Storytime! This is how and where I found The Hague Market β a.k.a. the biggest open street market in Europe.
When I first moved to The Hague from my home in Mexico, I thought I would have to say goodbye to one of Godβs most beautiful and green creations: guacamole. π₯
Thanks to The Hague Market, however, that was not the case.
What is The Hague Market?
Surprisingly, I did not have to concede much in the exotic fruit department when moving to the Netherlands.
Three of them are fairly obvious when you spend a greyΒ Saturday morning in this colourful corner of The Hague.
Whatβs there to buy?
Exotic fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, and freshly made stroopwafels are just some of the wonderful things you can add to your grocery bag at The Hague Market.
And I mean, if for some strange reason the “freshly made stroopwafels” part didnβt do it for you… sorry, then I don’t know what will. π
Fresh fruit and veggies
Seriously though, the market has a wide variety of exotic fruits, vegetables and snacks that many people find attractive. Itβs one of the few places in The Hague where I can find fresh, ripe, and cheap (!) avocados β we’re talking β¬1 per kilo, here. π
So, you see why The Hague Market is a godsend when making my world-famous, critically acclaimed guacamole.
You can also find Yucca, Dutch cheese, mangos, and Greek olives at cheap prices.
Delicious meat and fish
If youβre more of a meat eater, youβll be happy to find a lot of fresh butcher shops and fresh fish stores. As a man who works at one of the seafood shops puts it:
βOn Tuesday, we buy fish for Wednesday, and on Thursday, we buy fish for Friday and Saturday. (β¦) Everything is fresh.β
If you prefer the snack scene, head to the market and delight yourself with a wide variety of snack shops: Dutch haring, fresh stroopwafels, corn in a cup, Turkish gΓΆzelme, and baklava β you name it!
Home decor, jewellery, perfumes, clothes, you name it
Besides being a great and cheap place to do your groceries, the Open Market is home to all sorts of stores.
Shops that sell: curtains, carpets, menβs and womenβs clothing, flowers, cosmetics, candy, home utensils, antiques, bike replacement parts, electronics, phone accessoriesβ¦ the list of shops goes on!
The Hague Market experience: what’s happening there?
In the words of a good Dutch colleague of mine: βIt feels like Iβm in one of those exotic, vibrant markets that I used to find in Peru. It doesnβt feel like Iβm in The Netherlands.β
And right, he is.
When you step into De Haagse Markt on a busy Saturday, youβre quickly surrounded by bright colours, exotic smells of fruits and flowers, talking crowds, the calls of salespersons, and all of the life in the market.
It provides a very different experience than your typical Albert Heijn or Jumbo grocery trip.
So if youβre up for a different grocery trip, visit one of Europeβs biggest multicultural, open markets from 9 AM to 5 PM every Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. And be sure to keep an eye out for those rare but always welcomed Open Sundays!
Have you been to The Hague Market? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Moving to a new city is hard, especially with loneliness on the rise. Joining an expat club could significantly enhance your feeling of belonging in Amsterdam.
No matter your interests, there will be something for you; whether that’s sports, arts and crafts, theatre or cooking.
We’ve researched varied and interesting groups that expats can join in Amsterdam and compiled a list of some of the best.
Join a social running club πββοΈ
‘Dam Runners is a friendly running community that meets regularly. Speed is not a pre-requisite; you just need to be competent and not fussed about running a few kilometres (why else would you go?).
If a running club is not for you, why not give Parkrun a go? Anyone can join and it still gets you out of the house and exercising with other people.
Running together makes exercise more enjoyable for some! Image: Freepik
Rollerskate your expat worries away
Live out your Whip It fantasy and meet with fellow rollerskaters for a fun evening activity.
Every Friday night, an enthusiastic group skate around a different route in Amsterdam. Check out their schedule for all the upcoming outings!
Newcomers and seasoned players alike are welcome, so no matter your skill level, you’re sure to have a ball! π
Join a life drawing class π¨
Fascinated by the human body? Enjoy sketching? Life Drawing Amsterdam allows drop-ins, or you can become a member. It’s a great way to wind down after a day’s work.
Embrace your artistic side at a life drawing class! Image: Freepik
Row until your troubles go!
Gliding along the canals is a perfect way to see Amsterdam from a new perspective and experience a different side of city life.
