A resident of Tuitjenhorn, a village in North Holland, was left injured and with plenty of damage to their home after a firework was thrown inside the house through the letterbox very early on Thursday morning.
It’s no secret that the Dutch love their fireworks, no matter the day of the year or the occasion — but it got a bit out of hand this time.
The explosion from the firework shattered the glass front door and several windows, sending glass pieces flying, several of which hit the resident’s face, RTL Nieuws reports.
Four people inside the home when the fireworks exploded
While three people were sleeping upstairs in the house, one person was downstairs in their living room when the fireworks were thrown into the house at around 3 AM on Thursday morning.
Luckily, the injured resident was treated on the spot and didn’t have to go to the hospital.
Less luckily, however, much of the house was left damaged by the explosion. On top of the shattered windows, the resident’s car shed were also damaged by the explosion.
An ongoing investigation
The police haven’t managed to nab the culprit yet. At the time of writing, they are questioning witnesses and anyone who might have CCTV footage of the incident.
The police also report that they are unsure of whether this was a targeted attack and hope to uncover more information with the investigation.
You’ve heard of a cat café, but now it’s the dogs’ turn. This dog café is complete with a dog ball pit, a cupboard full of dog toys, puppuccinos, dognuts, puppy yoga, and painting classes.
Woof & Me is located in De Pijp, just one street over from Sarphatipark. If your dog gets hungry after a long workout of chasing his favourite toy, he can meet his friends at the café with a snack to recharge (and be admired).
Every dog (and human) is welcome!
Big or small, long or short, fluffy or hairless. According to indebuurt, Woof & Me has food for dogs and for humans, so the Dam’s best friends can join their humble servants for a coffee and a snack. The dog treats are made with all-natural ingredients safe for them to enjoy.
Whether it’s to enjoy a sunny weekend, to escape the (inevitable) Amsterdam rain while still letting your dog socialise, or to celebrate your best buddy’s birthday, Woof & Me is a safe haven for all.
Not only is it a place for your dog to make new friends (maybe even go on a dog date Lady and the Tramp style), but for you to meet other fellow dog obsessives.
If you’re a new dog parent and are looking for more friends to join your pack, this is the place to go.
Dogless? Geen probleem! If you don’t have a dog but crave the company of some furry friends, you are welcome to hop by. Maybe you just want to get work done while spending some time with dogs? Good idea! Woof & Me is open to all dog lovers.
Special events for you and your buddies
The café is not just for enjoying treats and celebrating birthdays. Woof & Me also frequently hosts events such as Puppy Yoga — yes, PUPPY yoga — and Woof & Paint, where you paint a picture of your dog while enjoying a glass of wine.
These are perfect for when you want to do yoga or take a painting lesson but you can’t leave your dog at home. And it’s also a new way to spend time with your best friend. It’s truly a guaranteed serotonin booster!
In a press release from the Dutch government, it has been revealed that Princess of Orange-Nassau Ariane Wilhelmina Máxima will continue her high school studies in style.
Specifically, she will start her International Baccalaureate at the United World College Adriatic in north-east Italy.
Studying or spa-ing? What’s the difference, eh?
With a whopping €46,000 tuition fee, the school promises to provide a “holistic” education for its wealthy attendees.
Whether that entails detoxing spa treatments, yoga in the afternoons, or crystal healing, is something we mere mortals can only speculate about.
High school was a fever dream for a lot of us, but between what we imagine will be the caviar-coated breakfasts and imported elephant tusk furniture, something tells us she’ll be okay.
Resembling a 5-star seaside resort, the school’s building is a far cry from the graffiti-covered, concrete high schools most other 16-year-olds have come to know. Image: UWC Adriatic
According to the press release, her parents (Queen Maxima and King Willem Alexander) are attempting to keep this whole affair on the down low, insisting any information about their children’s luxurious education is strictly private. We wonder why…
The House of Orange-Nassau has drawn a lot of criticism in recent years for enjoying an “ostentatious” lifestyle. This was partly why they stopped using their flashy golden horse-drawn carriage:
Besides, it just looks ridiculous in this day and age.
