Back to School!
The Studentground
Urban Legends
September Theme
Page 12
Page 17
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Underground 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!
The Hague
Issue 10 / September 2012
FRE
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Illustration by Elia, www.elia-illustration.com
p.11 Through the keyhole Drinking tea with Aunt Rose in her lovely home in the Bazarstraat / Zeeheldenkwartier.
p.14 Kids New school, new life. Eowyn Crisfield gives tips on how to help you and your kids adjust to the new ‘normal’.
p.19 Food for thought Japanese-Latin American fusion is alive and thriving. Tanya Braaksma checks out where East meets West in The Hague.
www.theunderground.nl
The Underground
Intro
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Underground is a FREE independent monthly paper published by Simone Branson Harper Info@theunderground.nl Phone: + 31 (0) 6- 815 050 49
Web Editor: Emily McCullough webeditor@theunderground.nl
Advertising: sales@theunderground.nl Events/Social Media: Carla Pique events@theunderground.nl Full biographies of all of this month’s contributors can be found online: www.theunderground.nl Advertising: sales@theunderground.nl Print: Wegener NieuwsDruk BV © Disclaimer Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors . All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved.
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Letter from the Editor
Editor in Chief: Heather Tucker editor@theunderground.nl Senior Editor: Bryan Bong & Elizabeth Mosley
Communication Advisor: Nataly Parson Promotion & Marketing : Wendy Mamott, Marta Calvet, Mai Ramos pr@theunderground.nl
The Hague
Welcome to the September 2012 issue of The Underground. As I write this letter the thermometer in the house has just registered 32.4 but no doubt, by the time you read this, these tropical days will be a faint memory. As you have probably spotted, I am not Reina van NieuwkerkRácz. If you didn’t get your hands on the summer issue of the paper then you will have missed that Reina has stepped back from her role as Editor at the paper, in order to focus on her editing and translation business. Reina has been a very important part of the paper and I think it is safe to say that everyone here thanks her for her hard work and wishes her all the best with RITES.eu. So who am I? My name is Heather Tucker and I am honoured to join The Underground team as the new editor-in-chief. I have been living in the Netherlands since 2007, after living in the USA, Estonia and the UK. When I’m not working on the paper I am busy writing travel articles for publications, fulfilling my role as a Holland Ambassador for the Netherlands Tourism Board and being half of the team that makes up PhotographySchool.NL. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you. Our September issue is full of back-to-school inspiration. We get a through the keyhole view of the Villa Des Roses, delve into the background of the legendary busker Chuck Deely and tuck into a frikandel speciaal with a twist at Mochi, a restaurant in The Hague. We’ve been asking people for their favourite school memory and The Studentground has been hard at work as well. Don’t miss Wicked Wendy’s column this month, where she tells the tale of the day she was transformed into a man. Have a great month and good luck to everyone returning to school! Best wishes! Heather Tucker, Editor-in-Chief The Underground editor@theunderground.nl
Facebook : TheUndergroundTH
Twitter: @UndergroundTH
Where to find us?
Distributor of the month Direct Dutch Institute Laan van Nieuw Oost-Indië 275 2593 BS Den Haag + 31 (0)6 28 63 43 83 +31 (0) 70 365 46 77 www.directdutch.com
ACCESS Ambassadors Choice Chacalli American Bookstore American School of the Hague American Womans Club American Church Appeltje eitje Australian Embassy B.I.E. International Bagel Alley Wassenaar Bagel & Beans Bank of Friendship Bel Air Hotel Berlage brasserie Big Ben Kids Bilberberg Europa Hotel Boemerang Kindermode Boekhandel Rap Boterwaag BRISDET SPIEGELER LAWYERS British Embassy BROOD BSN Café Broeders Café de Bieb
Café de Bok Carlton Ambassador Hotel Carlton Beach Cheesecake Company City Hall Atrium Court Garden Hotel Crowne Plaza De Markiezen van Wassenaar De Paljas Den Engel Direct Dutch Institute Dr. Anton Philipszaal/Lucent Danstheater Dudok Duitse bieb Embassies English Church EPO ESTEC . Noordwijk Excelsior Hotel Expatriate Archive Centre Flavor’s Franse Bakker Haagse Lente
H.U.B. Haagse Hoge School Haagsche School Vereeniging Hands at Work Hilton Hotel Hogere Hotelschool Hungry Minds ICTY Hotel des Indes Inst.of Social Studies Insteken Omslaan International School of The Hague Indian Embassy Isabelle’s Nature Juliana’s Kaatje aan de Rein Kali Tengah Kaldi Kellyʼs Expat Shopping The Hague .Wassenaar Koninklijk Conservatorium Kon. Aca. V. Beeldende Kunst Kurhaus La Buena Vida
La Mano Maestra La ville hotel Libary Wassenaar Mercure hotel Murphy’s Law NATO C3 Agency Libary Novotel Nul 70 O’Casey’s Irish Pub OPCW De Paas Pakschuit Paleis Hotel Parkhotel Posthoorn Quirky Cafe ROC Mondriaan Rijswijkse Schouwburg Scallywags Schlemmer September Shell Outpost Sherlock Holmes Sofi tel Babylon Statenhotel Den Haag
StayOkay The British Club The English Theater STET The Fiddler The Hague International Centre Together Abroad Undutchables Toni&Guy Tulip Expats Services Tweeduizendvijf UN Vitale Functies Opleidingen VVV Mondial Walong Warenar Theater Wish 4 Windows Zeldenrust Zwarte Ruiter Your company here and listing on our website & google maps? Email us for the conditions sales@theunderground.nl
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The Underground The Hague
News & Views
Issue 10.September 2012
We are proud of YOU!... Nataly Parson Communication Advisor The Underground
Thanks to Nataly’s contribution the newspaper got its motto, developed our strategy, increased social media appearance and set up the communication culture in general. Currently Nataly is “raising our young brother” – The Studentground, a project created individually for students.
Jeffrey Huf photographer: Spike Bakker
NEW! Monthly column by Jeffrey Huf ADO DEN HAAG NEWS Hello Dear Reader, Starting with this edition you can either enjoy it or if you disagree with me, get wound up about my articles. You need to understand that it’s all about football and everyone has his or her own opinion. After all, we all believe we are coaches or at least think we are. In this particular case, I’m having a hard time of it as my club doesn’t always return my unrequited love. It is comparable to that gorgeous woman that seems out of reach and yet when she finally does succumb and the love becomes mutual, she finds it impossible to have an orgasm. I have been a loyal ADO fan since I was 5 years old, I’ve worked at the club and also being known as a local jester have appeared on a weekly show about ADO on TV West. Anyway, the new season brings new chances and with only a small amount of funding, the club has managed to field a substantial team. We need to survive in the jungle this season while surreptitiously monitoring the top half of the league table. The people in charge of ADO have clearly purchased players with mental and scoring ability in mind. ADO has a defender in Vito Wormgoor that will give the strikers the same set of teeth as the former Scottish top scorer Andy Gray and Danny Holla a midfielder with depth and scoring ability. Rydell Poepon is a technical striker with the right mentality, as he never gives up; in fact Poepon would not be out of place in the English 2nd division. As far as the other newcomers are concerned, it’s a waiting game to see how they develop during the season. As usual, the twelfth man (fans) will be ADO’s secret weapon. The clubs should be soiling their pants, knowing that they have landed in hell when playing in The Hague. We have an aggressive, offensive team with a fanatical fan base willing to go all the way. Let’s hope it will be a wonderful season, we’ve started well and hopefully the club will succeed in acquiring a good right-winger so that the wings are well covered. In short, it’s going to be an exciting season in which we can hopefully pull off some spectacular stunts against the bigger teams and have a little celebration at the end of the game. I hope you enjoy a brilliant season with ADO and also your own club at home. Jeffrey Huf
If you are looking for a great team member with more than 10-years communication background in different industries check Nataly’s profi le on: www.linkedin.com/pub/natalyparson/2/138/488
Nataly is Russian, though for the last 4 years has been living in The Hague with her American husband and Dutch-French Chocolate Labrador Bourbon. ‘Enjoy the moment!’ is Nataly’s daily motto and along with her collaboration with The Underground, she also enjoys travelling, scuba diving and rock climbing.
What I did on my Summer Vacation... The Underground’s very own correspondent-at-large, Richard Morris, didn’t spend his summer in a 200 yearold farmhouse in the south of France. Or even on a sandy beach in Mallorca. What he did do, however, was realise one of his lifelong ambitions, and after writing songs for more than 35 years he finally released his first single. But for Morris, a writer, father of four and lecturer in English at the Mondriaan International Hotel Management School in The Hague, that part of the dream was only the beginning. The song he wrote this past summer, “The Leaf,” was meant to be a personal one to commemorate the first birthday of his youngest daughter and celebrate a father’s love and devotion to his children. But when he played the song to his 14 year-old son,
a budding rock guitarist who made his professional performance debut at the Roadgrill heavy metal festival in Rotterdam this past July, his son insisted that his father record the song. Morris responded by saying that he’d record the song under one condition, that his son, and 13 year-old daughter, a singer and actor, recorded the song with him. Recruiting the help of his friend, Estonian singer-songwriter and producer Karl Petti, Morris and his children recorded the song in Petti’s home studio over a two-day period in early August and the song was released just 15 days later.
Listen to the song and read the full story of “The Leaf” on our website www.theunderground.nl.
News & Views
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Underground The Hague
Challenge Wendy for your charity! wickedwendy@theunderground.nl
Challenge completed: A man for a day... I knew I’d need help with the challenge set for me by Hilde Vosse, which was to become a man for the day. To start my adventure Hilde connected me to Lee Machetti, a well-known Drag King who performs mainly in Amsterdam. Lee happened to be giving a workshop for BNN ‘je zal het maar zijn’ so she kindly invited me to join in, which is how I ended up flashing my flattened boobies on national TV. Ironically you need make-up to transform and it was weird seeing my brother slowly appear, just by widening my jawline and nose and thickening my eyebrows. Using my own blonde hair to make a little goatee and sideburns was not a great idea as they were barely visible but it did make me feel more the part. Tucking my homemade penis into my pants kicked off a side of me that started making lewd gestures and comments. I was transformed into a man I would never want to be associated with. Once out and about it was confusing as I wasn’t sure if the women looking at me were flirting or wondering what I was playing at. And if the men smiling at me thought I was gay. After trying out the men’s room at the Grote Markt (just as sh**ty as the women’s) I decided that I wanted to expose my alter ego, Will-I-Am-Not, to a select few at Happy End. The startled looks as I entered said it all. I looked familiarly male but my smile, height and laugh gave me away immediately. I did stay in my role long enough to flirt with Marijke, which wrangled me a free drink and a kiss. I had a lot of fun with it all evening as did the rest of the bar judging by the many drinks and raucous laughter. Which just goes to show that you can make a fool of yourself whatever the gender it’s just a matter of mind-set.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheUndergroundTH Twitter: WickedWendyTH
WIN
PRESS RELEASE Wicked Wendy from The Underground has accepted Studio Jean’s challenge. Studio Jean has challenged Wicked Wendy to an artistic assignment during ‘The Feel at Home in The Hague Fair’ in the Atrium on Sunday 16th September. Wicked Wendy will invite, arrest, kidnap or bribe 5 members of the ‘Feel at Home in The Hague - The International Community Fair’ crowd to paint three canvases live on stage. The theme will be three famous paintings from the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. When they are completed, The Underground will auction the artwork through their network. All the proceeds will go to charity. Follow us on facebook or our website to keep up to date, view pictures and much more!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheUndergroundTH
Introducing the Illustrator
Meet us in person... The Underground team will be handing out this paper at the ‘Feel at Home Fair’ Sunday September 16 at the Atrium in The Hague. See you there!
