terminal which offers the insane tentation of bungy jumping. But it’s worth activating the time machine to fly back to the sixties when the Pier offered itself for entertainment. Around 1960, a property developer Reinder Zwolsman bought the Kurhaus, the Houtrusthallen and the Pier, allocating spaces for performances, concerts and exhibitions.

In April 1966, the owners of Gallery Ortez coordinated a monumental happening using the futuristic shapes of the Pier as a backdrop to inspire artist and curators. The intention was to gather there about 35 international artists all contributing to a unique site-specific experience. “Zero at the Beach”, was supposed to let art infuse Scheveningen’s daily life. This is the event I had in mind, as I walked along the promenade with still fresh in my imagination the images I captured from the exhibition “Happy Days” at the Gemeentemuseum.

The call for proposals were sent out by Leo Verboon and Albert Vogel of Gallery Ortez to Group Gutai in Japan, to the Dutch and the German members of the avant-garde Zero, to Yves Klein in France, to Yayoi Kusama (the lady, obsessed by dots, nowadays commissioned to decorate Louis Vuitton and Dior concept-stores around the world) and other American artists. They all responded positively by sending to The Hague drawings, photographs, letters and instructions such as “At the exhibition, I will give to all visitors a button reading Love for ever, please make one thousand buttons”.

Yayoi Kusama would have shipped her hexagonal mirror room from New York to be rebuilt in front of the Kurhaus. Yves Klein planned to install water fountains, gas lamps, and ephemeral labyrinths on the beach. Henk Peeters would have inflated gigantic balloons anchored to the surface of the sea like translucent whales. Gutai wanted to transform the walk on the Pier by preparing a suite of panels in Kraft paper which the public could have run through. The sky was to be populated by artificial planets, the sea carpeted by silvered islands of pearls or even diamonds. In their Manifesto, group Zero had even imagined to enroll airplanes, war machines, horses, soldiers in uniform, an entire circus, and hundreds of beautiful girls. The Dutch firm Philips was to sponsor the sound and light effects,A and the wind would have played a major role animating turbines and floating coloured banners. The project was the perfect combination of theatre, music and visual arts but also an incredible marriage between the natural elements and the latest technologies. Sadly, the entrepreneur Zwolsman got cold feet and the project was never realized. He simply withdrew.

He was unable to understand the commercial value the publicity that such an artistic event could have attracted to his business.

Yoshihara, who inaugurated Gutai in 1956, affirmed that hidden beauty lies in damaged things. Till now, I used to consider the Pier a pompous aberration preferring the pure harmony of the dunes around Katwijk; but this was before I discovered the beauteous sense of place of the Pier.

‘The sky was to be populated by artificial planets, the sea carpeted by silvered islands of pearls or even diamonds. In their Manifesto, group Zero had even imagined to enroll airplanes, war machines, horses, soldiers in uniform, an entire circus, and hundreds of beautiful girls’

The ‘Museumkaart’ grants free access to all major Dutch museums for one year (special exhibitions excluded). The cards are available at the ticket office of the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag for € 44.95 (plus € 4.95 administration charge).

The Underground

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The Hague

Culture & History

Issue 14. February 2013

ALexINe TINNe

AFRICAN ADVeNTUReS OF A LADY FROM THe HAGUe ©Graphic by Naomi de Jager

WHAT’S IN A STReeT NAMe: DeNNeWeG

By Annalisa Branca

D

e Denneweg is an old and vibrant street joining Lange Voorhout to Mauritskade. Famous for being filled with restaurants and antique shops, it is the right spot to satisfy our taste buds with mouth-filling and delicious meals. However, eating or shopping is surely not the only reason to take a walk through this lively road.

Duineweg, as it was called in the past, was a winding road that led to the sea through the dunes. The first wooden buildings were built in the fourteenth century. Still nowadays, at number nineteen, two wooden statues representing the bust of a Chinese and Indian man can be admired, as an unmistakable sign of a country open to trading from all parts of the world.

By Trix van Schalk

F

rom 13 September to 24 March 2013, The Haags Historisch Museum in The Hague features an exhibition called ‘Alexine Tinne – The African Adventures of a Lady from The Hague’. In her short life, Alexine Tinne travelled extensively through territories in Africa that had never yet been explored, developing into an excellent photographer who also took many pictures of The Hague. Not only that, Alexine had collected and drawn sketches of plants as yet unknown in the west that later became the inspiration of the book, The Tinne Expedition of the Western Nile Source, written by one of her companion explorers, Theodor von Heuglin.

She was already well-known in her lifetime. David Livingston said about her, “I admire nobody as much as the Dutch lady, Miss Tinne who, after the most awful domestic disasters, persevered in spite of all the difficulties.” Trix van der Schalk did some research into the life of this remarkable lady.

Alexine Tinne (1835 to 1869) was raised in a prominent Hague family. She had always been interested in geography and ethnology and began travelling to the more conventional countries with her mother when she was 19. They visited Scandinavia, but their journeys gradually became more extravagant and perilous. At the end of 1855, mother and daughter embarked for Alexandria in egypt, travelling to Cairo by train, joining up with a caravan along the Red Sea and setting sail down the Nile to southern Sudan. They went to Palestine and Syria, countries that were considered dangerous countries then as now. Alexine and her mother didn’t return to The Hague until 6 November 1857, two years later.

Although she made a name for herself as a photography pioneer – she became one of the most important Dutch photographers of her day – she could not relinquish her travels and arrived in Alexandria for the third time in August 1861 in the company of her mother and aunt. Her fascination with the Nile led her to Khartoum – where the Blue Nile and the White Nile converge. They took a steamer and sailed to Gondokoro, Uganda where the journey ended; the river was no longer navigable and Alexine had fallen ill.

By now, Alexine had become known as the first

© Haags gemeentearchief

western woman who had the courage to go deep into Central Africa. She had not yet given up hope of going into uncharted territory and in the spring of 1863 a new expedition set off. Two German explorers, Theodor von Heuglin and Hermann Steudner, joined the party. They sailed to Mesjra er Req along the Gazelle River, but once they set out on foot, progress was very slow. To quote Astrid de Beer on Historici.nl, “The expedition numbered 200 people.

Mother and daughter Tinne had brought along many things, among them a China dinner service, silver cutlery and Alexine’s heavy iron bedstead. Mrs. Tinne sometimes wanted to stay at a particular place several days ‘just to have a look around’ and every morning it took the ladies a long time to attend to their toiletries and have breakfast.”

The rainy season was fast approaching and the price of good food was going up. Mrs. Tinne fell ill and died within a few days. Alexine then decided to go back to Khartoum with her mother’s remains in a coffin sealed with resin to prevent decomposition of the body. Within a few weeks after their arrival in Khartoum, ‘Auntie Addy’ also died; two maids had died previously. Alexine’s half brother John, who had come to persuade her to go home with him, went back accompanied by four corpses but without his sister.

