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Getting rid of smoking? Netherlands is one of only four countries on track

Naomi Lamaury
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Getting rid of smoking? Netherlands is one of only four countries on track

The Netherlands has taken the lead in the fight against tobacco consumption, being one of the few to have adopted every recommended measure. 

The dangers of smoking tobacco are now both well-researched and well-known. And yet, it turns out that the Netherlands is one of only four countries that have taken all recommended actions to effectively reduce smoking, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

(Of course, we’re referring to smoking tobacco, not weed. 😉)

Advertising bans and health warnings on cigarettes

You might have noticed a few measures in the Netherlands recently, including bans on advertising, health warnings on cigarette packaging, and raised tobacco taxes. 

However, important behind-the-scenes measures were also launched, such as providing more help to smokers who want to quit.

As these measures were put into place in the last few years, the Netherlands, along with Mauritius, recently joined the club of top countries that are doing the most to reduce smoking. 

Who is the Netherlands standing next to today, in the fight against smoking? Along with Mauritius, Brazil and Turkey have also adopted every measure recommended by the WHO.

What are other countries doing about tobacco?

Although there are only four countries that have gone this far, it wouldn’t be fair to say that others aren’t doing anything. Today, 71% of the world’s population is protected by at least one measure aiming to control tobacco, which is five times more than in 2007.

In fact, eight other countries are sitting right behind the Netherlands, having adopted most of the recommended measures against tobacco consumption: Ethiopia, Iran, Ireland, Jordan, Madagascar, Mexico, New Zealand, and Spain. 

The fight hasn’t been won yet, though. To this day, smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death, killing 8.7 million people every year. In addition to this, 53 countries haven’t even completely banned smoking in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals.

READ MORE | Holy smokes! Flavoured e-cigarettes to be banned from Dutch markets starting October 2023

And now there’s a whole new issue: a lack of regulation of e-cigarettes. Ever walked around and got a puff of watermelon smoke in your face? Yep, that’s the one. 

Although 121 countries have adopted some measures, that still leaves many countries without any — including no minimum buying age. 

What measures against smoking would you like to see in your country? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Let’s go stargazing: spot TWO blue supermoons in the Dutch sky this August

Ellen Ranebo
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Let’s go stargazing: spot TWO blue supermoons in the Dutch sky this August

Sure, you’ve heard of a full moon, and a blue moon, but a blue supermoon? That’s what’s happening tonight, and again on August 30 this summer. 

What exactly is this rare, extraordinary phenomenon in nature, you ask? Well, let’s start by going back to the basics and defining what a full moon is first. 🤔

Full moons tend to come about once a month thanks to the lunar cycle lasting around 29.5 days, AD.nl reports. So two of those happening within the same month? That’s a freak occurrence — but a beautiful one too. ✨🌚

In these particular cases, the second full moon of the month gets referred to as a “blue moon”. That’s why we’ve all come to know and love the English idiom “once in a blue moon”, which is sadly without a satisfying Dutch equivalent. 🥲

Full moon me once, full moon me twice

The last time we witnessed two full supermoons was back in 2018. We should also appreciate this one while it lasts, astronomers say, since the next double-mooned collab isn’t expected to happen again until 2037.  

The first of these two blue supermoons will be visible tonight, rising in the southeast and then hovering 357,530 kilometres away from Earth’s surface.

And, don’t panic, but this also means the moon will be a whole lot more up close and personal than it normally is. To put things into perspective, the largest distance that can separate the moon and Earth is apparently 405,696 kilometres.

That’s right — our moon could be a whopping 48,166 kilometres closer than usual.

Shoot for the moon

You know what that means: time for photographs, stargazing picnics, and moonlight rituals to commence. Let’s all be lunar-tics tonight. 👉👈

There’s no need to fret if the weather obscures your view of the first blue supermoon, though. The other supermoon will follow on Wednesday, August 30, giving you another opportunity for viewing. 

Not only that, but the second time around, the moon is inching even closer to our planet, maintaining an even smaller distance of roughly 357,344 kilometres. 