Elia Fernández
Elia Fernández is a Spanish professional illustrator based in The Hague. Elia is currently illustrating a fantasy novel and preparing for an exhibition at the La Intrusa art gallery in Madrid. The Underground is happy to announce Elia will be illustrating the upcoming front covers of The Underground. We are huge fans of her work! If you would like to commission Elia please see her website, you will not be disappointed! We recognise a true star when we see one! Thank you Elia for sharing your beautiful work with us! www.elia-illustration.com
Win the original drawing on our front page made by Elia Fernández
Guess the statue Quess the statue and tell us where we can find this statue in The Hague.
Email your answer to win@theunderground.nl Competition ends 30 September 2012
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The Underground
News & Views
The Hague
Get Out & Get Lost! •
Reina van Nieuwkerk-Rácz, tourist in-own-country, d iscovers Holland’s hidden treasures
I am all too aware that this is the time of the year that new expats arrive in town. I have moved more often than I care to recall and I have vivid memories of descending into an organised frenzy as I get my family packed, moved and settled. Then there’s the dreaded day when the husband goes off to work and the children are off to school. You’re left feeling that they have gone somewhere nice and that you weren’t invited. You become a social-media monster with one eye permanently glued to your inbox. Your days are filled writing meticulous updates to your nearest and dearest back in your former country and posting updates about your new life in a country the size of a peanut. Here’s your first lesson about the Dutch: we are frank, very frank! With all the patriotic bluntness I can muster; let me break it to you gently: Get off the computer! Figure out how the Tom Tom works and get out! Voorschoten, Wassenaar, and Warmond are three lovely villages close enough to The Hague to visit without turning the whole thing into a dreadful excursion. All are located off the main road to/from Schiphol airport (N44). Let’s start with Voorschoten. It has THE most authentic, picturesque old high street (Voorstraat) that you have ever seen. Stop in for a coffee at one of their quaint cafés. Drive back towards the N44 and cross it straight into Wassenaar. It’s a village with a ka-ching factor and even today the older parts of the village still have a ‘Great Gatsby’ feel about them. Visit the many parks of Wassenaar’s lavish estates by following the Landgoedroute (great by bike). Warmond is another little jewel in Holland’s crown. It’s truly delightful! Drive towards Schiphol, get off at Oegstgeest and follow the signs to Warmond. Cross the small, former toll bridge into Warmond and drive under the railway tunnel. Then take a right onto the second lane and immediately turn left onto the Jan Steenlaan (named after the famous Dutch painter who once lived at nr. 36)! Continue straight until you see Holland’s favourite supermarket on your left and park. It’s a really wonderful and cosy shop so finding stuff is very easy. But here’s the really good part: before doing the shopping, walk onto one of the narrow sided-streets opposite of the supermarket entrance and discover the beauty of the waterfront homes of Warmond. Talk about real curb appeal!
Issue 10.September 2012
Email your NEWS items to news@theundeground.nl
Poetry exposition to go with your soya cappuccino
A
n extraordinary exposition at an extraordinary location. At the Bagels & Beans located on Thompsonlaan in The Hague, poetry is given a new boost. From 10 August to 10 October poet Barro Kessler displays his poetry at your table, on the menu and like a cookie to accompany your soya cappuccino or Earl Grey tea. Put a face on it The poems originate from ‘Put a face on it’ Barro Kessler This idealistic non-profit organisation wishes to contribute to a better, more pleasant and more relaxed society by offering a platform where art, culture and food can come together. ‘Put a face on it’ does this by staging these events at alternative locations such as cafes or restaurants for example and then rearranging the focus not on eating and drinking, but on art and culture. The presentation of the poems is very different than customary. A cup of Earl Grey becomes much more interesting when it is accompanied by the aptly entitled poem `Earl Grey.` But the poems can be viewed in the garden and in the toilet as well. The subject matter of the poems is quite varied . Subjects such as food and drink, city life, and that ‘welcome feeling.’ The poems are written in English by Barro Kessler, a native Dutchman who has spent the greater part of his life living abroad. He can express himself quite keenly in the English language while still managing to evoke that `Dutch` feeling.
Bagels & Beans Thomsonlaan Thomsonlaan 53 2565 HX Den Haag www.facebook.com/putafaceonit www.putafaceonit.wordpress.com
New location Kelly’s The Hague Kelly’s Expat Shopping The Hague is moving location! But not to worry Kelly will be moving her shop to Zoutmanstraat 22A, located in The Zeeheldenkwartier opposite Big Ben Kids. The location of the shop is bigger more visible, better parking and will stock even more goodies from home!
www.kellysexpatshopping.eu
Minna Sun Kim : Underwater Cartoons ©
The Underground
News & Views
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Hague
On Air
Foreign correspondent and local radio programme producer LilyAnne Stroobach reviews news that puts The Hague in the world (and local) spotlight just recently
Mandela’s ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ leads him to The Hague
T
hree and a half metres tall and striding out towards the Peace Palace in The Hague, that’s how Nelson Mandela has been cast in a statue that is to be unveiled in The Hague later this month. The monument that pays tribute to the international human rights activist and the first democratically elected president of South Africa, will be unveiled by yet another well-known opponent of apartheid, Desmond Tutu, on 25 September.
kind, ‘ says Arie. The statue stands flush with the street and will not be put on a pedestal. Arie is adamant about his vision of Nelson Mandela. ‘He is a man amongst men and not elevated above his people - a primus inter pares - and I wanted him to stand on the same level as his fellow man.’
The statue of Nelson Mandela is about twice as tall as the man himself. His one arm points straight down and Arie hopes that visitors will be tempted to reach up and hold his hand and capture this symbolic encounter with the inspirational leader in future photographs. ‘I hope to see his bronze fingertips turn shiny with use as people come to see the statue and pay tribute to this great Arie Schippers says he has leader who stands as a read tomes about Nelson symbol for democracy Mandela and looked at and proof that you hundreds of images, but can move mountains Sculptor of the Nelson Mandela statue in The found it hard to get to to achieve your ideal if Hague, Arie Schippers know him. you have the conviction and courage to do so,’ Arie concludes. ‘You rarely get to see his personal side and that is something I have come to admire The statue stands in The Hague’s International about him. It’s always about the goal and not Zone, outside the OPCW Headquarters on the man. He was totally focused on his ideal,’ the Johan de Wittlaan. The crate surrounding explains Arie. It is the largest bronze the sculp- the statue will be removed on September 25 tor has made to date and he had to relocate during a special unveiling ceremony by the his work to a barn on a farm as it threatened well-known opponent to apartheid, Desmond to grow out of his studio in Amsterdam. Tutu. In an interview for Dutchbuzz, Lily-Anne spoke to the Amsterdam based sculptor of the statue, Arie Schippers. The award-winning Dutch sculptor greets me warmly when I arrive at his studio in Amsterdam. He has heard that I once met Nelson Mandela and is eager to hear more about the man he has been trying to portray since he was commissioned to make the statue two years ago.
‘I was inspired by his biography, “Long Walk to Freedom,” and wanted to capture Nelson Mandela at his most energetic moment as he strode out of prison on February 11 1990,’ he says and pauses. ‘He had a particular gait that typified him and I wanted to evoke that determination of his. He was a man who let nothing stand in the way of his vision. He became an inspiration to me as an artist; he is an inspiration to man-
As a journalist who worked in South Africa for over a decade, I can’t wait to see my personal hero right here on the block in The Hague! Lily-Anne is the editor of Dutchbuzz, and English radio programme with news, views and interviews broadcast every Tuesday from 22.00 – 24.00 on Den Haag FM 92.0. The podcast of the programme is available on www.dutchbuzz.nl. Lily-Anne works as a foreign correspondent in The Hague.
Sounds of The Hague •
Marco Raaphorst puts his ear to the ground
Here I am sitting in a hotel room in Berlin. I came by train, which I think is a lovely way to travel since I also took my girlfriend with me. On the train I listened to the Bleep podcast on my smart phone. The music might not be for everyone but I like it very much. I consider it experimental music, mostly instrumental and often a mix between ‘real’ instruments and electronic sounds. It is music without a pop music structure (couplet/ refrain) and often rather ‘noisy’ with all kinds of soft clicking beats, sometimes distorted, and sometimes with the addition of real noise to set the mood. There’s a river called the Spree running through Berlin with many restaurants and cafes. It makes a great scene: people eating and drinking outside next to the water. We even found a place where people were dancing the tango. We also found an open air theater which creates a bit of the same atmosphere much like the yearly festival The Parade in The Hague. Now that The Hague wants to become the cultural capital of Europe in 2018, Berlin showed me some great ideas. In fact in the two days that I have been here, Berlin has already showed me it has a lot to offer when it come to culture. Street art is popular, you can find it everywhere and the walls are not being cleaned by the police. You also see historical spots being reused by young visitors as places to unwind and relax. They are seen lying in the green grass, sipping some wine, and playing the guitar. In Holland we are more protective; we like to hide our cultural capital behind fences. De Vredespaleis for example, what a place that could be if it was an accessible place or a place like Paleis Noordeinde? Good reuse of the old. Recycling the past or morphing the old and new. Anyways, the thing that is not hip about Berlin is the music the buskers near the Spree are making. It’s the same like everywhere: some saxophones and guitars are playing Blue Bossa and a lonely guitar player is playing Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. It’s a huge contrast with the kind of music the bars are normally playing, the kind of experimental music I talked about at the beginning of this column. Somehow people don’t seem to mind since they even record those buskers on their iPhones. Some lessons learned: the best things in life are free and happen in front of your own eyes. Real culture should never be hidden but it should be shared with everyone.
www.marcoraaphorst.nl
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The Underground
Trends
The Hague
Issue 10.September 2012
Marianne Humburg hails from sunny Florida in the US. She loves fashion, travel, home décor, and all things stylish. To see her latest bits and tips visit www.thethingswedidntbuy.com. The back to school season is upon us! As a child I loved back to school shopping with my mom and my sister. It meant we loaded up on new backpacks, notebooks, and everything else that screamed ‘Back to School’. Even today, although I am well past school age, I always find it inspiring to see what designers and retailers come up with year after year. This month I compiled my top picks for the back to school season and interviewed a current student here in The Hague. I hope my picks are useful and help prepare you for the hectic time ahead.