Alexine wanted to encounter the Touareg tribes of the Sahara so, determined as ever, she headed for the Atlas Mountains in October 1867. But bad weather conditions, food shortage and the threat of ambush afflicted the expedition and it was disbanded.

Her final expedition left from Tripoli, Libya and in March 1869 her caravan arrived in Marzuk. She was on her way to Ghat where she had agreed to meet King Ichnoechem of the Touaregs. Only because two Dutch sailors had kept diaries, is it known what happened next. She arrived in Wadi Sjergui on 24 July 1869. On 2 August, Arabs and Touaregs attacked her camp. Alexine was murdered by 2 strokes of the sword and a gunshot. Very few survived the attack and it was never cleared up why Tinne was murdered; her body was never found.

The more one explores the adventurous life of Alexine Tinne, the more fascinating she becomes. There remain many more questions to be asked and a visit to this exhibition in The Haags Historisch Museum dedicated to her life is well worth a visit.

Walking through Denneweg, you will come to the crossing with Spekstraat, where the corner building was formerly the largest cigar market in the Netherlands, having even Havana and Manila brands. As you take a stroll from one restaurant to the other make sure to lift up your chin and pay attention to the architecture. The street has plenty of buildings that date back to the eighteenth and nineteenth century. especially one of them, at number fifty-six, is noteworthy; this building was designed by the Dutch architect Jan Willem Bosboom back in 1989. The peculiarity lays in its style, known as Art Nouveau or Jugendstil, an artistic movement popular between 1890 and 1910. During this time new materials were explored and implemented, thus its facade is entirely made of steel and glass and is embellished at the top with stylized steel curves, representing flowers and nature typical of the Art Nouveau.

At Denneweg, history does not stop at number fifty-six with the nineteenth century. A little further, at number seventy-four, a discrete plate recalls the heroic gestures of Siewert de Koe during World War II. Born in Utrecht in 1915, he studied chemistry at the Technical University in Delft and became a spy and then the leader of an espionage team with the aim of passing onto the British forces vital data about the German army. In 1943, because of the negligence of an employee, he was discovered and arrested in The Hague. He was kept prisoner for six months and then executed in 1944.

Denneweg is truly a time machine where antique and modern shops, restaurants and different architectures mingle in a harmonious and unique atmosphere.

Also check out our other articles on our website related to this street: www.theunderground.nl

Must see...

Exhibition Alexine Tinne Due to the great interest in this unusual woman, not only in The Netherlands, but also in England, a large collecti on of these lett ers, documents, photographs and sketchbooks have been donated to the City of The Hague. Most of this new material will be shown at The Hague Historical Museum. The exhibiti on itself has been extended to 24 March. www.haagshistorischmuseum.nl

Meet the Entrepreneurs David van Baars el Meet David van Baarsel, a young entrepreneur who recently established a coaching practice – True View Coaching. Currently in transition himself while setting up business based in the Netherlands, David was born in Santiago, Chile, is Dutch-Irish and attended the British School in the Netherlands. Upon completion of his degrees, specialising in organisational psychology, and after a tropical lifestyle in the Caribbean, he is now putting his dreams into motion and working as a life and career coach.

We talked to David to find out more about the essence of True View Coaching: David follows a clear process when offering his coaching services to prospective clients.

If an individual is curious about what it is like to be coached, or they require coaching in certain areas, David will send them further information, then set up either a call or an in-person meeting for the complimentary intake session combined with 20-30 minutes of coaching. His varied monthly coaching packages are designed to suit the needs of his clients in order to support their development and help them advance at their own pace.

Get in touch with David: Mobile: 06 11.51.64.88 email: trueviewcoaching@gmail.com www.trueviewcoaching.com

Ben Prins Whether you are a casual driver or a race track aficionado, there is one name that you should remember: Ben Prins.

With an experience of over 40 years in the tire business, Ben prides himself in having developed a one-of-a-kind business, not only in The Hague but in the whole Netherlands. Having acquired his skills as a tire engineer in 1968 in the United States, Ben Prins started working in The Hague in 1972 and built little by little his own company.

Prins Techniek BV is not a garage, as one might think at first glance. It is a special place where Ben and his staff use their expertise in tires to put a car back on track, making it function perfectly so that the drivers are not only happy but also safe.

Perks include a friendly atmosphere and services such as renting or safekeeping tires in the warehouse storage, until the next seasonal tire change. Some minor repairs can also be made, but their main trade is tires, which come in all types, sizes and prices in Ben’s workshop.

Among Prins Techniek’s customers are numerous expats living in the Hague, Noordwijk or Wassenaar, and assisting them has only increased his agenda as the word has spread about his great services and passion for his work.

Contact Details: Ben Prins Mob.:+31-653-200610 Prins Techniek b.v.

Workshop & Warehouse: Keyserswey 14-16 2201CW Noordwijk (Ind. ‘s Gravendijck N206) Phone:+31-70-3852900 Phone:+31-88-3852900

Among Prins Techniek’s customers are numerous expats living in the Hague, Noordwijk or Wassenaar, and assisting them has only increased his agenda as the word has spread about his great services and passion for his work.

Issue 11. October 2012

Going Out

19

CHINESE NEW YEAR

By Alison Woodward

The gates to Chinatown stand in Wagenstraat; 3 metres high with sculptured dragons winding around the pillars and overhead ornate panels of red, gold and blue.

The gates (and dual-language street signs) are relatively recent (constructed in 2009) but there has been an ethnic Chinese community in The Hague for almost one hundred years. The neighbourhood is within Amsterdam Veerkade, Wagenstraat and Gedempte Burgwal. Formerly, this was also the Jewish neighborhood and it has been significant commercially for centuries; Wagenstraat was a meeting point for migrants. The Holocaust decimated the Jewish community throughout europe and in The Hague. A number of demographic changes occurred; loss of the Jewish community was followed by decades of migration from China, post-colonial changes brought increased ethnic Chinese migrants from the former Dutch east Indies and the area grew as an ethnic Chinese commercial community.

There have been parallel evolutions of Chinatowns around the world; many Chinatowns have a rich history, architecture and are a wonderful blend of Asia and the culture of the adopted country. Many would deserve a mention here, but sadly time doesn’t permit a complete list. However, of anecdotal interest: Chinatown Liverpool is the largest in europe and a gem. Also, there are significant and historical Chinatowns in the U.S.A., (specifically San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles).

Chinatown Los Angeles was made famous by the 1974 film Chinatown; a classic of the noir genre, this genius piece produced by Roman Polanski stars Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson. The film is set in the 1930s, Polanski conjures the atmosphere beautifully, and we get a glimpse into the period and place – slightly seedy, mysterious and enticingly exotic.

Many Chinatowns are marked by similar gates as those in The Hague; in Mandarin Chinese these gates are called “paifang”. Sometimes, the gates will have lion statues or “fu lions” marking.guarding the neighborhood. Frequently, the gates have a significant and specific inscription in Mandarin and may have been given to the city by the Chinese government.regional government. The gates to San Francisco Chinatown were given to the city; similarly, Chinatown Havana received the materials for its gates as a gift from the Chinese Government, to assist the commercial and cultural growth of Havana.

