19. The Underground. Shop Till You Drop

Shop Till You Drop

Zeeheldenkwartier

Fashion The Hague

November/December

Page 16 & 17

Page 12

The Underground The Hague

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Issue 19.November/December 2013

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Issue 19. November/December 2013

PUBLISHER The Underground is an

Welcome

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Letter from the Publisher

independent newspaper published by Simone Branson Harper simone@theunderground.nl Phone: + 31 (0) 6 815 050 49

SENIOR EDITOR Rosy Brega

This month’s issue is full of surprises. We all look forward to the festive season and to a new year full of new ideas and good intentions.

In this issue Underground reporter Priya de Langen talks to Marjolein de Jong about shopping in The Hague. From 1 until 10 November, the city of The Hague will be the centre of Dutch fashion and design. This public fashion event gives visitors the chance to connect with, and be inspired by, some of the Netherlands’ most talented and upcoming designers. Read more about the event ‘Résidence de la Mode’ in this issue.

We have created another walking route for you, this time we go to the hidden pearl of The Hague: De Zeeheldenkwartier. If you are looking for an original present to give to your beloved one, this route is for you.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have enjoyed making it.

This leaves me to inform you that this issue will be the last issue published by me, as most people know, we have moved to France in June and have decided to stay. This means it is very hard for me to dedicate time to the volunteers and people involved with The Underground. We have published 19 issues, worked with over 150 volunteers from over 20 nationalities. It has been an amazing ride, I have met so many wonderful people and learnt so much by working together. Hopefully we will find a way for The Underground to continue and is willing to take on a challenge, we will keep you informed through our website and social media.

For now wishing you all the best for the coming year and have a great Christmas, may all your wishes come true.

Simone

Simone@theunderground.nl

© 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.

Print: Wegener NieuwsDruk BV

1544 Followers @undergroundth 3720 Likes @TheUndergroundTH @undergroundth

@undergroundth

ABOUT THE FRONTPAGE The FotoFabrique, We are two photographers who enjoy a challenge. We combine our talents to create awesome and inspiring images. There are no boundaries in our imagination. If confronted with a problem on a photo shoot we will Mac-gyver our way around it, to reach our goal. We get really exited when we can create images with: racetrack Horses, helicopters, skyscrapers and dancers.

The crazier the better but it still has to end up in a beautiful photo that excites everyone. The photographers Joyce Fabriek and Sacha Grootjans are the FotoFabrique. www.fotofabrique.nl

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Street Festival The Hague - Art Jam Art Jam Den Haag will be a creative celebration of the miscommunication because of our cultural and language barriers. When we are lost in translation and are not able to express what we want to say, why don’t we communicate in different ways? Do we really need language to express our feelings or can we use our creativity? And what is so bad about being misunderstood? Can’t our distortion inspire new ideas? For this event we are looking for local creatives and artists in Den Haag who want to participate. To apply, please send a short bio and a motivation letter to: irmin@platformspartak.eu The last International Art Jam will take place from 11-16 November 2013 at PIP Den Haag. www.platformspartak.eu/log/start.htm www.pipdenhaag.nl

News & Views Open Day Welbeing Spa @ASPA On the 15th of November 2013 (14.00- 20.00) Aspa team would like to invite you to join us to mark Five Years in Business and the launch of its newest venture: Wellbeing Studio@ ASPA. The programme opens at 14.00 hours and till 17.30 you are welcome to try our new products, treatments or yoga & Pilates lessons. All donations for the treatments and yoga & Pilates lessons will go to support Defence Against Cancer Research https://afweertegenkanker.nl and Gems-girls http://www.gems-girls.org/. At 18.00 there will be a Silent Auction and a presentation by Prof. de Witte about the work of Defence Against Cancer Research followed by the party. Join us in celebration and a Silent Auction! All proceeds from the Silent auction, as well as all donations for the treatments and yoga & Pilates lessons will go to support Defence Against Cancer Research. Contact: info@aspadirect.com phone: 070 345 0215 mobile: 065 11 37 656

Homemade Christmas Market at Emma’s Hof For the second year running the Stichting Stadstuin Emma’s Hof is organising a Homemade Christmas Market on Saturday 14 And Sunday 15 December, from 14:00 to 17:00 Anything self made can be sold and bought at reasonable prices. If you want to sell your homemade products contact bestuur@emmashof.nl (before 1 December) Emma’s Hof, Galileïstraat 44, 2561 TG Den Haag

Vintage Kilo Sale 1 December 12.00 - 18.00 Your acquisitions at the last Vintage Rebel Sale at PIP have gotten old and its time to revamp your winterwardrobe with the latest and best vintage items you can get your hands on. At only 15 bucks a kilo, the Vintage Rebel Sale is the time and place to shop until you can’t carry your bags anymore.

Limited Edition T-shirts Every month, the fashion shop, Normal gets you Nowhere, approaches a designer with the task of creating a design that is printed, as a limited edition, on 25 shirts. Vluchtvlees designers produced the first set of shirts that are sold with a special certificate.

The store further welcomes all budding fashionistas wanting to unleash their creativity by putting together unique items of clothing and accessories using computer cut transfer films, full color transfer, ribbon, beads and studs. The shop also carries the following brands: Mister Whipper, Team Tees, Kauf dein Glück, Suba and Madame Papillion. Located on the Prins Hendrikstraat 74, Normal gets you Nowhere set up by father Kees Knaap and daughter Babiche – can take you where you want to be.

Strooptocht The success of the Strooptocht’s (an exciting journey through the shopping streets filled with innumerous treats, remarkable acts and extraordinary music.) second edition, organised in December 2011, was symbolised by a number running into the hundreds.

To be precise, six hundred visitors attended this event, compared to just three hundred in the previous year.

‘The number of visitors was literally overwhelming,’ said the organiser of the Strooptocht, Rian Knoop.

Luckily, due to the high number of participating retailers and cafes all visitors were able to fully enjoy the shops and outdoor activities. www.strooptocht.nl in Zeeheldenkwartier

Open Day Stepping Stone Daycare Stepping Stone Daycare is a small co-owned English speaking daycare situated on the Laan van Meerdervoort in The Hague. They provide a small, safe and homely environment for children of ages 0-4 years with a maximum of 16 children. Visit the open days every Wednesday in November from 17:00-19:00, Saturday 2nd or Saturday 9th of November from 12:00-14:00.

Issue 19. November/December 2013

New ‘Peace and Justice’ website for The Hague Online toolkit about international city Published: 14 October 2013 Modified: 14 October 2013 The new website www.thehaguepeacejustice.com contains information about the various aspects of The Hague as the international city of peace and justice. It was developed by the Municipality of The Hague and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was officially presented by Mayor Jozias van Aartsen during The Hague International Day on 29 September 2013. Source: thehague.com

First prize for new Scheveningen boulevard The new boulevard in Scheveningen has garnered its first prize since it officially opened in the spring of 2013.

The boulevard was among the 12 trendsetting winners of the FIABCI National Prix d’Excellence Awards the Netherlands 2013. The prize has been awarded annually since 2011 by FIABCI Nederland, the Dutch chapter of FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation. The Scheveningen boulevard won the award in the Master Plan category. The jury looked primarily at the boulevard’s design and its impact on the environment. Source: thehague.com

The Rotary Club Fundraising Christmas Concert The Rotary Club The Hague Metropolitan and the group Latvian Voices invite you to a fund raising Christmas concert, of which the process will be dedicated to a disabled people’s in Kurzeme, Latvia. On 18 December 2013, Our Saviour Church, Bezuidenhoutseweg 157, The Hague, entrance from 19:00, concert 19h30-21h30. Tickets and information: www.rcthm.org.

Christmas Corner Gift shop Kaatje aan de Rein has opened – for the 10th year in a row – a Christmas corner in her gift shop at Frederik Hendriklaan 63 in The Hague. From October 26th untill December 24 a cozy back corner of the shop is transformed into a glittering Christmas oasis, with a thoughtful selection of decorations, gifts and holiday fancy.

In addition to the wonderful Christmas corner, you’ll also be treated to the rest of Kaatje’s merchandise – there is a touchingly whimsical selection of home décor, children’s toys, jewelry, bath products and much more.

The Nobel Prize for Peace 2013 The Nobel Prize for Peace for 2013 is being awarded to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is based in The Hague. The Norwegian Nobel Committee made this announcement on 11 October in Oslo. The OPCW was selected because of its ‘extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons’, according to the Committee. The OPCW monitors the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). After this arms control treaty was signed in Paris in 1993, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was established in 1997.

The OPCW’s vision is simple yet demanding: a world free from chemical weapons and which fosters cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry. Its mission gained critical importance this year after a chemical weapons strike in Syria killed more than 1,400 people in Damascus in August. The organisation is closely involved with the efforts of the United Nations to find and destroy these chemical weapons. The $1.25 million prize will be presented in Oslo on 10 December, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards in his 1895 will.

The OPCW is an important international organisation in The Hague, which is known worldwide as the International City of Peace and Justice. According to Mayor Jozias van Aartsen, ‘The Nobel Prize is the pinnacle of the noble work the organisation carries out in order to make it the world more peaceful. We are proud that The Hague plays host to the OPCW.’ Source: thehague.com

‘Dans in Den Haag Kalender 2014’ Limited Edition Musthave for lovers of Dance and The Hague The calendar showcases 12 images of characteristic The Hague locations amplified by the dancers of the Dutch Junior Don’t Dance Division. Dancers and photographers went in all sorts of weather and to great heights in order to serve you with only the most spectacular and inspiring photography.

‘Shooting this calendar was a true world class experience. The dancers were amazing. The high amount of energy and motivation they brought to the set, in addition to the incredible atmosphere of the beautiful locations made working on this project absolutely fantastic.’ -Joyce Fabriek & Sacha Grootjans (photographers) The calendar is expected to be ready for sale on the 1st of December. Like the calendar on Facebook and stay tuned! facebook.com/DansinDenHaag2014

Looking for a party venue?

Want to have a party? Christmas, Birthday, Wedding celebrations - call Cafe Quirky on 06 33871066 or email them at info@cafequirky.com - they have a full licence for alcohol and can hold up to 50 persons! With good music and surprising menus, you better hurry, they are especially taking orders for Christmas and End of the Year Parties.

Tourism sector growing in The Hague The Hague’s tourism sector has been growing steadily over the past few years. It is now the second biggest tourist destination for day trippers and holiday makers after Amsterdam.

The number of hotel nights in The Hague increased by 5% in 2012 and the city welcomed 1.2 million tourists, half of whom came from abroad. Tourists spend an average of € 2 billion a year in the local economy. Today 1 in 10 residents make their living from the tourism sector.

Issue 19. November/December 2013

News & Views

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SINTERKLAAS You’ve seen the imagery all over town: that old dude with white hair and the big pointed red hat. You know those pesky black-faced fellas he hangs out with. The ones who’ve whipped pepernoten at your head. You’ve joined in the heated Zwarte Piet debate. And you’ve eaten your chocolate initial at work. BUT what really is the deal with this whole Sinterklaas thing?

Basically, all you need to know is that Sinterklaas is the most beloved of all Dutch holidays and traditions. And one, Dutch people are fiercely proud of. Don’t you dare go messing about with this very gezellig affair! Check out our handy guide below to help you survive the madness.

Everything you need to know about Sinterklaas: -Maxime Zech, aka The Sponge.

