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Some Dutchies are lying about their age to get an early booster shot

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Some Dutchies are lying about their age to get an early booster shot

Excited for your booster shot? Well, apparently, many people are. The GGD (public health service) reports having to turn down 150 applicants daily. Why? They’re trying to get that third dose of the coronavirus vaccine — even though it’s not their turn yet. 

In the Netherlands, it is currently possible for individuals born in 1942 or earlier to make an appointment for a booster shot. People with down-syndrome are also eligible. 

Adding on a few years 

However, some sneaky booster-enthusiasts are tempted to make themselves just a little bit older than they are and skip ahead. 👵👴

And unfortunately, a few people are actually getting away with it, RTL Nieuws reports. For example, the ANP news agency found that two individuals managed to slip through the cracks and receive the booster because their date of birth did not get checked properly. Woops! 

The GGD, now aware of the problem, has given instructions for strict checks of IDs and passports upon arrival at all the vaccination centres.

Want to sign up for your booster vaccine? 

Ready to get that third jab? Great! Once it’s your age categories’ turn (and no sooner!) you should be able to register yourself for the booster. 

The official recommendation is that people should register online rather than waiting for a call from the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment). This is in order to take pressure off the call centres. 

Are you excited for your booster shot? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: IgorVetushko/depositphotos

Forget officers, the streets of Amsterdam are patrolled by moms

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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Forget officers, the streets of Amsterdam are patrolled by moms

No cold, wind, or rain will stop them. Who are they? They’re about 30 neighborhood mothers who guard the streets in Amsterdam Nieuw-West at night.

Rolling in invisible capes and reflective vests, the group of mothers has been keeping their eyes on their neighborhood for the past year and a half to prevent crime and unrest, according to the NOS.

During their nightly rounds, the mothers — who work closely with the police, municipality, and local youth workers — address young people that they run into about their behavior or about the fact that they’re out on the street late. 🔦

“Sometimes we only see a few young people in one evening. We just keep doing our rounds. Even though we don’t see them, they do see us. And sometimes you see them running away, but at least they know we’re there,” says neighborhood mother Kouatar.

A motherly approach

Their protective motherly-love approach seems to be working. Their district is quiet compared to others, especially in light of the recent violent riots against the coronavirus measures.

In an interview for Echt Amsterdams Nieuws, the women proudly say that they represent all mothers from the Nieuw-West — as they treat the youngsters they run into like their own children.

“We call the children our children and they listen well,” says mother Hafida. 🤗

What do you think of this method in keeping the city streets safe? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: benkrut/Depositphotos

Former Queen of the Netherlands tests positive for coronavirus

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Former Queen of the Netherlands tests positive for coronavirus

Turns out that even the palace walls aren’t enough to keep coronavirus at bay. Former Queen of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrix, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Like many of us at the moment, the former queen decided to get herself tested due to mild cold symptoms. The result? Yep, it’s coronavirus. 🦠

READ MORE | Coronavirus symptoms? PCR test no more, Dutch Health Ministry says

According to a press release from the Royal House, Princess Beatrix is currently in isolation and her potential contacts are being notified.

Well prepared

The fact that the princess is 83 years old is not exactly comforting — but thankfully, she has already received her third shot of the vaccine. 💪

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

Feature Image: Buurserstraat38/Depositphotos

Dutch politicians push to limit the number of international students

Caitlin Elston-Weidinger 🇩🇪🇺🇸
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Dutch politicians push to limit the number of international students

For the fourth year in a row, Rutte’s VVD party has called for a limit on the number of non-EU/EEA students at Dutch Universities and Hogeschools. And, most parties are actually in favour of this. 😱

For at least the last five years, the start of each academic term at any Dutch university has been marred by overcrowded hallways, split lecture halls, and students frantically trying to secure housing (some winding up in old prisons, containers, and even tents!). A trend that hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

VVD singing the same song 

Parties from across the political spectrum have been deliberating over the subject of international students for years. This past March, the topic of the “internationalisation” of Dutch higher education institutes secured a spot on the ballot.

While most political parties recognise the value of the internationally-oriented Dutch higher education system in their party programmes, many prominent political figures, especially the VVD, are sounding the alarm bells — according to the Financieele Dagblad.

What does this mean? It’s simple: they want to limit the number of international students who can study in the Netherlands. 😐

A rush of international students

Since the beginning of this academic year alone, the number of international students in the Netherlands rose by 4%. This means that 3 in 10 of the freshers are coming from abroad, according to the Dutch universities’ association, VNSU, 

While most international students are from the EU/EEA region, non-EU students now account for 23% of the student population. And it’s these students who may be affected by the Dutch cabinet’s latest appeal. Echt?!