TopRow offers classes for everyone, but there are plenty of recreational rowing clubs in Amsterdam.
Get deep and philosophical π
Want to broaden your mind? Enjoy challenging questions? The Socrates Meet Up Group meets on Sundays to discuss ideas that stimulate critical thinking.
Being open to different points of view is a great way to integrate in a new place β it might even open up your mind to new perspectives and thoughts about the Netherlands.
Become a Padel pro
The Expat Padel Club in Amsterdam prides itself on regularly bringing together a friendly expat community.
Together, they enjoy developing their skills in this exciting sport and building connections as a club.
Check out what they’ve been up to in this video β looks like fun!
Make pottery and ceramics
Studio Pansa is a pottery studio in northeast Amsterdam that offers varying levels of classes and workshops.
Work with clay and ceramics in a comfortable, friendly learning environment! Here’s a snap of them at work. πΈ
Expat Cinema Amsterdam’s Facebook page shares the perfect upcoming events and networking drinks for you. Grab the popcorn! πΏ
Get reading with a book club
There are plenty of options to fulfil your reading needs: Amsterdam Book Club is a community of like-minded literature enthusiasts who meet in members’ houses, and Readers and Drinkers like to grab a beer with their books!
Starting up again through spring and summer, this walking group prioritise getting outside, leaving the workday behind, exercising and enjoying nature as well as each other’s company. π
BuurtBuik is an initiative bringing food-loving, waste-hating internationals together for free.
Hosting delicious three-course meals that are all prepared by volunteers from food waste, it’s a great cause and gets you involved in your new community!
Are you keen to perfect your pasta? La Cucina del Sole is an Italian cooking school that teaches all the essentials so you can cook like real Italians do.
There is a huge variety of courses, from vegan cuisine to a dedicated gnocchi workshop.
Try your hand at homemade pasta, yum! Image: Pixabay
Check out the Amsterdam Photography Club πΈ
The Amsterdam Photography Club has over 5000 members and hosts multiple events a year, from mixed-level Photography Courses to photo walks and lectures.
If photography is your thing, this is a great opportunity to start snapping your city!
Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, and part of that is finding people to spend time with and make friends with.
Social clubs are a great way to get to know the locals and enjoy your time living in a new place!
Are you already part of an expat club here in Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments below!
Think Aussies and Dutchies are oceans apart (figuratively, at least)? Think again.
Australia and the Netherlands may be separated by approximately 14,748 kilometres (9,164 miles), but despite the vast distance and the near-day-long flight required to make the trip, there are some intriguing similarities between the two nations.
However, they may also recognize that some things are a little more familiar and give them a slice of home despite being almost 10,000 miles away. π¦πΊπ³π±
1. Multiculturalism
In Australia, almost 100,000 of its citizens were born in the Netherlands, while 240,000 claim Dutch heritage.
In truth, it perhaps should not be a great surprise that the two countries are vastly diverse and boast a multitude of communities.
Australia and the Netherlands are cultural melting pots. Image: Depositphotos
Globalisation has become easier than ever with cheaper and more accessible flights. Still, the diverse environment happened much earlier than this type of travel became readily available, especially in Australia.
The migration boom that followed the end of World War II saw many move from the European nation to the Land Down Under in the 1950s.
2. Shared interests
Unsurprisingly, the two countries have several shared interests that many citizens participate in.
Letβs start with a Dutch classic: biking. Cycling as a sport is huge in the Netherlands, with people pulling on their lycra to zoom along the dykes on their two-wheelers.
Similarly, Australia has its own armies of cyclists. While daily biking is nowhere near as common, the weekend warriors donβt think twice before pedalling Australiaβs curving roads and mountains in a pack.
Cycling isnβt the only sport Aussies and Dutchies have in common. In fact, these are two nations that love sport, whether itβs playing or spectating.
The two countries have come to heads in recent years in football (or as the Aussies say, soccer), swimming, and track and field.
Both Dutchies and Aussies love a good sports event! Image: Depositphotos
3. Landscape
In terms of landscapes, both countries can boast areas of outstanding natural beauty.
The Netherlands offers an abundance of spectacular nature in terms of its National Parks, woodlands, forests, dams, and waterways despite being a remarkably densely populated country.
