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Gastouders: a unique Dutch way to raise happy kids 

Gagan Deep Katodia
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4
Gastouders: a unique Dutch way to raise happy kids 

Being a parent is great, but it’s more than a full-time job. Working 24 hours a day, seven days a week wouldn’t pass any labour board, but mums and dads do it all the time. Thankfully, the Dutch get that everyone needs some time off. Enter: gastouders.

Parents, be warned: this could change your life.

Have you ever heard of this unique Dutch childcare service called the Gastouderbureau? If you need flexibility in your schedule and are maybe overwhelmed by the number of kids in a daycare facility, this one is for you.

What is a gastouder?

A gastouder literally translates to ‘guest parent.’ It’s a small-scale licensed childminder who typically works from their own home. Understandably, it’s heavily regulated, so each gastouder can take on up to a maximum of six children total, within the following age limits:

  • five children under four years old,
  • four children under two years old,
  • and two children under one year of age. 

Every gastouder must be registered to gastouderbureau and have relevant diplomas and experience taking care of the children of these ages.

READ MORE | Motherhood in the Netherlands: what you can expect if you aren’t Dutch

My experience with gastouders

To be honest, I had never heard of gastouders before until my son was nine months old. At that time I was struggling as a stay-at-home mom in terms of my son’s social interactions. When I learned about gastouders I immediately registered my son and he was enrolled within a week.

I started off slowly by sending him for three hours for two days a week. I was surprised to see positive changes in such a short span of time!

When it comes to your children, you look for people whom one can trust and who have proper laws and contracts in place. Also, who can adhere to your ways in terms of food, environment, and fellow companions. Gastouders can do this!

These days, many parents prefer a gastouder over a daycare. With the help of this article, you will understand everything about gastouders and the bureau which will help you decide what is best for you and your children.

What is the role of Gastouderbureau?

The Gastouderbureau will help you to search for a gastouder that meets your requirements. They are also responsible to make a relevant contract and calculating the monthly bills which will further help you to reimburse your childcare tax benefit called Kinderopvangtoeslag.

If you enter into any disagreement with your gastouder, then the bureau is also responsible for sorting it out. Also when your gastouder is on holiday, it’s the responsibility of the bureau to arrange alternate gastouder for your children. Ideal, right?

READ MORE | 4 reasons why Dutch kids are happier than American kids

Benefits of gastouder

  • A personalised experience, offering more individual attention to your child
  • Flexible with the number of hours per day
  • You can set your food preference and choose to send a snack or not
  • Children are familiarised with the Dutch language, culture, and upbringing
  • Gastouders provide a friendly home environment
  • Generally cheaper and more flexible than a daycare centre

What is the cost of gastouder? 

The contract is between you and the gastouderbureau but you will have to decide the number of hours and days with gastouder. You can then agree on an hourly rate with your gastouder which generally ranges from €4.5-6 per child, per hour.

In addition to the hourly rate, there is a fixed monthly cost for the bureau which ranges from €30-50 per month per child. The gastouder can either charge extra for diapers and milk, or you can provide them daily as required. 

What is a childcare allowance?

The government pays a portion of your children’s childcare services. The exact amount depends upon the combined income of both partners. The lower the income, the higher the government contribution. You calculate your child care allowance from here.

READ MORE | The ultimate guide to applying for child benefits in the Netherlands

Step-by-step guide to finding gastouder:

Convinced and ready to get your child to a gastouder ASAP? Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Plan out your requirements: pets or no pets? Non-smoking? Garden or no garden?Food preferences? Not to mention the location of the gastouder, and your day and time requirements. 
  2. Search for your local Gastouderbureau: type: ‘Gastouderbureau in [your region]’ on Google
  3. Contact the bureau: and discuss your needs. 
  4. Book intake meetings: schedule multiple with various gastouders near your place. Have a look around and see how the current children are doing. 
  5. Found one? Have a chat: if you like the place and feeling, discuss further the availability on your preferred days and the number of hours per day. 
  6. Talk about flexibility: what will happen on holidays and sick days?
  7. Inform the bureau: tell them you found a match and they will make an online contract for you and gastouder that both parties have to sign.
  8. Pay the bills: each month gastouder will send you the number of hours to approve. Based on those approved hours you will get a monthly bill. 
  9. Claim your childcare allowance: based on these bills. 

And voila! Your children have guest parents, education, and social development in a Dutch environment, and you get some well-deserved hours back into your day.

Have you used a gastouder in the past? Got any questions? Drop them in the comments below!

Feature Image: Daria Shevtsova/Pexels
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2020, but was fully updated on April 2021 to bring you the most up-to-date information. 