At sweet 16, Princess Ariane is the youngest of three daughters, and likely receiving the “‘youngest child treatment”’ from the already excessively indulgent Dutch royal family.
Don’t forget, these are the same people who, in the middle of coronavirus restrictions, threw their daughter Amalia a shameless shindig for her 18th birthday that garnered a crowd of nearly 100 alcohol-fuelled guests.
Not to mention the family’s ill-timed jet-setting in October of 2020 to bask in the Greek sun instead of adhering to lockdown measures like everyone else — which the King followed up with an awkward, half-hearted apology.
Perhaps Ariane, the baby of the family, will have a similar extravaganza for her going-away party.
Whatever happens, us muggles will be here to witness it, mouths agape, as crop dusters draw a portrait of her face in the skyline. (No hate though, Ariane, you’re still an icon).
Need to blow off steam during the stressful exam season? You can just take a quick sail outing in the school courtyard (which happens to be an ocean). Image: UWC Adriatic
Enjoy your “holistic” studies, princess! Ignore us, we’re just jealous.
How does this compare to your high school experience? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Tilburg keeps on finding new ways to innovate! From repurposing an old locomotive hall into a state-of-the-art library to creating the citizen-driven Spoorpark— Tilburg keeps giving us more reasons to love it. This time, with a bus station powered by 250 m2 of solar panels.
This marvel (opened in 2019) was built by the Dutch architecture firm Cepezed Architects.
The bus station is setting the bar high when it comes to innovative ways to be sustainable in the Netherlands — and everyone would agree that this is the need of the hour right now. Pretty slick, ain’t it?
The bus station itself has a minimalist appeal. It’s triangular in shape, with open space in the middle. In total, there are six boarding stations and one for disembarking.
The station has an awning on the top so that you can enjoy the sun’s rays without getting burnt while you wait for the bus on those summer days.
The solar panels, which span 250 m2, are placed on top of this awning.
The energy generated from them is enough to sufficiently run the station. This includes the lights when it’s dark, the digital signboards, the canteen for the staff, and the service desk — so cool!
Broader re-development of the public transport system
The bus station is only one part of a large-scale project to bolster the city’s public transport system. The same architecture firm has undertaken other projects in the city by working on renovating a train station.
They also built a new bicycle parking space for 3,900 bicycles at Tilburg train station, which opened in July 2020. So luxurious is this new bike parking that it’s earned the nickname the “bicycle hotel”.
A second new bike parking is due to open in late 2021 — you can never have too many bike parking spots in this country.
The top is completely covered in solar panels, making it a sustainable urban solution. Image: Lucas van der Wee/Cepezed
Urban redevelopment redefined
Innovation and urban development in Tilburg don’t stop there, though! The city has mastered the way forward in giving new life to old worn-down buildings, like the LocHal — an edgy state-of-the-art library in a converted locomotive hall.
A day trip to Tilburg
If you’re a sustainability buff and this solar-powered bus station has got you excited, make sure you come to Tilburg and check it out.
We’re kidding, you probably wouldn’t go to Tilburg just to look at a bus station, but there is loads of amazing nature in Tilburg to explore, great museums, mesmerising street art, and of course, Doloris — probably the coolest rooftop bar in the Netherlands.
So make sure you put Tilburg on your agenda for all that fun stuff, and while you’re there, pop by and have a look at this eco-friendly (and very pretty darn cool) bushalte.
What are your thoughts on Tilburg’s solar-powered bus station? Tell us in the comments below!
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Koninklijke Marechaussee) is (finally!) no longer allowed to selectively check people based on their appearance, including skin colour.
The Dutch cabinet decided not to appeal the decision that ruled that the Marechaussee’s checking of people based on their appearance is discriminatory.
By not appealing the past ruling by the Court of Appeal in The Hague, the ban is now final, reports NU.nl.