What are the Dutch politicians saying? 

Have you ever been told your presence is destroying the quality of Dutch higher education? It’s awkward, right? Welp, that’s exactly what FvD (Forum for Democracy) MP, Dennis Wiersma, has repeatedly restated. 

He claims that the current system “jeopardises” the quality of education and displaces Dutch students. Additionally, Wiersma has proposed that the type of programmes which international students are applying to should be a deciding factor.

“There are many students who study psychology. We don’t need that,” said the MP. 

Basically, if you’re doing a study that’s popular or could potentially “take the spot” of a Dutchie, he thinks you should stay at home. 🤡   

“Deterring” internationals, prioritising Dutch students

However, Ingrid van Engelshoven, the D66 Education Minister, doesn’t support the idea of a cap. instead, she believes that raising tuition fees and making Dutch lessons mandatory will serve as a more effective “deterrent”, reports Het Parool. 🙄

The VVD’s official site states that their aim for “modernizing” higher education can be achieved by limiting the number of international students per study, giving Dutch students more chances to go to the institution of their choice and attend more lectures in their native tongue.

Why the Netherlands? 

With its comparably low tuition fees, global recognition, competitiveness, and the vast number of English-taught programmes, it’s no wonder that so many international students want to study in the Netherlands! But this heyday may be coming to an end. 😔

While many students from both inside and outside of the EU/EEA zone have chosen to study in the Netherlands for a whole host of reasons, issues like Brexit and the Dutch housing crisis have certainly strained what many consider to be an already exhausted system. 

Do you think any of these measures solve the current crisis in higher education? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! 

Feature Image: Ale_Mi/Depositphotos

Tilburg Insta meet up: photo report

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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Tilburg Insta meet up: photo report

If you haven’t visited Tilburg yet, this is your sign to go! Located in the southern province of North Brabant, this city is constantly evolving and is the perfect place to go for anyone who wants to experience the Netherlands beyond those go-to day trips in the Randstad. 

In late October, we teamed up with some awesome photographers (who also happen to be our friends and frequent contributors to our Instagram feed) for an InstaMeet where we explored the hidden gem that is Tilburg.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy these photos — while getting a taste of what’s in store for you when you make that long overdue trip. 😉

The Spoorzone

In years gone by, the area surrounding Tilburg Central Station was used as railroad yards for storing and maintaining the NS trains. 🚂 But recently, it has been transformed into one of the it-spots in town.

We made our first stop at Central Station Gourmet Market — home to 16 different and delicious street food concepts (lekker!) — which is located in a repurposed locomotive shed. How innovative!

Lots of lekker food for everyone. Image: Jana Vondráčková/Supplied
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A successful trip with lots of good food and good people! ♥ Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
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Market is also the perfect spot to snapshots for the ‘gram. Image: @exploringtulips/Supplied

The LocHal 

This gorgeous library, located in a converted locomotive hall, was nominated as the best library in the world — and we can definitely see why. 👀

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Look at all this space! You won’t find this in the Randstad! Image: @martijnvandernat.nl/Supplied
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We could be here for days looking for books! Image: @martijnvandernat.nl/Supplied
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Image: @marionstoffels/Supplied

Exploring Tilburg on electric scooters (e-steps)

Without a doubt, the best way to see everything that Tilburg has to offer is by e-step. So bring out your inner rebel, because these green beauties were developed here and are only legal in this city. The vehicles can reach up to  25 kilometres per hour — speedy but still safe — and are, of course, super fun. 😝

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Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied

Magical murals 

There’s no such thing as grey and boring walls in Tilburg. Almost every street corner has colourful works of art — and they’re bound to keep you on your toes.🎨

Image: @arden_nl/Supplied

Even the graffiti is gorgeous here! Image: @martijnvandernat.nl/Supplied

De Pont Museum of Contemporary Art 

In addition to cultural hotspots, Tilburg also has its fair share of museums. We admired this gorgeous Anish Kapoor sculpture outside the De Pont Museum of Contemporary Art.  🖼

 Plenty of gorgeous spots for Instagram photos. Image: @exploringtulips/Supplied

Spoorpark 

The Spoorpark is the biggest citizens initiative in the Netherlands. That’s right, it was organised and inspired by the people of Tilburg — and it’s not to be missed. The park’s Kempen Toren offers some of the best views of the city. 😍

Look at the funky architecture! Image: @marionstoffels/Supplied
How creative! Is this still the Netherlands? Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied

Doloris rooftop bar 

We ended our adventure with drinks and snacks at the coolest spot in Tilburg — the gorgeous Doloris rooftop bar.