Please Mister Postman, Look And See, Is There A Package In Your Bag For Me? I wonder if anyone’s ever literally dropped after shopping? See, when I think of shopping, I think of clothes, shoes and decor, not so much groceries and sensible things like hammers and window cleaner. So, going with that train of thought; in the current economic climate, there are a select few who actually have the monetary means to experiment with the following hypothesis: ‘there comes a time in a single, uninterrupted except for coffee and nourishment breaks, shopping spree that the shopper will drop’. But then, because they’re not fussed about what they spend their money on, these people will also probably have stretch limousines and a driver, and men in little two-tone outfits and matching hats to help them carry all the shopping around.

So they wouldn’t drop because they don’t have to walk around with bags upon bags of shopping, knocking people over in the bus and apologizing profusely to the driver for taking so very long to get off before stumbling from the bus stop to the house where they will have to apply several band aids to the colony of blisters communing on their tired feet. So that doesn’t work.

Incidentally, I did once drop while shopping. But I was doing my shopping on the internet, a far more obliging channel through which to satiate my thirst for collecting mid-century tchotchkes and embroidered pictures of cats, also anything to do with pineapples. So yes, I fell asleep that one time trawling around eBay for kitsch. It’s a wonderful place for shopping, the internet. You can get your black velvet painting of your favorite Star Wars character and in another window be ordering the Richard Dawkins collection. Nobody knows you’re that eclectic, and it’s much more low key than traipsing around town trying to conceal your weird taste in a clear shopping bag.

This is a new era for shopping. It is also a kinder one for artists and designers. It’s now much easier to sell your work not only to your community or your town, but also to the entire world. There’s online market places tailored to specific crafts, and general hand-made and vintage shops like Etsy where you can buy unique creative things, and Society 6 where small artists can sell their designs as prints, phone cases or t-shirts. Marktplaats is a great place to find treasure. The point is that it’s much easier for both seller and buyer to be present in the marketplace because both can be there in the comfort of their home.

Both could be in their pants for all anybody knows. It’s a much more comfortable way to be.

Q: Where does this old dude and his black-faced friends come from?

A: Sinterklaas is said to have originated from St. Nicolaus, the Bishop of Mira, who lived in Turkey in the 3rd century. According to the legend, he saved the town from starvation, revived a couple of dead children, and offered gifts of dowries to poor girls so they didn’t have to become prostitues. Hence, a pretty saintly dude.

Q: How does he get to the lowlands?

A: Nowadays, he sails in from Spain on a boat in late November and rides about the town on a white horse named Amerigo (don’t ask) with a handful of black-faced friends who throw things at people.

Q: Huh? Who are these black guys? Bodyguards? Elves?

A: These friends, Zwarte Piets, are Sint‘s mischievous helpers and they can be seen through town violently whipping hard-stone like cookies (aka: pepernoten) at children and passerby’s. Duck!

Q: I don’t get it. Why are their faces painted black?

A: Please. Save yourself the trouble and don’t go asking this question in your Dutch workplace. You won’t make any friends. You can speak your mind here.

Q: Wait. Am I allowed to say anything critical about the Sinterklaas tradition?

A: No. Q: Ok…back to the basics then. When is it officially celebrated?

A: Get out your Dutch-people agendas! Although he makes his first appearance mid- November, Sinterklaas doesn’t get into the full swing of things until December 5th.

Q: This is the poem and presents stuff right?

A: Yeppers. On the eve of the 5th (pakjesavond) children place their shoes by the fireplace (although hardly any Dutch homes have them), by the radiator (how the heck do the presents get through that?) or by the door (for the brighter Dutch children) and eagerly await their presents.

Q: What do they get?

A: Back in more modest times, presents consisted of mandarin oranges, chocolate letters (the initial of your first name), chocolate coins or marzipan figures. Surprisingly, no Dutch licorice or dairy! Nowadays, full fledged gift giving is in effect with the average Dutch home spending upwards of 130 EUR on presents.

Q: Why did my boss write me a sarcastic poem?

A: Adults get into full swing by writing witty poems to poke fun (or publicly chastise) their family or friends and often accompanied by a gift exchange (similar to a ‘Secret Santa’). The poems are often funny and of course, involve Dutch directness!

Q: This whole Sinterklaas dude seems pretty familiar. Are you saying the Dutch invented the North American Santa Claus?

A: Closely related Sinterklaas figures are celebrated in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium as well as French Flanders. Scandinavian folklore has a ‘nisse’ character who is pretty similar. Santa Claus is thought to be a combination of Sinterklaas and the British Father Christmas.

Phew! That should cover the basics! Now go out, eat some pepernoten, speculaas, and kruidnoten, write some poems, buy some presents, paint your face black and join in the fun! Easy enough, eh? ;) Copyright: www.stuffdutchpeoplelike.com

YOU are invited to the Stuff Dutch People Like book launch!

Join author Colleen Geske for the official book launch on Saturday, November 16th at the American Book Center in Amsterdam.

Books will be signed, VL92 Gin will be served and Dutch people (and all their peculiarities) will be analyzed, questioned and celebrated!

WIN a FREE copy see our website for more information.

Minna Sun Kim : Underwater Cartoons ©

News & Views

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Issue 19. November/December 2013

Streeters The Underground’s reporter Dorine Schreiner asked people on the streets of The Hague: What is the best present you have ever received?

Chris Wierikx, 28, student and Dutch champion archery

‘My best friend went to the beach on my birthday.

I joked that he should take a piece back for me.

When he returned, he had put a bit of dune grass, feathers and shells in a jar as a birthday gift. It was really funny and touching.’

Joey Johannsen, 56, sustainability co-ordinator at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

‘About 20 years ago, my friend Karen gave me the cutest chubby little striped kitten. When Cody J. greeted me at the front door with his big eyes and little tail straight up in the air, he won my heart. I brought him to the Netherlands from the USA three years ago. In this crazy, seemingly disconnected world, I think Cody’s forever willingness to play, his joy with simple things, his inner peace and his unconditional love are the greatest on-going gifts of life.’

WILLY GOES BOOM •

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byline by Wicked Wendy

have never thought about how packaging affects my life until I met Willy Mooren, owner of BOOM packaging. He started working from his attic in ’99, moving to the study, then the living room, onto an anti-squat office, after that an office in Leidschendam and finally to where he is today with offices in the unique Cabellero Fabriek in The Hague.

Willy drew me into the world of brand identity and packaging with his enthusiastic explanation of how Boom packaging offers a concept that builds a brand. In other words if you are looking to get your brand, product or service onto the market in the most effective way, BOOM can get you there. Philips, Hema, Bijenkorf, Gall & Gall to name just a few have taken advantage of their expertise and clever, out of the box thinking. And talking of boxes, the click close system on the Pickwick tea boxes was designed by BOOM. One of their new products, the bag label, actually came into existence due to Willy sponsoring The Underground. Looking for a better and cheaper way to sponsor art bags for our anniversary bash is how the bag label was born. Once the label is designed you can use it on any bag with a handle making it a much cheaper alternative to having your bags printed.

Natalie Bowman, 25, educational assistant

‘On my 25th birthday, I got the engagement ring of my parents. Even though they’ve been divorced for 19 years, it means a lot to me. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.’

Willy is also one of the founders of Dutch Giraffe, which is an online creative communications company that specialises in digital communication campaigns and online magazines. Willy explains that this is what the future holds. More and more people use internet in their daily lives for searching and reviewing products and services. Dutch Giraffe has a great deal of experience in transforming questions into an actual internet product. This form of advertising and magazines is not only environmentally sounder as it uses no paper but has a much larger reach.

What struck me while I was talking to Willy was the positive energy in the office, the relaxed atmosphere and how much pride he took in the final product. ‘It is often the small, simple yet clever ideas that make the difference’.

Although these new concepts might need new thinking, Willy is there to lead the way so let me leave you with his simple yet effective words

‘Allow yourself to be amazed’ Vera Develing, 31, owner of www.mijncake.nl

‘A hug and a smile! These are priceless, give me instant happiness, and can be given any time.

Presents don’t have to cost a lot. I think it’s more important that something comes from the heart and can be shared. Hugs and smiles give me a warm and pleasant feeling. That is the best present someone can give me.’

For more info: www.boompackaging.com www.dutchgiraffe.com

@undergroundth

@TheUndergroundTH

@undergroundth

Topic

Issue 19. November/December 2013

7

Through the Keyhole: SOAP Treatment Store

treat yourself this holiday season!

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Photos by FDMstudio.eu

W

hen you’re winding down from shopping for family and friends, having visited a bevy of stores and vetted scores of gift options, you might just want to hit the bar. Instead of tossing back a few drinks, though, why not hit the beauty bar at SOAP Treatment Store in The Hague?

Founded in 2005 by Esther Meijer and Stephanie Litjens, SOAP offers comprehensive one-stop beauty shopping. When they opened SOAP, Meijer and Litjens aimed to create an inviting and calm escape from urban life where clients could choose from a range of American-style spa treatment and products. SOAP’s ‘menu’ includes not only traditional beauty and spa offerings such as facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing and massages; but also spray tans, Botox, chemical peels and fillers.

A little more than a year ago, Meijer and Litjens introduced in-store beauty treatment clinics, DOCTORS AT SOAP, which NO TRACE FACE include, a cutting-edge treatment that gives skin a healthy glow while also preserving natural facial movements.

‘aimed to create an inviting and calm escape from urban life where clients could choose from a range of American-style spa treatment and products’ Clients hoping simply for a little ‘me’ time and pampering can sidle up to SOAP’s famous pedicure couch, indulge in longer eyelashes or, of course, check out the beauty bar for a quick eyebrow fix or makeover before a big night out.

Take a break and dip into this oasis of calm and pampering—SOAP offers everything you could ask for in a spa, and more.

Share your insiders tips with us: info@theunderground.nl

What you need to know: Where: Noordeinde 136A Den Haag Contact: T: +31 70 3645350 Email: denhaag@ soaptreatmentstore.com District: City Centre Website: soaptreatmentstore.com

Students

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Issue 19. November/December 2013

Mandates By Molly

By Molly Quel I find that Dutch grocery stores have a really limited selection and I’m missing food from home. Any suggestions?

Dutch grocery stores do seem limited, especially if you come from a place like America, where you’re used incredibly huge stores. That doesn’t mean, however, you have to do without.

First, shop around. Even chain grocery stores, like Albert Heijn, change their selection based on the neighborhood.

If you’re in a neighborhood with a lot of students, expect to see more crates of beer. If you’re in a neighborhood with families, expect to see more diapers. There’s an Albert Heijn near me that actually stocks A&W root beer.

Try the international grocery stores. The Hague has a number of expat shops and while they may cater to a certain nationality, often stock products from all over the world.

One Asian grocery store near my apartment carries corn flour and baking soda.

If you’re really missing food from home you can’t find here, find some people who are traveling back and have them bring you some things. Many expats organize a shopping list before an international trip and bring all sorts of items back for their friends.

I worked for a long time before coming to the Netherlands to pursue a degree. I’m having a hard time adjusting to having so much less disposable income and I don’t know where the best deals are. Where can I find fashionable, affordable clothing?

The stereotype of the Dutch is that they are cheap so finding affordable clothing isn’t really a problem. Store are constantly having sales, for the summer arriving, for the summer leaving, for holidays so shop the sales.