Back to School MUST HAVES FOR ALL AGES
by Marianne Humburg
I so wish I could be here for the upcoming fall season, but after my summer travels through five countries I am ready to head back to the Sunshine State. I am so thankful for my time in The Hague and for the opportunity to write for such a diverse paper. I hope to stay in touch and will surely know what is going on by keeping up with The Underground happenings. You can read about all my travels and keep up with my daily style tips and design inspirations on my blog www.thethingswedidntbuy.com.
1. BICYCLE make a fresh start with a new bike! You’ll feel super confident riding to school on this beauty! centralbikes.nl
2. GRAPHIC T’s express your unique style with a great graphic t-shirt. Your kids will love the fun designs and your wallet will love the price! hm.com
3. BACKPACKS forget the messenger bag, the backpack is back! jackwills.com and eu.accessorize.com
4. PLANNER stay on task with a cute planner. eu.accessorize.com
5. NOTEBOOKS stock up on notebooks for all your classes! vd.nl
6. ALARM CLOCK be sure to wake up on time with this retro alarm clock! amazon.com
expat
by Marianne Humburg
+ style
Name: Edden Hubary De Haas Age: 20 Hometown: Tel Aviv, Israel Living in The Hague since: September 2010 University attending: University of Leiden Best place to shop shoes: Paul Warmer Best place to shop accessories: H&M Best place to shop clothes: Amsterdam, the combination of Waterlooplein Market and PC Hooftstraat. Favorite local shopping destination: Van Peet Favorite online shopping destination: romwe.com Current style icon: I’m mostly inspired by people around me, by old movies and fashion blogs I follow. Your go to outfit for class: Casual, but not simple. I would die at school without my: Laptop, iPhone, and food. Favorite place to grab a bite to eat between class: Lusso, Denneweg When I am not studying I am: During the day I’m almost always studying, but in the evening I am listening to music, writing, reading, or seeing friends. Favorite weekend activity: Watching movies, eating, going out with friends and visiting new places.
Issue 10 . September 2012
to go
Made By YOU
where
Lifestyle & Leisure
The Hague
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Painting by Anny Ari Bonobo Thornton-tyler
WHAT ‘It Happened in the Corner’ by Littlewhitehead courtesy: Saatchi gallery London
The Underground
to learn
Advertorial
Who Said Learning was Limited to School Children?
Verwend Nest
Crisp empty notebooks, shiny new pens and a fresh enthusiasm for learning - there is something about a new school year that sparks ambition and the desire to learn. And by no way is that feeling limited to the children!
Every Wednesday afternoon a group of children between six and twelve years old come together at Nest to make art. They view and talk about the exhibition with one of our great Nest-teachers (all visual artists) and then make a painting, object or collage. We reserve the entire exhibition space just for them. They get the VIP treatment, which is why we called this club ‘Verwend Nest’, meaning spoiled brat.
September is a great time to improve on or learn a new skill. Everyone seems to be in the study mode, new courses start up after the summer break and the timing is perfect to get the wheels in motion for New Year’s resolutions and goals. In the past, if your new year’s resolution had been to develop your photography via a course, then you were pretty much out of luck. And while English taught photography courses are still few and far between, PhotographySchool.NL is one course provider that has been filling that gap.
Think these kids are too young to look at contemporary art? Then you are mistaken. Every exhibition has a clear theme that can appeal to every age such as travel, the city, or the human senses. But also a more abstract idea like the ideal place or the status of art can make a great subject for discussion between a ten year-olds. With the right questions asked by our teacher, they think about idealism at their own scale (what do you wish for or dream about?) and learn to point out what they think the artists that are represented in the exhibition wanted to demonstrate with their work.
Established in 2011, PhotographySchool.NL provides hands-on photography courses and excursions, taught 100% in English, to the international community. But don’t think that you will be sitting in a boring classroom listening to long dry lectures with complicated terms. All the courses utilise not only lectures but also hands-on photo shoots, which ensures that students get the opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in the classroom, directly in the studio and later on course excursions.
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by Marijn Ottenhof
Parents usually stay around to read art books and magazines at our reading table or they take a laptop with them to work a bit during the ninety minutes the kids are at play with cardboards, scissors and glue. They can also enjoy a nice cup of Nest coffee and take a look at the exhibition. Do you want to make a spoiled brat of your kid too? Costs € 40 per year to become a member of Verwend Nest, this will grant access to all the Wednesday workshops. Want to try it once? The first time is free.
MUST see
‘There’s nothing worse than learning a new skill only to not get the chance to practise it,’ explains Michiel Fokkema, ‘that’s why we built in practise opportunities, homework, excursions and special projects . And rather than you being at home trying to remember everything, you get to try out what you have learned during the session – so we are still there to help you and answer your questions.’ Class sizes on all the courses are kept small to ensure that everyone gets the support that they need and with two instructors teaching most of the courses the instructor to student ratio is spot on for learning. PhotographySchool.NL’s next beginner’s course is starting in October but for a complete overview of the courses and excursions that they run, pop along to the website located at
www.photographyschool.nl
SculpTour The Hague Join us for a tour of the highlights of contemporary visual art in the centre of The Hague. Stroom Den Haag is pleased to invite you to join a guided tour of some interesting highlights of contemporary visual art in the centre of The Hague. During the one hour tour we will discuss several artworks in public space made by internationally-known artists. We will start in the Atrium of the City Hall and will proceed to Grote Marktstraat, Spui and Kalvermarkt. The tour will be concluded with a drink at the vicinity of the Grote Markstraat. We will reserve the location of your preference.
www.stroom.nl
The Hague International Centre the first point of contact for new residents and visitors to The Hague.
The Hague International Centre Spui 70, Atrium City Hall The Hague, Opening hours – Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00 hours, Contact Tel: +31 (0)70 353 5043, E-mail: internationalcentre@denhaag.nl Website: www.thehague.com
The Underground
Neighbours
The Hague
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Issue 10.September 2012
Neighbours: Marcella Wartenbergh •
by Josephine Kay
H
alf Mexican and half Dutch, Marcella Wartenbergh finds herself in the gap between the native Dutch and the international community of the Netherlands. Originally from Montreal in Canada, Marcella’s family exchanged the cold Canadian winters for the sunshine of Puebla, Mexico when she was seven years old. With a curiosity to find out more about the homeland of her Dutch father, Marcella came to the Netherlands several times on holiday and fell in love with the way of life here. ‘The mentality, freedom and possibilities for women to work and develop were the most important reasons for me to come to the Netherlands and make it my home’.
Those possibilities for working women were exactly what helped Marcella get to where she is today: as a senior vice-president for American clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger. ‘I take care of the complete women’s line for Europe, as well as the creative direction and production for women globally. When I started working for Tommy Hilfiger we were only 30 employees, but today we have over 2000 people working in Europe, and 650 in Amsterdam alone. It is a company that is full of opportunities, you only have to reach out and take them’. ‘I started from scratch, the same as many internationals do. We come here with our CVs and our experience and education, and it is not easy to find the right job. I didn’t speak any Dutch, so that already limited my options. Then one day I saw a big announcement in the newspaper – in English! Excited, I asked for an interview and told them I was ready to start my career all over again (as they thought I was overqualified). The next day I had my contract and my Tommy Hilfiger career had started. I have now been working there for 14 years.’ ‘At Tommy Hilfiger, every day is different. I travel around 70-80% of the time, sometimes up to 2-3 weeks away, travelling to Hong Kong, China, Turkey, New York, as well as within Europe. The days I spend in Amsterdam are always hectic. ‘When I am in the office, everyone wants to speak to me; it is like being
a doctor, with one person after another. I try to make sure I meet with everyone in my team (70 people) by walking around the floor, asking them about their work as well as their lives. It is important for me to keep direct contact with the people I work with. I also receive around 200 emails every day, hold video conferences, and my evenings are spent at events and dinners. ‘Working for Tommy Hilfiger is like working in a big family: we have a lot of fun, a good social life with drinks, music, dancing, events, etc. ‘FAME’ is a part of Tommy (Fashion, Art, Music, Entertainment). As we work in English we have a very nice group of employees from different cultures: a total of 49 nationalities in the Amsterdam office alone.’ ‘I have found living in the Netherlands very easy as an expat, as English is more available here than in other countries. Dutch people are very open-minded and they like to have international people around. Living in big cities is easier, however, as for a while I lived in a small city in the south of Holland and I found it very difficult. My only complaints are of the ‘Dutch summers’ and restaurant service!’ ‘As my father is Dutch, I didn’t experience a culture shock when I came to the Netherlands. However, I still don’t get some things like for example sending cards. Here people send a card for everything: I’m a disaster and I never remember. I also don’t get that people don’t like to change their plans once something has been organised. I love planning to un-plan, to change things, but the Dutch are very committed once they agree to something.’ ‘I love many things about the Netherlands: the people, the music (especially the music!), the country, and the flowers. It is nice that the country is small also, but really the people and the open-minded character of the Dutch is what I love the most.’
Marcella’s recommendations: What’s your favourite Dutch food? •
Draggesvlees
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Broodje warmevlees (from the snackbar)
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Mussels
What’s your favourite restaurant? •
Italian – Vasso or Caffè Toscanini in Amsterdam
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French – definitely would go for Café George, great atmosphere
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Conservatorium for a nice chilled drink
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The Harbour Club for seafood that I really enjoy
What’s your favourite Dutch city? •
Maastricht
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Amsterdam
What’s your favourite place or activity in the Netherlands? •
The canals in Amsterdam on a summer’s day, in a boat with a glass of wine
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Carnaval in Maastricht
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Sailing in Zeeland
We are keen to hear your views, suggestions & feedback feedback@theunderground.nl
Issue 10 . September 2012
People & Passions
The Underground The Hague
11
NEW! Through the Keyhole Drinking tea with Yvon Muskita (left) in the Bazarstraat • by Ferry Post I Photographs: © 2012 www.henryarvidsson.com ‘The best compliment I’ve had so far was from my first customer. She told me that this place isn’t a house, but a home. That is exactly what I have tried to accomplish. Some kids call me Aunt Rose, Grandma Rose or even Mom!’ Yvon started Villa Des Roses, a children’s work place, in early 2012. ‘We organise tinkering, painting and birthday parties for children between the ages of two and eleven. I started with expat-children, but nowadays, we also have Dutch children.’ The ‘home’ has a cinema, a saloon and a chocolate fountain from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. ‘I used the colours for the wallpapers and interior of the house. They are reflections from the warm memories of my own youth. I bought all the furniture from Internet websites such as Marktplaats. I truly believe in recycling. I never buy new stuff. I collect shoe and cigar boxes from shops and use them to make all kinds of things with the children.’ Isn’t that old fashioned? ‘It is, but children forget their computer and television when they are here. They love to sit in their fancy chair in our saloon or have dress up parties.’ The Bazarstraat is a cosy street that crosses the Anna Paulownaplein, a beautiful square, with the popular restaurant/wine bar Wicked Wines which is always packed when the sun comes out. The street is also located several minutes from the city centre. The building, with its royal allure, has a rich history. ‘It was built in 1890 and the president in exile from the Republic of South Maluku (RMS), Manusama, used the building in the Bazarstraat for conferences when he arrived in the Netherlands,’ said Yvon. Manusama was arrested and locked up in prison in Maluku, because he told the Moluccan civilians to preserve the independence of the island group from Indonesia. Yvon also has Moluccan roots and is honoured to live in this piece of history. ‘I told the Moluccan owner of the house that I was interested in the building, and that the garden could use some refurbishing. They agreed and so I fixed up the garden and gave the inside of the house a new look.’