WIN Gu�s the statue Do you also want to find your true colours?

Guess the statue and win ‘a magical mystery tour of colour’ personal consultation by Debbie Hallie. An experience you don’t want to miss! email your answer to win@theunderground.nl before March 1. The winner will be contacted in the first week of March.

S A H R E T S A E ARRIVED !

S ’ Y L L E K AT

Chinatown The Hague offers a wonderful blend of contrasting cultures, “east meets western europe”. It has a rich tapestry of colorful sights, bustling commercial activity, smells of spices and Asian cuisine. It is a romantic and intriguing idea in literature that, by passing through gates or a doorway, one may enter into another world. So too, in Chinatown The Hague, you can enter the gates and enjoy the sights and sounds of Asia; not to mention, some of the best quality and value Asian (Chinese and other styles) cuisine in the Netherlands. You will also find a rich array of specialist grocers, alternative medicine practices, oriental spas.health massage. acupuncture specialists and Asian goods suppliers including some fine (but understated) Asian galleries and crafts shops. A popular destination for tourists, you can enjoy the neighbourhood any time of year. If however, you need an excuse to visit, or want to remake those 2013 resolutions (!) what better time to experience the vibrancy of Chinatown than during Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year celebrations in The Hague Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and is the most important celebration for ethnic Chinese communities all around the world. The celebrations begin on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar and end with the lantern festival on the 15th day after. The origin of the celebrations is centuries old; regional customs and traditions for New Year celebrations vary as China is vast and ethnic Chinese around the world have adapted the practices. But as in Western cultures this is traditionally a time of renewal, optimism, forgiveness and hope. It is also a time of feasting with family and friends. The Chinese New Year in 2013 starts on 10 February. In Chinatown The Hague you can expect lots of fun, including a program of activities such as lion dances, lavish food, decorations, lanterns and fireworks.

For details of the celebrations which start on Saturday 9 February 2013 see: www. chineesnieuwjaarfestival.nl. However, you should not feel limited, as you can enjoy the unique ambiance of Chinatown sights and sounds all year round!

Zoutmanstraat 22A 2518 GP, The Hague

Phone | (070) 346 97 53

Luifelbaan 50 2242 KV, Wassenaar

Phone | (070) 511 87 29 Email | info@kellys-expat-shopping.nl Website | www.kellys-expat-shopping.eu

The Underground

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20

Music

The Hague

JON TARIFA

JON’S ReSOLUTION:

LOOK AT THe BRIGHT SIDe OF LIFe

Y

ou must have heard about him. Between Paard van Troje’s gigs and Rockstone Sessions, Jon Tarifa is one of the hottest up and coming talents in The Hague.

When we met Jon, he had just returned from holiday in Bali, but where he also had the chance to perform a jam session in a live music venue. Jon is truly an international artist: born in Tirana, Albania, based in The Hague since November 1998, singing in english for Dutch and nonDutch crowds.

Jon moved to The Hague because of his father who was a diplomat. He attended the International School of The Hague, and that was when he really got into music. A friend of his had the right equipment in his house and so they started making music, ‘complete amateurs, not knowing anything of what we were doing’ Jon recalls. They must have done something right. ‘Making music started as a hobby, but then became a part of my everyday life. I slowly started to grow artistically. Then, suddenly, I realised I was at the point where people were buying my music: from a dream to a product, it’s incredible.’

Jon is a talented songwriter who raps and sings: ‘I have been rapping for over a decade, whereas I started implementing singing into my music more recently, and I am still working on it. Rapping grew into me, it’s part of me, but I do like to do both.’

Jon’s music is not merely hip-hop, but has many jazz influences. His band is a gathering of international friends and musicians. When Jon wrote the song So Right (which he sings with Robin Brock), he already knew the trumpet player, then he met a talented artist from Curacao, Levi Silvanie, whom he collaborated and worked closely with, and even played together at Curacao’s North Sea Jazz Festival. Then, through the trumpet player and Levi, he met the rest of the band. The combination is apparently successful. According to Jon, ‘the motivation, the energy,

MUSIC MORe ONLINe: •

Damini Purkayastha meets well known Dutch rock band Di-rect who recently signed a megadeal with a German record label.

•

Woody meets Janneke Nijhuis. Everybody has their favourite things, those bits n’ bobs or implements and stuff which you look at and say ‘yeah that’s prett y cool, I like it’. I’ve got a favourite Victorinox knife, and Janneke Nijhuis is something like that blade, she’s red, stacked with tools and equipment, and is sharp to boot!

•

Virgina McDonald meets the man behind Rockstone Sessions, music producer Mark Boulas.

You’ve no doubt heard a lot about Rockstone Sessions lately, a stepping stone for musical talent making sure arti sts are being heard. With brilliants acts such as Trixie Whitley, Jon Tarifa, Gery Mendes, ShezAr, Small Time Crooks, Robin Brock and Raspy Stone performing for Rockstone Sessions to name a few.

16th Century Romance and Melancholia on Valentine’s Day

NeVeR LOSe FOCUS &

By Sofia Lotto Persio Pictures: Marketa Tichavskà

Issue 14. February 2013

and the smiles are there, and the vibe is great.’ even though Jon admits considering moving to Amsterdam, he knows his music is based in The Hague, and his favourite stages in town are Supermarkt and Paard van Troje. ‘The Hague is a nice place to be if you are a musician, with approximately 600 registered bands, the scene is vibrant and a high degree of competition pushes you to give your best to stand out from the crowd.’ From Curacao to The Hague, Jon has performed in a variety of situations, but one kind particularly stuck with him. In February he performed during aDIFFeReNTtour, which consists of a series of unplugged, free, living-room concerts.

‘It was just my guitar player, the trumpet player, and me.

It’s an intimate, up-close, and personal experience and it doesn’t get any better than that. even playing at Parkpop four times does not amount to the same excitement as in these shows. Parkpop does feel great, don’t get me wrong- the crowd is massive, and it feeds us incredibly with the energy that we then give back… but you do not connect with the crowd as much, they are so much further away compared to a living room concert!’

Jon’s 2013 plans deal with music, of course. He is working on his album and on new songs, for which ‘the source of inspiration comes from life itself, and my family and cultural background, we have very strong values.’

In the song So Right he sings about the difficulties of life as an immigrant and getting all the right paperwork, but generally the message he wants to convey through his music is staying positive and motivated, cherishing the little things in life that matter, and looking at the glass half full. This attitude is particularly evident in his song Focus, an upbeat and positive tune – do look at the video, Jon’s running efforts all around town should be admired! even though Jon has enjoyed a successful year as a musician, his day job deals with communication and press for the european hematology association, and he remains humble. ‘It is difficult to be a musician. Support is important, and I want to thank every single fan for the ongoing support I receive.’

