A white shark sighting caused chaos on a Belgian beach last weekend. With the ocean giants slowly cruising to Dutch shores, people wonder: Should we be scared or just mildly… impressed?
Yes, sea-riously. It’s that kind of shark: teeth, attitude, and a movie franchise to its name. But before you start Googling “how to escape a shark,’’ take a deep breath. 🧘♂️
Experts say the danger is real but tiny — unless you’re a seal. Or pretending to be one.
You’re not on the menu
We all know that white sharks can be dangerous. However, Pierre Bonnet, curator at Ecomare and seasoned sea swimmer, told De Telegraaf that while attacks are possible, the chances are “very small.” 📉
The real risk? Looking like a snack. Surfers and spear-fishers in wetsuits with dead fish belts tick all the wrong boxes. Basically: don’t dress like lunch.
And if you do spot a shark? Bonnet says the most important thing is to stay calm. “I personally wouldn’t move aside if someone shouts from the shore that there is a shark swimming. You just have to keep going.’’
But why is this happening? Well, climate change is pushing these species further north as waters warm up. While white sharks once stuck to Spain, they’re now eyeing the Dutch coast like it’s a trendy new resort.
Most still keep their distance, especially in unfamiliar waters. And, what we really should worry about isn’t the fins, but the sea foam, now laced with PFAS.
Yep, chemicals. Nature’s real horror story. 😬
So, with fins on the horizon and facts in hand, will you stay ashore in fear, or dive in with a little caution and a lot of confidence?
But as it turns out, first impressions can be deceiving.
Rumour has it that almost every Dutchie has had the chance to take a proper bike exam at some point in their life — yep, the legendary verkeersexamen (traffic exam). 🚲
What does a verkeersexamen entail?
The traffic exam is organised every year for school children between the ages of 10-12 by Veilig Verkeer Nederland(Safe Traffic the Netherlands).
While you may never have heard of it, the programme has been running at most Dutch schools for the past 85 years. Who would have thought that the Dutch are so committed to safe cycling?
The verkeersexam consists of a practical and a theoretical section. Students must answer 25 questions about basic traffic etiquette for the theoretical section. They pass the test if they correctly answer at least 16 out of 25 questions. 🎓
Pssst: Would you pass the theory test? 🤔 We prepared three sample questions below. Check it out!
More than just theory
For the practical part of the exam, the students must demonstrate what they have learned in the real world. A designated route will be provided around the neighbourhood for bike novices.
While they ride, keen-eyed volunteers are set up along the route. Did the cyclist indicate a turn to the right with the correct hand signal? Did they stop at the red traffic light? Every move is watched, recorded, and graded. 🖊️
If all goes to plan, the successful graduates receive a diploma to show off their accomplishments. (Just to forget everything again a few years down the line, it seems.)
Would you pass the theory exam? 🤔
Let’s see, shall we? We selected (and translated) three questions for you from an actual VVN practice test. There are nine categories with two or more questions each, so there’s definitely more to learn.
But let’s give you a little taste — ready, set, go! 🚦
⛔️ Category 1: Traffic Signs (verkeersborden)
Why are traffic signs important?
A) They make sure everyone sticks to the rules B) They make sure pedestrians don’t get into arguments with each other, drivers, or cyclists C) They make sure that you know what you have to do and what to look out for D) They add a little colour to the overall traffic so that it doesn’t get boring
So what’s your answer? If you guessed C, you are correct! 🎉
🚦Category 2: Priority rules (voorrang)
What do you do if you approach a crossing and are faced with a stop sign?
A) You stop if there is traffic from the right. B) You stop if there is traffic from the left. C) You always stop, even if there is no traffic. D) You slow down, but you don’t have to halt.
More difficult this one, huh? Well, the answer is…C! Stop means stop, obviously.
🚚 Category 3: Big vehicles (grote voertuigen)
You are approaching a red traffic light on the bike. A big truck is already in line. Where do you wait?
A) To the left of the truck. B) To the right of the truck. C) There is ample space in the back of the truck on the left. D) At the back of the truck to the right, with ample space.
What’s it gonna be? Think about it… Ready? It’s D! It’s important to avoid the blind angle (dode hoek) and stand where the truck driver can see you.
Congrats on completing the quiz! How did you do?
First things first: Bike check!
Sadly, we can’t make sure that you’re fit for the practical, but we can help you figure out if your bike is fit for traffic. First of all, you obviously need to buy a good bike.
Okay, then we can get started with the fietscheck(bike check). If you have (or visualise) your bike in front of you, these are the things you have to cross off the list:
✅ Is the red backlight up and running? ✅ Is the white front light bright and shiny? ✅ Is the saddle adjusted to the right height? (Your toes should just about reach the ground when you sit on it.) ✅ Is the bell working? ✅ Are there orange reflectors in the spokes? ✅ Are all the spokes in place? ✅ Is the chain neither too loose nor too tight? ✅ Are the tyres properly inflated?