The best compliment I’ve had so far was from my first customer. She told me that this place isn’t a house, but a home.
For more information visit www.villadesroses.nl.
Do you or a friend have a special home and you don’t mind us peeking through the keyhole? Please email us at info@theundeground.nl
12
The Underground
The Studentground
The Hague
Issue 10.September 2012
TOP 5 NICE AND COSY
HELP! When being away from home makes you sick
This topic represents the nice and cosy places to hang out in The Hague, handpicked and enjoyed by The Studentground’s very own Cathy Shannon.
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1. Best cheesecake in town: Cheesecake Company: Torenstraat 32
2. Best Burgers: Burgerz : Prinsestraat 23
• by Carla Martinez
any of us have experienced being away from home at some point whether it is for fun, work or study. Going to the unknown may sound like a grand adventure but what happens when the sense of adventure wears off and you start yearning for what you left behind? ‘Being away from home is not the same for everyone, nor do any two people react to it the same way,’ says Janet van der Star, counsellor and lecturer at The Hague University. Being away from her native country, the USA has made her an expert on homesickness. ‘The loss of what is familiar is a big factor for me. It is difficult to go from the feeling of knowing to the unknown’. ‘The Hague positions itself as an international city but somehow most of the international students cannot relate to any of that,’ says Precenta Turfkruier, Chairwoman of The Hague Student Union. ‘Involving international students in activities and events could possibly limit homesickness’. Participating in activities with other students helps to meet people who may be going through the same situation and you can make new friends.
I decided to take to the streets and ask students for their opinion. ‘I would recommend using Skype,’ Noortje, suggested. With technology at its best, how can we not make use of it? Nowadays, we can chat with someone across the world with messenger, hold video conferences or call without going broke. Chiara recommended ‘going to clubs and meeting people.’ Krishan was more practical. ‘Go back to your country,’ he says with a laugh. You can drop everything, pack your bags and head back home but then you would always wonder ‘what if ‘ you had stayed. If you feel you that you cannot relate your feelings to any of your friends, you can always find your school’s counsellor and talk it out with them. Don’t forget van der Star’s wise words when you are feeling down: ‘Remember that everyone puts their pants on the same way and everyone has a heart…it’s an opportunity to build relationships and have a greater appreciation for my own endurance and courage. Enjoy your adventure, don’t take things too seriously, ask for help, a conversation, or a hug if you need it; and lastly, remember it is a moment in time and it too shall pass’. It is easy to jump into a plane; the hardest part is staying and sticking it out. Do you have what it takes to stick around?
info:studentground@theunderground.nl 3. For free jazz every Monday night, go to Murphy’s Law: Dr. Kuyperstraat 7
Controversial law for students goes into effect • by Donald de Groen
4. For cupcakes, go to Cupcakechic : Korte Poten 23
5. For Korean BBQ, go to Seoul Garden Bagijnestraat 8
To follow updates on Nice and Cosy, like The Studentground’s facebook page! Photography by Cathy Shannon
The infamous ‘fine’ which students will have to pay for not finishing their studies on time will go into effect this September. In July, a judge ruled that the new law is rightful, but support for it - even among the legislators who initially proposed the bill has quickly vanished since. What are its effects and will it survive the coming elections? Starting this school year (2012-2013) and with a few exceptions, all bachelor and master students who do not finish their study within the regular time plus one year extra will have to pay €€ 3063,-* more for their education for each added year of studying. The goal is to encourage students to graduate as quickly as possible to minimise the costs of education. The fine can also be seen as a reduction or ‘discount’ on studying, given the fact that the education system is heavily subsidised. After following the tight fiscal rules the Dutch government so fervently promoted in
the European Union during the wake of the debt crisis, it saw itself forced to make deep cuts to meet European standards. The new law sparked outrage among youth, which culminated in a large protest on the Malieveld in The Hague on 11 January 2011. It is hard for a new generation of students to accept the reality of the cuts, for their parents could take as much as 10 years to finish a study without paying higher costs. Moreover, only a minority of Dutch parliament members managed to finish their study within the regular time and many were years overdue. Viewed out of context, allowing students one more year of subsidised education next to their regular study time seems fair. However, it could potentially exclude many students who are financially less fortunate, creating a schism in society, and discouraging students to specialise such as the case for master students. This goes against many things the Dutch state once stood for: education for everyone and preferably a knowledge based economy. There are some economic cases to be made for and also some against it, but eventually it boils down to this question: do the short and long term
financial benefits outweigh the long term social losses? Political parties have been looking ahead to the September 12 elections and have come up with new election programmes to replace the law in an attempt to appeal to the electorate. But even with a large majority in parliament now against the law, they have failed to repeal it before the elections. Nevertheless, it looks like this will happen after the elections. The likely replacement will be some sort of social lending system which would provide students with cheap money. By lowering subsidies but also offering a personal low-interest lending system, this would in theory increase efficiency among students and deliver a well educated workforce who would be better able to pay off their incurred debts. These questions are relevant to many countries, especially European ones, and as we see this discussion develop, let us hope our politicians also recognise the importance of a well informed electorate, next to a well educated workforce. For that could be the key to making the right decisions for now and for the future
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(*Amount subject to inflation)
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Underground
The Studentground
The Hague
13
About The Studentground
T
he Studentground is a part of The Underground newspaper that can now be found in more than 100 distribution points in and around The Hague, including The Hague University of Applied Sciences, International Schools & ROC mondriaan.
The aim of The Studentground is to create a communication platform for all students, both international and Dutch, who want to keep up to date with all that is hip and happening in The Hague, ensuring that their university years in this city are memorable. Armed with a grand sense of curiosity and a dash of adventurism, our writers wander the city’s every corner, slowly unraveling all the hidden gems that The Hague has on offer, sharing their discoveries with you. The posts in The Studentground are divided into four main categories:
1. Entertain me! where we share all interesting events happening in the city. 2. Get cheap! where we give advice on how to make the most of your student status in the Netherlands. 3. Nice and Cosy, a personal blog by Catherine Shannon where she shares her experience about places she likes most in The Hague.
The Studentground (part of The Underground a free monthly English language newspaper in The Hague) is looking for volunteers for the following positions:
4. Help! where we cover different aspects of student life such as advice on where to find secondhand store, how to deal with the stress, how to find a job after your graduation, etc.
Writers and Editors Photographers and Video Producers Graphic and Web Designers Social Media and Events Managers
If you like our ideas, style and approach and want to contribute to The Studentground please send your motivation letters to studentground@ theunderground.nl. We are looking for writers, graphic designers, editors, PR people, Social Media specialists, photographers and event managers
Send your motivation letters now to: info@theunderground.nl Check out our website: www.theunderground.nl Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheUndergroundTH www.facebook.com/TheStudentgroundTH
Enthusiasm, good sense of humor and curiosity is a must! Twitter:StudentgroundTH www.facebook.com/TheStudentgroundTH
TIPS
Entertain Me! The Gay Tour
Charlie MacCall and the rest of the Studentground don their gay pride and head out on a homosexual Hague bar tour!
T
he Netherlands is one of the most tolerant countries in the world. As a result, many people come to visit Holland for its gay nightlife. The general consensus is that Amsterdam is the place to be for LGBT entertainment but after a rainbow-filled evening of bar hopping, The Studentground discovered that The Hague has its own scene to explore. We started our night at my personal favourite bar in all of The Hague, Cafe De Landman. De Landman provides great dancing, music, and new friends. The bartenders there are incredibly nice (as well as easy on the eyes) and can make anyone feel welcome. Our team toasted to the evening before taking off on our gay Hague tour. Next we went to two bars for drinks, the first one being Stairs, a once very lively bar and night club in the 80s, where we joined the owner for a drink. The sexy atmosphere of this now quiet bar is unlike any other in the city (you will know what I mean once you see it). Afterwards, we reached Het Achterom. This cosy bar is perfect for borrels or for meeting up with friends. After enjoying their queenfilled wall and discussions with other patrons, it was time to bust a move.
Cafe De Vink, The Hague’s oldest gay bar, is only a short walk away. It held up to its reputation: the place was packed! The crowd was also noticeably younger. It was hard to get to the bar with the masses crowded around it, making it clear why bars like Het Achterom exist. Still, this bar is massively fun. Having done some dancing, we prepared to check out a gay nightclub.
1. Cafe de Landman Denneweg 48 www.cafedelandman.nl 2. Stairs Nieuwe Schoolstraat 11
The final stop on our tour was Hans & Brietje. Though open at midnight, the club really heats up around 2am. Its cool atmosphere is perfect for young gay men, lesbians, transgender individuals and anyone who just wants to dance. This afterhours nightclub was just what we needed to round out the evening.
3. Cafe ʻt Achterom Achterom 22 Aa www.cafeachterom.nl
All the bars we visited have diverse patrons and are welcoming of everyone regardless of sexuality or gender expression. If you want to jump into gay nightlife, try out our tour for yourself, or just follow the rainbow flags. There’s tons more gay culture to explore in The Hague!
5. Hans & Brietje Herenstraat 13 A www.hansenbrietje.nl
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For more ideas, check out some of the links we have selected and get busy. The Hague is waiting
4, Cafe De Vink Schoolstraat 28
Links... www.gay.nl www.gayscout.com www.clubmanjefiek.nl www.nighttours.com/thehague
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The Underground
Kids
The Hague
14
Issue 10.September 2012
New school, new life Helping your kids adjust to the new ‘normal’ by Eowyn Crisfield
F
or some children, settling into a new year in a new school is an exciting prospect. New environment, new friends, new activities – lots to experience and enjoy. For other children, the experience is more difficult and can be fraught with emotion. What can parents do to help their children transition to a new school more easily? There are some simple things that you can do, to make the first weeks/months less stressful for your children.