The government could have appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, the Netherlands’ highest court, to check whether the process was conducted thoroughly. If not, this risked restarting the whole case.
The Dutch government’s comments
In a letter to the House of Representatives, the lower house of Dutch parliament, the government said that there was “no real possibility” to appeal the case. They added that the royal police shouldn’t treat people unfairly.
While most of the government agreed not to appeal the decision, a few cabinet members questioned the lack of appeal.
For example, Minister Hanke Bruins Slot and State Secretary Eric van der Burg state that “there are legal questions” about the court’s judgement and that there wouldn’t have been discrimination primarily based on race.
Getting stopped based on the colour of your skin
There have been many reports of institutional ethnic profiling in the Netherlands. This whole case began when Mpanzu Bamenga, a human rights lawyer, was stopped at Eindhoven Airport in 2018 and noticed that only people with darker skin were being checked.
Bamenga started a lawsuit against the Netherlands with other victims of ethnic profiling.
He calls the finalisation of the ban “a historic moment,” writes NU.nl. “This form of control was humiliating. Let the Netherlands set a good example for Europe from now on.”
Human rights organisations Amnesty International, Control Alt Delete, and RADAR tell NU.nl that “this is an important step in the fight against racism and discrimination”.
Now that it is illegal for the Dutch royal police to discriminatively check people based on their appearance, the organisations urge the government to ensure that this is also the case for all government agencies in the Netherlands.
In the context of the “Identify Me” campaign, the Dutch police have received 51 tips on the identity of the nine women whose bodies were found in the Netherlands.
As part of a collective effort, the Dutch, German, and Belgian police forces and Interpol released vital information on 22 murder cases last week.
Besides facial reconstructions, the forces made public photos of clothing and jewellery found at the crime scenes, as well as victims’ tattoos that may help identify them.
The cases in question happened between 1976 and 2019, and each involved the brutal murders of girls and women.
“A hopeful outcome”
Within just a week, the Dutch police received 51 helpful tips. As NU.nl reports, the tips include information such as the possible origin of clothing or jewellery of the victims, but also several possible names.
According to the police, this is all useful information.
The most tips came in about the case of the so-called “Heulmeisje,” who was found by hikers near Maarsbergen in 1976. She remains to this day, one of the most famous unsolved Dutch murder cases.
The Utrecht police received a total of 11 tips regarding the case.
Many tips in Germany and Belgium
The German police forces received a total of 122 tips, while 55 tips came in in Belgium.
Though the police in all three countries are hopeful about the outcome of the “Identify Me” campaign so far, they emphasise that new information is still desperately needed.
The police also emphasise that more investigations are needed before they can draw definite conclusions based on the new information. In the next step, the detectives in the three countries will carefully analyse the information received.
An international effort with international attention
The cooperation between Interpol and the Dutch, German and Belgian police forces has received worldwide attention.
The heartbreaking cases of the 22 unidentified women have been a topic of conversation in international media, and experts from around the world have been offering their help in solving them, Martin de Wit from the Dutch police tells NU.nl.
“The women in the campaign deserve to get their names back. And because of the information we receive now, there is some hope,” he says.
If you’re travelling by train, best keep an eye on the NS app for updates as more train track maintenance starting this year will affect travel time.
Some of the train track maintenance will start sooner than you might think. ProRail will be working on the train tracks around Rotterdam Central from May 20 until June 25, announces the NS.
Helaas, those are not the only tracks receiving maintenance this year. The number of activities planned for the tracks is higher compared to previous years — how much more, you ask? 30% more!
Incoming track work
The NS is expecting more train commuters in the future because of more houses being built near railways. They are eager to please these new residents by providing good train connections with more trains that are also faster.
Train tracks are not only receiving normal maintenance but they are also being modernized with the new ERTMS safety system. Builders are placing new tracks, renewing old tracks, and replacing signals across the country.
