The Netherlands has far more to its cultural food heritage than stamppot and bitterballen. Luckily for our taste buds, Surinamese food is widespread on the Dutch food scene.
But how exactly did Surinamese food become popular in the Netherlands? Well, to answer this question, we need to take a quick look at the historical ties between the two countries. 🧐
Suriname and the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Dutch acquired Suriname from the English under the Treaty of Breda, in exchange for New Amsterdam (now known as New York).
In the 17th century, the land was a plantation colony to the Netherlands that relied on slavery for sugar cultivation.
Then, between 1954-1975, Suriname was a constituent country belonging to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and in 1975, it finally gained independence.
Nonetheless, the country still has strong, social, cultural, and economic ties with its former coloniser. For instance, the official language of Suriname is Dutch.
A cultural melting pot
Apart from the links between the Netherlands and Suriname, the country is also influenced by Asian, African, and other European traditions — truly a cultural melting pot.
This has also resulted in a unique blend of cuisine, and it is this cuisine that has become so popular here in the Netherlands.
So, we’ve spoken about the historical bit long enough. Now, let’s take a look at what you’re really here for — the food. 😍
Bakabana
Let’s start with the snacks. Bakabana (try saying that 10 times in a row) is a type of fritter using plantains — the larger, slightly more savoury sister of the famous banana.
And of course, it’s famous here in the Netherlands because the Dutch like their fried snack foods. It can be eaten as something sweet, but also as a savoury snack along with some peanut sauce.
This delicious dish comprises of chicken, citrus juice (i.e. orange) and‘lufo pomtayer’ also known as “arrowleaf elephant ear,” which is a tropical plant.
In both the Netherlands and in Suriname, pom is pretty popular. The dish has a creole and Jewish origin and was actually introduced to Suriname by Portuguese-Jewish plantation owners who initially used potatoes.
If you’re a fan of Indian food, chances are you’ve had a roti before, a type of flatbread that is served alongside curries.
Surinamese cuisine has its own variation of this, which differs slightly. Roti accompanies various Surinamese curries and meat dishes and is available at virtually all Surinamese restaurants — score!
And finally, we’re talking sweet stuff (aka dessert). A flourless, confection, ‘bojo cake‘ contains a fusion of raisins, rum, cassava, coconut, sugar coconut milk, and almond extract, baked to perfection.
Served warm or cold with a dollop of whipped cream, you’ll be in heaven.
From a good grasp of finances to proper certification from the Chamber of Commerce, there are plenty of requirements to becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands.
Tackling the financial aspect of it all can be difficult if you’re just getting started — but this is why services like Finom exist.
Freelancing and finances in the Netherlands
Becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands can seem challenging. From finding clients to establishing a personal brand, you learn a lot of things on the job.
But from the get-go, you’ll have to be really involved with your finances — and many freelancers struggle with this.
Finom spares you the hassle of wrangling unpaid invoices and sorting through endless tax documents! Image: Freepik
This is especially the case if you don’t know all the jargon or every single detail about which subsidies, tax returns, and deductibles apply to your situation.
You have to consider:
What’s a reasonable billing rate per hour
How to send bills to your clients in an effective and organised way
Filing and paying income taxes, as well as BTW and other potential business taxes
Setting up your pension fund when you don’t have an employer who contributes
Managing the day-to-day business expenses while keeping personal finances separate.
Sounds a bit overwhelming, right? Geen stress, this is where Finom can help out.
What is Finom?
Finom is a financial tech company based in the Netherlands focused on helping entrepreneurs (freelancers included!) with their finances.
With a user-friendly interface and powerful money-management features, Finom is a great choice for ZZP’ers! Image: Finom
The company sets a standard for “doing business” by creating a platform where freelancers (and other self-employed, and small businesses) can manage their finances and account for their expenses.
Managing your finances with Finom
So, what does all this actually mean for your business? How is Finom going to help you manage the financial side of your business?
Put simply, you can open bank accounts, get physical or virtual bank cards, make international payments, invoice clients, and more — all in one place. Talk about a Swiss knife for your finances!