Many stores offer discount cards which, for a small fee, give you access to lots of coupons and freebies. Consider signing up for those at your favorite stores.

Check out the ‘kringloopwinkels’ also known as charity or thrift shops. These places accept donated, second-hand clothing and sell it for very low prices. While you may have to dig, often times you can find a great bargain.

I just landed an internship and need a more professional wardrobe. As a student on a limited budget, should I buy a few expensive pieces which will last a long time or many cheap pieces that won’t?

My approach to this conundrum is a bit of both. I tend to spend more money on basic items that I will wear over and over while purchasing cheap pieces which won’t be in heavy rotation. Decide what the basics will be in your wardrobe and then figure out how to allot your budget.

For example, my black boots, which I wear three or four times a week in the winter, were purchased from a highend shoe store, while my blue, suede stilettos I got from a discount store on sale. I’ve worn those maybe two or three times. I tend to invest in basic jeans while spending less on decorative jeans which will go out of style more quickly.

Check out the thrift shops and your friends’ closets as well.

In university, my friends used to clean out our closets every few months and get together with all the items we didn’t want. Then we’d ‘shop.’

Contact Molly at molly@theunderground.nl

All I Want for Christmas Is my Own Stuff Fixed

The Repair Café: Shopping’s Cosy Alternative •

By Heather Beasley Doyle

din of conversation welcomed visitors to September’s Repair Café at the StadsA boerderij de Gagelhoeve in The Hague in September. As a volunteer walked around with trays of sandwiches, clients held broken appliances and ruined

clothing, waiting their turn, hoping to return home not with worn out goods, but with newly useful items. Repair Café volunteers helped clients from behind tables labelled in Dutch: electrical appliances, bicycles, clothing, textiles, computer and miscellaneous—while a reading table offered magazines to those who waited.

A man with light blond hair and blue glasses inspected a coffee machine at one table, while one table away another man cleaned out a camera flash. Close by, surgery seemed underway, a clock radio wide open, the technician’s screwdriver delicately manipulating its exposed wires. Other patients included a smoke detector, a deep fryer, a sander and a computer printer, while seamstresses gently handled other people’s clothing. Voices occasionally cut through this gentle business; a volunteer called out ‘number 737: toaster oven,’ and looked around for the next person to be helped.

The very first Repair Café took place in October 2009 in Amsterdam with the goal of reducing waste, saving money and building community spirit. Martine Postma organized the all-volunteer initiative, which has since spread throughout the Netherlands, into Europe and beyond, with upcoming events in Germany, Austria and Canada. At the same time, existing Repair Cafés in the Netherlands continue to thrive, with the national organization supporting new branches as they pop up.

The Hague’s Repair Café began about a year and a half ago under the auspices of the Haags Milieucentrum, says Karina Baarda, chairperson of The Hague Repair Café’s steering committee.

Although not everything gets fixed, many items are, with the repairs explained to clients in the process. According to publicity volunteer Esther Reilink, many people end up at the Repair Café frustrated by their simple inability to open an appliance. It can take ‘10--20 minutes to get things open, then two minutes to fix them,’ she said.

The Hague outpost has run very smoothly, with two cafés per month at rotating locations, and is now in the process of becoming completely independent, which means finding more funding and volunteers to ensure a smooth transition. It’s well worth the effort, according to Karina, who calls the Repair Café ‘a marvellous organization,’ in which ‘the art is bringing together a number of handy people.’

Although repairing goods is at the heart of the Repair Café, organizing and fixing things lays the foundation for community building. Repair Café visitors often need a ‘listening ear,’ says Baarda, and an experience of social cohesion. Volunteer and professional organizer Maddy-Devi Homburg enjoys this aspect of helping out, and gladly talks with people during her ‘free office hours’ at The Hague’s Repair Café. She meets many different kinds of people during her volunteer time, and hopes that she can draw upon her professional skills to help them find solutions to their problems, sometimes during very ‘intense conversations.’ Even repair time offers an opportunity for connection, says Nicolette Ernst, who offers sewing repairs. Nicolette adds that she has a repeat client who shows up every month, each time with a different clothing need and a few stories. She comes ‘for the social hour, to talk about her grandchildren…to be cosy and chat.’

As the mid-September Repair Café wound down, a small group of people burst into a round of applause as a technician pried open a purple vacuum cleaner with much effort. Surveying the scene, Esther said: ‘Mission accomplished today, I think.’

To find out the next venue and date, visit: www.repaircafe.nl

Community

Issue 19. November/December 2013

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Your Letters...

THIRTY-NINE YEARS AS GUESTS IN THE HAGUE We are Americans who lived in The Hague from 1968 to 2006. Both of our sons graduated from the Montessori Lyceum. My wife graduated from Leiden University and was the General Counsel for the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Peace Palace. I was the teacher of theater at the American School. It was a glorious time of our life, and we felt sad when we retired to Miami. After so many years, we decided NOT to fly to the States; so, we took a container ship from Antwerp to Liverpool to Philadelphia to Richmond, VA on a nice slow 2 week voyage. This would give us the time to reflect on our memories and start a new life.

BUT….before we left, we had to say goodbye to our dear Saturday friends at the Haagse Markt.

Every single Saturday, except for vacations, even in the pouring rain, the cold, the wind, we would park our car and shop. It became a ritual weekend event. The same families, the same stalls, watching the generations grow up and take over. We became friends of course.

In fact, on our 25th Wedding Anniversary, I threw a party for my wife at the Hotel des Indes and secretly invited all our Haagse Markt friends to attend. I went to the Markt one afternoon and gave each of them an invitation. They brought wonderful gifts, including a statue of a Groente Boer made by the daughter of ‘Dikke Jan.’ The Head Waiter at the hotel, Mijnheer Jansen, gave them a tour of the hotel.

Most of them had been born in The Hague, but had never set foot in the hotel, so it was a special day. Piet van Ravensberger, the Groente Boer, have us a Euro 10 gift for shopping at his stall.

So, the Saturday before we left, we went to the Markt to take photos and kiss ‘our family’ goodbye. It was quite emotional for us and them. In fact, Mohammed had purchased our little Volvo for his daughter, Fatima. We took Tram 11 home with hearts full.

Well, here they are: Barbara, Willem de Kaas Boer, Piet van Ravensberger(Groente) and Mohammed, from Morocco. Best wishes to you all.

Richard Freedberg

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sary BSN Rugby Club- Championship winEnglish Rugby Champions Coaching at the British School

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From 21 - 25 October the British School in the Netherlands Rugby Club is hosted its 4th weeklong Rugby Camp with The Leicester Tigers, ten times Champions of England. The 2013 course was the most popular yet, with over 120 kids aged 5 - 18 years old enjoying the late October sunshine in Voorschoten.

Although the Camp is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the BSN Rugby Club and The Tigers, it was open to players from any club and this year over two-thirds of the participants were from other schools, travelling from all over the country to experience top class rugby training from 7 of the Tigers’ finest Academy coaches and first team professionals.

Based around the four core rugby skills of the Catch & Pass, the Tackle, the Breakdown and Support & Evasion, the kids had great fun developing their rugby skills through games, exercises and match play, whilst on the Thursday they trained with Tigers No 8, Brett Deacon who afterwards answered their questions about life as a professional in the top flight.

As part of BSN Rugby Club’s mission to develop the game of rugby in the Netherlands, on Wednesday evening the Tigers Academy also travelled to Amsterdam to coach 80 men and women from the AAC Senior Rugby Team.

Head Coach, Matt Roper, the common link between the Tigers, BSN and AAC squads commented on the success of the 2013 Camp ‘it’s fantastic to see kids of all ages and from all over the Netherlands enjoying top class coaching from the Tigers professionals. Even the weather is smiling on us!’

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Fashion

Issue 19. November/December 2013

Fashionable THE Hague Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Marjolein de Jong speaks to Underground reporter Priya de Langen about the opening of international stores in the city and the increasing interest in Dutch designers hen it comes to fashion and retail, The Hague offers an W eclectic mix of haute couture, vintage wear and high-street fashion. Shoppers can delight themselves in shopping malls

along Grote Marktstraat and indulge in luxury fashion, shoe and jewellery stores along Hoogstraat, Molenstraat and Plaats.

Over the years, the city has been actively promoting its fashion and retail industry with various events such as the Shopping Night and Residence de la Mode, which have gained good traction.

The Creative Ambassador is part of the programme that helps to provide visibility to the various sectors of the creative industry. ‘Every other year we ask designers from fashion to gaming sectors to become our ambassadors wherever they go. They carry cards to say they are ambassadors to the City of The Hague.’ She adds that it works very well for the ambassadors – doors open more quickly for them in Hague and abroad.

‘They are proud of The Hague and the hospitality we offer them. People come to The Hague and say ‘we hear good things about you, you are helpful and friendly and can you help me’,’ she explains.

Marjolein de Jong, Deputy Mayor, Culture, City Centre and International, Kijkduin, City of The Hague, says Shopping Night has been running for five years.

‘It was conceptualised by a group of entrepreneurs in the city who thought that it might be an excellent idea to attract people to do some shopping.’

The Residence de la Mode has also become an essential platform to promote Dutch designers from across the country. The event, in its fifth edition this year, runs from November 1st to the 10th. It will feature exhibitions, a fashion route, and a concept store, Le Magasin de la Mode at Prinsestraat 2B where different Dutch designers will sell their collections. There is also a special fashion route for expats to explore to help them learn more about Hague and Dutch design.

‘It is another example to be hospitable and help designers find venues where they can sell their fashion,’ says de Jong.

The event, usually done in the third week of June is not just attracting shoppers from the city, but also people around The Hague, like Zoetemeer, says de Jong.

‘It is very cleverly thought of. It is a happy, shopping night event. There is also catwalk in Grote Marktstraat where new fashion is shown. It is a combination of doors open in the shops and fun outside on the streets,’ she explains.

Currently, many Dutch fashion designers can be found in Hofkwartier and Denneweg but the city is increasingly attracting more of them. Sjaak Hullekes recently opened his store in Denneweg and milliner, Evelien Gentis-Smit has a bespoke hat store, Eudia in the same area. Marcha Hüskes also had a pop-up store in Denneweg.

According to de Jong, The Hague will soon be seeing new retail stores opening in various parts of the city centre. Retail giant, Primark, Marks & Spencers and ubiquitous brand, Apple, will be opening stores within the next year.

Besides these areas, she says there are new and upcoming parts of the city that creative sector professionals are setting up their shops like in the Binckhorst, an area close to Voorburg. Old dilapidated buildings and factories have been revamped for creative industry companies. De Besturing showcases sculptors, interior designers and gaming companies, the Caballero Fabriek, (previously a cigarette factory) and Bink 36 are other office complexes within the same area with small creative companies, including fashion designers.

Mall, office and residential complex, New Babylon, located close to Hague central station opened just before summer, says de Jong. ‘They are going to have huge, upscale outlet stores. It is a lively, upcoming area right now. In a year’s time, you might not recognise it.’

The city’s Gemeente Museum has decided to add to the fashion festivities – it is currently showcasing an exhibition, Chanel: De Legende, on the haute couture brand. De Jong says the museum has worked together with the shops in Denneweg so they could showcase Chanel. Also, around the city there are indications of the brand, which will direct people either to the museum or the shops.

Besides international designers, the municipal government of The Hague is actively attracting Dutch designers to its city and promoting them. Hague offers the Creatieve Stad Den Haag (creative city) programme to promote entrepreneurs from all sectors of the creative industry, including fashion designers.