Werkzaamheden op Rotterdam Centraal om straks meer treinen te kunnen laten rijden. Van 20 mei tot en met 25 juni werken we aan een aantal sporen en drie perrons. https://t.co/ri2jr3ZvZE
Translation: Work at Rotterdam Central to allow more trains to run in the future. From 20 May to 25 June, we will be working on a number of tracks and three platforms.
Activities on train tracks often occur on weekends and holiday periods, helaas there will now be more happening on weekdays. Yep, that means detours and alternative transport to get to work, ahem, probably late.
Plans for this year include work on tracks in Rotterdam, Schiphol, Weesp and more. There is a whole list that is available here.
There will also be more work in the coming years, so it seems like train detours and delays are here to stay for a while.
What you need to know about Rotterdam
The timetable to and from Rotterdam Central has been adjusted for train track work starting this Saturday. Trains might depart at different times at different platforms, or they might not run at all.
Echt! On June 24 and 25, there will be absolutely no train travel to, from, or through Rotterdam Central. There will be buses available to fill in. Travellers are warned to take extra travel time and crowds into consideration.
What do you think of increased amounts of train track work? Tell us in the comments!
Nevertheless, there are also a lot of things to appreciate about Dutch weather. You cherish the warm days more, you learn how to make the indoors a lot cosier, and you become really grateful for just one warm cup of just about anything.
So, what better way to prepare for the upcoming autumn than being reminded of how beautiful Dutch cities can be during the colder months!
This magical photo report is brought to you by @een_wasbeer
When we came across Christina Kooiker‘s photography account on Instagram, her photos translated these contrasting feelings into pictures.
Get ready to snuggle up with a cup of tea! Image: Christina Kooiker
By playing with the warm and cold tones of the pictures, she doesn’t shy away from emphasising the sombre weather outside, but also the splashes of bright warm tones from the street lamps, or lights shining through windows.
For more of this beautiful stuff from Christina, be sure to follow her Instagram account!
Alkmaar
It’s so unfortunate that so many smaller cities in the Netherlands fall off our radar because sometimes, they can be the very essence of what the country is made of.
Look at all this charm! Image: Christina Kooiker
Canals reflecting old Dutch buildings, and meandering streets that make for a gezelligday trip from Amsterdam!
Amersfoort
Did you know the royal family sometimes visits this cute, little city for King’s Day? And why wouldn’t it be on everybody’s list?
This is giving us all the autumnal vibes we need. Image: Christina Kooiker
Just look at this picture Christina took! Looks so scenic, doesn’t it?
Amsterdam
No list of the Netherlands is complete without at least a mention of the capital: Amsterdam!
Did you know that Groningen is one of the youngest cities in the Netherlands, where almost 26% of the population is between the age of 20-29? The student population is strong in this one!
In restless dreams I walked alone Narrow streets of cobblestone ‘Neath the halo of a street lamp I turned my collar to the cold and damp When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light That split the night And touched the sound of silence
Somehow, it works perfectly, doesn’t it?
Muiderslot
Who else loves going to castles to soak up some history?
It doesn’t get more magical than this. Image: Christina Kooiker
Evenings spent by the canal side are the best. Just remember to bundle up! Image: Christina Kooiker
Zaandam
The unique city of Zaandam has Zaanse Schans, a windmill park, as one of its neighbourhoods, quirky and colourful architecture, and a lot more — go exploring!
If you’re looking for a cheap weekend getaway, Amsterdam is a Dutch city that you probably won’t be choosing any time soon. 🫣
The annual City Costs Barometer looks at 35 popular holiday destinations and compares prices for the usual getaway costs such as accommodation, meals, and cultural outings.
According to this, Amsterdam is scored as the most expensive European city, reports The Telegraph. With a total cost of £727 for a two-day break, Amsterdam costs more than Venice (£687) and Copenhagen (£587). Echt niet leuk!
An expensive Amsterdam getaway
Want to find a cost-effective hotel to stay in for your visit? Well, you’re going to have a hard time with that, because the average daily room rate in Amsterdam is about £279.