The first thing every parent should do is to take the time to get to know the classes their children will be in. A quick meeting with the teacher will allow you the chance to ask about neighbourhoods – how many kids live near you? And importantly, are there other new children in the class? Finding out who the other newcomers are will give you a chance to direct your child/ren towards other children in a similar situation – new to town and looking for friends. These won’t necessarily become ‘best friends’, but it is good to know which other children will be looking for a locker partner or someone to sit with at lunch. Having someone to gravitate towards in the early days will help them be more confident in class, and not be as intimidated by the already-set groups of friends. A second thing you can do to help your child/children settle in is to organise play dates. Some parents are great at this (personally, it’s not my thing!) and some have to work harder at it, but it is a skill that mobile parents need to cultivate, to help their children transition. Being at school all day is hard work – navigating the social complexities of a large group of same-age peers can be stressful and intimidating. By bringing one other child home to play, you are allowing your child the space and time to just work on one friendship at a time. Having a welcoming and interesting home (homemade cookies always helps…) can make other children feel comfortable with your family, and therefore with your child. The friendships built up one-on-one or in small groups will transfer to school, and allow your child to establish new groups of friends more quickly. A final step that parents can take is to investigate extra-curricular activities. Every school/culture has a slightly different focus or priority set when it comes to how children spend time outside of school. If your last posting was in place where all the kids played ice hockey, you will need to consider finding new, more culture-appropriate activities at your new school in the Netherlands. While it is important that your children continue to pursue extra-curricular activities that they enjoy, it is also important to involve them in groups or activities that are popular with children from their new school. Each school will have some of its own activities, but there are also activities that are not school-based but pull heavily from the populations of a particular school.
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In the end, how well children integrate into new schools with be in part affected by their personalities, but the efforts of the parents can go a long way to helping children find their place in a new school, especially children who are not naturally out-going and confident
Summer deal: advertise withThe Underground from October until December 2012 and get 10% discount! Request a media kit for more information. Email sales@theunderground.nl
Feelath ome in The Hague The International Community Fair 2012
Scheveningen Bunkers: The Buried Secret of The Hague •
by Claudia Yanez
E
very summer, waves of tourists arrive at the coast of Scheveningen, The Hague’s most popular beach. Every year, many tourists dig deep holes in the sand, baffling the locals. The running joke is that the holes are an attempt to unearth the Second World War bunkers.
11am - 5pm Sunday 16 September City Hall Atrium The Hague
(re)Discover all the fun and entertainment available in the region. It will be gezellig! w w w.Fe e lat H o m e inTh e H a g ue.co m PARTNERS
SPONSORS
In past years, these forgotten landmarks have been vandalised by youngsters or have even served as a refuge to the homeless. However, from the perspective of a nonEuropean, the bunkers are impressive. They are a physical link to the Second World War, when for most of us the only link has been a history book. These bunkers were built between 1942 and 1945 as a precaution against an eventual attack coming from the North Sea area. Different bunkers had different tasks, such as arsenals, living quarters, commando posts, etc. The best part is that some bunkers can actually be explored, such as the Bunker Museum.
The Bunker Museum is a type 622 bunker located in the vicinity of the city harbour. This particular bunker has two rooms, which could be used as the living quarters for up to ten soldiers in each room. The entrance to this museum is free, although donations are encouraged. The museum is open from midday until 18.00 every weekend. It is also open on Wednesdays during the summer holidays. These historical relics are also important for the regional biodiversity. They are the current habitat of the pond bat. These insectivore creatures are an endangered species that have made bunkers their nests. They enter the bunkers in July, where they will mate and hibernate. So next time you go to the beach and you think you can see a piece of concrete in the dunes, think about these relics of the past. Think about their past and current inhabitants. Think, above all, about all the different lessons they have to teach
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www.bunkermuseumdenhaag.nl
Streeters Dorine Schreiner went out on the streets to ask locals about their experiences.
Question: What is your favourite school memory?
Danny de Ruiter
Food & beverage cost controller at HMSHost at Schiphol Airport ‘The musical in my final year of primary school. We made most of it up ourselves. My role was a police officer and I sang a solo. I had borrowed a police uniform and cap from my uncle, who is a police officer in Rotterdam.’
Martin Roumimper
Personal coach ‘I’m not sure about my exact favourite moment. I do know I regret not paying better attention to the music lessons. I hated singing in front of everyone. Nowadays I go to North Sea Jazz and opera, because I really like it. I with I was more interested during my school days.’
The Underground
Kids
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Hague
HSV mingles learning opportunities in more ways than one
International schools are known for sending out multicultural vibes. The Underground’s Dorine Schreiner discovers that the Haagsche Schoolvereeniging adds active integration with the local community to its learning scheme.
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ou cannot miss it. The beautiful white school building along the Mauritskade (entrance on Nassaulaan). Besides its significance in historical The Hague, the school is part of a greater foundation: The Haagsche Schoolvereeniging (HSV). HSV is one of 15 primary Dutch International schools, partly funded by the Dutch Education Ministry, ensuring affordable school fees. Education is offered in an international environment, embedded in a Dutch context. ‘I really enjoy working for the school and seeing it grow,’ says Lorraine Mead, location leader at Koningin Sophiestraat (KSS) and admissions coordinator. Mead started at HSV as a teacher 12 years ago. Across locations, Mead estimates there are ‘around 50 nationalities amongst students’. She adds that a new location opened on the Van Nijenrodestraat (VNS) in August 2010, starting with around 50 pupils and now tripled to 150 pupils. HSV has eight locations across The Hague, each with its own character. The foundation includes schools for special educational needs, such as a Dutch department for dyslexic children (Het Open Venster) and Lighthouse, an international school for special educational needs. The integration between the international and Dutch departments is the most visible at NSL. In addition to mixed playtime twice a day, students from parallel classes in each department mingle during gymnastics, handicrafts and music lessons. ‘It’s such a unique setting: two different departments learning together under the same roof,’ says Mead. Blending is common throughout the foundation. Mead says KSS gives children the chance to work alongside children from Lighthouse. Children with special educational needs join their mainstream classmates for a variety of lessons. ‘I like how all the kids from the Dutch and international departments work together,’ says Kelly Kelly, whose two daughters go to HSV. ‘The HSV will always have a special place in my heart as my mother also went to the school’.
Photo provided by HSV - Nassaulaan
In addition to language lessons, HSV implemented the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in 2002. The curriculum is one of the fastest-growing curricula worldwide, focusing on thematic learning and international concepts. HSV’s growth isn’t likely to end anytime soon. The Dutch Willemspark school (WP) plans to replace its building with a multi-purpose built one in its current location on the Frederikstraat. The school, which was previously part of the Lucas Onderwijs foundation, joined HSV in 2008. The switch added the IPC and early English language lessons to their curriculum, increasing student numbers significantly.
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The international department, which celebrated its 25-year existence last year, has more than 400 students enrolled across locations, and counting
For more information, visit www.hsvdenhaag.nl
Stichting Haagsche Schoolvereeniging Bruce Siemens
“Learning Together for the Future”
‘I took part in two school musicals. For the one in secondary school, I performed in front of 1500 people in the Dr. Anton Philipszaal in The Hague! The first subject I liked was social studies, which got me interested in politics.’
Nassaulaan
Merel Vriethoff
Recent graduate from Mondriaan International Hotel and Management School ‘Wine trip! Five days of drinking wine and eating delicious food with teachers and classmates. What else could you wish for on a school trip?’
info@theunderground.nl
Van Nijenrodestraat
Koningin Sophiestraat
Lighthouse
Dutch and International Primary Education Dutch and International Special Needs Education http://www.hsvdenhaag.nl Telephone: + 31(0)70-318 49 65 Email: id-admissions@hsvdenhaag.nl
The Underground
History What’s in a Name: The Fascinating The Ary Blonde Dolly Schefferstraat • Molly Quell discusses the life and death of 16
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The Hague
Issue 10.September 2012
Sebilla Niemans Annalisa Branca investigates the people Sebilla Alida Johanna Niemans, more famously behind The Hague’s street names
known as Blonde Dolly, was born in Amsterdam on 27 September 1927 to a shoemaker and his wife. Soon after her birth, her mother had to be institutionalised. Social services declared her father’s home unfit and removed Niemans and her brother to a children’s home. During WWII, the home was annexed by the Germans to be used as a brothel and the children were sent back to live with their father.
T
he Ary Schefferstraat, in the Uilennest neighbourhood of The Hague, is named after Dutch painter Ary Scheffer. He was born in Dordrecht in 1795 to a Dutch mother, and German father. Both parents were painters and his father worked at the court of Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland for a short while. After his father’s death, in 1811, Ary and his mother moved to Paris where he became apprenticed to Pierre-Narcisse Guérin
In 1819, he left Guérin’s atelier and started his career by exhibiting his work at the Salon. At that time, the Romantic Movement was spreading across Europe and Scheffer, who had also studied under Delacroix and Géricault, was influenced by these Romantic artists. Despite having worked with such great personalities, his style was defined as ‘frigidly classical’ and he needed to continue further before finding his own style and way. A well-read artist, Scheffer devoured Romantic literature reading Byron and Goethe whilst appreciating Shakespeare and Dante. He was greatly inspired by these scholars, and painted Dante and Beatrice, Francesca da Rimini, Le ombre di Paolo e Francesca and a series of paintings from Goethe’s Faust. In 1827, three of his paintings depicting the oppression of Greeks were exhibited at the Salon, and critics defined him ‘the best artist of the Romantic Era’. Not only was he a great painter, he was also an accomplished portraitist immortalizing Fryderyk Chopin, Charles Dickens and Ferenc Liszt. Some of his paintings, such as Saint Augustine e sa mère, Saint Monique and La tentation du Christ, were religious representations, influenced by his Protestant upbringing. Of this series, the Christus Consolator, was lost for 70 years and was found, in 2007 in a Lutheran Church in Minnesota. The strong affiliation with the French royal family, (his apprentice was Marie of Orléans), would greatly affect his popularity as an artist and as a person. After the coup of 1848 and the subsequent proclamation of a French Second Republic, Scheffer retreated out of the public eye and into obscurity. At the age of 63, he died during a visit to Argenteuil. By then, his name and reputation were in ruins; his work was considered poor in colour, dull and banal. He left more than four hundred mystic paintings that today can be admired in many prestigious museums such as the Musée du Louvre and the National Gallery. A large part of his work can also be seen in the Museum in Dordrecht
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In her teens, Niemans had difficulty adjusting to her stepmother and ran away from home. She held a series of odd jobs until she found work as a fortuneteller. Niemans shared her working space with several prostitutes and was introduced to their pimp. The pimp, who Niemans began to work for, claimed that he was in love with her. In 1944, police raided the organisation and the then seventeen-year-old Niemans was sent back into the custody of her father. In 1948, she moved from Amsterdam to The Hague where she rented a window in the red-light district. During that period, her hair was coloured black and she received the nickname ‘Black Molly’. She then later dyed her hair blonde and ‘Blonde Dolly’ was born. Later, Niemans quit prostitution as she had met and married Botto van den Bergh, a violinist with The Hague Residential Orchestra. At forty-seven he was twenty-four years her senior. However, the marriage did not last and they divorced in 1951. After her divorce, she became an escort and her clients included members of the parliament, senior military officers, and diplomats. The contents of her ‘little black book’ would have caused a considerable stir. On 2 November 1959, workmen heard the cries of Niemans’ pet dog and alerted the police. They found Niemans strangled in her bed. Robbery was not the motive since 550 gold sovereigns were found in her bedroom. Many assumed that the
murder was related to Niemans’ connections to the senior military officers and politicians that she had as clients. Hans Gualthérie van Weezel, son of Jan Gualthérie van Weezel who was serving as chief of police of The Hague during the murder, has claimed that his father knew the identity of the killer but refused to divulge that information. The younger van Weezel alleges that the killer could not be revealed without embarrassing a great number of important people and that his father was unwilling to do so. In 1977, the police closed the case without any official resolution. Recently, the Dutch journalist Casper Postmaa identified Niemans’ bodyguard, Gerard van Wurgde as the murderer. In his book, Napels Zien, Postmaa claimed that van Wurgde murdered Niemans because she would not reciprocate his love. Van Wurgde, who is still alive, refused to comment on the case
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Would you like to contribute a story? Submit your pitch to editor@theunderground.nl (Style Guide & Writer Guidelines available online)
UNIQUE ANTIQUE
Today I have the pleasure of valuing a very interesting ring from one of our readers. A white-gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds of excellent colour and clarity. The design consists of clear geometrical forms in an asymmetrical array. This combination of forms is typical for the Art Deco period. Because of the use of white gold and the cut of the diamonds, I would date this ring to around 1935. The design itself is exceptional, clearly influenced by constructivist architecture and is the work of an outstanding designer. Sadly, the ring is fitted with a new ring band and therefore the original hallmarks are lost making it impossible to determine the manufacturer or the designer. This greatly influences the value. That is why I advise, when resizing a designer ring; have the work done by the original company. Only they can replace a damaged maker’s mark. Details: circa 1935, 18 carat gold and diamond ring. Total diamond weight 1,4 ct., with a replacement value of € 3400.