‘Bink 36 was an old telephone company and now buildings (in the complex) are being used by the creative industry and they are doing swell. In Bink 36, I visited two sisters, The Soeurs Rouge. They have their tailor shop and they clothes and leatherwear like bags and belts. There are more (Dutch fashion designers),’ says de Jong.

With all this promotion on fashion and design, when asked if she thinks The Hague might become the ‘fashion capital’ of the Netherlands in the future, de Jong says: ‘It wouldn’t surprise me if it would happen. The level of quality is very high in The Hague and we go for quality. It is part of the city and how we promote the city.’

Topic

the hague’s city centre Will Be home to more than 50 spectacular Winter shop WindoWs, designed By Issue 19. November/December creative2013 minds, entrepreneurs and department stores. take a stroll doWn the main shopping streets,

11

visit the exhiBition, pick your favourite display WindoW, shop, eat, drink, have fun and Win great priZes…

TINK This winter’s best shop windows 12-26 December

FATHER WINTER

amazINg shopwINdows IN The hague www.TINKThehague.com

DECEMBER 2013 CALENDAR FOR DOWNTOWN THE HAGUE 8 DECEMBER

celebrate Christmas with The nutcracker at the Lucent Dance Theatre. The artistic founders of DDDD Rinus Sprong and Thom Stuart will give a traditional production a Hague twist. www.ddddd.nu

WinTER MARkET in the Hofkwartier district near and also inside the Grote kerk (Great Church). www.haagshofkwartier.nl

12 DECEMBER START Tink Amazing Shop Windows Vote for the best winter shop windows. www. tinkthehague.com

14 DECEMBER CHRiSTMAS in HOF VAn WOUW Attractive Christmas market in one of the nicest courtyards in The Hague’s city centre.

Time: 16:30 - 18:30 www.hofvanwouw.nl

brought to you underneath the city’s bridges, with a musical touch. Sobriety, sense of humour, and perhaps a lot of snow and cold temperatures.

A trip onboard an electric boat. The Hague by night. Steamed up glasses. Relish the memory over a bowl of hot boiling pea soup. www.ooievaart.nl

BOxinG DAY Shops are open*.

Last day to marvel at the best shop windows. www.binnenstaddenhaag.com

21 DECEMBER

CARniVALE at the Huijgens Park. 25 magical acts to enchant young and old visitors inside cosy tents. www.scheveningen.com

SHOPPinG niGHT in DOWnTOWn THE HAGUE Late-night Christmas shopping until 21.00. www.binnenstaddenhaag.com

14 & 15 DECEMBER Tink xL The best weekend to marvel at beautiful shop windows in the royal city of The Hague. Street theatre and musical performances will let you know: Father Winter is here. www. tinkthehague.com

19 THRU 23 DECEMBER CHRiSTMAS CRUiSES. Brief winter’s tales, lovely poems and charming anecdotes,

26 DECEMBER

28, 29 & 30 DECEMBER

1 JANUARY THE UnOx nEW YEARS’ DiVE Every year about 10,000 people defy the cold waters at Scheveningen, to celebrate the new Year. www.scheveningen.com

25, 26, 27 & DECEMBER THE nUTCRACkER, A CHRiSTMAS FAiRYTALE in THE HAGUE This year the Dutch Don’t Dance Division will

Winter shopping is a real treat in the hague. But the city has much more to offer. hoW aBout a refreshing Walk at the Beach in scheveningen. or perhaps you feel like spending the Weekend, exploring this part of the netherlands. it might just Be the perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season. for more information, go to WWW.denhaag.com/Winter

SPECIAL DECEMBER OPENING IN DOWNTOWN THE HAGUE Late night shopping every Thursday . Shops open every Sunday . Tink xL 14 and 15 December MORE LATE NIGHT SHOPPING On Thursday 3 December*, Wednesday 4 December*, Saturday 21 December and Monday 23 December THURSDAY 26 DECEMBER BOxinG DAY: OPEn FROM 12.00 to 18.00 MORE SHOPPING INFO on www.baps.nu the shopping app and www.denhaagshopping.com * Some shops might be closed. To make sure, please check the websites of the stores you plan on visiting.

RÉSIDENCE

E D O M A L E D

1—1 0 Parcours de la Mode —fashion route through the royal residence Le Magasin de la Mode —Gallery store Pop-up stores fashion-exhibitions

R E B M E V O N FASHION IN THE HAGUE www.residencedelamode.nl

Issue 19. November/December 2013

Events

Résidence de la Mode

During the five year anniversary of Résidence de la Mode from 1 until 10 November, the city of The Hague will be the centre of Dutch fashion and design. This public fashion event gives visitors the chance to connect with, and be inspired by, some of the Netherlands’ most talented and upcoming designers. Highlight of Résidence de la Mode is conceptstore Le Magasin de la Mode, from which a route through the city centre is set out to lead you to many pop-up stores and expositions. Le Magasin de la Mode is the place where beautiful collections will be available to the public, to allow them to feel, experience and enjoy the best of Dutch fashion design.

Next to the official route during the event of Résidence de la Mode, the Parcours de la Mode, there will be a special route set out for expats, who are eager to learn more about The Hague and Dutch design. The route will take you through the city centre while visiting The Hague’s most interesting and inspiring fashion hotspots, including several Résidence de la Mode pop-up stores and conceptstore Le Magasin de la Mode, Prinsestraat 2d. When joining one of the group tours, with a storyteller and stylist as your guide, Le Magasin de la Mode will be your final stop where you can receive style advice and shop for your ultimate Dutch design outfit.

For more information visit www.residencedelamode.nl

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Fashion

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Issue 19. November/December 2013

Meet the Entrepreneur •

By Lisette van der Ende

M

eet Daniëlle van den Heerik, 21 years old, vintage fashionista and maybe one of the youngest shop owners known in The Hague. This month, she opened a second hand vintage shop in the Papestraat 3. Enough reason to visit Acendi and to meet Daniëlle.

When did you decided to open a vintage shop? What inspired you?

I love vintage clothes, old fur coats and hats. I always search for nice vintage clothes even if it’s not my size. That was my inspiration to start my own business. About one and a half years ago I started looking for a place to start a vintage shop. Last week my dream came true!

Tell me something about the name ‘Acendi’.

Two years ago I chose the name ‘Acendi’. It’s a combination of the English word ‘ascend’ and with a little Latin mix in it. I came up with this name because it means: rising/ starting.

Why do we need to visit your shop? What’s special about Acendi?

If you look for unique clothes in affordable price ranges, you have to visit Acendi. You will find clothes that you cannot find in regular shops in The Hague. Acendi is located in a beautiful shopping area. We offer nice vintage clothes and we have good coffee!

Why do you think vintage clothes are so popular?

Personally, I love to combine modern clothes with vintage. It creates a special look. I think more people nowadays like to create their own special outfit.

What kind of reactions did you received, after the opening of Acendi?

I received many lovely reactions. Everyone is so positive and enthusiastic. People visit the shop to come congratulate me or even give me flowers.

Why The Hague?

The Hague is a beautiful old city; I love the architecture of shopping streets. The Hague gives you a good vibe.

What were some of the unexpected hurdles you have faced? Do you have a team you work with?

Everything went really fast, it was all unexpected. September 18, I came to an agreement with the owner of the shop, the next day I got the keys, bought some paint and started decorating.

A week later me, my family and friends had a toast with champagne for the grand opening of Acendi. My boyfriend was such a good support for me. He helped me realizing this shop and helped me to decorate everything. Of course, my family and friends were/ are also a great support. They all helped me a lot these past few weeks.

What do you do for fun, next to Acendi?

I love snowboarding and travelling with my friends. I also enjoy sushi dinners with my friends and walking on the beach with my dog Rocky.

What makes you happy?

I love to meet new customers who visit Acendi, I want to help them to find a piece of nice vintage. I want to give them a satisfied feeling when they leave Acendi.

Visit www.facebook.com/acendi to find more information.

Opening hours Sunday and Monday from 12.00u till 18.00h Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00u till 18.00h

Freeballers The Underground reporter Wicked Wendy covered the relaunch of this innovative mans jeans brand and this is what we discovered.

Originally an Australian product, it was the philosophy behind the jeans that appealed to five Dutch freewheelers from The Hague area who also happened to realise the potential of this product.

What is this philosophy you might well ask, well the name Freeballers says it all, the built in soft cotton liner gives you the freedom to comfortably go commando. It’s all about ultimate comfort and the ability to move freely. Initially designed for surfers so they could unpeel their wetsuits and just step straight into their jeans, the five from The Hague realised that this could be an advantage for a much broader public.

They have worked really hard to get the recipe right and paid attention to detail. They have produced a high quality, unique, quirky and extremely comfortable product. The liners come in 7 designs and there is a choice of dark or light wash.

Freeballers also sponsor a number of extreme sportsmen as they personify what the brand stands for.

Men such as Rob Broodmaker who lost his leg in Afghanistan and has taken up skydiving, skydiver Jarno Cordia and also Philip van Ees, free runner and president of Progression, not to mention The Hague’s own Patrick Schmitz, lead singer (Splendid) and surfer. Personally I can’t wait for them to bring out the ladies version, whatever they call them, but in the meantime will definitely enjoy seeing my man hang loose. The jeans retail at Baretta or online: www.freeballers.eu

Issue 19. November/December 2013

Fashion

15

Who is Mr Bowman?

•

By Virginia McDonald

Y

ou may recognise Mr Bowman, he gets around quite a bit. On t-shirts, on phone cases, on sweaters, on bags, on lighters and even on jewellery. And not just in The Hague, he travels all around the Netherlands and even overseas. He’s been spotted in Korea, Budapest and Paris. Mr Bowman is somewhat of an existentialist, dry humoured, down to earth, looking for a mate perhaps, perhaps not, he is a fighter against loneliness. So who exactly is Mr Bowman?

Mr Bowman is the design of La Bong, a street fashion brand born and based in The Hague, and the brain child of local graphic designer and illustrator Marieke Bong, better known as Max, who has turned Mr Bowman into a street fashion icon.

After graduating from the Royal Academy of Art, where she now teaches graphic design to young talents, Max began posting her drawings on Facebook where she got an overwhelmingly positive reaction. All of Max’s illustrations, including the charming Mr Bowman, are based on daily life, like the sun who declares ‘I’m so hot’, or the fried egg who says ‘I had potential to be a chicken’, and the ice cream who comments dryly ‘Eat me.’ La Bong brand illustrations started their life on t-shirts and sweaters when Max had the desire to put the illustrations representing daily life, back into daily life, through fashion.

All of Max’s characters are special, but it’s Mr Bowman that is Max’s true passion.

She wants to give him a voice, to use him to tell a story, to give back to the community by being the icon of a cause, the face of a movement. Max doesn’t want La Bong to be the new Nike, she wants La Bong to be the new Nijntje, a symbol people can recognise, a symbol to bring people together and make them smile.

Mr Bowman wants to make people smile, although he doesn’t smile much himself.

He is goofy and he has humour, and people can relate to him. Rumour has it there is a special lady waiting to meet Mr Bowman, we’ll have to wait and see.