Picture with all of our favourite influencers and photographers! Image: DutchReview/Supplied

Whether you’re a fan of the outdoors, enjoy epic museums, love to frequent hip bars and clubs, or enjoy going to cultural events, Tilburg has it all covered! It’s even home to our favourite theme park, the Efteling! Rollercoaster anyone? 🎢

Have you ever been to Tilburg? If not, where’s the first spot you’ll go? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: DutchReview/Supplied

Hip hop hoera: here’s what the Dutch listened to this year

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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Hip hop hoera: here’s what the Dutch listened to this year

Talks about some lekkere liedjes! Like last year, the top five most-streamed artists in the Netherlands are (unsurprisingly) predominantly Dutch.  

As the year comes to a close, millions of people look forward to Spotify Wrapped, Spotify’s personalised breakdown of their streaming history from top artists to most-streamed songs. 

The Dutch have become avid streamers of music and Dutch-language music, particularly Dutch-language hip hop, is at the forefront of the country’s streaming history this year, reports the NOS. 

Dutch rappers like Ronnie Flex and Lil’ Kleine dominate the top five male artists, with the exception of the original YouTube-artist-turned-celebrity Justin Bieber. 

READ MORE | 11 Dutch songs to learn the language (and culture!) 

Although previously unpopular, DJs have been pushing for hip hop on the radios for years, with immense rewards. 🌟

A musical upgrade 🎵

Dutch singer Maan was pleasantly surprised to see her song with Snelle “Blijven Slapen” (stay asleep) was the top-streamed song of 2021 in the Netherlands, as well as being the top five most streamed female artists. 

The Netherlands has a fanatical DJ-music producer scene and Dutch language music is only improving in quality. Dutch producers like Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, and Afrojack are making headlines abroad.

According to FunX DJ Fernando Halman, it’s likely we’ll see Dutch artists collaborating with foreign artists too.

With results like these, Dutch music could be on its way to taking over the world (hopefully not like the VOC 😉). 🌍

What did your Spotify Wrapped look like this year? Tell us in the comments below!

Features Image: Hanny Naibaho/Unsplash

Coronavirus symptoms? PCR test no more, Dutch Health Ministry says

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Coronavirus symptoms? PCR test no more, Dutch Health Ministry says

Feeling under the weather? Sore throat, sniffly nose, or a cough? 😪  Well, as of today, you won’t have to go to the GGD (Municipal Health Service) to get an official PCR test! The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) has announced that, in case of light symptoms, a self-test is just fine. 

If the self-test turns out positive, however, you still have to make an appointment and get properly tested at a GGD location. And, if you want to do a PCR test anyway, you can definitely still get one! Just for that extra added peace of mind. 🧘

So, I don’t have to stay home?

Short answer is: no. Before, the official advice was to make an appointment with the GGD, get a PCR test and stay at home until the results are in. Now, if your self-test is negative, you are allowed to go about your day as usual.

The RIVM expects people to test more regularly if they can just do it at home. Let’s hope it works!

“As of today, the test advice has been adjusted. With mild complaints you can now also opt for a self-test, but you can also still have yourself tested at the GGD. We explain why.”

But, listen up❗

The advice doesn’t apply if you’ve been in direct contact with someone who tested positive. 

Also, if your symptoms persist over several days, the RIVM advises to take another self-test the following day. And, should that stubborn cold refuse to go away after several days (it is flu season after all 🤧), it is recommended to still get a PCR test at the GGD. 

The advice does not apply to high-risk individuals. In this case, even with mild symptoms, an official test is highly recommended. 

We hope you are staying healthy out there! Tell us what you think about this new advice in the comments below!

Feature Image: Sarayutsridee/Depositphotos

5 art poster ideas for your Dutch apartment

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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5 art poster ideas for your Dutch apartment

Is your home feeling a bit drab? Maybe you just moved or need a change in your home’s aesthetic. Putting up some cool posters or wall art might do just the trick! 🖼

Coming up with ideas to decorate your walls can be tough, and it can be hard to make your space look like it came out of a Pinterest board. But we’re here to give a list of cool poster prints ideas to decorate your walls to perfection. 

Let’s get into it! 🤗

1. Artsy stuff

Maybe you’re a lover of all things elegant and refined. In that case, you should check out some wall art to put on your walls! 

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A piece of fine art can make your home extra classy. Image: Alain Basset/Wikimedia Commons/CC 4.0

If you have a particular artist that you like, see if you can find some work by them and hang them up! Guests will also be able to see exactly what your taste is in art, which can be a great conversation starter. 