Check, check, check on all of these? Congrats! At least you would be allowed to take your very own bike exam (if you were a Dutch middle school child, that is.)
Stay safe! What to remember when cycling in the Netherlands
If you have cycled at least once before in the Netherlands, you know that most adult Dutchies seem to have forgotten that they likely took a bike exam once.
There are many types of cyclists, and only some will have mercy on you.
So, if in doubt, stick to the right side of the road. And just because traffic lights don’t seem to exist for some Dutch people, they do for most cars — and they should for you too.
Finally, if you’re not sure who should stop for whom, look out for the big white triangles (haaientanden or “shark teeth”) painted on the bike paths. If the tip of the triangle is pointed at you, you need to give way to other cyclists, pedestrians, and cars.
Good luck! It’s a biker’s world out there, and everyone else is just trespassing. 🚴
Do you think you could pass the Dutch bike-riding test? Tell us in the comments below!
Anyone in the Netherlands has probably found themselves in a situation where someone says the following: “Don’t worry about it, I’ll Tikkie you,” — leaving you very confused.
Did they just say they’ll tickle you? No. Did they just pay for your food? Also no. They said they will Tikkie you. So what the hell is Tikkie? Here’s the lowdown on paying up.
What is Tikkie?
Tikkie is an online payment app that allows you to forward payment requests to people via WhatsApp or pay through a QR code.
Once you open the request or scan the code, you’ll be asked to forward the money through your online banking. The Netherlands has a huge Tikkie culture, so it’s probably best to familiarise yourself with the app.
For example, if you think someone is being extra generous by buying the drinks all night, remember that you will wake up in the morning with a hangover and a pricey Tikkie on WhatsApp.
Or maybe a not-so-pricy Tikkie — every month, 10,000 Tikkie payments for under €2 are sent! We would say we’re surprised, but this is the Dutch we are talking about, after all.
How does Tikkie work?
How Tikkie works is very simple.
If someone owes you money, you enter the amount into the Tikkie app and are then asked to select who needs to pay the money from your WhatsApp contacts (it’s a wonderful power trip).
Simply open up your phone. Image: DutchReview/Canva
A link is then sent via WhatsApp to the person who owes money. What’s handy about Tikkie is that the person who receives the request doesn’t even need the app to respond.
On top of that, everything runs through your bank account, so no separate online wallet is needed — you’re simply directed to your current bank account through iDeal.
Tikkie can also be used as a form of payment in places such as markets, where customers can scan a QR code, which will take them to a pre-filled form on the Tikkie app. The customer then simply agrees to pay the amount.
Why should I use Tikkie?
While there are elements of Dutch culture that will remain resolutely outside of my social skill set — I will never be able to be as unapologetically direct as the Dutch — one adaptation I have easily adopted is the Tikkie culture.
No awkward questions
Not sure how to ask someone to pay you back? Just send them a Tikkie. Perfect for all of us non-confrontational folk.
No more fuss when splitting the bill
Not only can you avoid making a server’s life hard by asking to pay separately, but you can also avoid making your life harder. Forget all the confusion and fumbling in trying to determine how much you owe.
Tikkie makes splitting the bill at restaurants super easy. Image: Dreamstime
Simply wave your hand, slap the card down on the PIN machine (if you have enough money, of course), and throw an “I’ll Tikkie you” across the table — then figure it out later.
Instant payment — statistics prove it
No need to worry about waiting. Send your friends a Tikkie on your journey home, and (provided you have good friends) you can have your money back when you step off the train.
As soon as your payment request is received, they can follow the link and allow the amount to be deducted from their bank account. Payments tend to happen quickly, and if you don’t trust us, trust the numbers:
50% of Tikkies are paid within 30 minutes
85% of Tikkies are paid within a day.
It’s all through WhatsApp
Your friends don’t need to have Tikkie installed to pay you back, all they need is WhatsApp (and who doesn’t have that in this day and age!?)
Lars went to a party with the theme ‘Super-Dutch Things’ and we think his shirt wins 🤣😂
There’s no awkward back and forth about “it won’t open” or “where do I download it from?” If your friends can receive a WhatsApp, they can receive and pay a Tikkie — no excuses!
What about the disadvantages of Tikkie?
Let’s keep it real: everything with a pros list has a corresponding cons list. So let’s consider the disadvantages of using Tikkie.
You can forget to send a request
To be fair, the essence of Tikkie’s disadvantages is based on the fact that humans use it, and people can be forgetful.
Sometimes you slap the card down, tell someone you’ll send a Tikkie and swiftly forget about it. Tikkie only works if you remember to send one.
You have to keep track of how much is owed
Speaking of memory, it’s up to you to determine how much someone owes you. The system has no magic way of knowing what you ate/drank/bought.
With Tikkie, splitting the bill after a night out takes seconds – no more trying to remember who paid! Image: Dreamstime
So, for those nights when the beer was freely flowing, it can be difficult to remember how much a person owes you — the only evidence of your drunken trip to McDonald’s in which you generously paid for everything is a lone stale chip on the doormat.