Max Bong and Mr Bowman are two very inspiring visionaries from The Hague, combining art and fashion and life. All of La Bong’s designs are consciously made with the environment and human rights in mind, are hand screen printed on the Prins Hendrikstraat in the Hague on high quality garments, and can be shopped at www.labongstore.com

SHOPPING ROUTE: ZEEHELDENKWARTIER Christmas shopping and I am always looking for something special to give, with flair, distinctive designs, not the usual run of the mill.

I need to satisfy the- oh so many eclectic tastes of family and friends and my own. So I am heading to The Zeeheldenkwartier, just south of the City centre to see if my quest for that something special can be found.

1.

Children bookstore: Alice in Wonderland

My first stop is at Alice In Wonderland, Piet Heinstraat 1.

I am told by those in the know that this children bookstore in an institution in The Hague, it has just celebrated 25 years and is a children’s book paradise. The owner, Dieuwke Selman, has been selecting books and selling them all this time. She has a smile and gentle way of directing young and old (presumably there to buy for someone younger) to their preferences. Although books here are mainly in Dutch, not a bad idea to introduce to an international child some Dutch language with beautifully illustrated books to Holland, museums and famous painters of this country. And how better to introduce a child to Jip and Janneke, two famous children book characters so very Dutch, translated into English? I just found some classics in English but I also in French, Spanish, Japanese, Arab.

This is not a shop to visit in a hurry but to saviour slowly, and what, with all these little treasures, old and new stories and poetry, reminiscing and discovering and then with Dieuwke’s incredible knowledge and friendliness in the background, I don’t want to leave, I want to stay, might just throw a little tantrum…

2.

Design Store: Edwin Pelser

My next stop is at the design store Edwin Pelser, Piet Heinstraat 123.

This shop is named after the owner who moved into the creative industry after stints at the Rotterdam Architecture School and Eindhoven Design School. Design became his obsession, not just the visual but the functional, including the experience of objects that surround us. He says that most Dutch designers are trying to tell a story and from here he developed a passion for objects that have a story behind them: ‘ a story adds extra Value’ For example, he shows me the Sticky Lamp, whose designer had observed that bulbs are bought for another function, to be inserted in a lamp, so why not have a bulb with a functional plastic holder around that you can simply stick on the wall, to be used as a reading lamp, in a dark spot in the house as a bedside lamp, or cover a wall with sticky lamps-Brilliant.

He shows me one of his favourites: a candelabra that works with gas, simple, pretty and functional. How about incredible soft blankets made with recycled jeans! I have my work cut out in choosing gifts here.

3.

4.

Alladin’s Cave: Gosma

A walk back to the Zoutmanstraat 6 to visit Gomsa and I think I just walked into Aladdin’s cave.

Hundreds of lamps, hanging and on the wall all engraved, each one unique, different and hand engraved. The owner, originally from Tunisia, explains his family has been in this trade for generations, himself starting to engrave at the age of 9.

He has added lamps from Morocco, Eygpt, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan. He also sell hand painted ceramics by his uncle and his family side, another tradition handed down for generations. Look, discover, the choice is amazing, might have to spend a long time but luckily it is so so illuminated.

Normal Gets You Nowhere

Back toPrins Hendrik Square and down the Prins Hendrik straat to number 74, to Normal Gets you Nowhere.

T-shirts, shoes, accessories, bijoux, all in sustainable materials. I talk to the young owner, Babiche, who was inspired by the title of a book by Kelly Cotrone for the name of her shop and by Cotrone’s views on how to create your own brand with your distinctive personality, what it means to live in this world as a tuned-in, caring individual with a passion for making a difference. And Babiche is strongly minded towards sustainable fashion, organic and fair traded. And what a great eye for details! Wonderful scarves, nice-fitted t-shirts, even some designed by herself and by her sister, with printed photos from her father, a professional photographer. Her garments have stories as well. Like the cosy knitted jumpers that are knitted by an 84 years old lady in The Hague, that she also sells. I love it all!

5.

Game Store: Spelhuis

My next stop is the Spelhuis , Zoutmanstraat 94 and I chat with the co-owner Steven. The shop was born out of a hobby of playing board games and he explains the developments that have taken place over the last 20 year, from classics such as Monopoly, Risk or Settlers of Catan, to games that are really more engaging, both intellectually and more fun to play.

And the passion for what they sell goes on: there are hundreds of games, age of 2-to 99, and he has played every single one of them: ‘customers want to know the details so we play them first, the only way to really know the games is to play them’.

In the back of the shop there are tables where people come and play as well, they find board partners at their level, make friends and enjoy the social interaction. I hear a kid’s comment: ‘Better than watching TV or playing computer games on your own’ The Spelhuis has also a wall of puzzles on offer and this is really the best stocked game store in The Hague. Great place for more interactive presents.

6.

Atelier/Shop: Tas-Ka

Prins Hendrik straat to number 97, Tas-Ka. Jantien and Hester are textile-designers and Tas-Ka is their atelier/ shop that they moved to Zeeheldenkwartier in 2010. Their latest collection of fabrics are printed all in cotton and made in the Netherlands. The shop sells funky living accessoriesmostly made by them: pillow cases, t-towels, table cloths. They have added pieces from other designers; paper lamps from Finland, cute pots from Austria, posters and stationary. ‘ If we like it we want to sell it’ says Hester. I am impressed by their way of thinking and in providing customers with the best in close coordination with their style. This is a great gift shop.

I won’t be going to Berlin or New York to find those alternative gifts, I won’t be scouring the web for hours, I have found everything I wanted in trendy Zeehelden, The Hague.

History

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Issue 19. November/December 2013

shopping for memories •

By Susan Gould

People shop for many different reasons. For some it is retail therapy, others may be seeking a gift for a friend or family member and then there are those who are looking to buy a memory.

Something that takes you back to a time or a place that holds a special meaning and there is a small shop on Piet Heinstraat that offers exactly that.

Leo Wisselink was an artist, who sadly passed away this year, but who clearly loved his pets and had a great passion for painting The Hague.

His work can still be seen and bought in his shop and ranges from small postcards costing a few Euros to large framed pieces that are up to 350 Euro. You may need to call for an appointment in advance as the shop does not hold conventional hours but Leo’s work has a specific style of its own and should be seen before all of his last remaining prints are sold off by the shop.

His pictures hang in rooms all over the world and his work was commissioned by HTM. Trams feature quite a lot in his work as do his beloved pets, Spike and Bo. Leo was a technical draughtsman who enrolled at the Art Academy in Breda doing a part time course and had his first exhibition in Hotel Des Indes in 1986.

He sold 13 out of the 16 pictures and started to concentrate on drawing cityscapes. He completed enough pieces of art to fill 3 books and his latest one is on sale in the Piet Heinstraat shop for less than 30 euros. Two of the prints that this latest book contains are of the Lange Voorhout and Des Indes hotel in the Spring when the crocus are in full bloom and the Gevangenpoort or Prisoners Gate in central Den Haag. Others feature snowy weather and skaters close to the Peace Palace dressed for the cold but clearly having fun. These are great pictures that capture the character and feel of this wonderful city.

Thank you Leo for taking the time to draw and paint these wonderful images, your work is certainly appreciated and respected by people all over the world.

So if you are in the market to buy a special memory of The Hague then visit the little shop on Piet Heinstraat (www.leowisselink.nl) and see his work for yourself before they are all gone. You won’t be disappointed.

Denneweg - debestpix.com ©

The Denneweg The Denneweg in the old city centre is a wonderful street for shopping or going on the razzle. The first houses were constructed about 1390 and at that time were still made of wood. The name Denneweg is a degenerative word for Duineweg (Dune street). People have called it the Denneweg since the 19th century.

The Denneweg ran from the Voorhout right to the sea. It was an extremely long road or actually more like an extremely long sandy track. Nowadays, only the road between Vos in Tuinstraat and the Mauritskade is actually called the Denneweg. After which it becomes the Frederikstraat, which stops at the Javastraat.

Sandy Track There is no longer any question of it being a long path to the sea, mainly because in the middle of the 17th century the paved Scheveningseweg was constructed. The Denneweg still holds the characteristic contours of a meandering sandy track. As do the other very old streets of The Hague, such as the Raamstraat, the Westeinde, the Oude Molstraat and the Molenstraat, every single one another delightful street.

The Mallemolen The Mallemolen is a distinctive residential court in the heart of the Archipel neighbourhood. It is situated between the Javastraat, the Laan Copes van Cattenburgh, the Paramaribostraat, the Surinamestraat and the Balistraat and contains about 55 extremely small houses that became the residence to a unique generation of artists, writers, poets, sculptors, actors and performers during the post war years of the 20th century.

Storm The ‘Malle Molen’ was the nickname of a large windmill situated near the Noordeinde facing Scheveningen. Unfortunately it was not a good year to build a mill, as soon afterwards three of its wings were lost in a heavy storm. The fourth wing although badly damaged was still attached, which is how the mill remained for many years in a field next to a farm. It was a very strange sight, which is how it got the name ‘Malle Molen’ (Silly Mill). It was demolished in 1693. The residential court itself dates back to1868.

Jan Cremer The oldest part of the Mallemolen court was built at the end of the 18th century to house French soldiers during the Napoleonic era. And the most recent addition was built circa 1830 when the Netherlands and Belgium were briefly united. Many renowned Dutchmen have lived here, such as, Jan Cremer, Kees van Bohemen, Lotti van der Gaag, Dolf de Vries, Helga Ruebsamen, F.B. Hotz and Paul van Vliet.

Book Recently, a wonderful book was published about the lives and work of the exceptional, often nationally acclaimed group of artists and residents of the Mallemolen. The authors’ art dealers/gallery owners Jan van den Elshout and Myra Landsman-Maas, by recording the personal memories of former residents and their descendants as well as extensive archive research have managed to produce an atmospheric portrait of the years circa 1945 to 1970.

The story is set off with a historical sketch of the court before the seventies and an extensive overview of the works of most of the residents in the three decades after the war. Landsman and Van den Elshout saw the chance to provide a fascinating insight into the artistic life in a neighbourhood and time that, in the meantime, seems to belong in the past.

Copyright www.ifthenisnow.nl Translated by Wicked Wendy

Unique Public There are many old houses situated on the Denneweg. The proximity of the stately Voorhout and age-old canals – Smidswater, Gietkom, Nieuwe Uitleg, Prinsessegracht and Hooigracht – make the whole area, ‘buurt 2005’, a popular spot for strutting your stuff, shopping and going out. There are predominantly antique dealers and retailers located here but also a lot of good restaurants and appealing café’s. Although this street is situated relatively far away from the other main ‘going out’ area it is always busy. The area attracts its own public and it has just always been that way.

Atmosphere At the end of the eighties the whole neighbourhood was a great place to go out. There was Swanky’s on the Hooigracht, Blitz and New Wave, The Maliehuisje in the Maliestraat for disco and cafe 2005 on the Denneweg. At that time the Herengracht and Albertos were also a fantastic place to be. In the nineties the catering industry on the Herengracht went into decline from which it is only just recovering. But the Denneweg remained a lively and fun spot. The busiest evenings over the last 25 years were undoubtedly the warm June evenings of 1988 when the Netherlands did so well during the European Championship in Germany.

Clinton It was a unique occasion for the area when President Clinton walked through this and other adjacent streets in 1998. The Hague, and especially the ‘buurt 2005’ area, made such a deep impression on him that he returned, in his own time, in 2001 to visit.