By Darina Kozlova.

Valentine’s Day can be a bittersweet holiday. The ‘Love and Sorrow’ Valentine’s Day concert by Música Temprana will suit both those walking on air from their romantic feelings and those suffering from unrequited love. The lyrical tunes of 16th century Spanish songs, celebrating the noble and chivalrous love at the royal courts and conveying the sorrows of losing a loved one on the battlefield, will leave no heart untouched.

Música Temprana performs a unique repertoire of Renaissance and Baroque compositions from Latin America, Spain and Italy. Argentine-Dutch director Adrián Rodriguez van der Spoel put the ensemble together in 2001, uniting musicians with a classical background and a passion for the expressive, extravagant and ever-changing tones of Baroque and Renaissance melodies.

You can listen to the enchanting sounds of the vihuela de arco and vihuela de mano - traditional 15th and 16th century instruments from the Spanish Kingdom of Aragon - in the romantic atmosphere of The Hague’s Paleiskerk. It was built in 1886 on Paleisstraat 8, nearby the Royal Noordeinde Palace.

The monumental rose window in the gable and other Neo-Romanesque elements were designed by The Hague architect K. Stoffels.

The concert starts at 8.15pm, Thursday 14 February, with an introduction by Adrián Rodriguez van der Spoel at 7.30pm. entry tickets cost € 23,50 (€13,50 for students and CJP card holders) and can be reserved at www.musantica.nl or through Theater Diligentia (+31703610540).

You can follow Jon on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

CONGRATULATIONS ROCKSTONe SeSSIONS ON YOUR 1ST YeAR ANNIVeRSARY! WWWW.ROCKSTONeSeSSIONS.COM

The Underground

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Music

Issue 14. February 2013

The Hague

FANTINe THó

BY WOODY

In the time I’ve been writing for the Underground I’ve met a couple of very gifted women and Fantine Thó is one of them. She is a singer.songwriter, mother, trapeze artist, dancer, skydiver, surfer and a household name (in Brazil). How does one fit so much into such a short life?

SHe KNeW From the age of 12 Fantine accompanied her Dad and brother, Jonathan, from bar to club in Florianapolis, an island south of Brazil, performing as a duo, and later as a band, under the name of “Blue Coat”. They not only covered songs from bands like Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and the Beatles but also performed their own work and made 2 demos together.

IT WASN’T eNOUGH She replied to an ad at a holiday company, told her Mum she was off for a week for an interview up North near Salvador and packed her bag for a year. She landed the job, of course, and started as a performer, but soon got into juggling fire (as one does…) and was then picked to learn the high trapeze, 12m up, no harness, no lines…and that totally sums up Fantine.

NexT The first reality TV show in Brazil was auditioning for girls. There were 30,000 applicants. Fantine understood that only 5 would make the final, that’s all she heard…the number 5. Half a year down the line, the other 29,955 have been sent home and Fantine’s a member of “Rouge”. Think of the Spice Girls or Girls Aloud - that’s Rouge in Brazil. She was only 23 and had made 4 Gold, 3 Platinum and 1 Diamond album with Rouge, selling more than 6,000,000 records.

FAMe Why would anybody get up before the sun, rush around to get ready for the day, sit for an hour in traffic, work like a slave to line somebody else’s pocket and then go home exhausted and do it all again the next day? She didn’t know either. There was the strange paradox of coming out of the sea in her bikini on Christmas day to be surrounded by autograph hunting fans and signing soggy slips of paper whilst her family were waiting on the beach, and yet not having enough cash to be able to buy a house or even a car. Something was wrong in paradise. She had traded her privacy for fame minus the fortune.

ReSTART After 5 years of Rouge-ing Fantine was on a plane where she met the future father of her child and with him the producer of her next record. Change was around the corner. She shed the skin, jumped the crevice and moved to The Hague. Anonymity, quiet and her own family. She planned to just give it all up, but the guitar in the corner kept calling her.

ReCORDING Apart from solo acoustic sets in bars like De Libertijn, Fantine’s got a new band together and is busy laying down tracks for a new album which will hit the streets in March. This time it’s about her though, no middlemen with greedy contracts. She’s a rock chick, she likes to get up early for the dawn patrol with her 6’2” biscuit, play the most blistering version of “All along the watchtower” I’ve ever seen, teach song and dance, record in the basement, drink caperenias around the beach fire, be content, be happy. Next year, having bought the rights to “Rouge” the girls will reform having had the most daily trending topic tweets on Twitter eVeR recorded (figure that!!), then after another 15 minutes of fame in Rio and São Paulo, she’ll come back to grey, damp and wonderful The Hague and be a fantastically talented beautiful nobody again!

I AM A FAN

TIP: See FANTINe PeRFORM LIVe AT SOULHeAVeN, 16 FeBRUARY 2013 WWW.SOULHeAVeN.NL

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Advertisement

The Hague

Issue 14. February 2013

prins techniek - with 45 years of experience with tires. adress

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Keyserswey 14-16 2241 CW Noordwijk

088-3852900

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The Underground

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Wine & Dine

Issue 14. February 2013

The Hague

When I think Retro Romance I think Italian men driving a

SPOTTED

scooter throughout Rome throwing kisses in the wind

PePeRS

carelessly. Corny? I know, but lets go with it as these recipes are a tribute to our old school Valentine treats.

ReCIPeS OF THe MONTH Text & Photos by Holly Anderson

‘Pepers’ and design shop ‘De Opkikker’ Shall I go for a nice piece of home-made apple pie and freshly ground coffee...or shall I buy the couch I am sitting on? Would you like your present wrapped? No, I will eat it right here! ‘Pepers’ is a living lunchroom with fresh products situated in a design and gift shop ‘De Opkikker’. Margriet Spangenberg and Marjolein Raaphorst share their hobbies, passions and creative entrepreneurship with you. A very inspiring and homey feeling designed by these two Dutch ladies.

Monday, Tuesday, Sunday- closed Wednesday-Friday open from 9.00 – 17.00, Saturday from 10.00-17.00 e-mail: info@pepersenpixels.nl . m@deopkikker.nl Website under development Address: Thomsonplein 12a, The Hague

PeRFeCT PASTRY

Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi Serves 4

Tiramisu Whoopie Pies Makes 8-10

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

450g frozen spinach 275g ricotta ¼ cup grated parmesan 3tbs plain flour 2 eggs salt pepper pinch of nutmeg pinch of sugar 1 cup passata (tomato puree)

Defrost the spinach and using your hands squeeze the liquid into a bowl, reserving this for later. In a bowl mix the spinach ricotta, parmesan, nutmeg, eggs, 3 tablespoons of flour, seasoning then cover and refrigerate overnight.

Once the mixture is firm enough, dust a board with a little flour and form into small balls or oval shapes then dust the final balls with a little flour. Drop the gnocchi into rapidly boiling water without over crowding the pot. The gnocchi is ready once they rise to the top (about 5 minutes).

Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine the passata and left over spinach liquid. Bring to the boil and season well adding the sugar. Pour sauce into an ovenproof dish and carefully place the cooked gnocchi in. Cook for 10-15 minutes in a preheated 180 degree oven.

This is a very simple dish but its complexity is in the method.

Perfect Pastry is ‘the’ pastry shop for designer pastry and pastry related party goods. Any design for a cake is possible and Nermina Brkic will not only make it for you but also deliver it to you. This is also a sweet spot for the aspiring baker and the ardent professional. Here you can get all the ingredients, materials, ideas and motivation you need to start baking - you can invite your friends for a workshop and make yourself a treat. Open since October 2012, Nermina has found the perfect location for her perfect pastry; The Genstestraat in Scheveningen.

Monday, Sunday- closed Tuesday-Saturday Open from 10.00 – 17.00 Tel.: 06-43007764 Address: Gentsestraat 13, The Hague Website: www.perfectpastry.nl Text & Photos by Gerrit Vermeulen

23

Helpful hints: Frozen spinach actually has more flavour than fresh spinach, which deteriorates rapidly after picking. Leaving it overnight is absolute key to the success of this dish. Without this, the gnocchi will fall apart. Not a tomato fan? Fry sage leaves in butter and pour over cooked gnocchi instead.

1 egg 150g sugar 125g plain yoghurt 15ml milk 15ml espresso 2 tsp coffee essence 75g melted butter 275g plain flour 3.4tsp bicarbonate of soda 1.4tsp baking powder 280g icing sugar 1tsp vanilla essence 180g melted butter

Using a beater, beat the egg and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the butter, yoghurt, milk, essence and coffee and beat until combined. Sift together the flour, baking powder and bi-carb soda and add to the wet mixture. Gently combine the mixture until smooth.

Spoon the mixture onto prepared baking trays and place in the oven for 10 minutes or until soft to touch. Remove and leave to cool.

Sift the icing sugar into the melted butter and essence and beat until smooth and thick. When sponges are cool spread the filling on the flat side and assemble like a sandwich.

Helpful hints: • If you cant find baking powder or bicarb soda you can use self-raising flour instead of plain.

• You can create various flavoured Whoopie Pies by substituting the coffee.

BeeR OF THe MONTH

By Kai Trentelman

TIP!

This month’ s beer of the month is St. Bernardus Abt 12.

Brewed in the ‘quadrupel’ style of Belgium’s abbey ales, this beer is the pride of the brewery and follows one of the original recipes from the brewery’s days of license-brewing for the world famous Trappist monks of Westvleteren. The St. Bernardus brewery is in the Flanders region of Belgium in a small town called Watou, but you can buy the beer in almost every liquor store in Holland.

I have chosen this beer for February because St. Bernardus Abt. 12 is especially nice at this time of year as it goes well with heavy winter meals like stews and stamppot.

It’s a strong, dark beer of which you can certainly taste the higher alcohol content (approx.10%), but that doesn’t take away from the smooth, creamy texture and sweet taste. A nice thick head means this dark chocolatey-brown brew looks just as good as it tastes. Speciality beers like St. Bernardus are never for drinking in large quantities, so I recommend enjoying only one or two of these rich, heady beers in one sitting. http:.. www.depaas.nl

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The Hague

Events

Issue 14. February 2013

THEATRE & DANCE

MUSEUM & EXPO

FESTIVAL

GENERAL

GENERAL

01

01

01

01

CADANCE MODERN DANCE FESTIVAL Date: 01.25.2013 02.06.2013 Time:Place:Korzo Theater Cost: € 15,00 – € 18,00 www.cadance.nl/en

Residential Orkestra olv David Afkham - Beethoven en Schumann Time: 8:15pm

The 42nd edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam will take place 23 January until 3 February 2013

INTERSHOOT (SHOOTING ROUNAMENT) Date:02.01.2013 – 02.02.2013 – 02.05.2013 – 02.06.2013 – 02.07.2013- 02.08.2013 Time:9:00am www.intershoot.nl

08

07 Hide And Seek Date: 02.07.2013 02.09.2013 Time: 9:00pm Place: Korzo Theater

08 Big Black & Beautiful Date :02.08.2013 Time: :15pm Place: De Rijswijkse Schouwburg Cost: € 33,00

www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com

NEUZELBEURS (SECONDHAND SALE) Date:01.12.2013 02.09.2013 Place:De Broodfabriek Cost:4,00

07-10

05

08

www.stroom.nl

Art Rotterdam The fourteenth edition of Art Rotterdam with the latest developments in visual art.

Place: Rotterdam Costs: From € 13.50 www.artrotterdam.com

TWEEDE KAMER (PARLEMENT) TOUR Date:02.05.2013 & 02.12.2013 Time: 8:00pm Place: Tweede Kamer, Lange Poten 4, 2511CL Den Haag

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR VALENTINE BALL Date: 02.08.2013 Time: 19:00 till 00:30 Place: Hotel Bijhorst Cost: €50,00

01

08&09

TIP

09

01

ORBAN SPACE: LUC DELEU – T.O.P OFFICE Place: Stroom Hogewal 1-9 The Hague Cost: Free

MATERIAL WORLD Date: 01.27.2013 – 03.03.2013 Cost: Free www.nestruimte.nl

Festival Holland Coin Fair Time: 4:00pm – 9:00pm Place: World Forum www.hollandcoinfair.nl/en

The next Restaurant Week will take place from March 1st - 10th, 2013!

Reservations can be made starting Wednesday, February 6 at 10:00 am www.restaurantweek.nl

01

15 &16

10

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012: 01 december 2012 - 5 may 2013

Blues Festival Delft Indoor Bluesfestival Time: 6:00 pm to 01:00 pm Costs: Free

Ballet live from the Bolshoi Theatre: Don Quixote Date: 10.02.2013 Time: 4pm Place: Pathé Buitenhof Cost: € 17.50

www.museon.nl

www.delftblues.nl

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02

16

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Soul Celebration - Soul Brothers and Sisters Date: 02.20.2013 Time: 8:15pm Place: Lucent Danstheater Cost: € 19.25 – € 27.75

AN IMPRESSIONIST AND PHOTGRAPHY BY GUSTAVE CAILLEBOTTE Place: Gemeente Museum Den Haag

Soulheaven is the new cultural festival for the gay and openminded SOULS. Time: 11:00pm Place: Filmhuis The Hague Cost: 15,00 www.soulheaven.nl

Ultimate Fight Night Kickbox Gala Date: 02.17.2013 Time: 2pm - 11:00pm Place: Sporthal . Zwembad Overbosch Cost: € 25.00 – € 30.00

26

12

This is Africa – IKUSASA Time:8:15pm Place:Stadstheater Zoetermeer Cost: €24.00 – €26.50