David Aardewerk, a certified gemmologist and diamond grader will appraise watches, jewellery and precious stones belonging to one of our readers.
If you own an interesting piece of jewellery or a watch you would like to know a bit more about, please contact David Aardewerk at: info@theunderground.nl
The Underground
Music
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Hague
17
URBAN LEGEND Chuck Deely
•
I
by Laura Dragulin I Photography by Roel Wijnants Fotografie
f you are a Hagenaar, you have certainly heard the American-born Chuck Deely singing. Maybe it was on Vlamingstraat, or when you were hurrying to the Central Station, or in front of De Bijenkorf? If you are a tourist in The Hague, I hope that you will hear him one day. Laura Dragulin asked around about Deely. See what she discovered. Chuck Deely has long, grey hair and has the looks of a trashy rock star. This urban legend of The Hague defeated Kane, The Golden Earring and Anouk by winning The Hague Pop Prize in 2009.
Tomesen admitted that making Deely pour out his soul wasn’t easy: ‘He is so focused on making music that he cannot waste his time. When I offered him a meal and a drink at a pub, he accepted the offer. He came across as a man who went through a lot of troubles during his life. He ended up in The Hague after his girlfriend called it quits on their relationship. For many years he fought against drug addiction. I am not sure if he is clean now although he said so’.
The most famous contemporary troubadour of The Hague has also played before with The Hague Philharmonic
Chuck Deely’s biography is far from ordinary: two failed marriages, illness, heroin, rehab and concerts. Now he is the only busker in this city who is allowed to play wherever he lays his guitar.
I interviewed the journalist Remco Tomesen about Deely. Tomesen tried to unlock the mystery of Deely a few years ago and hunted him down for a talk: ‘Chuck is the most famous musician in this city. Millions of people hear him playing every year and because they like his music, he earns quite a lot of money’.
Deely has sung for thirteen years on the streets, mostly covering songs from American artists. He plays songs by CSN&Y, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan but his style is sui generis.
I also spoke to Wino Penris, a consultant, who thinks that meeting Deely was a genuine life lesson. He understands that people who give him money should not wait for his gratitude in return. ‘Sometimes I walk past him without a word. Often I give him some money and we talk. He shares some of his ups and downs or we discuss the weather or politics for no more than a few minutes because the money has to keep coming in’. In the end, Penris asked Deely about his message to the world and Deely answered: ‘Chill out and slow down a little bit. Take it easy. Don’t push ourselves into more crises and wars! Things will take care of themselves’.
Y O U R U R B A N L E G E N D F E AT U R E D ? G E T I N T O U C H !
18
The Underground
Books
The Hague
Issue 10.September 2012
! P I T
Hidden gem - The living room bookshop
V
alkenboslaan 84, The Hague. Waiting for you is the newest international bookstore in town. Want to rake around for some exclusive books? Laura Dragulin already paid the owners a visit.
Boekhandel Rap is not an ordinary bookshop. This unsettling place doesn’t have multiple floors or labyrinthine shelves. It’s more personal and warmer than that. Imagine this: On 24 September 2011, the Italian Pia D’Andrea and the Dutch Peter Groenewoud moved their book collection to their own house, a wonderful classical building from 1906. They set a new trend, and the first home bookstore of The Hague was born. On the ground floor of their house, thousands of English, Spanish, German, French or Dutch books are sitting obediently, on the shelves reaching the ceiling waiting for their new owners. When you ring the bell, Peter is probably going to welcome you at the door. As you enter, the overwhelming smell of the books snares you. After a few steps, you cannot contain your joy. Piles and piles of books on the desk, on the floor, in unwrapped packages, on the walls, and living wallpaper made from books are whispering at you: ‘Pick me! Pick me!’ Pia and Peter are the owners of the bookstore. They met in Amsterdam, 18 years ago, when Pia came with an Erasmus Scholarship from The Orientale University of Naples, fell in love and she abandoned sunny Italy for rainy Netherlands. Peter worked for a few bookstores in Amsterdam and The Hague; until the last one was ‘killed’ by the economy and they inaugurated Boekhandel Rap. The downside of a business at home is the merger of personal life with work, but in their case, the bookshop became a family member: ‘There is nothing else in our lives, than our children and our shop, which is the third child, who needs the most work and attention,’ jokes Pia. Besides being doting parents, they are gifted booksellers. The owners appease your thirst for books, giving you full assistance when in search of something authentic. ‘We personally select the books, so Boekhandel Rap is already more intimate compared with mammoth stores, because it reflects our taste in books, our personality,’ highlights Peter. The store is not yet popular, because the Valkenboslaan is out of the shopping area. People are knocking at their door if they want an extraordinary book, not to be found somewhere else and Boekhandel Rap has plenty of those, trust me! ‘We want to sell quality books for a good price, therefore we have expensive books, which buyers consider cheap, because of the high quality,’ explains Pia.
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There are more than 5000 titles from an amazing selection of new and remaindered books; including literature, history, military, philosophy and art
Check out www.theunderground.nl to read the full story about Boekhandel Rap.
Pia D’ Andrea and Peter Groenewoud Boekhandel Rap Valkenboslaan 84 2563 CN Den Haag info@boekhandelrap.nl www.boekhandelrap.nl
The Underground
Dine & Wine
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Hague
Spotted...
M en eer
Ch oc ola
What you need to know:
Address: Keizerstraat 124, Scheveningen Open: Tuesday - Saturday From 9am until 5pm Sunday from 9am until 2pm Monday closed For orders and workshops B. Vermolen 064-552-1366 T. Hendriks 064-495-5732
info@meneerchocola.nl www.meneerchocola.nl
Wher e
Food for thought
‘I love Bakkies’! Bakkies being Dutch slang for the love of big surfing waves or good coffee. Both apply to Boris Vermolen and Ted Hendriks, owners of Meneer Chocola. They have brought that authentic holiday feeling from the beaches of the world to the Keizerstraat in Scheveningen. They are known for their fresh coffee from their own special blend, their famous chocolate cakes, free Wi-Fi and a smiling staff. Sit down, relax and enjoy! Meneer Chocola also serves breakfast and lunch. Pastry workshops and catering are available.
East
meets
West:
Mochi •
by Tanya Braaksma I Photographs: Mochi
Japanese-Latin American fusion is alive and thriving in The Hague. Tanya Braaksma meets with Lissette Parra and Patrick Buyze to discover more about Mochi. In Japanese language, mochi are rice cakes traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki, which brings happiness and symbolizes hard work. At Mochi in The Hague, hard work is evident everywhere you look. From the handcrafted lotus leaf tables, to the bar, the wine rack and the wood block collage which covers an entire wall, Mochi has an intimate yet energetic ambiance built with the labour of love. I like the element of surprise, so when I discovered that I could dine at Mochi without laying eyes on a menu, my curiosity was piqued. As owner Lissette Parra explained, ‘It keeps things fresh and it keeps people interested. It’s exciting when you don’t know exactly what to expect.’ What you can count on is a fixed menu of three taste bud tantalising courses, with three to four dishes per course. Dessert isn’t included, but I have a sweet tooth, and this dessert was the proverbial cherry on top. Don’t worry if there are certain foods you don’t eat; the welcoming and attentive staff will check this with you beforehand and adjust the dishes as necessary. At the beginning of each course, they will also provide you with a quick yet informative summary of what delights await you.
R est au ran t
Ba by lonia
Passion for Persian! Sajad Yousefi from Iran and his Iranese chef deliver a welcome change to the Scheveningen repertoire. Babylonia has a sleek, metropolitan, and loungy atmosphere. Grilled triple-A meat with saffron rice and fresh vegetables are the base of the Persian Cuisine. Coriander, lime, and saffron are but a few of the flavours. The wine menu completes the food with light, fresh and aromatic wines. Babylonia has a separate room with a bar in the basement for private parties or business meetings. Babylonia: ancient delicacies in a modern wrap!
While each dish was a pleasure, the star of the Mochi show is undoubtedly the frikandel speciaal. Forget everything you’ve learned about frikandel in the Netherlands, because head chef Patrick Buyze’s creation will rewrite your beliefs. It wasn’t intended to be, but since Mochi opened in October 2006, the frikandel speciaal has become its signature dish. Based on a Balinese recipe, it’s made of steamed white fish, dipped in tempura batter and fried. There are lingering notes of lemongrass, coconut and lime, but what brings it together is the smoky Japanese Okonomiyaki sauce.
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What You Need to Know: Where Mochi, Mallemolen 12A, 2585 XJ, The Hague
When Seven days a week, 6pm until late
Price €37.50 p.p. for the fixed menu
Website www.mochirestaurant.com
Why Mochi has an energetic yet intimate ambiance, whether you’re dining inside the restaurant or enjoying the weather outside on the terrace. The menu changes seasonally so it’s always a fresh experience, but don’t worry, the frikandel speciaal is there to stay.