Are you going to watch the first blue supermoon tonight? Share your plans in the comments below!

Powerful summer thunderstorms may batter these Dutch provinces

Simone Jacobs
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Powerful summer thunderstorms may batter these Dutch provinces

Tighten that raincoat (or huddle up inside!) as a lot of Dutch wind and rain are about to make you forget that it’s currently summer. ⛈️

You’ll also want to postpone any outdoor adventures you have planned for zomervakantie this week, as NU.nl reports that the first day of August is greeting us with heavy thunderstorms.

The provinces affected include North Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, and Flevoland.

Not only are there heavy thunderstorms possible in those provinces, but the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has also issued a code yellow warning for Wednesday afternoon in the southeast.

Strong summer thunderstorms

Your Tuesday morning may just be about to get wet and wild with heavy thunderstorms. However, they aren’t likely to ruin your whole day, as the rain showers will die down as the day progresses. 

@santanamath POV: It’s summer in The Netherlands and just this week we already had 2 different storms. #livinginthenetherlands #dutchweather #stormpoly ♬ Zin In De Zomer Man – Bizzey & Kraantje Pappie & Rolf Sanchez

Come Wednesday, on the other hand, you’ll definitely want to stay inside huddled on the couch if you live in the southeast of the Netherlands (and especially if you live in Limburg).

There is the chance you may be hit by strong thunderstorms with wind gusts reaching a powerful 60 to 70 kilometres per hour. 

READ MORE | Summer sunshine? Nee, early August will see cold and wet Dutch weather

It’s not only a bit of wind and rain, but a lot of rain and possibly hail in a short amount of time. How much rain is “a lot of rain”, you may be asking? Up to a staggering 2 centimetres! 😳

So if you plan on going outside, which we wouldn’t recommend, you may want to take a boat with you — it may be easier to row than walk. 😉

How do you keep yourself dry during thunderstorms? Tell us in the comments!

Ever seen bike parking at a Dutch festival? This photo has Reddit users SHOCKED

Naomi Lamaury
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Ever seen bike parking at a Dutch festival? This photo has Reddit users SHOCKED

You thought bike sheds at train stations were chaotic? Just wait until you see bike parking at Dutch festivals. 😳

Dutch people use their bikes to get everywhere, whether that’s heading to the office, a day trip in another city, or a festival. We definitely see why, as it’s practical and great for the environment (and your wallet).

However, most internationals just aren’t ready for the way Dutch people take bike parking to the next level. 🔥

That’s a lot of bikes…

One participant of the Zwarte Cross Festival in Lichtenvoorde snapped a picture of what Dutch bike parking looks like, and the rest of the world (or, well, Reddit) was shocked.

As one person put it simply, it’s “wild.” 

Event parking in the Netherlands. There is another way
by u/eenachtdrie in fuckcars

Do you know the game where you guess how many jellybeans are in a jar? In the Netherlands, we like to guess how many bicycles are on a small patch of land. 😉

Errr — people are confused

Some people were impressed by the phenomenon, praising the Dutch for their simplicity, rather than having huge and complicated parking for cars.

However, most people were just left trying to solve the puzzle of how you retrieve your bike in the never-ending sea of hundreds (probably thousands) of bicycles. 

One user said: “I would forget where I parked and have to wait for everyone else to leave first.” (Well, same. 🤷🏻‍♀️)

READ MORE | 17 reasons why biking is king in the Netherlands

An experienced bike-lover even came to the rescue with some handy tips for finding your bike. They said that all you need to do is “remember the general location where you put it”. (But how…? Every bike is next to a bike!)

Go wild with colours!

The same user then revealed the true secret to finding your bike, which is to “paint it a bright colour” or attach something eye-catching on the bicycle to spot it in the sea of grey bikes easily. Slim (smart)!

Does searching for your bike, like a needle in a haystack, in the middle of the night, and after a few drinks sound like too much work? As another user put it, maybe it’s best just to invest in a public transport card instead. 