It’s a payment request, not guaranteed payment
People can also be sneaky. While asking someone for money in person is always slightly awkward, it does have its benefits.
They can’t simply disappear into thin air if they don’t feel like paying. That’s not the case with Tikkie.
The Tikkie app allows you to send a payment request, but this doesn’t guarantee a payment.
The request recipient can simply choose not to pay you, and Tikkie can do nothing about that. For example, just because you decided to send Mark Rutte a Tikkie for your student fees doesn’t mean he has to pay them.
So choose wisely those with whom you decide to Tikkie with.
How do I sign up for Tikkie?
Perhaps you know a solid group of people that you can trust to pay Tikkies, in which case, you’re probably wondering: How do I sign up? Signing up for Tikkie is easy. You need three things:
A WhatsApp account,
A Dutch bank account
A Dutch/Belgian/German telephone number
Have all these things? Great! Now, simply download the Tikkie app from the app store, input your phone number, and choose which bank account you want linked to the app.
How do you send a Tikkie?
So, knowing that you have all the knowledge, how do you wield the power? Sending a Tikkie is simple!
Images: DutchReview/Canva
Open up the app and enter the amount you want paid.
Choose who needs to pay it from your WhatsApp contacts.
A link will then be shared with the contact through WhatsApp. If the person does not have WhatsApp, you can also share the link via text message or email.
When the person pays the Tikkie, the money will land straight in your bank account — no fuss!
You can also use a Tikkie QR code if you don’t have the person’s contact information. They can easily scan the QR code using their camera or the Tikkie app!
Congrats, you’re free to send payment requests flying across the Netherlands (but remember, with great power comes great responsibility.)
Have you used the Tikkie app before? What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments below!
Flat-hunting in the Netherlands? You’d better brace yourself for housing websites sneakily charging you a small fortune through auto-renewing subscriptions.
The Dutch Consumer’s Association (Consumentenbond) has just done some digging on housing websites in the Netherlands, and the results aren’t pretty. 👇
Wait, I have to pay to LOOK for housing?
If you’ve flat-hunted in the Netherlands before, you probably know the drill. If you haven’t had the (dis)pleasure, it goes something like this: you find a room you like on a housing website and think, hoera, housing at last!
Except… before you’re allowed to respond to the listing or contact a landlord, you’re directed to a payment portal, where you’re required to pay the website’s subscription fee.
These subscription fees range from €19.95 to €39 per month, and are often undisclosed (or buried deep in a FAQ list! 👀) when you’re viewing these websites.
Given the rising cost of… well, everything in the Netherlands, this isn’t money you’d want to lose! Image: Dreamstime
In addition to this severe lack of information about subcription costs, the Consumentenbond notes that these sites also fail to inform flat-seekers what these fees entail.
The result? Over 40% of the participants surveyed were unsure what they were even paying for.
And, adding insult to injury, a whopping 87% of the panellists in the study couldn’t even secure housing through these sites. Talk about a waste of money! 😬
Here’s what you should do instead
The Consumentenbond ended their report on a high note, with some handy tips for flat-hunters who don’t want to feel scammed out of their hard-earned euros. ⤵️
Compare platforms: given the Netherlands’ rampant housing shortage, rooms and apartments may be listed simultaneously on multiple websites
Look for free alternatives: real estate agents often put up listings on free-to-use websites like Funda as well
Keep track of your auto-renewing subscriptions: dodgy housing websites love it when you forget about your subscription, so remember to stay on top of it
Plus, from one international to another, don’t forget about good ol’ social media! Most of the major cities in the Netherlands have dedicated Facebook housing groups, and these listings are often vetted by eagle-eyed scam-hunters.
What housing scams have you come across in the Netherlands? Share them in the comments below!
What lies in the Caribbean Sea is a Dutch tropical island that’s booming with sandy beaches, soul cuisine, and blossoming flora. It’s truly a paradise for any vacation lover: Sint Maarten.
Where the sun meets blue skies, this island sits as a tiny speck on the world map, but despite its size, it has heaps in store for any avid holidaymaker who seeks a trip to the warmth.
Ready to jet off? Jump to the info you need below!
Ah, a question that I, as a native-born, am all too familiar with, as every time I exchange first-time pleasantries with an international, this question pops up.
Understandably so, considering that it’s not exactly a place you often see in the news, on social media, or anywhere really — unless something super funny or super devastating happens.
Sint Maarten is one of the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, perched next to and between a group of islands in the Lesser Antilles.
Can you find Sint Maarten on the map? Image: Depositphotos
It holds a mere population of around 40,000 people with a total area of 34 km². In other words, it’s smaller than a grain of sand on a beach.
✅ What to do in Sint Maarten
Whether you’re planning to spend your next summer out of the lowlands, or desperately want to escape the cold front this Dutch winter (if your wallet allows you, of course), Sint Maarten promises a special time.