As a freelancer, you’ll benefit from a ton of Finom’s services. Now, let’s get into the specifics of this handy tool. 👇
Finances have never been more simple, accessible, and safe
Perhaps the scariest thing about being a ZZP’er in the Netherlands is managing your finances and keeping track of how much money should be here, there and everywhere.
This quickly makes the process seem quite chaotic.
With an app taking the load of financial management off your back, you’ve got more time to dedicate to your freelancing business. Image: Freepik
What happens when you remove that chaos and simplify your finances? Things become a lot more manageable — and that’s exactly what Finom can do for your business.
Separate your personal and business finances
Firstly, you can easily separate your work finances and your personal finances and get a fresh Dutch IBAN. This makes your accounting and expenses much easier to keep track of.
All your finances — in one place
Are you an international freelancer in the Netherlands? Geen probleem, it’s also easy to integrate other banks and financial matters from all over Europe through Finom.
With a full overview in one click, you can even handle financial tasks from the comfort of your own mobile phone. Image: Freepik
This means you can see where your money is going (and coming from) all in one place.
And protected under top security measures
Whether you’ve got business elsewhere in Europe or just in the Netherlands, you can rest easy knowing your money and data will be safe through Finom’s top security measures.
Well, from biometric protection to regular security audits and two-factor authentication, Finom has also partnered with one of the world’s largest multinational banks (BNP Paribas) to ensure even greater protection. 🔐
Freelance like a pro
On top of helping you keep track of the numbers, Finom offers many other handige features that are essential for freelancers.
Automated invoices? Yes, please
For example, one extremely helpful tool that Finom also offers is an invoicing service.
Through this, you can automate sending your bills to clients — super handy if you have to handle lots of requests at once (and no more worrying about whether you’ve charged someone twice, or worse, not at all).
Cashback for transactions? Now we’re talking
What’s more, you can get up to 3% cash back on most of the transactions you make.
Money back for each transaction? Hoera, sign us right up! Image: Freepik
This means that you get a small percentage of money back for the transactions you make using physical or virtual debit cards from Finom! This amount is between €10 and €20 per month and depends on the plan you have at Finom.
If you’re ever in doubt or confused about their services and how they work, you can easily check in with customer care. That way, you can get the most out of Finom’s services and features.
Sign me up! How can I start using Finom?
Finom’s services are super customisable for your needs — you can opt for a range of packages with different services for a monthly fee.
Budding and experienced freelancers alike can choose from a free (yes, free!) Solo plan with handy accounting integrations to a Start plan with 2% cashback for €14 per month. Plus, their €28 plan is ideal for SMEs — allowing up to five users access to the same account.
If you want a plan that can accommodate more people, you can check their Premium and Corporate subscriptions for even more services.
Finom’s primary focus is working with freelancers and small to medium-sized businesses, so you can be sure you’re making the most out of their services and getting help from the experts who are trained to help people exactly like you.
Do you have experience with managing your finances as a freelancer? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
It’s officially the time of the year when most people would do anything to avoid leaving the house. Thuisbezorgd is making sure you really don’t have to.
If you live in The Hague or Groningen, you can now count on Thuisbezorgd to make your dinners… fun, not just delicious.
How? According to Omroep West, the food delivery service is partnering up with EasyToys to offer their customers quick and discreet sex toy delivery.
Taking comfort to the next level, literally
Sometimes, you’re too lazy to cook and too awkward to look a cashier in the eyes when buying a vibrator. Now, you might be able to turn to Thuisbezorgd to help you with both issues.
The only requirements? You live in either The Hague or Groningen — oh, and you’re willing to wait up to an hour.
Thuisbezorgd guarantees the parcel will arrive within the hour and have discreet packaging so no need to worry about any nosy neighbours. As far as Roos is concerned, you’re getting sushi.
Much like its food menu, Thuisbezorgd offers plenty of options. You can choose between an array of sex toys, but you can also get condoms delivered last minute.
In the hour that you’re waiting for them to arrive, we suggest playing charades with your partner or catching up on your emails!
May come to other cities
These fun deliveries are limited to The Hague and Groningen for now because this is where EasyToys has physical stores, but an expansion isn’t out of the question.
If the experiment proves successful, residents of other Dutch cities will be able to wonder whether their Thuisbezorgd delivery person is judging them in no time.