Though we have to admit that as great as trains in the Netherlands are, they won’t always bring you right to the random patch of nature in the middle of nowhere. 

Do you think that you would be able to find your bicycle? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Refurbisher Upway announces special repair programme for broken Dutch VanMoof e-bikes

Julia de Oliveira Moritz
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Refurbisher Upway announces special repair programme for broken Dutch VanMoof e-bikes

A potential light at the end of this weird VanMoof bankruptcy tunnel: you can get your bike fixed. Upway is offering limited slots to refurbish your broken VanMoof, so you can hold off on reporting your e-bike as stolen to the Amsterdam police. 😉

In case you haven’t been keeping up with the whole VanMoof drama, here’s the gist: first, they went bankrupt. Then, customers weren’t getting the bikes they paid for and got the police involved.

Now, getting your super expensive e-bike fixed by VanMoof itself is basically impossible, because all its outlets are closed.

READ MORE | Meet Upway: the new online marketplace for refurbished e-bikes (that won’t make your wallet cry)

However, there’s (some) good news on the horizon. If you’ve been waiting for your bike to get fixed to no avail or you don’t want to fix it at VanMoof because you might never get it back, Upway can fix them up for you.

A special repair programme

Starting on September 1, Upway is starting a special repair programme for VanMoof, called VanMoof Revive. 

Upway will pick up your broken bike for €89, then tell you the additional cost to fix it after inspection. Then, the bike will be ready within four weeks. (How you’ll survive a month without a bike in this flat country is another question.)

Upway expects to be able to make 500 repairs but also anticipates more than 500 requests for this repair.

They think that too many people will want to get their bikes fixed, so they’re being upfront already and saying that they might not be able to get to yours.

So, you know, treat it like a music festival and get your slots quickly before they’re gone! 👀

READ MORE | Dutch police are asking VanMoof owners to stop reporting the company for theft

If your bike can’t be repaired, Upway offers to buy it from you, according to Bright.nl. That way, they can use the intact parts of VanMoofs to repair other e-bikes.

Upway has worked with VanMoof before by fixing up and selling second-hand e-bikes. So, rest assured they still know what they’re doing and even have some parts available in-house!

Have you gotten your bike fixed up with Upway? Tell us your experience in the comments below!

Summer sunshine? Nee, early August will see cold and wet Dutch weather

Naomi Lamaury
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Summer sunshine? Nee, early August will see cold and wet Dutch weather

It’s time to zip up that regenjas (rain jacket), as the wettest week of the summer has just arrived. Our suggestion? Grab some warm chocomel and reschedule your non-essential outside plans, because it will be raining A LOT. 

Contrary to what you might think when putting on your thick sweater, it still is summer. Unfortunately, however, it’s not the sort of summer weather that makes you want to lie on sandy Dutch beaches. 

Instead, the first week of August will be a wet one, with plenty of rain and cool temperatures. 

A chilly send-off to July

Today’s weather will match a gloomy Monday mood, with rain and nippy temperatures between 19 and 20 degrees Celsius, reports NU.nl. 

The morning will be off to a rainy start with several showers, followed by more rain in the afternoon. And guess what? There’ll be even more rain in the evening, with a chance of thunderstorms on the side. 🥲

READ MORE | 11 movies about Dutch culture to watch

You might catch a brief glimpse of sunshine now and then, but keep a close eye on the Buienradar app because another rain shower might be waiting to catch you unawares.

Arming yourself with an umbrella may not be the best idea, as there will be moderate wind in the southwest and strong wind gusts along the coast and above the IJsselmeer. 

A wet week, coming right up

Monday won’t be the end of this disgustingly wet weather, as it’s expected to continue throughout the rest of the week, reports NU.nl. 

In some places, especially along the Dutch coast, a month’s worth of rain could fall just this week. 

Luckily, we won’t be completely deprived of Vitamin D, because some sunshine is expected to make appearances in between showers. However, it likely won’t be enough to warm temperatures to summer levels. 