As soon as you step foot on the island, you’ll be marked by colourful wildlife, calm waters, and all-around 30-degree weather for that natural sun-kissed (or sun-drenched) look.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your vacation in Sint Maarten, then we have (more than) a few suggestions. 👇
Catch planes taking off at Sunset Beach Bar
A wee bit too touristy for a local’s tastes, but a must-do if you’re a first-timer in Sint Maarten — Sunset Beach Bar rests on a white, sandy beach at the end of the airport runway.
Enjoy an icy cold biertje while you admire a gorgeous ocean-side view, but hold on tight to that beer (and your jaw, for that matter), because once you see a plane land on the island’s very short runway, both will be dropped.
For the ultimate experience, you can stand on the beach and get blasted by the planes as they take off, but this doesn’t come without risks. (Exhibit A: the video below. 👇)
Eat fresh local food at Mullet Bay Beach
If you’re on the hunt for that perfect beach bliss, then Mullet Bay Beach is a sure thing. You’ve never seen water as clear, or sand as soft, as on this beach. Trust me.
On a calm day, you can swim amid still waves, focus on getting an even tan, or grab a buddy for a friendly game of volleyball over at the net.
For lunch? Make your way to Rosie’s Shack at the beach’s starting point for a plate of fresh-off-the-grill ribs, complete with a side of Caribbean-style coleslaw and rice and beans.
Book a cruise around the island on a charter boat
The best way to discover the island’s charms, from its beautiful landscapes to its underwater treasures, is by letting the sea take you for a ride.
Sint Maarten offers a variety of charter boats that you can reserve or book a spot on, and each brings you to the island’s many beaches. All in all, it’s an action-packed day filled with fun (and beer)!
Take a ride on a dune buggy and tour the island
Too prone to sea sickness to enjoy a good boat ride? Geen probleem. You can still explore Sint Maarten’s gems and stick to land. How? By hitching a ride on a dune buggy.
Rent one of these bad boys, and go on a thrilling tour across the island brimming with sand, sun, and adventure.
Eat sushi with an amazing view at Bamboo House
While sushi restaurants can be found anywhere in the world, not all successfully deliver the real Japanese sensation.
With fresh fish stuffed in a unique and delectable combination of fruits, vegetables, and seaweed, the sushi that Bamboo House offers makes their restaurant the exception.
Situated on top of a hill in Cole Bay, you can eat your meal with a stunning backdrop of the island’s terrain. (P.S., try the Kuta Roll. I command you.)
Have a unique experience at Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary
Ok, so this one’s technically on the French side, and it takes a while to get there by car — but this bird park is one of the island’s main highlights, and it’s a hot topic amongst the tourists.
Step into a magical room chock-full of bird species, and become entranced by their beauty.
The best part? You’ll be given a cup of food to feed the little fellas, and they’ll come flying down to snack off your cup while you walk around. Gezellig! 🤩 (Or terrifying. Whatever you’re into. 👀)
You could also stroll down and check out the Philipsburg marketplace! Image: Dreamstime
Snack on bitterballen at Karakter Beach Bar
Despite wanting to escape their country regularly, Dutchies can’t leave without taking their whole life with them, a.k.a Dutch food, Dutch drinks, and a box set to watch Dutch television.
Well, they can find joy in knowing that Sint Maarten has a beach bar that brings many of their essentials to the table. Ever had bitterballen under a palm tree with a view of clear blue water? No? Now’s your chance.
Go on a zipline down Sentry Hill
A rather new addition to Sint Maarten’s hidden gems, any visitor eager for an exhilarating experience must add this to their vacation itinerary.
Get carried by a lift to the top of Sentry Hill, and take in a breathtaking view of Sint Maarten that, on a clear day, also features its neighbouring islands, like Anguilla and St. Eustatius.
Once you’re done (and have captured enough selfies to fill up your iCloud storage), grab the zipline and fly down as fast as a pelican catching its prey.
See fancy boats cross the bridge at the Yacht Club
An underrated gem, the Yacht Club is essentially the designated hang-out spot for Dutchies who live on or frequently visit the island.
On many evenings, flatlanders assemble here to enjoy idle chit-chat and sip on a Heineken. Well, that’s my definition, anyway.
Located next to a drawbridge that connects the Simpson Bay lagoon to the open sea, it’s the go-to place if you want a spectacular view of sailboats, yachts, and speedboats passing through the bridge. Also, don’t forget to wave. 👋
🛌 Where to stay in Sint Maarten
The island is home to some undoubtedly cosy and high-quality hotels, but with so many choices, how can you tell which one to book a room at?
We’ve laid out all the best resorts on the Dutch side, and each comes with its own unique, tropical vibe, relaxing atmosphere, and set of top-notch facilities.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort: An all-inclusive family resort complete with giant pools and lush spas. It’s situated next to Sunset Beach Bar and in one of the island’s most exciting nightlife hotspots, Maho.
Mary’s Boon: Just a stone’s throw from Karakter Beach Bar, this rustic resort sits on a beach, which means you can wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and watch the sun go down every evening.