The Clinton’s never forgot The Hague and almost immediately after being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Hillary Clinton decided to return to The Hague to take part in the Afghanistan Conference.

Copyright www.ifthenisnow.nl Translated by Wicked Wendy

Issue 19. November/December 2013

WIN

19

Ariane Inden Beauty Store & Salon in The Hague!

A

riane Inden has recently opened a Flagship Beauty Store and Salon on the Denneweg. The store provides the Ariane Inden experience that has been successful in so many countries internationally; offering luxury cosmetics, perfumes and lifestyle products as well as beauty treatments in its beauty salons. As an introduction, Manon Gordijn, beautician at the salon invited me for an Ariane Inden’s facial. She explains what to expect and I am exited with anticipation.

The skin analysis and the skin advice are standard with every beauty treatment and are based on 48 different skin types. Mine shows that I have a stressed skin. Don’t worry, Ariane Inden ensures plenty of relaxation and can do immediately something about this This feels great, why am I not doing this more often? Out of the many products the best combination for my skin is chosen. Manon is explaining patiently what the products are and what they do. It is obvious that real professionals are working here, who undergo continuous training. My skin is cleansed, steamed, massaged and intensively scrubbed.

I then enjoy the ensuing peacefulness during the Intensive Moisturizing mask. Treatment completed, my skin now feels very soft and sooth and another skin analysis shows that my skin condition has improved significantly!

For even more indulgence, I get a makeup and advice. How pleasant to see that they really take time for you. What an experience! Makeup is also something which is managed professionally I am told how to emphasize my strong points and explained makeup techniques that can be applied at home. How convenient!

I leave the beauty salon and shop feeling completely reborn. It worked. I am starting the weekend totally stress free and feeling pretty! Would you like to experience a relaxing Ariane Inden treatment?

By showing this article, you will receive a Lifting Eye Zone Cream worth € 41.50 as a gift with a treatment from 60 minutes (€ 60) Ariane Inden Flagship Beauty Store & Salons Denneweg 21A - The Hague 070 - 7670589 www.arianeindendenhaag.nl

WIN

statue

Tell us WHO IS THIS & WHERE can WE in the Hague and you win find this 1x Ariane Inden Beauty voucher worth €95!

Email win@theunderground.nl *ends December 15, 2013

Travel

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Issue 19. November/December 2013

Mindfulness The Underground Meets Hans Kloosterman, Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher In the centre of The Hague, in the beautiful Spaansche Hof on the Westeinde, a sign for LINgGAN Yoga & Lifestyle points to a buzzer and then to a lift to the second floor. Entering the facility, calm large rooms with beautiful exposed-beam ceilings and wooden floors welcome you. I met Hans Kloosterman here and followed him to the most spectacular rooftop I have seen in The Hague; a real oasis of peace in the middle of the city centre, with views of church spires on both sides. Hans gives classes up here, weather permitting.

Why is there so much interest in yoga and mindfulness now?

“There has been a shift in the last 15--20 years for most westerners from a purely materialistic lifestyle to searching for a different way of living, not necessarily religious, but more spiritual. Many westerners have a high level of material wellbeing but still feel a sort of emptiness and dissatisfaction, a sense of being disconnected from physical and emotional feelings and searching to overcome the emptiness. This is why the demand for yoga has been increasing and nowadays you can find a yoga school in almost every street of big cities around Europe. Yoga, in its different forms, brings balance between the mental/emotional and physical levels.”

What got you into this practise and what methods do you use?

“I was in a high-flying job and very stressed out, so I started yoga in 2000 and gradually wanted to learn more. In 2002, I started a three-year teacher training for Hatha yoga and a two-year course for meditation from the Hindu tradition that originates from North India. I then met the Dalai Lama during a three-day seminar in Brussels and I felt it was natural for me to move from Hinduism to study Buddhism. I went to Nepal and Tibet, to various monasteries. A monk I met there told me about a great Buddhist monastery in Belgium, in the Ardennes, where I could study. I have been studying with long stays at this monastery since 2006 with my tutor, Lama Zeupa. I began teaching yoga there and began mixing the two forms of Hatha yoga and Tibetan yoga in my classes. I have also added techniques and practises of Qigong recently”.

Tell me more about mindfulness.

“Mindfulness stems from Buddhist introspective psychology practices and was made popular in the West in the late 70’s by Jon Kabat-Zinn, who used the technique to develop Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. It has since been used to treat stress and depression and people with permanent physical pain. Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness is famous: ‘Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.’ There are other definitions of mindfulness and a common theme among various definitions is a general receptivity and full engagement with the present moment. I often use the definition: Waking up from a life lived on automatic pilot and based in habitual responding.

Through mindfulness we can move away from our automatic pilot; we gradually become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and body sensations from moment to moment, and we give ourselves the possibility of greater freedom and choice.

The benefits are many, mostly greater energy, enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem. It also provides the ability to cope more effectively with stressful situations.

Mindfulness is simply a way to notice thoughts, physical sensations, sights, sounds, smells, anything we might not normally notice. The actual skills might be simple, but because they are so different from how our minds normally behave, they take practice. I teach people the techniques and help them to become more aware of aspects of themselves. Once you are able to recognise patterns of behaviour, you are able to change these patterns. The results are wonderful; it makes you able to make different choices if you want, change the way you live and enjoy yourself more.”

Hans Kloosterman teaches yoga and mindfulness at LINgGAN and at HealthCity in The Hague. He also offers private yoga and mindfulness lessons.

His 8-week mindfulness group programme begins in February 2014. He teaches both in English and Dutch. For more information see:www.hanskloosterman

Her Excellency mrs. nassima baghil of algeria

meet the ambassador

er Excellency, Mrs. Nassima Baghli, Ambassador of Algeria in the H Netherlands speaks to Dicky Riel about her work in The Hague, living in the Netherlands and the quality of life in Holland.

The Algerian Embassy is located in a very picturesque green and charming area, not far away from Scheveningen seaside. Ambassador Baghli is very enthusiastic about being in the Netherlands. She finds the Dutch people agreeable, always willing to give a helping hand. They are also very energetic and creative. The Ambassador is particularly impressed by the great interest in culture in this country. She is keen and, when possible, attends cultural events, notably Holland Festivals. Ambassador Baghli comments that she finds the Holland Festivals particularly important because people have the opportunity to learn about cultures from all over the world.

This year she attended El Gusto performance in Amsterdam. El Gusto is composed of musicians from different backgrounds who all have links with Algeria and who perform a typical music called Chaabi, which has its origin from a famous old district in Algiers called The Casbah. They are touring all over the world and enjoying a great success.

Ambassador Baghli also comments that she has a number of friends in the Netherlands who, when possible for her to arrange and between her many duties, have encouraged her discover this beautiful country. There are so many interesting places to visit. The Hague, according to the Ambassador, has all the assets of a city without the inconveniences.

In the ‘country of the bicycle’, Ambassador Bahgli also peruses this healthy means of transportation and enjoys biking from time to time. Ambassador Baghli mentioned that she also followed the advice by Mr. Dicky Riel in his page ‘Hidden Paradise’ in a previous edition of The Underground magazine and went to visit the charming village of Sint Martens Latem in neighbouring Belgium. She is grateful to him for this tip.

As to the cooperation between Algeria and the Netherlands, there are so many opportunities for business between the two countries. Algeria is particularly interested in the Dutch know-how in the areas of agriculture and water management. Algeria exports oil and gas to the Netherlands. Mrs. Baghli is very optimistic about the evolution of relations between the two countries. Algerian people appreciate a lot of Dutch products. For example, they can now find some Dutch cheeses in supermarkets.

And on the cultural side, Algeria has also a rich cultural heritage with many sites classified by Unesco as World Heritage such as the Roman relics of Tipasa, near Algiers.

Algeria itself is developing its tourism. It is the largest country in Africa. The landscape varies a lot; from the Mediterranean Sea, to mountains, to desert. ‘We are working hard to increase our infrastructure and tourist accommodation. We have a number of beautiful beaches and the south of the country, and towards the Sahara desert there are many historically important places and culture.’ Ambassador Baghli encourages Dutch people to discover the different facets of her country. She recently had the pleasure of discovering some photographs taken by Dutch travellers in Algeria from the beginning of the 20th century.

She adds that the Panorama of Algiers is one of the most beautiful photographs she has ever seen of the Bay of Algiers.

Issue 19. November/December 2013

Archive

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Christmas Memories of the

Hongerwinter Reina van Nieuwkerk -Rácz looks at how one Haagse family celebrated Christmas during the darkest time of the war In the autumn of 1944 Allied Forces had liberated the south of Holland but the west of the country, roughly the area above the great rivers, was still occupied. The Dutch Government in exile in London, certain that the war would be over before Christmas, had ordered the Dutch national railways, the Nederlandse Spoorwegen, to strike in concurrence with ‘Operation Market Garden’ to further Allied liberation efforts for the rest of the Netherlands. The national railway complied and on 17 September 1944 railway staff did not show up for work, many had gone into hiding assisted by the local underground. The Germans were not in possession of the railway employment records making it near impossible to track down the strikers. Quick to recruit new railway workers from Germany, they retaliated by placing an embargo on all food transports to the west of the Netherlands. For many historians this was the beginning, as well as the cause, of the terrible Dutch famine known as the Hongerwinter, the hunger winter.

The areas affected by the famine were home to 4.5 million people. Although in early November 1944 the restriction was partially lifted allowing limited food transports over water, an early and unusually harsh winter had set in. The frozen canals made it impossible for barges to pass and bring relief in the form of food, coal and medication.

An estimated 20,000 people died of starvation.

Maria Brasser, today a feisty 74 year old, was only seven during the Hongerwinter yet she remembers it well. She was living with her parents and two brothers, aged four and twelve, in The Hague. Despite the stark circumstances, on Christmas Eve her parents, devout Catholics, did as they had always done, they celebrated Christmas.

for cooking meals. It stood in the sitting room warming the house - if they had anything to burn. Coal was nowhere to be found even on the black market. Even though it was illegal, people cut down garden trees and in the worse case would burn their furniture, abandoned homes were ransacked for anything that could burn. Maria tells how her older brother, Piet, always cold and always hungry, would go out in search for fallen coals along railway lines.

‘I remember one afternoon Piet had not come home from playing outside and my mother suspected he had gone out to forage coals by the railway station with his friends. It was cold outside and starting to get dark and, despite my age, she sent me out to go and find him. Walking along the road I encountered two German soldiers being shouted at by a woman and when one of the soldiers raised his gun at her she suddenly grabbed me using me as a shield. I could smell the tangy leather of her brown coat as she tightly pressed me against her. People out on the streets stopped in their tracks, the silence was shrill, everyone holding their breath. It looked like musical statues, except this wasn’t a game. The soldier shouted that he would shoot and I felt the woman loosen her hold on me. Next thing I knew she abruptly dropped me and I landed hard on the pavement. The soldier grabbed the woman roughly by the shoulder and I ran home all the way forgetting my brother.’

With the paper blackout blinds pulled down and the red

After October 1944 butter was no longer available, meat coupons became worthless. The bread ration fell to one loaf a week and, with the allotted one kilogram of potatoes, formed the entire weekly food allowance.