Usually, temperatures around this time of the year range between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius in the Netherlands. This year though, we’ll be stuck at a maximum of 22 degrees Celsius on days when there isn’t much rain. 

In fact, rainy days may even bring temperatures down to a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius, instead. Brrr! 🥶

On the plus side, it’s the perfect weather to make a few trips to the cinema and give the Barbie movie and Oppenheimer a look!

What’s your favourite thing to do in rainy weather? Tell us in the comments below!

The Netherlands has gone Barbie-crazy (and cinemas are delighted)

Simone Jacobs
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The Netherlands has gone Barbie-crazy (and cinemas are delighted)

A movie about your favourite childhood toy? But, with modern values?! It’s no wonder thousands of people dressed in pink have flooded cinemas in the Netherlands! 💕

The film ‘Barbie’, directed by Greta Gerwig, was building excitement across the country long before its release.

Forget orange. Many Dutch Barbie lovers were digging out every pink item that they own from their closets and organising movie days in anticipation of the pink curtain drop. 💋🩰

The unsurprising result? More than 500,000 pink-clad people watched ‘Barbie’ at cinemas across the Netherlands within a mere nine days, reports AD. 

A tidal wave of pink 

The movie revolving around the well-known blonde bombshell encrusted in pink was shown in a whopping 161 Dutch cinemas last week.✨

The result? Bikes sped through streets in a whoosh of pink, Dutch fashion was looking even more fabulous than usual, and Dutch cinemas threw down the pink carpets to welcome a much-missed flood of people. 💞

@driplist The marketing budget for this movie is insane🤯 I’m mentally still in Barbieland😅 #livinginthenetherlands #lifeinamsterdam #dutchiescanrelate #barbiemoviepremiereoutfit #storytime #netherlandspremiere #pathetuschinski ♬ Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] – Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua

Cinemas say welkom!

Yep, with hundreds of thousands of Barbalicious movie-goers, cinemas are much more full than usual.

Cinemas are only too pleased about the influx and are even making it easier for you to get your dose of Barbie Land. Wat leuk! 

READ MORE | Hoera! Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best cities for cinema lovers

How are they doing this? Cinemas such as Pathé and Kino in Rotterdam, are running extra showings to meet the high demand caused by the pink-filled film and its twin release (and not so pink), Oppenheimer. 💗🖤

Director Rob van der Meer of Pathé De Kuip, one of the larger cinemas in the Netherlands, and Pathé Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam tells AD that he is planning on extending cinema open hours. Yay! (Claps in Barbie 💖✨).

In case you live under a rock

The comedy/drama featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling follows the world-famous doll as she discovers that there is a world outside Barbie Land where women and men are not equal. 

READ MORE | This adorable Dutch family film could be the next English blockbuster

While the high numbers of views haven’t broken records in the Netherlands, the blockbuster has broken many records worldwide, including the weekend record for a film directed by a woman. Hieperdepiep hoera! 

So come on, Barbie-fans, let’s go party! 💅💃

Have you seen ‘Barbie’ yet? Are you planning on it? Tell us in the comments!

People born to two Dutch parents are now a minority in Amsterdam

Ellen Ranebo
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People born to two Dutch parents are now a minority in Amsterdam

Being international doesn’t make you a minority. In fact, for Amsterdam’s residents, having a migration background is now the norm. 

Research conducted by VU professor Maurice Crul and social worker Frans Lelie unveiled that having two parents born in the Netherlands has become more of a rarity for the Dutch capital, Trouw reports. 

This is especially the case in big cities. For example, those with a family history of migration make up 60% of locals in Amsterdam’s Indische Buurt. 

In fact, the study found that the same can be said for 40% of Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods, where the minorities are actually those with two Dutch parents (parents who grew up in the Netherlands). 

The study also found that the pattern is even more common among young people; when it comes to children aged 15 or younger, only one-third of this demographic have two Dutch parents. 

Diversified, but still distant?

Facing these statistics, the study begged the question: how does the minority (those with two Dutch parents) feel about being outnumbered? Are they close with their multicultural neighbours? 