MUSEUM AND ART RÉMIALITY BY REMI DE LIGNY Date:01.12.2013 02.10.2013 Place:De Galerie Den Haag www.degaleriedenhaag.nl

23 MEGA BOLLYWOOD FESTIVAL Fusion Bollywood music and energetic dance performances.

Time: 8:15pm Place: Dr Anton Philipszaal Cost: € 25.00 to € 45.00

16-24

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 2013 Time:11:00am – 4:30pm Place: Chinatown-AtriumSpuiplein

23&24 Pasar Malam Rijswijk www.pasarmalamrijswijk.nl

26

State Opera of Tatarstan ‘Rigoletto’ Date: 26.02.2013 Time: 8pm Place: Lucent Danstheater Cost: € 31.50

16

Rai Europaplein, Amsterdam

SOULHEAVEN FESTIVAL Date:02.16.2013 Time:11:00pm Place:Filmhuis The Hague Cost: € 15.00

www.huishoudbeurs.nl

www.filmhuisdenhaag.nl

HOUSEHOLD FAIR AND HOME & INTERIOR

The Underground

Events

Issue 14. February 2013

®

The Hague

25

MUSIC

02 BIG BLACK & BEAUTIFUL Date: 02.02.2013 Time: 15pm Place: De Rijswijkse Schouwburg Cost: €33.00 www.bbb-online.nl

07

13 BURST PRESENTS: DJ HELL & I-F Date: 13.02.2013 Time: 23:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: VVK: €11.50, ENTRANCE: €13.50 www.paard.nl

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16 FAME Date: 16.02.2013 Time:11:00pm Place:Paard Van Troje Cost: €12.50 www.paard.nl

16

21

23

Skiggy Rapz Date: 02.21.2013 Time: 9pm - 11:00pm Place: Supermarkt The Hague Cost: Free

Herr Zimmerman Date: 23.02.2013 24.02.2013 Time:11pm – 5am Place:Paard Van Troje Cost: €12.00

21

27

Shit is Bangin Date:02.21.2013 Time:11:30pm Place:Supermarkt The Hague Cost: Free www.shitisbangin.com

Crazy Piano’s - Let’s go crazy Date: 27.02.2013 Time: 8:15pm Place: Stadstheater Zoetermeer Cost: €24.50

14

21

MOWINGCLUB PRESENTS: HOWE GELB Date: 08.02.2013 Time: Hall open: 19:30, starting at: 20:30 Place: Place: Paard van Troje Cost: €15.00 www.paard.nl

DISCODIP Date: 14.02.2013 Time:11:00pm Place:Paard Van Troje Cost: Free www.paard.nl

PAARDCAFÉ: READY TO PLAY Date: 04.21.2013 Time: Hall open at: 19:00, starting at: 19:30 Place: Paard van TrojeCost: Cost: Free www.paard.nl

MORe MUSIC

08

14

FESTIVAL YOUNG THEHAGUE NEW YEAR’S PARTY ‘LUCKY NO. Time: 21:13 till 03:13 Place: Binckhorstlaan 36 (terrein BINK36) Cost: €13.00 www.youngthehague.nl

PAARDCAFÉ: ELECTRIC GUITAR HEROES Date: 14.02.2013 Time: Hall open at: 20:00, starting at: 21:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: €10,00

PAARDCAFÉ: SONICROCKET Date: 02.16.2013 Time: Hall open at: 19:00, starting at: 21:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: Free www.paard.nl

FED location: BEL AIR Hotel Johan de Wittlaan 30 The Hague Time: 1800 - 01:00hrs Costs: Free

08

15

17

23

PAARDCAFÉ: CORAL SPRINGS & HARSH REALMS & DJ RAAUW Date: 08.02.2013 Time: Hall open: 19:00, starting at: 21:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: Free

LOVE SENSEZ Date: 15.02.2013 Time: 22:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: VVK: €10.00, ENTRANCE: €15.00 www.paard.nl

JAMES WALSH (STARSAILOR) Date: 02.17.2013 Time: Hall open at: 19:30, starting at: 20:30 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: €15.00 www.paard.nl

RED PHONE & DJ PJ Date: 02.23.2013 Time: Hall open at: 19:00, starting at: 21:00 Place: Paardcafe Cost: Free www.paard.nl

PAARDCAFÉ: UNPLUGGED Date: 07.02.2013 Time: Hall open: 19:00, starting at: 21:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: Free www.paard.nl

PAARDCAFÉ: ELECTRIC GUITAR HEROES Date: 14.02.2013 Time: Hall open at: 20:00, starting at: 21:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: €10.00

08

09 BACKSEAT SMACK Date: 09.02.2013 Time: 23:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: €7.00 www.paard.nl.

15 PAARDCAFÉ: JACK FRIDAY & POPQUIZ Date: 02.15.2013 Time: Hall open at: 19:00, starting at: 21:00 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: Free www.paard.nl

RACHÈL LOUISE Date: 16.02.2013 Time: Hall open at: 19:30, starting at: 20:30 Place: Paard van Troje Cost: €10.00 www.paard.nl

16

20 SOUL CELEBRATION – SOUL BROTHERS AND SISTERS Date:02.20.2013 Time:8:15pm Place:Lucent Danstheater Cost:19,25 – 27,75 www.soulcelebration.nl

22

BAZART Focus: Rock, metal, underground, electro, experimental, dance www.bazart.nl CAFÉ DE PAAP Focus: Pop, rock, blues www.depaap.nl CAFÉ DE PATER Focus: Pop, rock, blues, roots, jazz www.patermuziek.nl CAFÉ ROOTZ Focus: Pop, rock, blues, roots, dance www.rootz.nl DE VINGER Focus: Underground, experimental, punk, metal, rock, electro www.devinger.com DYSTOPIA Focus: Underground, punk, electro, rock, experimental Adres: Waldeck Pyrmontkade 116, 2518 JR Den Haag LOKAAL VREDEBREUK Focus: Pop, rock, jazz, blues, singer-songwriter www.lokaalvredebreuk.nl MUSICON Focus: Pop, rock, singer-‐songwriter, experimental, hip hop, dance, multi-‐cultural www.musicon.nl DE LIBERTIJN Open Mic every Wedensday www.delibertijn.nl CAFE FOOTS

Every Wednesday Live Music www.muziekcafefoots.nl

The Underground

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26

The Hague

Classifieds you can contact me at Hafezmhamdi@ hotmail.com or call 0646056576

email: info@onyourmark.nl hourly rate 15 euro.

Private art classes for children, at the studio or at the convenience of your home.

Please call for more information Park Avenue Art Studio at 06 52190872 or visit www.vandersluis.com

ZUMBA in the Statenkwartier!

Want to be fit, sexy and exhilarated? Get Latin with me in 2013!

Mondays 7pm: the HeALTHIeST HAPPY HOUR ever.

Monthly commitment: mafegallegos@ hotmail.com 0648692780

ReCORDeR & CHAMBeR MUSIC LeSSONS! 13 years experience teaching all ages and levels, in english or Portuguese.