You can visit the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam, and then visit the tulip fields β known as ‘Bollenstreek’ β near the city and towards the North Sea.
In its own very different way, Australia has vast and plentiful nature to offer, even beyond the typical outback or beaches.
Some places in Australia were even discovered by the Dutch. Image: Depositphotos
Additionally, various National Parks can be visited, as can the Great Barrier Reef and incredible habitats for animals native to the region (kangaroos, koalas, and the kookaburra).
4. Historical Legacies
Both countries have a rich historical past and have had a lasting impact on the world in various ways.
The Netherlands once had its own empire and was shaped based on the history of this.
Australia has also been ruled as part of an empire, albeit as part of the British colony. It is now part of the Commonwealth, which is governed by royalty.
Tilburg is a creative city with lots of heart and character. Thanks to its mix of traditional and modern architecture, walking through its streets is a unique adventure in the Netherlands, and you never know what you’ll find behind the next corner. π§
Fear not, before you wander into the city blind, weβve compiled the ultimate list of things to do in Tilburg; from day trips to weekend getaways, Tilburg has so much to offer to keep you entertained during your visit.Β
1. Quench your curiosity at the Natuurmuseum Brabant
Thereβs something to entertain even the most restless of kids at the Natuurmuseum Brabant. Image: MerktTilburg/Supplied
The Natuurmuseum in Brabant, Tilburg, has a host of epic exhibitions to enjoy. Keep your eye out (though it wonβt be hard to find!) for the huge sperm whale skeleton β or even wander all the way to the Ice Age and take a peek at the reconstructed mammoths on display.
Plus, with ongoing events at the museum and even the OO – ZONE exhibit where kids can practice their archaeology skills and learn a little history, this museum is a top choice when looking for things to do in Tilburg!
π Location:Spoorlaan 434, 5038 CH Tilburg π° Price: β¬12.50 for adults, β¬10.50 for children, and free for kids under the age of 4 β° Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM
2. Explore the renovated Spoorpark
The Spoorpark in Tilburg is one of a kind. Why? Because it was once a barren area near the train tracks but has now been converted into a meeting point and play area for families and people alike. β»
The citizens of Tilburg worked together to come up with an initiative to renovate the land into an amazing park for people to enjoy, and with the help of the municipality, the Spoorpark was born!
At the park, you can check out some of the expert artwork, such as The Zipper, a statue at the entrance to the park which has become a landmark. Or, you can pack your tents and warm clothes, and camp on the grounds for a night or two! π
π Location:Β Spoorpark 1, 5038 LS Tilburg π° Price: Free β° Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 11 PM
3. Dine in a renovated train
Having a delicious brunch at De Wagon during our day trip to Tilburg. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Peckish on your day out in Tilburg? A great option for an epic dining experience in the city is De Wagon, where you can eat lunch in a renovated train carriage and take a seat at an old booth.
One of the most unique restaurants in Tilburg, you can choose to either have your meal inside the train wagon, just like a passenger, or you can eat outside on the terrace when the weather is nice and sunny.
The food is delicious, but you donβt need to be peckish to enjoy this place, you can also sit at the bar if you feel like just having a biertje.
Even this exhibit outside the museum is an example of the contemporary art inside! Image: Merkt Tilburg/Supplied
A contemporary art museum in Tilburg, an afternoon at De Pont is one of the best things you can do on a day out in the city! π¨
With mind-boggling exhibits that change during the year, the museum is built into an old wool-spinning mill; so not only is it showcasing art of the modern age but it is set in the context of Tilburgβs long history.
π Location: Wilhelminapark 1, 5041 EA Tilburg π° Price: β¬12.50 and kids under 18 go free β° Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM
5. Enjoy a delicious meal in vintage style
The interior at RAW combines throw-back style with cosiness; and the food is lekker! Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Another place where you can have a great meal in Tilburg is RAW.
This unique spot has a very interesting vintage-themed interior. From old filming cameras to old radios, this place has the best antiques.
The vintage atmosphere, in combination with some pretty delicious food and drinks, makes it the perfect place for a meal during your trip to Tilburg. Plus, with vegan and vegetarian options there will be something for your whole group to enjoy. π
The street art in Tilburg is just inspiring! Image: Jana VondrΓ‘ΔkovΓ‘/Supplied
The municipality in Tilburg decided to embrace art in all its forms, and invited graffiti artists to do their best on the old buildings and walls of Tilburg.