According to surveys carried about by the study, many find this sort of diversity “enriching”, and yet still reportedly struggle to “integrate” with residents from different backgrounds. 

The researchers struggled to find a clear reason as to why this is, but they did come up with a few theories. 

One possible answer is that people with two Dutch parents are intimidated, as some survey respondents claimed they didn’t feel people with migration backgrounds wanted to talk to them, and also cited a fear of “doing or saying the wrong thing”. 

READ MORE | BREAKING: Dutch government COLLAPSES over migration disagreements

Another component is that many respondents grow up in a fairly mono-cultured, sheltered social circle, and therefore have “catching up to do”, explain Crul and Lelie.  

The lesson? Let’s learn how to mingle 

So how do we go about diversifying our communities and social lives?

Crul believes that, for one, sending children to a school consisting of students with diverse cultural backgrounds will lead to more friendships between those with migration and Dutch backgrounds.

The sociologist also goes on to argue that the effort needs to “come from both sides”, and that those with migration backgrounds should also attempt to open up their circles. 

That way, everyone has an equal say about how to diversify and integrate their lives. 

Do these statistics come as a surprise to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Almost 4000 brand-new cars are about to sink off the Dutch coast

Naomi Lamaury
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Almost 4000 brand-new cars are about to sink off the Dutch coast

A cargo ship carrying 3,783 brand-new cars is still in flames near the Wadden Islands. Now, it’s looking quite possible that both the ship and the cars will soon become coral for the fish. 

The 200-metre-long Panamanian ship, known as Fremantle Highway, has been on fire off the Dutch coast since late Tuesday night.

This morning, the ship is still in flames, and while the fire is easing, it doesn’t look like it will be extinguished soon.

Most of the crew has safely made it off the boat after having to jump ship Tuesday night. Unfortunately, one crew member has died, reports AD.

Highly-flammable cars on fire

On the ship are 3,783 cars, almost 500 of them being electric. Think about it like this — one parking garage holds 450 cars on average. So, the blazing ship holds the equivalent of more than eight full garages.

To make matters worse, these garages are acting like flammable kegs. Electric cars and flames are not a good mix. 

The batteries that make the cars run can burn for days. Their clever design means that they are built in such a way that no water can reach them. Makes sense for an electric car, right? But not when they catch fire…

The result? Much more water is needed to extinguish the fire. 

The possibility of the ship sinking

This leads to another problem. The more water used to extinguish the fire, the more likely it is that the boat will sink and end up at the bottom of the ocean — bringing all those new cars down with it.

While the fire on the Fremantle Highway has slightly lessened, it’s still too dangerous to send people on board to extinguish the fire in a more targeted way. 

The biggest worry about the ship sinking is actually not so much about the car cemetery that will end up on the seabed, however. In fact, what is more worrying, is that oil could leak from the vessel right into the ocean. 

Translation: The situation with the Fremantle Highway is stable, but towing or recovery can only take place once the fire has been extinguished. That may take a longer period of time. We remain alert with @Kustwacht_nl and other partners and keep you informed

Luckily, the Dutch authorities are ready, and an oil-collecting vessel is already on standby. 

The ship, which is attached to a small tugboat by an emergency cable to try and keep it in place, is now 16 kilometres north of Terscheling. 

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📬

Amsterdam Pride 2023: everything you need to know

Ellen Ranebo
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Amsterdam Pride 2023: everything you need to know

Amsterdam Pride 2023 will be bright, bold, possibly half-clothed, and far from half-hearted. ✨

Forget everything you thought you knew about this event because this year, it’s had a full-blown glow-up. 

Taking place between July 22 and August 6, Amsterdam’s pride activities are now a full two weeks instead of only one. The first week is being organised by Queer Amsterdam, while the second will be run by the organisation Pride Amsterdam. 

Considering this year’s theme can be summed up by the hashtag #YouAreIncluded, there’s no reason not to feel welcome at this shimmery shindig. 

Only got one day to dedicate to being proud? The moment we’ve all been waiting for, Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, will be on August 5, serving as the grand finale after two weeks of rainbow-covered splendour. 