My mouth is watering at just the thought of it, and I never imagined I would say that about a frikandel speciaal
Cucina Italiana
What you need to know:
Addres: Neptunustraat 2, Scheveningen Open: Daily 16:00 till 00.00 (Fri/Sat 01:00) Tuesday closed Tel: 070-3226873
restaurant • catering
info@restaurantbabylonia.nl www.restaurantbabylonia.nl
Regentesselaan 24a 2562 CS Den Haag | 070 363 46 06 info@dabraccini.nl | www.dabraccini.nl Open woensdag t/m zondag
Visitekaart.indd 1
Photos www.charlottemeindersma.com
05-10-11 17:01
20
The Underground
Events
The Hague
Issue 10.September 2012
www.loesje.org
loesje@loesje.org
P.O Box 910138 12413 Berlin Germany
IF YOU FORGET WHEN SCHOOL STARTS YOU KNOW THE FESTIVAL SEASON IS GOOD
Horoscopes September ARIES: March 21 – April 20 It’s hard to say how this will turn out. Impatience and frustration have given way to a willingness to take one thing at a time. Depending on your situation the need to focus on the truth instead of denying it, matters more than you know. Others are there for this, but you can’t expect them to want to keep it up if you make it too difficult for them to put up with you. For the first time in your life you’re faced with the need to be receptive, not just to love, but to the fact that you’re human and life is currently proving beyond any doubt that it’s time to make peace with yourself.
CANCER: June 21 – July 20 There seems to be a lull in the conversation, or with something that until now was rolling along smoothly; you aren’t sure where to put the focus because there isn’t any. Opportunities to do just about anything are simmering underneath all of this. And what you’re wondering is; what makes the most sense for me at this moment in time? This would be easier to figure out if there was something concrete to put your finger on, but things haven’t been stable or predictable and your thoughts have been too up in the air to make it possible to know which way you need to go.
TAURUS: April 21 – May 20 If everyone saw things your way this would be easier. Too bad you’re in the middle of a situation that involves more conflict than you’ve had to deal with in quite a while. Others are doing their best to change your mind; if they only knew! It looks like you’ll be duking it out until they realize that they can’t win. In the meantime, you will be dealing with a lot of infantile behavior and a burning desire to make them go away. Soon enough, you’ll enter a period of redefinition that will involve branching out and getting a feel for what it means to be free as a bird.
LEO: July 21 – August 20 You’re OK with this but it would feel so much better if it didn’t involve so many compromises. You have good reasons to feel like you need to get on board. If they’re working for you now it’s because you think this is how it’s supposed to be - but time is the Mother of truth and you haven’t learned enough to see that too many compromises are usually a sign that you’re in the wrong place. Check this out in your own heart before you listen to me; or give it time to play out with the knowledge that experience is the only teacher and time will tell if you need to keep it up.
GEMINI: May 21 – June 20.Juggling has always been your strong suit. In the last few months, you’ve had to balance more than your share of stuff. The ability to do it all, all the time has its down side. You can’t keep it up without stopping every now and then to look at where things are heading. The feedback you’re getting from others keeps telling you that you’ve gone too far out of bounds to be able to hold this together without losing control. They may be right. Instead of continuing on this path you would do well to take stock of what it gets you to always bite off more than you can chew.
VIRGO: August 21 – September 20 The need to keep it all together is making you feel like it’s time for a transfusion of energy, or something to help you maintain. So many of you are 6-ways-to-Sunday wondering why it never stops. This will continue just long enough for you to figure out how to make it manageable. Some of your more laid back friends have been advising you to chill out before you implode. That might not be a bad idea. And for those of you who are having the time of your life and to whom none of this applies; more power to you for knowing enough to take care of yourself.
LIBRA: September 21 – October 20 Minor frustrations have managed to warp your perspective. When everything’s going smoothly, you’re totally at peace with yourself. For some reason, little things have been getting under your skin and you’re starting to remind yourself of your parents. Don’t be alarmed! This phase isn’t due to continue. You’re in a place that requires you to draw your focus back into yourself long enough to see that it might be time to change the scenery or at least shift into a gear that doesn’t feel quites so heavy and responsible. Start thinking about what it will take to make this joyful. SCORPIO: October 21 – November 20 Waiting for everyone else to get it together, you’re starting to wonder if you even want to be part of this deal any longer. You are so close to not caring. It’s interesting to watch yourself go back and forth over what might be the right thing to do. In most situations, it works better when you look at what it’s costing you and weigh that against what you’re getting out of it. I don’t know how it’s working for you at the moment, but I’m pretty sure you don’t need this half as much as they do. Seen in that light, the deeper question is now; what do you really want out of this? SAGITTARIUS: November 21 – December 20 You wish you could save people from themselves. It’s hard watching your nearest and dearest stress out over whatever they did to complicate their lives. You see things with such a wide angle lense it’s easier for you to look at how one thing led to another. For your own sake, let the missionary spirit take a few days off and let your loved ones figure out how to pull themselves out of this hole. It has nothing to do with not caring; it has to do with letting them know that it isn’t your job to save their ass every time they decide to make everything harder than it has to be.
CAPRICORN: December 21 - January 20 Handling your life has gotten to be more like a job than whatever you’re doing for a living. There is light at the end of the tunnel. You will be home free before the seasons change. Between now and then you’re going to have to maintain a high level of performance. whatever this requires, you can do it with your eyes closed. The main thing right now has to do with finding joy in a routine that has gotten stale in the midst of a personal or family crisis that would give anone cause to flip out. You’re holding you’re own. It’ll get easier. Find a way to fall in love with this. AQUARIUS: January 21 – February 20 You need to relax and stop letting your worst fears lead you to believe that you are anything but loved. Nothing in this world looks the way we want or expect it to; all of us have problems and issues and memories that come from whatever it is that happens to a soul when it enters the earth plane. The disappointments that have followed you to this moment have reached the point where whatever they were meant to teach you is lost on you. That’s OK. It’s no crime to have a PhD. in so many things and be lost when it comes to the stuff that makes you feel like no one ever cared. PISCES: February 21 – March 20 You keep trying to make this look better than it is. You’re whirling around in a circus of superficial energy that keeps you from dealing with the things you don’t want to see. There are secrets, yours or someone else’s that have never gone away. You need an exorcist, or something out of this world to help you find a way to let all of that stuff go. If this applies, you already know what you need to do. If it doesn’t, more than likely you’re one of those intuitive souls who has better things to do and doesn’t need to waste their time reading newspaper horoscopes.
The Underground
Events
Issue 10 . September 2012
The Hague
21
September 2012 events@theunderground.nl Music Khaira Arby Considered a national pride, singer Khaira Arby brings the sound of modern Africa in the Korzo. Date: 15 September Time: 20.30 Place: Prinsestraat 42 Costs: € 17,50 Sweet Back Petes Delta and Chicago blues in ‘t Hoekpandje. Date: 23 September Time: 16.00 Place: Oude Molstraat 13 B Costs: free entrance Eat, Meet and Greet Cultural evening featuring different guests, organized by DiVerso at AnnA. Date: 26 September Time: 18.00 Place: Anna Paulownastraat 76 Costs: € 15
Rahsaan Patterson Soul-star Rahsaan Patterson mixes soul with funky R&B, breaking this with sensual ballads. Date: 26 September Time: 20.30 Place: Paard van Troje - Loosduinsekade 725 Costs: € 25 Coldplay Date: 6 September Time: 17.30 Place: Malieveld More information: www.livenation.nl
Check out our event list online. Updated daily! Larry Joe On the verge of becoming a world renown star, South African singer Larry Joe will be performing in Theater Diligentia. Date: 27 September Time: 20.15 Place: Lange Voorhout 5 Costs: € 19 Isabelle van Keulen Top violin player Isabelle van Keulen puts the classics aside in favor of the tango, in a series of Cocktail Concerts. Date: 30 September Time: 15.30 Place: Nieuwe Kerk – Spui 175 Costs: starting € 22
Follow us on twitter @UndergroundTH
MUSEUMS & ART Museum night Den Haag Third edition of Museum Night, under the theme of “Local Heroes”, with band DIRECT as an opening act. Date: 1 September Time: 17.00 Place: several locations; for more information please visit www.museumnachtdenhaag. nl/ Cost: starting € 12.50 “Magic Hour” by David Batchelor British artist David Batchelor explores the experience of color in modern urban life, at GEM – Museum for Modern Art. Date: until 9 September Time: Tuesday – Sunday / 12.00 – 18.00 Place: Stadhouderslaan 43 Costs: more information on www.gem-online.nl The Rainbow Nation More than 50 sculptures by the major South African artists of the past 60 years. Date: Until 9 September Time: Tuesday – Sunday / 12.00 – 18.00 Place: various locations. For more information, please visit www.therainbownation.nl Costs: free entrance Our Polish Neighbors Exhibition about the people of Poland, their culture and history at the Museon. Date: until 11 November Time: Tuesday – Sunday / 11.00 – 17.00 Place: Stadhouderslaan 37 Costs: € 10,00 for adults / free/ € 3/ € 5,50/ € 7 for children / free with Museumkaart
THEATER AND DANCE Murder Ballads A top cast of actors and musi-
cians (Peter Block and Lottie Hellingman) sing about death and talk about love in Theater aan het Spui. Date: 4 - 5 September Time: 20.15 Place: Spui 187 Costs: € 17 Föld Open Air A classic in the Dutch modern dance world, Föld offers a performance and dance workshops in collaboration with Dansgroep Amsterdam. Date: 6 - 9 September Time: 20.00 Place: Spuiplein Costs: € 15 Gif Voted as best performance by the audience in the 2010/2011 season, Gif is back in Theater aan het Spui. Date: 10 September Time: 20.15 Place: Spui 187 Costs: € 17 Guildhall Graduates The most talented students of the British Drama and Music School show off their talent in Koninklijke Schouwburg Den Haag. Date: 19 - 23 September Time: 20.30 Place: Korte Voorhout 3 Costs: € 25 Don Giovanni OPERA2DAY brings in Koninklijke Schouwburg Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni, an international co-production with Argentinian Juventus Lyrica. Date: 27 - 29 September Time: 19.30 Place: Korte Voorhout 3 Costs: starting € 12,50 Persona Elisabet Vogler replaces silence with singing in a remake of Ingmar Bergman’s famous movie ‘Persona’, in Korzo. Date: 28 September Time: 20.30 Place: Prinsestraat 42 Costs: € 17,50
Your event here? events@theunderground.nl
Place: Markenseplein 1 Costs: free entrance
Rock/blues jam sessions Rock/blues jam sessions hosted by Musicon every second Wednesday of the month. Date: 12 September Time: 21.00 Place: Soestdijksekade 345 Costs: free entrance De Strandwal Festival Date: 7-9 September Place: Rijswijk www.strandwalfestival.n FU:DGE Young comedians show off their talent in Theater Diligentia. Date: 15 September Time: 20.15 Place: Lange Voorhout 5 Costs: € 15 Prinsjedag 2012 Official opening of Dutch parliament. View the tradition on the street, from the grandstand or join a VIP tour. Date: 18 September Time: 13.00 Place: Palace via Heulstraat, Kneuterdijk, Lange Voorhout, Tournooiveld, Korte Vijverberg, Binnenhof Costs: for more information, please visit http://www.prinsjesdagdenhaag.nl/ Todays Art Festival Unique festival that revolves around the presentation and development of adventurous contemporary visual and performing arts. Date: 21 -22 September Time: 12.00 Place: several locations; for more information, please visit www.todaysart.org Costs: starting € 25 Wedding fair More than 70 wedding specialists present their products and services in Grote Kerk. Date: 30 September Time: 11.00 Place: Rond de Grote Kerk 12 Costs: € 10
MTR Film Festival Music documentaries that any music lover should see, in Strandpaviljoen Zuid. Date: 6 September Time: 22.00
Jo de Roeck Jo de Roeck mixes allround covers in ‘t Hoekpandje. Date: 1 September Time: 22.00 Place: Oude Molstraat 13 B Costs: free entrance Friday Night Out Holland Casino Scheveningen starts the weekend with Glennis Grace. Date: 28 September Time: 21.00 Place: Achterom 8 Costs: € 15 Blue Nood Club Take a few steps back in time and enjoy the jazzy years at Café-Restaurant Schlemmer. Date: 28 September Time: 22.00 Place: Lange Houtstraat 17 Costs: € 6,50
Markets Home Made Market Tasty outdoor Burgundianstyle Home Made Market in The Hague’s Prins Hendrikstraat. Date: 2 September Time: 10.00 – 18.00 Place: Prins Hendrikplein (Zeeheldenkwartier)
Sports & leisure Kitefestival Scheveningen Date: 22-23 september Place: Scheveningen www.vliegerfeestscheveningen.nl
For current events & competitions follow us on Facebook TheUndergroundTH.