Yes, you read that right! That’s a shocking 43% increase from year to year.
wanted to spend a few days in amsterdam in june but the hotels are so expensive omg
Maybe you’re just in the mood for a nice meal at a restaurant instead? Helaas, a survey done in 2018 by Deutsche Bank places Amsterdam as number four out of ten for the priciest places for a simple meal in a pub or café.
Prices have only gotten higher since then, with dinner at a top-tier restaurant costing you more than £150 per person.
With more high-quality restaurants and a better-looking city, Amsterdam is growing even more desirable to tourists. This, in turn, leads to overtourism — adding to the cycle of increasing prices.
However, Amsterdam isn’t the only city that’ll terrify your wallet, as it’s also joined by nine other expensive contenders. 👇
Number
Country
Total cost for a two-day break (£)
1
Amsterdam, Netherlands
727.07
2
Venice, Italy
687.06
3
Paris, France
604.49
4
Dublin, Ireland
600.99
5
Copenhagen, Denmark
587.08
6
Florence, Italy
580.29
7
Belfast, N. Ireland
561.55
8
London, England
560.70
9
Geneva, Switzerland
552.80
10
Berlin, Germany
552.70
Increasing prices for residents
Tourists aren’t the only ones affected by rising prices, as the cost of living in Amsterdam has also got heel duur (very expensive).
Rent prices, as well as food and transport costs, have all skyrocketed, making it harder for Amsterdammers to live comfortably.
Although these prices have been increasing for years, the impact has been felt more harshly since the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In addition to this, more improvements being made to the city also help drive prices higher and higher.
No wonder Dutchies love a good korting (discount)!
What other city do you think should be among the most expensive? Tell us in the comments!
A Dutch drug lord is on trial in Den Bosch for running various drug labs across the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. On the first day of his trial, he surprised his girlfriend (and everyone else in the courtroom) with a proposal.
The 33-year-old defendant from Bergeijk, near the Dutch-Belgian border, calls himself “the prince of the Eindhoven underworld.” In reality, he goes by Harry P. (No, not the wizard. 😉)
P. popped the question to his girlfriend from the suspect bench at the end of his hearing. And… she said YES! 💍
Now if that isn’t #couplegoals, we don’t know what is.
No kissing allowed
After the happy “yes,” there was no kissing or hugging for the new fiancés, because P. was stuck behind the defence table.
According to Omroep Brabant, however, there was loud applause in the courtroom, and Harry P.’s co-defendants could shake his hand briefly. 👏
Harry P. / ‘Prins van de Eindhovense onderwereld’. De man die zijn vriendin ten #huwelijk vroeg in de #rechtszaal van ‘s-Hertogenbosch. @RbOostBrabant
— A̶d̶r̶i̶e̶n̶ ̶S̶t̶a̶n̶z̶i̶a̶n̶i̶ ✒ (@AdrienStanziani) May 15, 2023
Translation: “Harry P. / ‘Prince of the Eindhoven underworld’. The man who proposed to his girlfriend in the #courtroom of’s-Hertogenbosch. @RbOostBrabant. Sketched by order of @RTLBoulevard & @ED_Eindhoven #HarryP #Adrien Stanziani”
The fiancée of the prince of the underworld (we guess that makes her the princess of the underworld?) will probably see him again Tuesday, on the second day of his trial.
A family of happy criminals
If that doesn’t sound absurd enough, it gets even better! Also part of the trial is Harry P.’s future father-in-law. (The king of the underworld?!)
Peter “Peeke” S. is being tried for leading his own drug gang in Eersel, and is looking at fifteen years of prison.
They say not to mix family and business, but oh well. 🤷♀️
A long-awaited trial
The case against Harry P. started rolling after police were given access to encrypted messages from services EncroChat, SkyECC, and ANOM.
As a result, P. and most of his thirteen co-defendants were arrested in November 2021, during a major police effort at their caravan camp in Bergeijk.
The trial is set to go on for two weeks and a verdict is expected on July 13.
What do you think of Harry P.’s proposal? Tells us in the comments.