The Cliff: Got some heavy cash to splurge? Consider staying at this modern, towering hotel complete with fancy sweets and a gorgeous seaside view.
Pelican Hill Resort: A beautiful, secluded hotel, perfect for those seeking an intimate vacation filled with solitude and relaxation.
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort: If you’re more or less looking to stay in one place on your vacation in Sint Maarten, this resort exudes the ambience of a laid-back small town. It comes fully equipped with a luxurious spa, a convenience store, a private beach, a pool area, and more.
Atrium Beach Resort: A quiet, beachfront resort equipped with snug rooms, a gym, and a tour desk that arranges snorkelling and island boat trips. Around the corner, you’ll find Buccaneer Beach Bar, which is one of the island’s lively social hubs.
Belair Beach Hotel: An all-suite beautiful resort, where you can enjoy a comfortable room with a view overlooking a vast, blue ocean and a cruise ship dock.
☀️ The best time of year to go to Sint Maarten
While the island’s close proximity to the equator makes for sunny, high-temperature weather all year round, you should aim to visit Sint Maarten during the summer or spring.
Of course, as this Dutch winter promises freezing temperatures with rain as a permanent resident, many in the Netherlands would prefer to spend the cold season in the tropics.
This will make you book your ticket! Image: Freepik
However, prices typically tend to skyrocket around Christmas time, so unless you’ve got pennies to lose, we recommend planning your holiday for the months following the new year.
Next to that, hurricane season lasts from the beginning of June until the end of November, but if we’re down on our luck, storms generally hit Sint Maarten in August and September. So, retreating to the island might not be ideal during those two months.
From a local’s perspective, the absolute best (and cheapest) time to take a vacation in Sint Maarten is spring, when school is in session, and the island is relatively quiet.
💶 How much to budget when going to Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten isn’t the cheapest holiday destination around (after all, paradise does come at a price).
In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $400 USD per night on accommodation, and around $100 a day if you’re eating out and going on excursions.
Spend your savings on lekker cocktails! Image: Depositphotos
Of course, you can cut those costs by staying in cheaper hotels and spending your day enjoying Sint Maarten’s beautiful nature instead of drinking fancy cocktails. 🍸
Also, despite being half-French, half-Dutch, the Dutch side uses USD primarily, while the French side’s official currency is the euro. Yes, it’s strange. No, we aren’t apologising.
🥸 A history that spans centuries
Dutchies might’ve heard about the island because of the starring role it played in the kidnapping of Freddy Heineken, where his captors chose Sint Maarten as their hideaway.
Or, perhaps you were introduced to the island by Auntie Hurricane Irma, who graced us with her presence back in 2017.
Nearly wiped out by the strongest storm in the Atlantic Ocean to date, Sint Maarten appeared on several Dutch and international news channels. Hey, thanks for the few minutes of fame! 👋
Regardless, the island’s long and rich history is one worth knowing about — and it all started when Christopher Columbus began his voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
Dutch or French?
In the days of yore, Sint Maarten was inhabited by the American Indian people before Christopher Columbus gazed his eyes upon it, claiming the land for Spain. (yay for colonialism. 🙄)
However, it eventually escaped his plans. Instead, several European powers sought out the island for its profitable value and great natural resources, but two, in particular, won — the Dutch and the French.
To avoid a war, both countries mutually decided to divide the island (because sharing is caring) and signed the famous Treaty of Concordia in 1648.
Since then, this beautiful paradise has been split between a Dutch side (Sint Maarten), belonging to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and a French side (Saint Martin), owned by France.
The island of Sint Maarten on a political map. Image: Depositphotos
While we might boast two different governments and capitals, we’ve always been thought of as one united nation, each holding the same level of natural beauty for that perfect tropical destination.
Will you be heading to Sint Maarten? Tell us in the comments below!
🏝 A vacation in Sint Maarten: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to travel to Sint Maarten by plane from the Netherlands?
A direct flight with KLM lasts for about nine hours. However, if you take the route that includes an overnight stay in Paris, France, the total travel time is almost a day.
Do you need a COVID-19 test to get to Sint Maarten from the Netherlands?
At the moment, the Sint Maarten government has relaxed all measures relating to the pandemic, so no test is needed. However, keep an eye on their website for the latest information.
How much does it cost to travel to Sint Maarten?
During Christmas time, flight tickets can range anywhere from €800 to €2,000, depending on which week you book and if you’ve managed to score a deal.
During summer time, you can expect to pay around €1,000 to €1,500, depending on the airline and month.
Can you cross to the French side easily?
Absolutely! There’s generally no border control between the two sides. Nonetheless, once you enter the French side, remember that the currency changes from dollars to euros and people will initially address you in French.
Will my time there be hindered by Hurricane Irma’s damage?
Parts of the island still need to be repaired due to the hurricane’s destruction, such as the airport, but this won’t deprive you of having a fabulously tropical time there.
Should I rent a car in Sint Maarten?