References & complimentary trial lesson available. Inês d’Avena email: inesdavena@yahoo.com

Cooking & Food Milk free, sugar free, vegan, nut free, you name it. Mijn Cake bakes deliciousness with organic, fairtrade, local ingredients.

Get your piece of Mijn Cake: www. mijncake.nl Delicious top-notch professionally made cakes and other sweet treats for all occasions. Delivery available. Visit www. queeniescakes.com for portfolio & more details.

Kristen’s Sweet Treats Custom designed cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats for your special occasions. Please visit www.kristenssweettreats.weebly.com or find me on Facebook.

Courses & Workshops COUNSeLLING INTeRNATIONAL offers confidential individual counselling, couple therapy or conflict mediation by experienced multilingual professional els Barkema-Sala, MPhil, MBACP. You may call for a FRee initial telephone consultation or for an appointment and check the website for more information. 071 528 2661 www.counsellinginternational.com Dorrith de Roode enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. She currently teaches in making fashion for very beginners, more or less experienced, children from 10 years old and adults, in de the BINK 36, where her studio in situated.

Because the groups are rather small, everyone can work individual on his or her own project, on his or her own level.

Lessons are both in english and Dutch and you do not need to have your own sewing machine at home. every Thursday evening – basic course sewing (short course) 17.00 – 19.00 h (adults) / 19.00-21.00 h (adults) Saturday, new course from Saturday 16 March 2013 – basic course (long course) 10.00 – 12.00 h (adults) 12.30-14.30 (from 10 years old) For more information, questions or a registration form, please contact: info@ dorrithderoode.com or see www.dorrithderoode.com Never lost in translation again: Crystal Clear Translations | Kristel Buijinck | www.crystalcleartranslations | kristel@crystalcleartranslations.nl | 06 41 25 35 26 Art lessons for adults and children at Studio Jean! Anybody can learn how to draw and paint. www.studiojean.nl Lisa Di Campli offers specialized glass panel design and creation that blends the wishes of the client and the architecture.

Many works include kiln-fired glass painting, slumping, fusing. www.dicampliglas. com.

For 2013 the International Art Club (IAC) offers classes and Open Workshops in painting, drawing and graphic techniques.

For information call: 070 - 3680776 or visit Weimarstraat 49C, 2562 GR The Hague www.iacdenhaag.nl Driving lessons given in english or German in the area of the Hague and surrounding towns.

Ron Keislair, for information telephone 06 44 302 594 or www.ronkeislair.nl Looking for are looking for a math, physics or chemistry tutor in the Hague? experienced tutor offering his services.

Recorder, piano and music theory lessons. experienced teacher, graduate from the Royal Conservatories of Brussels and The Hague (master degree) Lessons planned according to the student’s needs and wishes. References available.

0634775174 email: isabelfavilla@gmail. com Harp and Music lessons with Sarah Nichols, a graduate from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague in harp and pedagogy.

All ages and levels are welcome. Lessons can be in english, French or Spanish.

Free trial lesson!! www.sarahnicholsharp.weebly.com email: nicholsharp@gmail.com Mobile: 06 41 48 32 19 Nutrition |Lifestyle | Workshops | Corporate Wellness Programs | Biotherapy | Wellness Travel denhaag.doshapraktijk.nl

“Rent a BeAMeR! Quick, easy and cheap.

Only €30,00 a day, for parties, professional presentations or a movienight. Tel. 06 28 14 24 96 or visit www.tuureventverhuur.nl” Skateboarding at Commit Skate School.

Lessons at Skatepark Sweatshop in The Hague!! 1 hour lesson 15 euro! Phone 0616224766 to set up an appointment.

Advice for Aspiring Artists. Painters; friendly helpful feedback to your creative expressions; The Hague, Atelier Kapnos at www.kapnissi.com Never lost in translation again: Crystal Clear Translations | Kristel Buijinck | www.crystalcleartranslations | kristel@ crystalcleartranslations.nl | 06 41 25 35 26

Issue 14. February 2013

For sale

BMW x5 for SALe! Due to our family transfer abroad, we have to put for sale our favorite BMW x5 (2001; 3.0ltr; 179,000km).

During the last 2 years this car brought us lots of great memories and freedom and in the current condition we believe it is worth 9.990 euro (Negotiable).

For further details please contact: 06 14 836 598 (nataly7909@gmail.com)

Holiday Homes

For rent

Want more clients? Small Business Owners get your Free Report from Marketing Coach Stephanie Ward 7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time at www. fireflycoaching.com Free one-hour intake.consultation session Website: www.fitnessmatters.nl 06 16 505 375 First Aid for Parents & Baby-Sitters All topics + pediatric CPR & AeD. Official diploma. Course in NL.eNG.FR at your home for max 12 participants. www.vitalefunctiesopleidingen.com.0618835293 Interested in Goal Setting, Dealing with Confidence Issues and.or Overcoming Obstacles & Saboteurs? Join a FRee NLP workshop. More information on www. manueladamant.com.

Need website, blog, promotional content?

Got a book idea? Looking for Dutchenglish translation? Contact Tiffany Jansen tiffanyrjansen@gmail.com. www.tiffanyrjansen.com.

FOR ReNT/Partly furnished. Very nice totally renovated 4 room appartement 85m2 Harstenhoekweg 225, situated at Scheveningen within a 5 minutes walk from the Beach, dunes, public transport and shopping area. Kitchen with oven, kooker, and fridge. Wash and dry machine available. Window view to the dunes. Balkony on the south Side. Price 850,- excl gas/light and electricity. Contact Claudia Aliet: acnaliet71@gmail.com tel: mobile 0614162202 homenumber 070-2116334

Handyman Services english speaking maintenance specialist.

Carpentry –painting –kitchen.bathroom –minor plumbing. For a free estimate call Ronald 06 55913888

Need a professional video production…?

Video is a fantastic way to grab attention and spread a message, wether it is for business, events, promotion or personal.

We are a team of video professionals who have experience in all forms of video.film production and utilise the best of High Definition video equipment.

Interested.. then please get in touch with Mark@rockstonesessions.com Photography Intensive: Immerse yourself in photography for one month to become a better photographer and make the pictures you want. e-mail 2: class@henryarvidsson.com

Interested in Goal Setting, Dealing with Confidence Issues and.or Overcoming Obstacles & Saboteurs? Join a FRee NLP workshop. More information on www. manueladamant.com Social Media lessons 1-on-1, with a focus on your needs.

Call or SMS Mark 0653577287 for an appointment.

CORSICA! 4 person holiday-home for rent! For more info contact: isabelle. weber@online.nl

Home improvement

Social Media lessons 1-on-1, with a focus on your needs.Call or SMS Mark 0653577287 for an appointment. email: info@onyourmark.nl hourly rate 15 euro.