This isn’t the first time Thuisbezorgd has tried something like this. Their parent company has partnered up with Lovehoney, spicing up evenings across the UK, Austria, Germany, and Denmark since September.
What do you think of Thuisbezorgd’s latest business venture? Let us know in the comments below!?
If you were avoiding taking your winter coat out of the back of your wardrobe, it might be time to fish it out.
According to NU.nl, there will be large temperature differences across the Netherlands today, November 19th — with some of us potentially enjoying the first snowfall of the season.
If you live in the north of the country, you will face cold temperatures of around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, with the possibility of wet snow falling locally.
Yep, it’s time to warm the Chocomel and grab your mittens (or shut the curtains and hibernate for the next five months, you do you.)
If you’re not ready for Mariah Carey to completely defrost, then it’s time to head south. Locals in the southern provinces will have much milder weather, with temperatures in Limburg remaining around 10°C.
Meanwhile, the middle of the country will linger around a glorious 5°C.
If you’re a fan of (wet) snow, it’s your lucky day!
During the day, the wind from the northwest will be strong, especially along the Zeeland and South Holland coast, potentially resulting in some soggy snowflakes.
However, by the evening, even the southern provinces may not be safe. The cold will spread towards the south — so don’t lose hope, Limburgers, snow is also possible for you!
Wondering if you’ll wake up tomorrow morning with enough snow to make a snowman? ☃️
Helaas, if snow does fall in your region, only a small layer is expected to remain. Instead, you can look forward to the rain, hail, sleet and thunderstorms that are forecast for Thursday. ☔️
Are you excited for snow? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for a home in the Netherlands isn’t an easy mission, especially in big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. That’s why Dutchies are looking for their future homes elsewhere. 👀
Where, you ask? According to the AD, the small city of IJsselstein in the province of Utrecht was one of the top Dutch cities on Funda for the first nine months of the year.
IJssel-what-now?
In October, a whopping 408,240 Funda searches were made for the 63 houses listed for sale in IJsselstein.
This makes the city of 33,000 inhabitants the most sought-after destination for house hunters in the Netherlands.
Although, in absolute terms, larger cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht naturally have higher numbers of searches (who’s surprised), “IJsselstein has the highest number of views per home and is therefore most popular on Funda”, Claire Verhagen of Funda tells the AD.
But… why is this place so popular?
Bart Rietveld, born in IJsselstein and chairman of the local Historical Society, says he is not surprised by his town’s success on Funda, claiming that he “would be surprised if it wasn’t the case”.
Rietveld accredits IJsselstein’s success to the town’s many attractive qualities. 🏠
Though small, it has all the amenities that one would find in a larger city, all wrapped up in a small area.
With its “cultural history and beautiful old city centre”, IJsselstein remains authentic and important to the people living in or around it, says Rietveld.
Its inherent charm and tranquillity are characteristics highly appealing to many looking to get away from the chaotic city life — and we understand why. 🧘🏻♀️
Let’s talk numbers
The AD reports that there were 63 houses for sale in IJsselstein at the beginning of November.
On a small budget? Then a two-bedroom apartment on Schapenstraat right in the city centre might be the right fit for you — for sale at just €245.000.
More to spend? Then opt for a charming country house on the Klaphek, where you can “enjoy the ultimate holiday feeling every day” for sale at… €3.3 million.
Would you consider living in IJsselstein? Let us know in the comments below.
The combination of scheduled renovation work and ProRail staff strikes has made this November a chaotic time for Dutch Railways (NS) users — and the last leg of the month won’t get any better.
According to the NS, this morning’s ProRail strike in South Holland, Zeeland, and West Brabant will be followed by two more strikes on Wednesday and Friday, affecting different areas of the country.
Moreover, due to a major ongoing renovation project, we should also brace for two more weeks of disruption for trains travelling to, from, and through Schiphol Airport, warns the NS.
Is it starting to feel like the Dutch have secretly created a new festivity called “No Train November” and forced you to attend? We feel the same — let’s see how to cope with it.👇
The next strikes
While this morning’s strike, officially concluded around 9 AM, is still causing delays on the tracks of South Holland, Zeeland, and West Brabant, it’s already time to prepare for two new strikes:
Wednesday morning: strikes in Eindhoven and Maastricht.