Unlike the Netherlands, Sint Maarten has a severe lack of public transportation. They’ve got a few local buses that can take you to places, but we recommend renting a car from one of the many rental places. In fact, one is conveniently located close to the airport: Empress Rent-A-Car.
Most people in the Netherlands have seen their workweeks change significantly over the past few years. How? We now spend a large amount of our time working from the good ol’ home office.
Is it actually good? Meh, it’s mostly improvised. Is it old? Yeah, it’s starting to feel it. The creation of many a home office in this country was spontaneous, thrown together, and largely seen as something temporary.
However, the working world has changed. You’ll likely find yourself working from home for many years to come, but there’s good news — you can finally justify sprucing it up a bit!
Here are some of our favourite pieces that we recommend for your home office.
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
Adjust your desk to the height that’s most comfortable for you. Image: Flexispot
If you’re still using your dining table, kick it to the curb!
The E7 Plus Standing Desk has an improved motor that moves seamlessly from sitting to upright, can remember four preset heights, and comes with handy self-adhesive cable clips for cable organisation.
We’ve personally put this desk to the test and can say without a doubt: it’s a game-changer. We love the smooth operation, the sleek design, and can’t stop looking at the bamboo desktop.
Better yet? If you don’t love it, you have 60 days to change your mind!
We have to admit, we were chair sceptics and truly believed that a cheapo IKEA desk chair was good enough. That’s until we tried the SitPro ergonomic office chair, and our backs will never be the same.
This chair comes loaded with features: a supportive headrest comfy enough for a sneaky midday nap, fully adjustable armrests and seat depth, built-in lumbar support, and a reclining backrest that practically begs you to lean back “for just five minutes”.
Meanwhile, the breathable mesh keeps your seat cool during long workdays, and the smooth tilt and height adjustments make it easy to spend eight hours at your desk without turning into a human pretzel.
The result? Instant comfort. Oh, and it looks damn snazzy, too. 😘
Who says your office setup needs to be boring? 😉 Image: Logitech
Now that you have your snazzy desk, it’s time to style it with a funky keyboard to match.
Forget office grey; this Bluetooth keyboard is available in a variety of colours, is completely wireless, and can seamlessly connect to up to three different devices (be they Mac, Windows or Android).
Good to know: If you’d prefer a less colourful option, the Logitech MX Keys mini comes in black. Boasting a solid battery life, ergonomic design, and handy backlighting.
Is your mouse actually good for your hand? Image: Amazon
While it’s easy to match a funky keyboard to your aesthetic, it can be harder to find a mouse that can add a pop of colour — and provide good ergonomic function. Well, we found a mouse that offers both.
Super lightweight, wireless, silent, and compatible with basically every operating system, this mouse is not just a pretty place to rest your hand. In fact, it has actually been designed and developed by certified ergonomists. 💪
Feeling the winter blues? Add this product to your desk. Image: Amazon
The one downside of having a beautiful home office is that, well, you’re at home — meaning you’re indoors.
With its compact size, this medically-certified daylight lamp is designed to be added to your desk setup. The design of this product is made for ease, comfort, and well-being.
By pressing just one button, you can simulate beautiful daylight (without the danger of UV rays). This not only adds some wonderful mood lighting to your office, but it is proven to help beat those winter blues.
We all know the struggle of finding the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. Enter the Lotus Recliner — a game-changer for anyone who takes their relaxation seriously. 🙋♀️
In just seconds, you can kick back, stretch out, or even take a quick nap. With the ability to rock back and forth or spin around, this recliner is as dynamic as your day.
Crafted from high-quality fabric and filling, it’s built for comfort in any position—whether you’re reading, watching TV, or just taking a breather.
Plus, with hidden storage and wide, generously padded armrests, it’s as practical as it is cosy. Trust us, your body will thank you. ✨
Organisation that’d make Marie Kondo jealous. Image: Desktronic
Let’s be honest, nothing saps concentration more than needing to detangle your charging cables while your laptop’s running out of juice.
That’s where the Desktronic cable tray comes in — AKA the under-desk hero your chaotic cables have been crying out for. It neatly hides power strips, adapters, chargers, and all the random cords multiplying under your desk while you work.
The tray’s sturdy steel design feels properly premium, while the smart cable cut-outs make routing wires surprisingly painless. And because it mounts underneath your desk, you get all the organisation without sacrificing leg room or aesthetics.
However, sometimes you don’t have the time (or patience) to slowly accumulate a variety of plants over time. You want an office jungle, and you want it now. 🍃
Well, here you go! For just €25, you can receive a box of plants direct to your door that have been set aside due to (very) slight flaws. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also super effective in adding green to your office in a quick and easy way.
Every office needs that one good pen — and a proper space to keep it. How about investing in a levitating pen? The futuristic Hoverpen is the first levitating pen that has been designed to float at an angle — and it requires zero power.
If you’re looking to give your office a bit of a sci-fi, high-tech edge that makes you feel like a better version of Elon Musk, look no further than this unique office piece.
Ready to make your home office really yours? Yes? Go you! We’re just glad you’re taking a moment to make your workspace that little bit nicer for yourself.