FESTIVALS HaagsUit Festival The 40st edition of HaagsUit Festival brings street theater, an outdoor stage, amateur artists and discount tickets for the upcoming cultural season. Date: 2 September Place: several locations; for more information, please visit www.haagsuitfestival.nl
day Time: 18.00 Place: Plein 6 Costs: free entrance
NIGHTLIFE Live Music at Luden The acoustic sounds of Dutch artists, including Alejandro de la Haya, Marloes Anise (Faya) and Lúcia Barreto contribute to an intimate atmosphere for dinner. Date: every Friday and Sun-
Please contact us at events@theunderground.nl for more information.
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The Underground
Classifieds
The Hague
Issue 10.September 2012
VITALE FUNCTIES OPLEIDINGEN E.H.B.O + extra modules Reanimatie met A.E.D.
MAKE YOUR WORLD A SAFER PLACE EVERYONE CAN LEARN FIRST AID & C.P.R., YOU TOO! All our courses are available in English, Dutch and French at affordable prices. Mail us at: info@vitalefunctiesopleidingen.com
www. vi ta le f u n ct ie s o p le id in g e n . co m
See You
ou
monly danced at weddings or parties. Because of that they are a lot of fun for both advanced dancers as well as complete beginners. To register or for more information mail info@iersedans.nl!
Courses
CREATIVE WRITING CLASSES in The Hague from publisher and author Jo Parfitt. The Naked Writer and Write Life Story start October. Details at www.joparfitt.com/live-workshops/diary 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 isabelfavilla@gmail.com Looking for are looking for a math, physics or chemistry tutor in the Hague? Experienced tutor offering his services. you can contact me at Hafezmhamdi@hotmail.com or call 0646056576 Drums & Percussion Lessons Aldo Aranda. Master Degree graduate from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, Belgium and The Hague, Netherlands. Fluency and experience in all kinds of percussion instruments and all kinds of music styles such as, Classical, Jazz, Contemporary, African, Latin American, Rock & Pop. All ages and levels are welcome. Languages: English, Spanish & Dutch (70%). Free Trial Lesson!! www.aldoaranda.weebly.com www.sindicatosonico.be Email: aldoarandacruz@gmail.com Mobile: 06 18 43 79 89 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 In September and October we are organising a short ceili course. Ceilis are danced in groups and are com-
Holiday Home
Candles Flame Training Courses Self Defenses for Woman. Wednesday evenings from September until October 2012. www.cftrainingtoday.com Art & Design lessons for kids & adults. Birthday parties & Holiday workshops for kids Studio Jean Tel:070-3921672 www.studiojean.nl
Fresco techniques or oilpainting, private classes, pls call for more information Park Avenue Art Studio, 06 52190872 or visit www.vandersluis.com 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 First Aid to Children Learn what to do if your child swallows cleaning fluid, is wounded, chokes, burns itself or breaks a leg in a fall. This course in English includes pediatric resuscitation with defibrillator/A.E.D. (baby/child). Mail info@vitalefunctiesopleidingen.com. Make your world a safer place: www.vitalefunctiesopleidingen. com
Design 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.
Driving Lessons 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 I read about english driving lessons in the classified section of The Underground. It won’t be long before I am driving!
FRANCE La Marteille Located near Pompadour/Limousin in France. A lovely get away in the country for 2-4 people/2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms/veranda/ fullyfurnished/garden/wood burner/ etc Per week € 595,-. Available from September 2012 Bookings: http://www.micazu.nl/vakantiehuis/la-marteille-10437/
Home Improvement Graham Montage Painting & decorating. Small joinery jobs in The Hague Area. Mobile: 06 45 482 26 Email: graham7484@hotmail.com Handyman Services English speaking maintenance specialist. Carpentry –painting –kitchen/bathroom –minor plumbing. For a free estimate call Ronald 06 55913888 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
Housing for rent For rent in Statenkwartier, Van Slingelandtstraat. A large furnished 2 bedroom apartment with garden. The Frederik Henderiklaan around the corner. Near Europol, OPCW, ICTY, etc. Good public
Issue 10 . September 2012
Classifieds
The Underground The Hague
23
Essential Beauty @
Natural Solution for your Health and Beauty Manicure. Pedicure (American Style) Hand & Foot Massage Eye Lash & Brow tint Al kinds of Waxing and Brazilian Bikini Wax. --US Certified Beauty Specialist-Kerkstraat 7 . 2242 HA . Wassenaar josanne018@hotmail.com or Phone Josie 06 273 616 03
For rent lovely 2 room apartment in Statenkwartier, Van Boetzelaerlaan. Close to a popular shopping street the Frederik Hendriklaan, the harbour, beach and sea. This area is known for its safety. 2 room apartment, large terrace. 100m2, €1.250 p/m excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@ gmail.com For rent beautiful 1 bedroom apartment located on the Statenlaan near the shops, restaurants, cafes, and the Museum ‘Museon.’ Public transport (tram 11, 17) to city centre and station in front. Unfurnished with spacious living.115m2, €995 p/m excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@gmail.com For rent spacious house in Statenkwartier, van Beuningenstraat. Well decorated corner apartment with sunny terrace. Near the popular shopping area, Frederik Hendriklaan. An unfurnished, renovated apartment with 2 large bedrooms. 115m2, €1200 p/m excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@gmail.com For rent furnished apartment in Scheveningen, Haringkade. Near the beach with beachclubs, boulevard with shops. Close to ‘Westbroekpark’ and dunes. Nice apartment with 2 rooms ensuite and a little terrace.70m2, € 1075 excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@gmail.com For rent unfurnished apartment with 4 rooms in The Hague centre, Nieuwe Haven. Middle of the shopping centre, cinemas, China town, restaurants, etc. 2 stations within walking distance and trains going in all directions. 170m2, €1850 p/m excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@gmail.com For rent modern furnished 1 bedroom apartment in Statenkwartier, Willem de Zwijgerlaan close to international org. like, Europol, OPCW, ICTY, etc. Good public transport to city centre, station and beach. 80m2, € 1100 m2: 80 For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@gmail.com For rent classic 2 bedroom apartment at Zoutmanstraat with terrace and green outside view. Located in the centre of The Hague near the Peace Palace ,Noordeinde Palace. 72m2, €1250 p/m excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehou-
seofexpats@gmail.com For rent spacious 2 bedroom apartment at Badhuisweg, is located near the beach of Scheveningen, Madurodam and surrounded by woods and parks. Really worth viewing. 105m2, €2000 p/m excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@gmail.com For rent a light fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment Segbroek area, Segbroeklaan. Nearby the International school and shops in the Fahrenheitstraat. This area is also lovely to cycle or walk through parks and dunes. 80m2, €1250 p/m excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@gmail.com For rent Kanaalweg Den Haag - €3,200 p/m (excl), available mid July 2012. Stylish ‘herenhuis’ walking distance from the French school (Lycée Français) and the German school, Westbroekpark, Scheveningen, public transport (tram 1&9; bus 21) and international organisations such as OPCW, UNICTY, Europol and Shell, and situated at the quiet end of Kanaalweg. This house consists of 10 rooms, divided over 280+m² with beautiful original features. Toilet on each of the main four floors, with three bathrooms. Garden and 2 rear terraces - all facing directly south. All stairs and landings newly carpeted in 2012. All windows double glazed. This is truly a perfect family house that can also easily accommodate a live-in nanny with private floor. To view please contact: +31(0)70 326 27 26
Job vacancies For current job vacancies in The Hague & surroundings visit The Underground website: http://www.theunderground.nl/jobs/
Looking for I am moving over to Holland before starting my University course was wondering if there was any part time bar/resturant or any other type of jobs going? I don’t have a driving lisence and am workinhg on getting my insurence to be able to work but looking for a job before moving over any information would be great thanks. Email info@theunderground.nl Ref.19087 Looking for a second hand metal detector. Please email info@theunderground. nl Ref.14528
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Waisting no more time on finding good craftman. We got them!
(Attending course from July 26-September 15)
transport . 70m2, €995 p/m excl. For info call 070 7630408 or mail: thehouseofexpats@gmail.com
24/7
Your own caretaker for all your maintenance. A membership for EUR 180,=, with 24/7 standby service and annual HV-maintenance.
www.uwhuismeester.info T: 070 737 03 10
Looking for private French conversation lessons. Please email info@theunderground.nl Ref.14529
Services
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Need writing, translating, editing or proofreading done for your website, publication, presentation or more? Dorine Schreiner is a bilingual Dutch and English speaker with degrees in journalism and education. She has never missed a deadline. For more information, contact Dorine at dorine.aletta@gmail.com or call 06 - 39 26 94 26. 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! 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 Reina van Nieuwkerk-Rácz Freelance Translator & Editor Contact: racz@rites.eu www.rites.eu A home for typical Dutch Children parties www.kinderateliervilladesroses.nl Bazarstraat 50 The Hague kinderateliervilladesroses@hotmail.com 06 40 707 603 Horse riding Scheveningen Dunes & Beach. For beginners and experienced riders. Tel:0651382833 Email: stalhouderijhetfjordenpaard@ hotmail.com
General Cleaning Shop ‘La Sartoria’ Dry Cleaner Clothing Repairs & Alterations Piet Heinstraat 55 2518 CC The Hague Phone: 070-3455263 Good service and a good price!
sales@theunderground.nl
Come and enjoy the liberating feeling creating art gives you! • • • • •
Art lessons for adults Art lessons for kids Creative workshops Birthday parties Holiday workshops kids Thomsonlaan 65 The Hague 070-3921672
WWW.STUDIOJEAN.NL
Issue 10.September 2012