Friday morning: strikes in Zwolle, Groningen, and Haarlem.
Just like today’s strike, both of these were announced by the FNV union due to stalled collective labour agreement negotiations, and will involve workers from ProRail traffic control posts.
This means that disruptions will extend past the areas of the strike, with possible repercussions across the entire country.
Ongoing renovation work at Schiphol
Meanwhile, the major renovation work around Schiphol is still underway, adding another source of cancellations and delays to the mix.
Before the work comes to a close on Wednesday, 4 December, you can expect the following disruptions — and solutions!
Cancelled trains
The most severe disruptions will happen on the last weekend of November, when no trains will run between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Zuid, and only half of the regular trains will run between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal, Leiden Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal.
Specifically, this disruption will last from Friday, 29 November, at 4 AM to Monday, 2 December, at 2 AM.
To help passengers deal with this nuisance, the NS has made train tickets valid on metro lines 50 and 51 between Amsterdam Lelylaan and Amsterdam Zuid on these days.
Fewer trains
Until December 4, trains will run through Schiphol, but far less frequently than usual, resulting in delays, cancellations, and crowded trains.
Until then, the NS advises avoiding travelling through Schiphol altogether — or at least avoiding the rush hour.
To allow you to properly deal with No Trains November, the NS advises travellers to consult the latest information on the NS website.
Imagine a Russian roulette where the bullets are the following: wind, snow, wind, snow, wind, snow — that pretty much sums up next Tuesday’s weather, according to Dutch meteorologists.
We, the common mortals, are used to being taken by surprise by the moodiness of Dutch weather — but meteorologists always know what’s going on, right?
On Tuesday, a disturbance coming from the ocean “at rock-hard speed” is bound to reach the Netherlands, making for “an interesting weather day,” Buienradar meteorologist Amara Onwuka tells RTL.
The issue is, “we don’t know yet in what form that will happen,” she explains. In fact, meteorologists have forecasted two possible scenarios. 👇
Scenario 1: hail and strong winds
If the disturbance hits the Netherlands from the north, it will bring occasional precipitations, hail, and exceptionally strong winds.
According to the meteorologist, “that snow will not stay because of the warm ground.” However, “traffic will be greatly affected by it.”
So, to recap: we might get horribly strong wind, but we might not, but we might also get some snow, but just enough to cause much nuisance and zero fun. Thanks for nothing, Dutch weather. 😤
The calm before the storm
Weather-wise, the days before Tuesday will still be calm, Onwuka tells RTL.
Tomorrow, we can expect a mostly dry Saturday, with temperatures hovering around a seasonal 11 degrees. Some rain is set to hit the North during the day, and reach the rest of the country at night.
Sunday, in turn, will be an “open weather day”, with fast-moving clouds bringing sun, rain, or hail depending on time and location — a typical day of Dutch moody weather.
Monday will be a good old rainy day.
How will you spend your unpredictable Tuesday? Give us some inspiration the comments!
There’s one thing for sure: you do not want to miss Sinterklaas’s arrival to the Netherlands as an international. These are some of the best days of the Dutch holiday season!
After all, what’s that smell? Is it gingerbread? And mulled wine? Why are people throwing cookies at me? And who are those strangely dressed coal miners in the streets? 🎄
Sinterklaas is coming to the Netherlands, baby! 🎅
But when? Who? Why? Here’s all you need to know about Sinterklaas’s arrival in the Netherlands in 2024.
Sinterklaas’s hat and robes make him look like a red Pope (rather than wearing Santa’s suit)
The arrival of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands will be met by crowds of excited children. Image: Depositphotos
Sinterklaas’s arrival marks the beginning of the Dutch holiday season, with the festivities all leading up to Pakjesavond (Present Evening) on December 5.
But when will Sinterklaas come to your city in 2024? Hold on to your snow boots, for we’ve compiled all the cities our jolly Sinterklaas will visit this holiday season. 🚤
The ultimate list of Dutch cities Sinterklaas will visit in 2024
4A different city is chosen every year for Sinterklaas’s initial arrival. In 2024, the small city of Vianen in Utrecht will have the honour.