The result? Some incredible art. Now, you can take an urban street art tour, and wander through Tilburg while ticking off every one of the 18 murals around the city. Grab tickets and rent a bike (or an electric scooter π΄) at the Mercure Hotel in Tilburg, and then; scoot off and observe the art!Β
The tour can take up to seven hours, so make sure you have filling snacks and an umbrella for that typical Dutch weather. No food? No problem. An added plus to the tour is that you will be provided will some additional yummy snacks and stomach-warming drinks while you take in the art.
Take a jog in the beautiful Oude Warande in Tilburg. Image: MerktTilburg/Supplied
Tilburg is not only the home to some amazing museums and street art; but it also boasts many wonderful parks. Step into the outdoors, or cycle along on your bike, and enjoy the views of the Oude Warande.
An 18th-century baroque-style park with huge trees is one of only a few forest parks in the Netherlands, which makes it all the more special.
Pack a picnic, or choose this park for a jog, because we recommend Oude Warande as one of the best things to do in Tilburg.
Yes, you heard us right; Tilburg has a safari! π¦
At Beekse Bergen, you can watch the rhinos in their natural (recreated) habit, and map your own route through the park β or take one of the pre-mapped routes!
Donβt have a car? No problem! You can enjoy the safari by foot, take a seat in the safari bus, or even experience the wildlife from the comfort of a boat.
Or, you want to stay overnight? Geen probleem, the safari offers multiple overnight accommodations. Stay in the hotel, take a trip to the resort, or rent out a whole house in the middle of the man-made savannah.
If youβre visiting the safari by car, be prepared to pay an extra β¬9.50 per car as an βexit ticketβ.
π Location: Tilburgseweg 41, 5081 NG Hilvarenbeek π° Price: β¬27 for those over the age of 10, β¬24 for those aged between 3-9, and children under 3 go free β° Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM
9. Learn about fabric history at the Textile Museum
The Textile Museum in Tilburg allows a sneak peek into the history of Tilburgβs manufacturing. Image: Nora Maria/Supplied
Not only can you catch a peek into the history of textile making in the Textile Museum, but you can also visit the TextielLab, where designers and artists can be found working on their projects!
A working museum, it demonstrates Tilburgβs past as the wool capital of the Netherlands. While youβre there, be sure to stay up-to-date with their latest exciting exhibits.
π Location: Goirkestraat 96, 5046 GN Tilburg π° Price:Β β¬12.50 for adults, β¬4.00 for children, and free for those under the age of 13 β° Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM to 5 PMΒ
10. Indulge those shopaholic tendencies
Wander through the new Emmapassage in Tilburg. Image: Nora Maria/Tilburg
With the recent reopening of De Heuvelstraat, and the new building of the Emmapassage, the shopping streets in Tilburg have undergone a massive transformation, making it easier for shoppers to meander from store to store. π
With connections from all the main shopping streets and enough food spots to shake your stick at (or your frikandel), shopping in the centre of Tilburg is another one of the best things to do in the city. π
At this beautiful park in Tilburg, you can see nature in all its glory. Image: MerktTilburg/Supplied
In the Wandelbos, youβll have a spectacular choice of hiking trails to pick from. Not the type to enjoy a long trek? Pack your lunch, and you can have a vibey autumnal picnic on one of the many benches.
Got kids? Theyβll love this park for its petting zoo! There are so many animals native to the park; swans, donkey, sheep, goats, and even llamas. π¦
Are you an aspiring pop singer? Youβll love playing a night of drunken karoake at Dolfijn, where you can rent a private room for you and your loved ones to belt out βToxicβ like your life depends on it.
Follow it up by a round of bowling, or grab a cocktail at the bar to celebrate (nearly) hitting those high notes. πΆ
π Location: Ringbaan-Oost 2A, 5013 CA Tilburg π° Price: β¬9 per person β° Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 2 PM to 12 AM, Saturday and Sunday, 12 PM to 10:30 PM
13. Unite with your fellow redheads at the Redhead festival
Join the unique 4% of Dutch people lucky enough to have red hair at the Redhead Festival in Tilburg. Those with epic melanin and hair that will avoid dreaded greys can meet in the city and create a memory to never forget.