‘What did we eat that Christmas?’ Maria laughs. ‘It was the hongerwinter, it’s maybe hard to imagine now, but there was no food readily available. Food father would light the was rationed, sparse and often rotten. You didn’t peel your potatoes, you ate them skin and all. We Christmas candles must have had something mashed with our potatoes, ‘Even though it was war time and there wasn’t maybe tulip bulbs or sugar beets, maybe a carrot? much to celebrate, my parents still decorated the My mother must have kept some flour and sugar Christmas tree in the sitting room behind closed aside for I remember that each child had a small doors. With the last glass ball and candle in place, we were called in to crumbly Christmas biscuit in the shape of a star.’ admire the tree in all its glory. It was a magical moment. It wasn’t a real tree of course, a wooden rod acted as the trunk, which was wrapped with It was her father who would venture out with a group of friends in search wire that extended into branches, they in turn were covered with green of food, walking for tens of kilometers at a time. A much older cousin of dyed goose feathers. They looked like real pine needles; the tips had artifiMaria’s who lived in Wassenaar, no longer in possession of her bicycle, cial red berries. It was so beautiful,’ she recalls with a smile. would roller-skate where possible scavenging for food to feed her children.

Like so many others, Maria’s father traded his wife’s jewelry and later The glistening tree on top of a small round table stood in a tree-stand that small pieces of antiques with farmers for anything edible. Her mother in relooked like a red wooden box. In fact it was a music box. With the paper turn, always did her best to prepare something warm for supper, however blackout blinds pulled down and the red curtains securely drawn her father meagre. would light the Christmas candles, in actual fact, short stumps frugally salvaged from previous Christmases. A full bucket of water stood next to Shortly before the liberation in May 1945, some relief had come in the the table, no one wanted a fire. form of ‘Swedish bread’, which was made from flour shipped in from Sweden via the Red Cross. The bread was baked locally in the Nether‘Papa would announce that ‘the Christ Child is born’ and my mother gathlands. The Dutch government had turned towards neutral Sweden for help. ered us around the little porcelain nativity figures and retold the story of The ties between the Swedish and Dutch royal families were strong and the Bethlehem. Papa always kept the key of the music box in his jacket pocket Swedes had reacted immediately. and to the delight of us children would ceremoniously take it out and wind up the box that made the tree gently turn to the tune of ‘Silent Night, Holy ‘I still remember the taste of that bread; it was delicious - like Sunday Night’ and we sang along. Then the candles were snuffed between licked cake,’ Maria remembers. fingers, one by one.’

Prince Bernhard, the Dutch Queen’s son-in-law, appealed to the allies on During this final Christmas of the war, Maria remembers that she did rebehalf of his people to negotiate a temporary truce with the Germans alceive a Christmas present. It was a beautiful red cardigan with mismatched lowing food drops over occupied areas. On 29 April 1945, an RAF Avro buttons. Her two brothers received deftly knitted scarves and woolly hats Lancaster bomber, with a crew of seven young men, including five essential to keeping warm in those bitterly cold times.

Canadians, took off from England despite no official ceasefire agreement.

The crew dropped small parachutes, apparently made from white hand‘Mama had made the presents from the salvaged wool of an old blanket. kerchiefs, with chewing gum and sweets for the children before dropping Weeks before Holy Night had been spent knitting by the sparse light of food packages above the Malieveld. a dying fire, electricity and gas had been shut off. Re-used boxes were cheered up by decorating them with coloured angel-face prints surrounded ‘Funnily enough, I always thought that they dropped bread but now I know by white feathers; these were always neatly handed back to mother for that wasn’t so. I still cherish my childhood memory, even though it’s wrong, Christmasses to come.’ of loaves falling from the heavens, perfectly shaped, tasting like cake.’

curtains securely drawn her

Like many families, they also had a cleverly converted stove called a noodkachel, emergency stove, which could burn anything and was used

Art & Design

22

Expat day at Gallery 1646 Located in the center of The Hague is a vibrant international NGO presenting cutting edge contemporary art.

At 1646 you will meet and mingle with international artists and creative’s, experience new trends in the visual arts. 1646 is organised by expats and a big part of the audience is from the international community of The Hague.

1646 organizes exhibitions as well as lectures, concerts and events in their location on Boekhorststraat 125, a two minutes walk from Grote Markt.

On Friday November 8, all expats are welcome to have a drink with us and get acquainted with the gallery! For this occasion a special guided tour is organized around the exhibition titled ‘The hand, the eye and it’ by Hedwig Houben.

During the tour Rob Leijdekkers, artist and lecturer at AVK St.Joost, Academy of Arts Breda, will talk about his views on the show and on Houbens work.

The event is free but limited, please send an email to info@1646.nl to confirm your presence.

Boekhorststraat 125 2512CN - The Hague - NL www.1646.nl

Issue 19. November/December2013

Issue 18. November/December 2013

Art & Design

23

Het Prinsenhof, Delft museums Underground Part IiI •

By Damini Purkayastha

useums are protectors of the past. But some, like Museum M Het Prinsenhof in Delft, have also been witness to it. Set in a 15th century building, the museum traces its roots through some of the most important periods of Dutch history.

A heritage that makes its maintenance daunting and expensive. ‘The building is an important part of the collection of the museum, but it is expensive to maintain. Especially in times of economic crisis. Until 2012, there were three municipal museums in Delft, now Het Prinsenhof is the only one left,’ says Bas van der Wulp, the stadshistoricus (city historian) of the Delft Archive.

An archway across the Old Church marks the entrance to the museum. Built as a small home for nuns of the religious movement Modern Devotion, in 1404 it officially became the monastery of St Agatha. In its best days 125 nuns lived on the complex in seclusion from the city. In 1572, after the rift with the Roman Catholic Church, the monastery was confiscated by the city and given to William of Oranje and his troops. ‘The nuns were not persecuted but were allowed to stay on in the complex as long as they lived,’ says Bas. But the building does have a bloody past. At the base of the main staircase, around the corner from what was once the dining hall, a bullet hole marks the spot where William of Oranje was murdered. The walls are cold and the windows are boarded to keep external light out. The effect is fittingly chilly.

Modernity infringes in the guise of beeping white machines. The much-needed humidifiers, installed to ensure that the climate is optimum for the collection.

Unlike newer museums, the temperature controls here couldn’t be centralised or hidden away. ‘We need permission before making the smallest change because the building is a heritage site. Most importantly, any change we make must be reversible without damage,’ he explains.

Accordingly, faux walls have been put up in room to create partitions and extra display space. Some of the lighting fixtures have been drilled into old pipes. ‘The building authorities weren’t happy about that, but we had to find a compromise. Paintings require a certain kind of lighting which is bound to a strict maximum.’

The overall ambience, however, is perfect. In the ground floor, architecturally most reminiscent of the monastery, the collection of paintings introduces you the religious movements that shaped the Netherlands. The second floor is where the history of the city is on display. The museum’s prized collection of paintings by the great masters of the St Luke’s Guild include old maps, portraits of rich merchant families, and several painting on the Great Fire of 1536.

‘Some works are on loan from families, some from the National Collection,’ says Bas, pointing out a set of important portraits recently bought at an auction. These life size portraits are of artist Willem de Langue and his wife Maria Pijnacker. Painted on a black background, both wearing black robes, the paintings hang against a stark white wall. Right across the room, through a low, arched door, a dark landscape painting is visible. The door serves partly as a frame and partly as a window.

‘With some paintings, you really can’t imagine them being on display anywhere else,’ he says.

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People & Passions

Issue 19. November/December 2013

A contribution to the world of action sports •

By Kathinka Gaess

A

lmost everybody knows someone who set up an own business, some more, some less successful.

Have you ever asked yourself what it takes to be an entrepreneur? What drives those people to start up and become self-employed? Is there actually a recipe for becoming a successful entrepreneur? On the basis of his own experience, Michiel Roukens, founder of the website OWNR, provided me with an insight of what it needs to start up and manage an own business.

Meet Michiel Roukens: A young, active guy with a smile on his face, a black hoody and a cap, welcoming me in a huge abandoned, white office building next to Den Haag Centraal station which he is currently taking care of. Michiel carries a skateboard all the time, ready to ride it in the long hallways of the building. It was therefore no surprise hearing him saying: ‘I was always doing action sports since I was 12 years old - always doing a lot of skating, a lot of snowboarding and a lot of wakeboarding.’ Before he started doing business, he actually moved to a small Austrian mountain place and ‘lived like a king’, while following his passion, snowboarding.

Coming back to the Netherlands, he thought that it was time for studying. He tried out various studies but the one which really attracted his attention was marketing. During his studies, he realized that he wanted to be an entrepreneur. He tested out smaller projects like starting his own small photography school. ‘I wanted to do the things for myself. Starting my own things just works better for me.’ A strong vision and his own philosophies are what distinguish Michiel from many people: ‘I think every person is here to make a contribution to the world. You are here on a kind of mission and you have some skills, you have the ability to give something back to the world.’

And this exactly is what Michiel is trying to do - a contribution to the world. However, it becomes clear that vision and philosophies are not the only factors adding to the recipe of becoming an entrepreneur. Looking at this character, a creative mind, a strong will to go for something you believe in and the courage to start something which might fail, can be observed: ‘I can also say about myself that I am not afraid to fall, you know. I am not afraid to make a mistake...’

With his recipe of mixing up courage, his strong will, visions and philosophies and his passion for action sports, Michiel created OWNR. OWNR is an online platform for ‘young kids in actions sports to show themselves’. It is about ‘young kids’ skating around with the boards, finding a nice skate spot, doing a trick which they film and upload to the OWNR website. Others can then start to challenge this person by uploading their own tricks they did on the same spot. Online, people can vote for the best trick and decide about the owner of the spot.

For those young talents, OWNR might become essential, not only because they will gain popularity, but also because competing, filming and voting is something skaters are doing all the time. ‘We are gamifying the experience you actually have when you are a skateboarder or a snowboarder,’ Michiel explains.

After the recent website launch, an app is going to follow soon.

Michiel is currently travelling a lot to competitions within the Netherlands to gain publicity for his website. Kids riding skateboards with OWNR- stickers and groups discussing whether to upload this trick to OWNR or not is what he likes to see. His efforts slowly yield fruit: ‘They all want us to come along and the brands want to try it and are interested in it, so those are all really good signs’, he says with a large smile.

Together with a designer and a programmer who became his partners, Michiel is making a dream come true. Although he thinks to be outgrown of the group of ‘those kids’, he still loves doing tricks and competing with his friends: ‘That feeling never dies.’

One day, Michiel sees himself advising other start-ups: ‘I always get really excited when I hear other people’s ideas and I like to help them out.’ Likewise, other people have been helping him in terms of financial aid, knowledge and networks.

From Michiel, young entrepreneurs can definitely learn how to develop visions, passion, courage and a strong will for an idea. ‘I always strongly believe in something and when I believe in something, I go for it completely’, says Michiel and disappears in the big white empty building in order to spend time on the website for OWNR – something that means the world to ‘those kids’ out there.

Issue 19. November/December 2013

Music

Music programme REWIRE Festival completed More than thirty performances at six locations in the city centre of The Hague on November 8 and 9 On Friday 8 and Saturday 9 November the third edition of REWIRE Festival will take place in the city centre of The Hague.