The Arab House of Arts aims to build bridges between east & West by organizing art-related events and activities. More info: ahkunsten.nl or our official Facebook page.

FRANCE La Marteille. House in the country. Located near Pompadour.Limousin in France. A lovely get away in the country for 2-4 people.2 bedrooms.2bathrooms. veranda.fully furnished.garden.wood burner. etc. From: € 595,-. Bookings: www.micazu.nl.vakantiehuis.la-marteille-10437.

For Rent.100m2 -bedroom apartment with big terrace in Williams Park.

Located on a quiet street parallel to Fredrickstraat and a hundred meters from Denneweg (10 min walk to Shell, CB&I, and others) it’s a cozy 2-floor apartment with a lovely bright living room and amazing terrace (6x4 meters) available for rent from March 15, 2013. The house was fully renovated 2 years ago. Ideal for a single person, a young couple or a small family. Fully furnished.

1800 euro.month. For further details please contact: 06 14 836 598 (nataly7909@gmail.com

Wish 4 Windows UPVC Windows & Doors Wish 4 Windows is a small family business situated in The Hague. We offer a personal approach and excellent customer service. Our records confirm that 95% of our business is received through recommendations and repeat customers. This shows we must be doing something right!

To read what others say about Wish 4 Windows, please see our recommendations. Wish 4 Windows the glazing company you can trust!

Contact Peter Harper Phone: 06 412 095 27 www.wish4windows.com www.dutchhandyman.nl, For all your building solutions, Big or Small! Phone: 06-22193299 Hans Brok, klusjesman Handyman, reliable dutch who speaks english, French and German, for maintenance of house, garden and property.

Reasonable rates. 0652063629 or hansbrok2000@gmail.com

Job vacancies

The Underground

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Classifieds

Issue 14. February 2013 For current job vacancies in The Hague & surroundings visit The Underground website: www.theunderground.nl.jobs Rockstone Sessions is recruiting!

Interested in web design.development, marketing, social networking, working in a video crew or writing for blogs and interviewing artists? email: mark@rockstonesessions.com

Leisure Horse riding Scheveningen Dunes & Beach. For beginners and experienced riders. Tel:0651382833 email: stalhouderijhetfjordenpaard@ hotmail.com

Looking for Primary school looking for book donations for their library (Information books, novels, magazines for pupils age 4 to 12). Contact Lucie at luciehc@hotmail. com for info.

Volunteers. Interested in getting involved with The Underground? We are currently looking for volunteers who are able to commit for a min. of 4 months, have experience in writing, event management ,PR and sales. Interested get in touch! info@theunderground.nl

Music Guitarists.singers wanted to form original, old school acoustic trio (influences Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, Seals and Crofts, Crosby, Stills & Nash, etc.) Only serious, professional-minded musicians need enquire. Send short intro, bio and one MP3 song (or link) to condealfinal@ gmail.com. arvo pärt. kamerkoor kwintessens & strijkorkest de haagse beek. 6 & 13 april fokker terminal www.kamerkoorkwintessens.nl Need a professional video production…?

Video is a fantastic way to grab attention and spread a message, wether it is for business, events, promotion or personal.

We are a team of video professionals who have experience in all forms of video.film production and utilise the best of High Definition video equipment.

Interested.. then please get in touch with Mark@rockstonesessions.com

Networks Connecting Women: We meet at 7.00pm on the first Monday of every month. At the following address: Christus Triumfatorkerk Juliana van Stolberglaan 154 Den Haag (non-members - euros 10.00) www. connectingwomen.nl The International Networking Association (INA) for Delft Professionals is a non-profit organization for the english-speaking, international community in Delft. www. delftina.org Anyone can join and plan social activities to meet new people. If you are an expat and you are searching for likeminded people to do activities you used to do back home, give it a try and join someone. But if you are a local, and you want to find other people for the cinema, or the museum, just post your activity and have people joining you! www.joining.com

tional Independent Fashion designers.

Fashion as it should be, www.donnadonella.com.sale.

Welcome to Amatl Mexican art in Holland. On our website we offer you craft and handmade products and art from Mexico Vidapura makes unique one-off, handmade, usable textile artpieces, like bags, wallets and bracelets inspired by his travels and life. U can find vidapura on Facebook.

Services Reina van Nieuwkerk-Rácz Freelance Translator & editor Contact: racz@rites.eu www.rites.eu Translator Reggie Curiel. Translation, editing and Interpreting services of documents, websites, promotional material and much more. Telephone and Face-to-face interpreting for customer services, medical appointments, Business meetings and more.

From English, to Dutch, to Spanish and back in any combination for all these languages. email:curiel@ziggo.nl Legal Advice for small and creative businesses. Charlotte is an affordable lawyer who specializes in Intellectual Property Law and Contract Law. Need legal advice for your business? Contact Charlotte at www.charlotteslaw.nl. The first coffee is on her!

The Hague

VIBOS Europa AG Everything for your home

* Offers services in home renovation, maintenance and restoration. * Small Projects, big projects and house restoration including roofing. * Plastering, tiling, painting, bathrooms and carpentry.

Serving The Hague, Leiden and Delft areas.

FREE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION AND REFERENCES AVAILABLE Contact: Viktor Samoylov & Jochen Schneider Tel: 061 587 60 30 Tel: 071 30 20 207 info@vibos.eu www.vibos.eu

Candles Flame Training Helping you with Microsoft icrosoft Office training icrosof

Candles Flame Training

HELPING YOU WITH

Microsoft Office Training

Classical Thai Massage in house Certified Masseur offering classical Thai massage (non-erotic) in the center of Den Haag. Private yoga lessons also available. €35 per hour. email: yoga@greysong.net Mobile: 0624613121

FAQ by readers...

• • •

• • • • • • •

• •

www.cftrainingtoday.com CandlesFlameTraining

Which health insurance companies are good and inexpensive?

What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?

Searching for accommodation (House, Studios, Appartement, Room(furnished or unfurnished), House-share etc ) Searching for babysitters Searching for a house-cleaner What is the cheapest method to call abroad Searching for translators Searching for multilingual expats as employees Searching for a lawyer(s) specialises in employment contracts and immigration issues Searching for social groups (mother & child, separated.divorced individuals, singles, couples and foreign students) Searching for fitness activities for adults and kids( swimming, dancing, yoga, tennis,soccer, squash etc) Where to learn Dutch in a fast and effective way?

Always dreamed of

horse riding along the beach of Scheveningen?

How may we help you?

Enjoy the salty breeze that strikes through your hair as you ride along the coast .

We organise horse riding throughout the whole year for beginners and experienced riders along the beach of Scheveningen.

Shopping Starting February 22nd New Spring.

Summer-Collection at Isabelle’s Nature!

Come & check it out! www.isabellesnature.nl Sale time. Samples, last Sizes, Overstock, Just check our Best SALe ever.

Offering Stylish Green Fashion for Women and Kids from the best Interna-

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The Underground

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The Hague

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Issue 14. February 2013