Not a redhead? You can also marvel with envy at the thousands of bright-coloured heads while you wonder if auburn would suit you too.
Be prepared for the inside of this epic maze. Image: Merkt Tilburg/Supplied
This interactive maze is just one of many incredible things to do in Tilburg. Immerse yourself in the art, and get lost amongst the almost out-of-body pieces, all designed to bring you on an amazing journey of art and discovery.
Feeling a bit wrecked after that? Climb upstairs, and grab a meal in the restaurant β or enjoy the rooftop bar and marvel at the views of Tilburg.
π Location: Spoorlaan 21C, 5038 CB Tilburg π° Price: β¬25 for entrance to the maze β° Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
15. Read a new book at the world’s 2nd-best library
What was once an old factory has been converted into a hub of literature and community, continuing the tradition of free-to-attend libraries; this is one of the only public spaces in which youβre not expected to spend any precious moolah. π°
π Location: Burgemeester Brokxlaan 66, 5041 DB Tilburg π° Price: Free β° Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM to 10 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM
16. Enjoy an evening concert at Concert Hall Tilburg
Get into your fancy dress and listen to some Bach at the Schouwburg Concert Hall in Tilburg. Image: MerktTilburg/Supplied
Music lovers will enjoy this thing to do in Tilburg β attending a concert at the wonderful venue of Schouwburg Concert Hall. Classical music, here we come, and weβve got our fancy bifocals in hand! π§
With events taking place the whole year long, make sure you grab tickets ahead of your visit to Tilburg; or you might be left empty-handed and musicless!
Concert halls, safaris, and contemporary art not your thing? Well, youβre in luck schat, because you can still get a glass of delicious Dutch beer in Tilburg.
Go to a scrumptious beer tasting or bring your wedding party along to the main bar at City Brewer 013. Or, just sip the night away, questioning the meaning of it all. πΊ
π Location: Noordhoekring 75, 5038 GC Tilburg π° Price: β¬21 β° Opening hours: Brewery visits run once a week on alternative days and times, so be sure to check 013βs weekly agendaΒ
18. Take a trip to the past in a 16th-century chapel
Grote opkomst bij korenmiddag. De tien #koren uit #Tilburg en #Goirle trokken veel bekijks. Deze middag werd georganiseerd ter gelegenheid van het 50-jarig #jubileum van de restauratie van de Hasseltse Kapel. pic.twitter.com/Y8d2RkcBGX
β John Boeren | Antecedentia (@johnboeren_nl) October 15, 2022
Yes, Tilburg has so much to offer for those history nerds. Visit the Hasseltse Kapell, not only a space for religious worship, but also a cultural centre in Tilburg.
At the church, you can attend the Classical Concert Series, an initiative that hosts budding and renowned musicians for shows in the church β check out their newsletter to keep track of upcoming concerts!
19. Take a romantic walk through theβ¦. sand dunes!?
One thing about Tilburg; thereβs more to do in the city than you might think. Visit the National Park Loonse en Drunense Duien, but pack your good shoes, because weβre going wandering through the dunes. π
At this epic national park in Tilburg, you can pick your way through the many trails, and go for a relaxing walk, taking in the wonderful views.
π Location: 5151 RG Drunen π° Price: Free entry β° Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 8 PM
Phew! This city sure knows how to surprise you; sand dunes, musical concerts, monkeys, and even rooftop barsβ¦ thereβs just so many things to do in Tilburg.
So, if youβre thinking of heading to this beautiful Dutch city perhaps extend that day trip, because thereβs enough to do to fill a whole weekend β or yβknow, lifetime.
Are you going to visit Tilburg? Have you been? Tell us in a comment below! π
Amsterdam has doubled down on 2023βs Stay Away campaign intended to deter rowdy crowds. The latest measure is a web quiz targeting touristsβ intentions: will you be indulging in poffertjes or molly during your stay?
The municipalityβs interactive questions aim to prompt tourists with the wrong idea to reconsider the purpose of their visit.
Wandering around the city smoking a joint? Not allowed. An organized pub crawl? No, not possible. And going out until after 2 AM? You should know β thatβs not an option in the Red Light District!
The website promotes education about the consequences of antisocial behaviours when it comes to drugs and partying in the capital.