Which office must-have will you be getting next? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
With summer heatwaves getting more intense, Amsterdam isn’t sweating it — it’s getting smart.
The city has launched Schaduwmakers, a project that uses fake trees and movable greenery to stop people from melting into the pavement.
Sounds cool? That’s because it is. 😎
Shade, but smarter
Not all trees need roots. Some just need wheels and a splash of Dutch ingenuity.
Schaduwmakers brings smart, flexible shade to spots where planting trees isn’t possible (looking at you, tangle of underground cables and parking garages 👀).
Think giant sun sails, leafy pergolas, and steel frames covered in climbing plants, some even shaped like trees.
As climate expert Jeroen Kluck explains to RTL Nieuws, these trees don’t just offer shade, they actively cool the air: “A tree can lower the perceived temperature by 10 to 15 degrees.”
And no, there are no sad, plastic palms here. These are “sustainable, easy-to-move objects that contribute to the liveability of the environment.” 🌱
One standout is a real elm in a high-tech container from The Urban Jungle Project — self-watering, low-maintenance, and ready to roll into any urban overheated corner of the city.
Turning up the heat (and the urgency)
If you’ve spent a summer in the Netherlands, you know that some parts of Amsterdam are open-air ovens. 🥵
The 2019 heatwave made that painfully clear, with record-breaking temperatures hitting a blistering 38.8 degrees Celsius, showing just how hot it can get in the Netherlands. 👇
— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) July 24, 2019
For example, the Oosterdokskade near Central Station regularly hits extreme heights in summer. With no shade, it’s known as a “heat street.”
And this heat isn’t just annoying. The Netherlands sees up to 40 daily deaths due to heat stress during heatwaves, reports the TNO (the Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research).
Plus, as the KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) points out, cities like Amsterdam can be up to 7 degrees hotter than nearby green areas.
“We need to cool down using shade and greening,” says Alderman Melanie van der Horst. “This innovation is badly needed.” And frankly, she’s spot on. 👏
Is this the future of cooler cities? Let us know your thoughts: Should every city roll out a shady strategy like Amsterdam’s? 🌿
While a fictionalised strain of the cordyceps fungus may have captivated audiences in The Last of Us, scientists are now raising the alarm about a rise in deadly fungal infections across Europe. 🧫
Aspergillus flavus is a type of fungus found in soil and crops that releases millions of airborne spores that people can unknowingly inhale.
A killer fungus hides in plain sight
For most healthy people, the infection poses little threat.
However, it can be life-threatening for those with weakened immune systems due to transplants, cancer, COVID-19, or particularly severe cases of the flu.
“About 800,000 to 1 million people die every year,” Norman van Rhijn, Dutch molecular genetics expert, tells RTL Nieuws.
Concerning death toll aside, what makes this infection especially dangerous is its ability to masquerade as something far less deadly, with the symptoms of flavus easily mistaken for common ailments.
These symptoms can be as mundane as coughing, fever, breathing problems, and general feelings of malaise.
Their ability to slip under the radar often leads to delayed diagnoses of fungal infections, increasing the risk of severe outcomes.
Worse, it’s drug-resistant
As deadly fungi like the flavus thrive in warm soil and crops, rising global temperatures are now creating the perfect environment for them to spread.
Researchers predict that rising temperatures will cause an explosion in the number of fungal infections over the next 15 years, with 9 million patients in Europe alone.
But surely the fungus can be beaten by modern medicine? 🤔
Helaas, van Rhijn points out that some variants are drug-resistant, which potentially pushes mortality rates up by 60-80%.
At present, around 40% of people who are infected face fatal results.
In response to the threat, experts are calling for greater awareness and readiness in public health systems and among individuals at risk.
Sitting is the new smoking. That’s not the name of a hip upcoming TV show but a legit concern pointed out by more than one health expert.
In an era where many jobs require us to spend hours crouched behind a laptop screen, we need to take matters into our own hands and incorporate some movement into our day.
So when I got the opportunity to equip my home with Flexispot’s new four-legged standing desk, the E7 Plus, to say I was thrilled would be an understatement.
The Flexispot E7 Plus comfortably fits everything you need for your work. Image: Jana Vondrackova/Supplied
For full transparency, I was given the desk in exchange for my unbiased review. What follows below are my thoughts after receiving and testing the product.
Key features of the E7 Plus
Before we dive into the details and my experience with the desk, here’s a brief overview of the E7 Plus’ key features:
It has an innovative motor which ensures smooth lifting with no vibration or instability (I put this one to the test!)
It has a multifunctional control panel with four height preferences
It has a carrying capacity of 200 kg (hello, multiple extra monitors and plants)
It’s suitable for users between 163 cm and 200 cm (but works if you’re a bit shorter — I put this one to the test too)
So how does this beast of a table holds up when it comes to design, functionality, and ease of use?
The design: neat and aesthetic
Before the standing desk lands in your online shopping cart, there are a couple of things you need to decide: the colour of the frame, the material of the desktop, and the size.