The Canal Parade at Amsterdam Pride 2023

If you’re interested in watching a fleet of 80 multi-coloured boats dazzle Amsterdam’s water for this pride-themed Canal Parade’s 26th run, you know what to do: head over to the canal route on Saturday, August 5 at noon. Whatever floats your boat! 

The parade will take off at Oosterdok and eventually wind up at Westerdok after passing through places including the Nieuwe Herengracht and the Amstel first.

According to the organisation’s new and improved rules, those of you who happen to own a boat under 10 metres long are permitted to cruise on through with friends and family. (Lucky! ✨)

Others, however, can remain grounded, with both feet planted on the canal’s edge, or on bridges like the Magere Brug. A word to the wise: showing up at least an hour early will ensure a better photo op spot!

After the parade wraps up at 6 PM, allow yourself to be consumed by frisky parties that will occupy Amsterdam’s streets for the rest of the night.   

What else to see at Amsterdam Pride 2023

Want to advocate for trans pride? Well, TransAmsterdam is leading a march from Oosterpark’s Music Dome to Javaplein, starting at 2 PM on August 2. Show your support by literally helping carry their seven-metre-long transgender flag. 🏳️‍⚧️

And after we all became obsessed with Bianca Del Rio while watching RuPaul’s Drag Race season 6, we have the opportunity to…breathe the same air?! Yep, you can now book tickets to go marvel at her hysterically funny wisecracks in person on August 3 and 4 in Amsterdam Theater. 😮  

Photo-of-pride-parade-boat-Amsterdam-canal
Make sure to buy your rainbows beforehand. Image: Unsplash

Keep in mind, these are just some of the many activities Amsterdam Pride’s itinerary has to offer — there are also free art galleries, LGBTQIA+ history tours, silent disco walks, and endless instances of performance art to explore.

Where to be (and where to pee)

Okay, by now, it’s safe to say you’re tempted to make an appearance at one of Amsterdam’s busiest and most captivating weeks. If so, here are a few logistical details to consider about this year’s Pride…

To avoid public urination (which can rack up to a €140 fine), the municipality has installed additional toilets all over the city centre, and we couldn’t be more thankful. They put the “p” in “party”. 😍

Not only that, but they’re including extra water fountains where you can refill your water bottle. Why can’t every day be Pride? 

How to get to Amsterdam Pride 2023

People travel far and wide to witness the Pride extravaganza.

If you’re arriving from outside Amsterdam, travelling through Amsterdam Central Station grants you easy walking access to events like the Canal Parade. 

If you’re already in Amsterdam, in true Dutch fashion, the best mode of transport is arguably the bicycle. There will be designated bike racks available on the site of the Canal Parade — although do keep your eyes peeled for yellow signs indicating where you can’t park your two-wheeler.  

City closures due to the Canal Parade will also affect where you can park your car, as well as cause potential bus and tram detours. 

front-view-of-rainbow-coloured-tram-riding-through-amsterdam
Even the trams are celebrating! Image: Depositphotos

It’s a sacrifice we’re more than willing to make since it means celebrating identity and allyship with a group of people who know how to entertain like no other. ✨

Tips to enjoy Amsterdam Pride 2023

The purpose of Pride is to feel safe, included, and accepted. This year’s upgrade is designed to recognise more identities than ever before through the addition of a second week. Here are some tips to make this your best Pride yet: 

🗺 Familiarise yourself with this year’s map.

👯‍♀️ Stay close to your friends and loved ones so you don’t get swept up in Amsterdam’s chaotic crowds.  

🍽 Stock up on snacks and beverages before the Canal Parade, because who wants to trek back and forth to the supermarket and give up their precious front-row spot?

☔️ Pack umbrellas and raincoats just in case, and keep an eye on Buienradar — don’t let Dutch weather rain on your (canal) parade!  

❤️ And most importantly, stay respectful to people around you.

Happy Pride, everyone! 🎉

Which Pride event are you the most excited to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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