Adding Modeselektor + vj Pfadfinderei, Traxx, Lumisokea, 751, Loyu, Still Serious Nic and Intergalactic Gary to the bill, the music lineup is now completed. Furthermore, as several artists on the line up have released albums on the adventurous contemporary jazz label ECM, the short film ‘People to be Resembling’ of The Otolith Group will be shown. The performance of Old Apparatus is cancelled. More information on the art and film programme to follow shortly. Tickets are available through www.rewirefestival.nl With more than thirty performances, REWIRE Festivals will offer a view on current developments in music and related visual arts over two days. On the basis of the music pillars leading innovatory electronic music producers, indie classical/chamber pop, post punk and Nordic jazz plus an art, performance and film programme, there is so much to discover. The exhibition called Momentum runs until December 14, in cooperation with State-X New Forms Festival. For the first time REWIRE Festival this year will take place in the city centre of The Hague at several locations within walking distance of one another: Teresia van Avila Church, Prins27, GEMAK, Kino, Acte de Présence and Paard van Troje.

© Lucrecia Dalt by Tonje Thilesen

REWIRE FESTIVAL 2013 Friday November 8 & Saturday November 9, The Hague Weekend Ticket: € 37,50 / Day ticket: € 25 Locations: Prins27 (Prinsegracht 27), Teresia van Avila church (Westeinde 12a, Spaansche Hof), GEMAK (Paviljoensgracht 20-24), Acte de Présence (Jan Hendrikstraat 17) and Paard van Troje (Prinsegracht 12) Programme per day Friday November 8: Ricardo Villalobos & Max Loderbauer / Stellar OM Source / Iceage / Modeselektor (dj-set) + vj Pfadfinderei / The KVB / Black Marble / Nils Petter Molvaer + Moritz Von Oswald / Holly Herndon / Food + Fennesz / Møster! / Lumisokea / 751 / Intergalactic Gary / Still Serious Nic Saturday November 9: Baths / Nathan Fake / Kelpe / Seams / Cloud Boat / James Ferraro / Julia Holter / Lucrecia Dalt / Valgeir Sigurdsson / Tape / Moon Ate The Dark / Jerusalem In My Heart / dBridge / Lone / Space Dimension Controller / Loyu / Traxx Both days: film programme, exhibition featuring work of Berend Strik, Lyndsey Housden, Nishiko, Jonas Lund a.o. and performance by Miranda Meijer More info: www.rewirefestival.nl

©Seams Owen Richards

© kelpe

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What’s on

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Issue 19. November/December 2013

Free Entrance?

Take out your Plant to Paard van Troje Clubnight Burst launches ‘Take out your plant’ Take your plant out for an evening downtown. Bring your cactus, bonsai-tree or fern of kitchen garden to BURST, the international club night at The Hague’s Paard van Troje, and get free entrance!

It has been almost two years since the international dance night Burst saw the light of day. The first Burstedition, with German DJ-duo Modeselektor, was a success and many editions (featuring Ame, 2mandydj’s, DJ Hell, Apparat, Dixon, Dubfire and many others) followed, each presenting a state of the art experience. Burst therefore represents growth and development. At Burst, not only water is the base of growth: the energy of good ideas and a committed crowd helps it grow.

Will you help Burst grow?

From now on, you can literally bring your plant to Burst. This plant might be the result of the exclusive Burst-seed packs that are spread throughout The Hague, but it can also be your favorite indoor plant, bonsai tree or whatever plant that needs a night out.

How does it work?

Take your plant*- carefully!- under your arm, visit Paard van Troje and leave your plant in our special greenhouse. Our Burst-gardener will take care of your green loved one while you enjoy your free Burstparty. Thus not only you are having a great evening out, also your favorite plant can enjoy a splendid evening among like-minded new friends in our greenhouse. At the end of the evening you simply pick up your plant and get home safe. ‘Samen uit samen thuis! as we say in Dutch.

Note! Our Burst-gardener accepts new plant until 00.30, so make sure you are on time! *)We emphasize that only potted plants will be admitted. Plants derooted and taken from public space will not give access. Au contraire: if we see you handing in vandalized plants you will not be welcome at the party until you can prove you have safely replanted the victim at its original location.

Next Burst Edition: 30 November BURST INVITES: THE MAGICIAN EN KRAAK & SMAAK

AMOR

Choreographer and Ex-NDT dancer Cora Bos-Kroese presents AMOR. A passionate performance about love with dance, choir and poetry. AMOR offers an intriguing view on the contrasts of love. The performance engages you in moments of reflection with dance, theatre, music and poetry from Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer. Music ranges from Monteverdi to Jacques Brel and Stravinsky, played live on the church organ.

The Performance Sabine Kupferberg and David Krugel, with their experience and sense for subtlety, represent an older couple. Aurélie Cayla and Yvan Dubreuil portray a younger couple. Connecting the elements is actress Lindertje Mans who adds the playfulness of a young mind. The high-levelled choir Kamerkoor Kwintessens sets the musical line, conducted by Raoul Boesten with Geerten van de Wetering as organist.

Cora Bos-Kroese Cora studied at the Royal Ballet School in London and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.

She danced with the Nederlands Dans Theater and Frankfurt Ballet and worked with choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Hans van Manen en William Forsythe. She created a lot of choreographies and with her Stichting C-scope designs inspiring combinations of art. She also worked with Dogtroep and Holland Dance Festival. Cora: ‘With AMOR I wanted to show all different kinds of love: exciting first love, fragile breaking love, impossible love, the loss of a loved one. But perhaps also to show the greatest love of all, the love of life itself!’

AMOR will be presented in churches around Holland.

November 15-16, 8.30pm, Nieuwe Kerk, Spui 175, The Hague For tickets and information: www.amor2013.nl

Issue 19. November/December 2013

Music

Frankie McCoy, the Urban Daughter •

By Branson Anderson

O

ne knows when another person has been places, and met people, and experienced life. You don’t need confirmation about another if seen in a public place or at a dinner table as a guest. It is something unmistakable written in their eyes and seen on there face.

Frankie McCoy is one of these people. Her business and her art have a sound and a physical element that radiate from her in a bright aura that makes a person know without much thought, ‘Here’s is a woman who has done many things with the days she has been given’. That is the kind of lady a person respects. That is who Frankie McCoy is. The fascinating part is that it does not stop there. She is a resource, and a juggernaut of a vehicle, of the highest quality designed to get you anywhere you want to go. Frankie McCoy is the ally you most want on your side. Crossing her path in a market or on a street somewhere, she is clearly a woman with many tales and adventures, but also a mystery. Conversing with her about her achievements, she is a world inside a wardrobe to be discovered and absorbed. Let us take a look at the brief summary of where she has been and what she is up to now.

Frankie could not tell where exactly she was from, having lived in so many different places. Born to American parents in Germany and partially raised there, she also lived in France, Sweden, Turkey, and was partially raised in California as well. She did not really get into music until she moved back to Europe after college in San Francisco. In 1997, she teamed up with a DJ collective called ‘Sash’and released a Euro-Dance album called ‘It’s My Life’. The album, which

27

she had written three songs for, reached the Top 40 chart, with one of the songs she wrote, ‘Stay’, being a #2 hit in the UK and a #10 hit worldwide.

Now, Frankie McCoy, the Urban Daughter, runs a studio of her own on the Kazernestraat in The Hague. Urban Daughter Bad Ass Music, UDBAM. There she has coached singers and musicians, bringing many of them success in their endeavours. She coaches, teaches and writes for other artists there. A programme worth capitalizing on that she runs is one she refers to as ‘Vocal Acrobats’, a series of Master classes that offers a professional approach to vocal dynamics.

She offers Vocal Acrobats for public speakers as well .

All this work she does and manages to be a full time musician in the mean time, traveling to performances in numerous places all over. A different breed of music than her 1997 album, she is more recently building sounds with combinations of soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop. The diverse musicians she works with, for example, a hip hop drummer, a pianist with a jazz background, work as the ‘flavours’ of the music ‘. . . incorporating elements to cook up a plate of soul . . .’.

Of all the places in the world to end up, life brought Frankie to Den Haag where she has graced the citizens of this city with her work and services. She was traveling from Amsterdam to worldly destinations in 1997 during the time of ‘It’s My Life’. She found it a good place to stay, where the ability to get from point A, all the way through the alphabet, to point Z was easier. Not to mention the fine greenery that Holland has to offer and also that her lover lived in The Hague at the time.

A woman of many talents and many connections, she can get things done for aspiring musicians. If that’s what you are and are in need of advice and guidance, UDBAM is the place for you to go. Her studio’s location can be found at Kazernestraat 96c, 2514 CW in Den Haag.

Urban Daughter Bad Ass Music.

Enough said.

Wine & Dine

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SPOTTED

Issue 19. November/December 2013

recipes of the month •

Recipes by Jesse Johnson I Photos by Paco van Leeuwen

The Hague offers a great selection of local shops and markets, which provide customers with top quality ingredients. My personal favourite is the Organic Market, held every Wednesday on the Hofplaats. The Organic Market is host to the season’s heirloom varieties and staples that are rich in flavour and nutrients. So while you are out shopping around the city, be sure to stop at some of the stalls of local produce and embrace the essence of the season.

Weekly open Market on the Prins Hendrik Plein ‘Taste the Neighbourhood ‘ was held on 3 October in the Zeeheldenkwartier.

On the Prins Hendrik Square, culinary specialities -Indian to Portuguese, French to Dutch, Spanish, Indonesian, Italian, created in the shops and restaurants of the area, were served. The party atmosphere was great, with music from Savanna Bar and children offered free funky and healthy cupcakes.

The Mayor, Jozias Van Aartsen opened the event and announced that a weekly sustainable market will be held on the Square, from 17 October, every Thursday from 11:00 to 19:00. The market will sell a wide range of fresh products that are not easily found anywhere else. Keywords are: sustainable, fresh, craft and from the neighbourhood and region.

Van Aartsen commented: ‘This is a hip area, full of young and creative people and a noteworthy shopping place. This market will add allure to an already special neighbourhood in The Hague’ So note this in your diary: every Thursday from 17 October, Prins Hendrik Plein, Zeeheldenkwartier.

Butternut squash and coconut soup -Two medium Squash, peel/ cut into manageable sizes -2 Onions, diced -4 Cloves Garlic, sliced -1 teaspoon of Cinnamon, or to taste -Salt and Pepper, to taste -Vegetable Stock -1 can Coconut Milk -Shredded Coconut, to garnish -Coriander, to garnish Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium heat. Place the onion and garlic into the pot and stir until lightly cooked. Add the squash and continue to cook for a few minutes. Add enough vegetable stock to cover squash (more if you are looking for a thinner soup). Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Continue to cook until the squash is soft. Add the coconut milk, cinnamon, salt and pepper (I prefer white pepper for this soup). With a hand blender, blend the soup till a smooth consistency is achieved.

Keep in mind that if the soup is kept over night, the cinnamon, salt and pepper will increase in flavour, so do not over do it! Garnish with

Smoked Salmon Appetizer -1 package thinly sliced smoked salmon* -Red onion, thinly sliced -Bread/ Crackers -Chives Spread: -Goat cream cheese -Honey -Dill -Salt -Pepper Place the goat cream cheese in a bowl. Combine fresh dill and salt and pepper to taste. I always add a dab of honey to give some sweetness. Spread a layer of the goat cheese mixture on the bread and top with smoked salmon, some red onion and sprinkle some more chives on top. Enjoy! * I prefer using Norwegian smoked salmon, as the flavour is more subtle.

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Issue 189. November/December 2013

THANK YOU

29

The Underground wishes you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A big thank you to all our readers & volunteers.

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Photo by Joyce Fabriek

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