I went for a black frame with a bamboo tabletop. Because I don’t exactly have the biggest living space, I opted for the smallest possible desktop size of 140×70 cm with a slight curve on the side where you stand.
Was I happy with my choices? You betcha! The design is absolutely gorgeous. The black frame is sleek and simple and the bamboo tabletop has a very natural, minimalist feel to it.
The size is more than enough (if anything, even a little too big for my space) and can comfortably fit a laptop plus one or two monitors (and plants).
All in all, a great option — especially if you’re a fan of simple, tidy workspaces.
The functionality: strong and reliable
One of the main selling points of the E7 Plus (E7Q Lite) is that it remains steady and lifts with no shakiness and vibrations.
To see if this was marketing fluff or legit, I put a glass full of iced matcha latte on my desk and proceeded to move the desk up and down. The liquid in the glass did not move the slightest bit.
The E7 Plus is equipped with a handy control panel with a memory function through which you can set four different height preferences, so I can immediately choose my preferred sitting and standing height.
The control panel has a handy memory function. Image: Jana Vondrackova/Supplied
With a minimum height of 66 centimetres and a maximum of 131 centimetres above the ground, this desk truly is suitable for people of all shapes and sizes.
The recommended user height is between 163 centimetres and 200 centimetres, but as someone who’s only 158 centimetres, I still find the desk comfortable to use.
Delivery & installation: mostly easy
The whole setup was delivered in three separate parts — two for the table frame and one for my bamboo desktop.
Sadly (for me), the job of a Dutch courier ends the minute he gets your goods over your front doorstep. The task of transporting these large parcels up four flights of stairs was, therefore, left up to me. Luckily, I had a couple of good gym sessions behind me.
As for the installation itself, I invited a friend to help me on this mission. The process was mostly straightforward (mind you, I’m not the most handy person out there) with one small hiccup.
The bamboo desktop comes with some predrilled holes. However, we found out that these didn’t align with the holes in the table frame.
A dream workspace. Image: Jana Vondrackova/Supplied
While this might not be a massive issue for some, I’ll admit that we were taken by surprise. After some confusion, we managed to solve this pretty easily by getting crafty with a drill.
The handy little tools and screws package includes four self adhesive cable clips to ensure your cables are not dangling down. As an organisation freak, I’m a big fan.
Doing your work while standing is great but it’s totally fair if you don’t want to do that for eight hours straight. The solution? The BS14 office chair.
The back and lumbar support is amazing and the headrest is comfortable enough to take a nap in it if you really wanted to.
Comfy and stylish. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Enjoy working in the lotus position? Yep, with how wide the seat is, that was totally possible! The height of the armrests can be adjusted as well, so you can easily tuck the chair under your desk.
The chair is easy to put together and the mesh fabric is breathable, so it’s comfortable to sit on all day (even when it’s 25 degrees outside).
If you want a work form home setup that’s comfortable, aesthetic, and stable, the Flexispot E7 Plus and the B14 are a great purchase. With the exception of figuring out where you need to drill your own holes, they’ll be ready for you to use in no time.
Do you have your own ergonomic set up at home? Let us know your experience!
Groningen Centraal, one of the biggest hubs in the Dutch rail network, will be closed for construction over two months. The result? You guessed it: Fewer trains and major disruptions along key routes.
Why is all this happening, you ask? Because ProRail thinks it’s time that Groningen Centraal gets a fresh new look.
The upcoming construction work is linked to an extensive renovation project, which includes constructing a new pedestrian tunnel, relocating and renewing railway tracks, and moving the bus stop.
What’s happening?
Groningen Centraal will be closed until July 13, 2025, as construction is done in six phases.Here’s a breakdown of what we can expect:
Date
Lines without train service
May 10 to May 11
All trains to, from and via Groningen station
May 12 to May 16
Groningen – Groningen Europapark
May 17 to May 18
Groningen – Groningen Europapark, and Groningen Europapark – Asses
May 19 to June 13
Groningen – Groningen Europapark
June 14 to July 9
All trains to, from and via Groningen station
July 10 to July 12
Groningen – Groningen Europapark – Zuidhorn – Eemshaven – Delfzijl, and Groningen Europapark – Assen – Veendam – Bad Nieuweschans
How to get around
Worried about being stranded? Don’t be. To accommodate travellers, NS and ProRail have arranged replacement buses during each phase.
You can travel between affected areas, but be prepared for longer travel times and, most importantly, plan ahead! 🤳
By mid-July, Groningen Central Station will reopen with major improvements, offering better accessibility, quicker transport and a more organised layout. 🎉
Will these changes affect your daily travel? Let us know in the comments below!
![This standing desk & chair will take your Dutch home office to the next level [Flexispot E7 Plus and BS14 review]](https://dutchreview.com/wp-content/uploads/flexispothorizontal-768x512.jpg "This standing desk & chair will take your Dutch home office to the next level [Flexispot E7 Plus and BS14 review]")