On November 16, Sinterklaas will arrive by steamboat in the port, where he will be received by the no-doubt excited city residents. The arrival of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands is sure to start off the celebrations with a memorable bang!
But have no fear: Sinterklaas will visit almost every Dutch city. Here’s when he’ll be gracing your stad!
Sinterklaas’s arrival in major Dutch cities
Amsterdam — Sunday, November 17
Sinterklaas’s arrival in the Dutch capital will begin with him docking his boat in the Amstel River. Sinterklaas will then embark on a festive canal tour, and at the end, he will get the chance to speak to the mayor of the city.
Then, Sinterklaas will continue his journey through the city on horseback and end his tour in Leidseplein at 2:30 PM.
The Hague — Saturday, November 16
For the 77th time, Sinterklaas will dock his wonderful steamboat in Scheveningen, before making his way to The Hague.
He will take a driving tour through the city’s shopping streets, where all the children of the Hague can wave and say ho ho ho to the saint.
Sinterklaas is an iconic figure in the Dutch Christmas tradition. Image: Erik Bro/WikimediaCommons/CC 3.0
Groningen — Saturday, November 16
Every year since 1947, Sinterklaas has visited Groningen. This year will be no different, as he will arrive in his famous steamboat in the major city at 12:45 PM.
The parade will start at Praediniussingel and end at the Grote Markt. Sinterklaas will be seen sailing through the city until 2:15 PM. After his sail through the city, Sinterklaas and his helpers will embark on a walk through the city until 3 PM.
Haarlem — Sunday, November 17
In Little Amsterdam, Sinterklaas will dock his boat between 12 PM and 1 PM. From there, Sinterklaas will ride on his horse, and his procession will work its way through the streets of Haarlem, ending the tour in the Grote Markt at 4 PM.
There, the Mayor of Haarlem will greet the saint, and the festivities will continue.
Maastricht — Saturday, November 16
Sint will dock at the jetty of the Stiphout shipping company at the Kesselskade and then parade through the city, ending at the Stadhuis.
Rotterdam — Saturday, November 16
Sinterklaas visits the city of Rotterdam for the 72nd time this November. In accordance with tradition, the saint will arrive on his epic steamboat on the Willemsplein. Then, he will end his tour in Grotekerkplein.
In Rotterdam, you can expect a jolly party celebrating the Christmas season with ginger nuts and lots of different entertainment. Amongst food trucks and stunt actors, kids will also be able to get ‘Piet’ diplomas during the festivities.
Utrecht — Sunday, November 17
The parade in Utrecht will start at 11:30 AM at Ledig Erf. From there, the boat bearing our lovely Sinterklaas will go to the Weerdsluis and depart onto the podium.
Once the party starts off there, the parade will continue with Sinterklaas on horseback, and then at 3 PM will arrive at Domplein.
Leiden — Saturday, November 16
Sinterklaas will make his entrance to Leiden in the Beestenmarkt at 12 PM. Once there, the saint will lead the parade down to the Lammermarkt.
Leiden, already known for its epic festivals, will have bouncy castles and games galore for all the children attending. There will also be some fairytale characters (if Sinterklaas himself wasn’t enough!) and lots and lots of goodies. 😉
Other Dutch cities that Sinterklaas will visit
Alkmaar — Saturday, November 16
After his arrival on the Ringersplein, Sinterklaas can be seen making his rounds through the city of Alkmaar. Once Sinterklaas has departed from his boat, he will ride around the city on his trusty horse.
The parade will then make its way through the city, with Sinterklaas eventually hopping on a bus to De Mare and ending his visit at De Hoef shopping centre in Alkmaar city.
Almere — Saturday, November 16
Listen up, Almere residents! Sinterklaas will dock his boat in the Havenkom of Almere Haven. After such a long wait, the city will host the saint with great excitement as the Sintparade winds its way through the city.
The parade and festivities will start at 10:45 AM in Almere, with Sinterklaas making his much-awaited arrival at 11:30 AM.
Amersfoort — Saturday, November 16
Amersfoort has a long history of Sinterklaas celebrations. This year, Sinterklaas will arrive in the city around 12 PM.