Amsterdam rules! or Amsterdam rules? π€ Image: Gemeente Amsterdam
The new site is already live for Brits and will soon be followed for the Italian, Spanish and French. The municipality is taking no chances: there will also be a Dutch website for local troublemakers. π
One hundred measures and counting
The questionnaire continues the work of the original Stay Away campaign, which included a bold video compilation of drunk men being arrested, fined and even taken away in an ambulance.
Amsterdam launches "stay away" ad campaign targeting young British men https://t.co/5gNzf2TyPi
In an effort to become more sustainable, the municipality of Rotterdam, the NS, and Rotterdam-based entrepreneurs have launched a trial to test reusable cup deposits as an alternative to disposable coffee cups.
Starting Monday, March 18, Rotterdam Central Station will hold a three-month trial to test the new reusable cup system, along with 14 local entrepreneurs and nine retailers.
How does it work?
As the NS explains in a press release, travellers can buy a reusable cup for β¬1 when ordering their coffee from various kiosks at Rotterdam Central.
When returning the cup β be it in the station or at one of the participating businesses in the city β they get their deposit back via Tikkie by simply scanning a QR code.
Deposit machines are conveniently placed next to the bins! Image: NS
A chance at free coffee
With the reusable deposit cup, the initiators hope to reduce waste and stimulate more sustainable practices such as using reusable cups. π₯€
π Evernew's Statiegeldbeker groundbreaking initiative on reuse systems started today in Rotterdam!
π₯ This initiative by the Evernew project (part of the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP) ecosystem), runs a collective return system for reusable cups π https://t.co/2xDw060SB3pic.twitter.com/w19LOnplSI
Travellers can still opt for a disposable cup during this trial period, but they’ll miss out on a great opportunity.
To encourage more participation, anyone who chooses a deposit cup at the Kiosk, Julia’s, AH To Go, or the StationsHuiskamer during these three months has a chance to win free coffee for a year.
Dutchies would never miss out on the chance to get something “gratis”. π Image: NS
The NS, ProRail, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management aim to have waste-free stations by 2040.
There’s still a long way to go, but the Netherlands is making steps in the right direction β and we love to see it. π±
What do you think of this sustainable initiative? Tell us in the comments below!
As spring arrives in the Netherlands, so does the sweet sight and smell of cherry blossoms. And you donβt have to travel to Japan for a chance to catch the best of the pink blooms!
While the Netherlands may be renowned for its stunning tulip season, tourists are increasingly attracted to many other floral delights the Dutch have to offer.
Amstelveenβs Kersenbloesempark (suitably, Cherry Blossom Park) was just crowned the best place in Europe to catch the cherry blossoms, according to Euronews β and we couldnβt agree more!
A very floral glory
Between mid-March and early April, the suburban city of Amstelveen, south of Amsterdam, blooms bright and beautiful, and now itβs not just tourists who notice.
Itβs not hard to see why the Dutch park claimed the top spot, with 400 trees blossoming and overcrowding kept in check.
Thereβs also horticultural history here: Originally donated to Amstelveen by the Japenese Womenβs Club in 2000, each tree in the park now has a Japanese or Dutch female name. πΈ
Fancy visiting some more springtime spectacles? Here are Euronews’ top 5 blossoming picks close to home.
Rank
Europe’s best cherry blossom destination
1
Kersenbloesempark, Amstelveen, Amsterdam
2
Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France
3
Langelinie Park, Copenhagen, Denmark
4
KungstrΓ€dgΓ₯rden, Stockholm, Sweden
5
Mauerpark, Berlin, Germany
Have you visited the cherry blossoms in the Netherlands before? Do you plan to visit them? Tell us in the comments below!
Long movies are making a comeback. Call it value for money… sometimes you still need to call time-out. No need to worry in the Netherlands β youβll have a chance halfway through.
Many Dutch cinemas still run old Hollywood-style, with a 10 to 15-minute intermission in the middle of the screening.
What is it?
In the Netherlands, the experience of watching a movie and a sports game have one thing in common: a short halftime break.
It gives you the chance to stretch your legs, refresh, and spend more money at the concession stands. Itβs certainly welcome with films the length of Oppenheimer and Babylon.