Check out art from some of our favourite photographers: Arden Photography, Nora Maria 📸

Even if you don’t have artsy stuff, you can make your room more elegant by simply putting your poster in a frame. That will make things look a lot fancier! ✨

2. Nature

Let’s be honest: having posters or art of nature on your walls is a pretty safe bet to making your place look more adult. It’s also a way to make your home more calming and serene — definitely a good thing after a long workday. 🧘🏼‍♀️

3. Dutch dingen

Of course, living in the Netherlands, it might be nice to have some Nederlands-themed items on your walls. 🌷

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You can’t go wrong with windmills, honestly. Image: borojoint/Depositphotos

Stuff like windmills, tulips, and pretty cows can really bring out the culture of the country in your own home (in case you forget where you live because you’ve been working from home for over a year). 😂 

4. Film posters

You can also throw up posters from your favourite TV series or film on your wall. Whether you love classic Hollywood, modern dramas, etc., there’s bound to be something you like enough to have a home on your walls. 🎬

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Impress your friends with your film interests. Image: Robert McGinnis/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

5. Customise your own poster!

Not feeling like decorating your home with someone else’s design? Maybe you want to show off your own artistic flair! In that case, you can create your own custom design poster! 👨🏼‍🎨

There are tons of options out there to create your own artwork. Most of the time you just have to have the art digitally uploaded, and then you can send it off to a place to print! 

You can also just take the digital design to a print shop, and they can print out a poster for you. Easy peasy! ✨

It also helps to check out Pinterest or interior design channels on YouTube for more inspiration on decorating your space! 

We hope you now have some good ideas to make your home look awesome! ☺

What designs do you like in your home? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Followtheflow/Depositphotos

Here’s what’s crackin’: The Netherlands wants to end live boiling lobsters and crabs

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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Here’s what’s crackin’: The Netherlands wants to end live boiling lobsters and crabs

In a discussion between the Dutch Party for the Animals and the outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Carola Schouten — a motion is introduced to officially ban the live cooking of lobsters and crabs in the Netherlands.

As reported by the NOS, and in a response to the results of a British study which indicates that crabs, octopuses, and lobsters experience pain and stress when placed alive in boiling water, Minister Schouten announced that an EU ban is being looked at.

But until such action, which can take years, is taken at a European level, and while a Dutch motion for a ban has no majority in the house for the time being — Schouten called on restaurants and chef training courses not to be shellfish in their methods. 🦞

The minister urged everyone to focus on alternative cooking methods in light of the study findings. “I want to see how this becomes standard practice in the Netherlands,” said Schouten according to RTL Nieuws.

While there’s currently an official ban on boiling live lobsters in Switzerland and New Zealand, Schouten believes that many restaurants and chefs have already stopped using this practice in the Netherlands says NU.nl.

Animals on display

During the same parliamentary session on the Dutch agricultural budget, the cabinet also discussed a request from several parties which pushed for a ban on reptile trade during fairs.

Despite fears of diseases that can be transmitted through these exchanges and reports of animal abuse of reptiles and other species at fairs, Schouten explained that she can’t ban animal exchanges the fairs follow the current rules. Yet she announced that stronger action against abuses and closing hours will be taken in the future.

What do you think of a possible Dutch ban on live boiling lobsters and crabs? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: vershinin.photo/Depositphotos

Eindhoven has a creepy announcement warning people to keep their distance

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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Eindhoven has a creepy announcement warning people to keep their distance

Weird announcements have been disrupting Eindhoven’s shopping district, giving people coronavirus-related advice — and residents are creeped the F out.

The announcements started last Friday when shoppers noticed a preacher-like voice booming through the city centre, telling people to keep social distance.

The omnipresent voice appears to be friendly, but his announcements are so loud that people can hear them through their windows in Dutch as well as in what one resident describes as “stone-cold English.”

So much for a quiet WFH day, eh? 👻

Every 15 minutes

The announcements play every 15 minutes through loudspeakers between the hours of 9:00 to 18:00.

The message is always the same, “To prevent the spread of the virus: keep one and a half meters away from each other. Stick to the basic rules. Only together can we get corona under control.”

“It makes me crazy. It’s like I ended up in a re-education camp,” a local resident tells Omroep Brabandt. Yikes! 😱

Outrage from residents

At least ten complaints have been filed at city hall over the loudness of the speakers. Eindhoven’s municipality has promised to make changes by turning the volume down and beginning the announcements later in the day and ending them earlier in the evening.

What do you think about the Eindhoven announcer? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: toa55/Depositphotos

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