There are also many events going on during the festive period in Amersfoort, from the arrival of Sinterklaas to Christmas scavenger hunts and even meet and greets for the kids!
Arnhem — Saturday, November 16
Sinterklaas will arrive in his boat at 3:30 PM in Arnhem at the Arnhemse Rijnkade. From there, the jolly fellow will wind his way through the city while on horseback, saying hello to all the children of Arnhem.
Assen — Saturday, November 16
The starting point of Sinterklaas’s visit to Assen will be Kop van de Vaart at 11:45 AM, and his parade through the city will end on Ceresstraat.
Breda — Saturday, November 16
In Breda, Sinterklaas will arrive at the Grove Markt this year. From 2 PM onwards, not only will Sinterklaas say hello to all the waiting children, but he will be accompanied by a DJ, dancers, and a band.
Assendelft — Sunday, November 17
Holly Jolly Sinterklaas will arrive in Assendelft on Sunday, November 17. The mayor will greet the saint and his companions at 2 PM in the market, and the closing party for Sinterklaas’s arrival will begin at 3 PM.
Den Bosch — Sunday, November 17
Sinterklaas will visit is Den Bosch on Sunday, November 17. But the saint will arrive in the city at 11:30 AM. His procession will work its way through the city to arrive at the City Hall.
Den Helder — Saturday, November 16
The saint will land in Den Helder on Saturday, November 16 at around 10:30 AM. He will be interviewed by the mayor there, so if you want to catch some of the saint’s inner thoughts, it would be best to get a good spot to watch and listen.
After his interview, the procession will then proceed through Willemsoord, Spoorstraat, Keizerstraat, Californiëstraat, Breewaterplein, and end up at the Experience Store.
Dordrecht — Saturday, November 16
After a long trip from Spain, Sinterklaas will arrive in Dordrecht at 12 PM. Dordrecht has lots planned to celebrate his arrival; of course, there will be the usual festive parade, but there will also be a street party in the afternoon.
Thousands of people turn out to see Sinterklaas’s arrival. Image: Depositphotos
Also, for the children who cannot wave to Sinterklaas from the quays, there will be big LED screens for them to watch the Sinterklaas as he departs his steamboat.
Eindhoven — Saturday, November 16
From 10 AM onwards, parents and children can wait in de Heuvel for Sinterklaas’s arrival. Then, Sinterklaas will climb aboard his horse and continue his procession through the city on horseback.
The saint will be welcomed by the Mayor of Eindhoven at 18 Septemberplein at 1 PM.
Leeuwarden — Saturday, November 16
Sinterklaas is expected to arrive in the city centre at 11 AM in Leeuwarden. Like in most other cities, Sinterklaas will travel through the city on horseback.
The saint will also receive the honour of being offered the Key of the City from the Mayor on the Hofplein.
Roermond — Sunday, November 17
In Roermond, Sinterklaas will arrive in the Roerkade at 2 PM, and his parade through the city will end at 3:30 PM.
The arrival of Sinterklaas marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
Tilburg — Sunday, November 17
For 124 years, the saint has visited the city of Tilburg, and this year will be no different. Arriving around 11:30 AM in the Tilburgse Piushaven, Sinterklaas will quickly join the crowds of waiting people and take part in the parade.
There will be a Sinterklaas disco in the Spoorpark, and, over the festive season, there will also be a Saint Village to celebrate the winter holiday.
Noordwijk aan Zee — Saturday, November 16
Sinterklaas will arrive in Noordwijk aan Zee by lifeboat, a majorly different mode of transport from his usual steamboat. At 10 AM, the saint will go to the podium on the beach, where the Mayor of Noordwijk aan Zee will meet him.
Then, Sinterklaas will parade through the city in a carriage carted by two horses, waving and smiling at all the excited children of the city.
Zaanstad — Saturday, November 16
From 2 PM to 4 PM in Zaanstad, Sinterklaas will be found on the streets with his companions. Presented by a DJ, the parade is sure to be a sight to behold and full of music, fun, and dance.
Zierikzee — Saturday, November 16
From 2 PM, Sinterklaas can be found in Zierikzee. Sinterklaas has visited this city since 2005, and the whole festivities are organised by volunteers in the city.