Youβll experience this in most independent cinemas and several chains here. There are some exceptions, but childrenβs films and films longer than 2.5 hours are almost always put on pause.
Ever tried a Dutch cinema? They'll serve you a 15min intermission halfway through π
— Frank Witte βοΈπͺπΊ ΠΡΠΈΠ΄Π΅Ρ ΡΠ²ΠΎΠ±ΠΎΠ΄Π° (@Alarcos) September 14, 2017
Why do they do it?
Intermissions werenβt always driven by snack sales and dwindling attention spans β its origins are extremely practical.
In the early days of cinema, projector operators needed to change the projector reels and, thus, needed a break during the film. π½
Nowadays, the technology is more efficient, but with movies longer than three hours on the rise, the intermission fulfils other needs.
Especially following the pandemic, cinemas lost income when they could reopen but not sell food or drinks. The intermission has become a neat way to earn extra proceeds in the popcorn department. πΏ
Why is it quirky?
For one, the intermission has been phased out in most countries, so the Dutch cinema experience is one of few that maintains this tradition.
Itβs also extremely divisive! Some viewers are against the interruption, thinking it makes the experience awkward, while others welcome the break.
The Netherlands even got into some hot water for implementing a break in Martin Scorseseβs almost 3.5-hour-long film, Killers of the Flower Moon β the act was called βa violationβ by the filmβs Oscar-winning editor. π¬
Perhaps my most controversial opinion, but if your film is more than 2.5 hours long, it needs an intermission. Human beings have bladders and movie theater concession stands will sell more tickets and also more drinks/snacks if people know they won't have to miss anything. https://t.co/Nyjy0arBhZ
With twice as many reported promotions for meat products than other Dutch supermarkets, Jumbo recently found itself on the receiving end of harsh criticism by animal welfare group Wakker Dier.
Wakker Dier is no stranger to waging war against the promotion of meat products β they’re known for punchy campaigns advising supermarkets to ‘move with the times’, such as the one below. π
In a bid to stem the flow of criticism (and, presumably, do better by the environment, too), Jumbo has now agreed to stop promotions on all meat products, according to the AD.
This move makes it the first Dutch supermarket to do so.
Pushing more plant-based protein
So what are steak-loving shoppers to do in the face of expensive meat products β and no way to buy them at discounted prices?
As Jumbo sets new goals for 2025, it plans to ensure that 50% of all protein sold is plant-based. By 2030, the supermarket chain intends to increase that share to at least 60%.
What do you think of Jumbo’s decision to stop promotions on meat products? Tell us all your thoughts in the comments below!
Some were happy about this news, others were frustrated β but no matter which side you’re on, one thing is certain: you’re wondering who will become the next Dutch leader.
And while this question can’t be answered with certainty quite yet, there’s definitely some speculation going around about just who will claim his place. π
Wilders was elected, how come he won’t be PM?
It’s important to know that during the Dutch elections, the people don’t elect the prime minister; they elect the House of Representatives (De Tweede Kamer).
From there, a prime minister is chosen, but Wilders didn’t get the support of all the other parties in the coalition.
The search for a new candidate
All party leaders in the coalition have agreed to stay in parliament rather than take ministerial posts, putting The Hague in the rather extraordinary situation of having to look for another candidate.
It’s currently up to the four parties β Wilders’ PVV, the liberal VVD, the farmers’ party BBB, and the centre-right NSC β to agree on a person to take on the role of prime minister.
To get there, political reporter Frits Wester tells RTL Nieuws, they will each have to “come up with suggestions for a person to whom they entrust this process and the leadership.”
It is likely that they will seek a candidate with a centre-right profile, whose views and policies are acceptable to all parties in the coalition.
Who could it be?
While some names are already floating around in The Hague, it’s important to note that it may take a while before a new prime minister candidate is chosen.
Normally it would be quite possible that the prime minister will be someone from Wilder’s party, PVV. However, this seems very unlikely due to the lack of experienced and qualified politicians in the PVV β besides Wilders himself.
The only party with significant experience in government is the VVD.
According to various news sources, some names that keep popping up include Johan Remkes (former deputy prime minister, VVD) and Ronald Plasterk (former minister of education, PvdA).
Some people also hope government scout Kim Putters will take the role, but he has repeatedly stressed that he won’t.
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