Sinterklaas’s arrival by city: quick guide
City
Arrival Date
Alkmaar
November 16
Almere
November 16
Amersfoort
November 16
Amsterdam
November 17
Arnhem
November 16
Assen
November 16
Breda
November 16
Assendelft
November 17
Den Bosch
November 17
The Hague
November 16
Den Helder
November 16
Dordrecht
November 16
Eindhoven
November 16
Groningen
November 16
Haarlem
November 17
Leeuwarden
November 16
Leiden
November 16
Maastricht
November 16
Noordwijk aan Zee
November 16
Roermond
November 17
Rotterdam
November 16
Tilburg
November 17
Utrecht
November 17
Zaanstad
November 16
Zierikzee
November 16
What to expect during Sinterklaas’s arrival
During Sinterklaas’s arrival in the Netherlands, you can expect epic festivities; crowds, street parties, dance parties, DJs playing music, Sinterklaas—inspired villages and houses, meet and greets, and even speeches from the mayors of different municipalities. 😍
It’s a season of celebration and festive joy. Get a taste of some typical Dutch festive food, such as pepernoten, or grab some sweet animal—shaped marzipan.
Who is Zwarte Piet?
While Santa Claus has adorable elves, Sinterklaas has, well, Zwarte Piet, also known as ‘Black Pete.’
Yeahhhh. It’s about as bad as it sounds. The Dutch twist on typical Christmas traditions includes a companion to Sinterklaas, usually painted in black paint, wearing a thick wig with highlighted, red lips. 💋
The old version of Zwarte Piet features blackface, and the new Sooty Piet on the right. Image: Andre Engels/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0 and Ziko van Dijk/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
The tradition has been the subject of much controversy, but more and more municipalities are opting out of including Zwarte Piet in modern—day parades.
As the end of the year approaches, our attention is drawn to a sobering figure: women in the Netherlands will essentially work for free until next year.
While the end of the year is sometimes associated with making more money — Christmas bonuses and the thirteenth month pay — Dutch women don’t have that much to look forward to.
The Dutch gender pay gap (yes, it exists)
The Netherlands like to pride itself with being a progressive nation. But the road to gender equality is still long for Dutch women.
The NOS reports that, if women’s and men’s wages were equalised, this would mean women in the Netherlands would work for free until the rest of the year.
In other words, women would need to work an additional 47 days per year to earn the same amount as their male counterparts — and this is only considering wages.
If we take other benefits into account, such as bonuses and company-provided equipment, the gap increases even further.
This pay gap is biggest in the Dutch business sector and slightly smaller in the government sector.
Just… ask for more!?
The gender pay gap has been a contentious topic with a common way of disputing it being to claim that women simply don’t negotiate their salaries as well as men do.
But research shows that the gap doesn’t persist because of a lack of trying: women are refused twice as often as men when they ask for pay increases and are judged more harshly as a result of asking.
“I felt screwed”, said Liselotte van den Broek when talking about her experience asking for a higher salary to trade union FNV.
FNV has been collecting stories of 42 women to draw attention to the difficulties Dutch women face when it comes to equal pay.
We feel you, Liselotte. Hopefully you get paid in full next year.
Friday morning’s train strikes around Utrecht and Amersfoort will have serious consequences for passengers — and the NS warns travellers to prepare for major disruptions.
How major, you ask? Let’s have a look.
Here’s what we know 👇🏼
All train traffic in central Netherlands will be halted until 9 AM on Friday, November 15.
As NU.nl reports, “that means that no trains will be running, or fewer trains will be running on a number of surrounding routes”.
Don’t live in the centre of the country so you think this won’t affect you? Unfortunately, we have bad news. 😬
The areas that are affected by the strikes also pose major challenges for Schiphol Airport station, and cities such as Leiden, Rotterdam, Den Bosch, Deventer and Almere.
Image: NS/Press release
The NS will restart the usual timetable after 9 AM.
The primary cities affected by the strike form the heart of the Dutch railway system, the NS states, worrying that it will have very severe consequences for all travellers.
What can travellers do?
People expecting to travel on Friday morning can plan their trip shortly before departure for the most up-to-date updates.
Dus, keep a close eye on your reisplanner (travel planner)! 📖