Hiking in the Netherlands: 4 myths, busted

Carmen Monge
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2
Hiking in the Netherlands: 4 myths, busted

The Netherlands is renowned for being flat, full of cows, and honestly not that exciting for hikers. Right? And let’s not even mention all that rain.

However, it turns out that hiking in the Netherlands is not only possible but offers some pretty stunning views too. Let’s look at four of the myths about hiking in the Netherlands and bust them! (Theme music please…)

I started hiking in the Netherlands at the beginning of 2019, and let me tell you that it was one of the best decisions I have made so far. Being from Costa Rica — a country that is a hiking paradise — my mind wanted to avoid the risk of being disappointed, but my hiking heart was going crazy without having any adventure underfoot.

So I gave in, invested in some waterproof hiking boots, marked the closest train station, and my Dutch hiking experience began. When I told others about my adventures hiking around the Netherlands, all I heard was laughs and sceptical comments ringing in my ears.

“That is not hiking,” they scorned, “but there are no mountains,” “all the country is the same,” and “that is easy.” My answers to these comments are: wrong, true, wrong, and not at all. The Netherlands has numerous exciting hiking spots, be it in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Maastricht, or outside the big cities. Curious? Let’s dive into hiking in the Netherlands.

Myth #1: hiking in the Netherlands is not hiking

Texel_Hiking_Netherlands_Myths
Texel is prime for long walks in the countryside. Image: Carmen Monge/Supplied

Let’s break this down a little. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, hiking is defined as “the activity of going for long walks in the countryside.” So let’s look at the facts:

1) the Netherlands is full of countryside and,
2) walking around it for a long time makes it a hike.

Locals have been doing these long walks for years, either as a way of transport or just for fun. The whole country is even well-marked with wandelen pads, and there are strategic, well-located bed & breakfasts that will give you a taste of Dutch hospitality.

Hiking in the Netherlands isn’t hiking: myth busted.

Myth #2: you need mountains to hike

Hiking-Netherlands-myths-Zuid-Kennemerland
Zuid-Kennemerland — you don’t need mountains to enjoy sights like this. Image: Carmen Monge/Supplied

The Netherlands is as flat as a pancake with some small lumps in the east, and shy dunes in the west. So, if your goal is to reach only high peaks on your hikes, this is not the place.

But, if you want to immerse yourself in different types of forests, have direct contact with friendly animals, and experience how the Dutch live in the countryside, this is your place.

You need mountains to hike: myth busted.

Myth #3: all of the Dutch countrysides looks the same

myths-hiking-netherlands
View in Gouda. Image: Carmen Monge/Supplied

Well, it is the same country, so many areas do look alike. But, as an expat, every place is new for me. At the beginning, passing windmills was so exciting and watching the cows just being cows was magical. Now I don’t feel that excited to see them anymore but I feel powerful to know this country more than some locals.

Also, there are some unique attractions take make the landscape even more amazing, such as the beautiful tulip fields in season, the hairy cows, the Groene Hart, the Dutch farmers working on wooden shoes — klompen (for real, they still use them) — and the countryside houses selling seasonal and local produce.

All of the Dutch countryside looks the same: myth busted.

Myth #4: hiking in the Netherlands is easy

myths-hiking-netherlands
The cows of Kinderdijk. Image: Carmen Monge/Supplied

Well, that depends not only on the physical state you have but also the mental state. I was used to hiking mountains and normally the highest peak was the ultimate goal. But in the Netherlands, I’ve learned to appreciate every stage, and that walking on a flat and straight path can be mentally challenging as well.

I discovered that while reaching the highest point can be hard to do, walking for several hours not knowing what to expect is even more difficult for stamina, and it taught me to appreciate more along the way than just the finish line.

READ MORE | The 8 greatest forests in the Netherlands for a nature escape

Luckily, if you regret your decision in the middle of a hike, there is an amazing public transport system in the Netherlands, so you can go back home from wherever you are.

Hiking in the Netherlands is easy: myth busted.

If this did not convince you at all to start hiking in this wonderful country, I have many other reasons to convince you. Just keep in touch and I will share with you my outdoor adventures and some unmissable Dutch treasures.

Have you been hiking in the Netherlands? What do you think of the experience? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Carmen Monge/Supplied
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated in April 2021 for your reading pleasure.

Dutch cabinet plans to open terraces, shops by April 21 (just in time for sun!)

Chloe Lovatt 🇬🇧
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1
Dutch cabinet plans to open terraces, shops by April 21 (just in time for sun!)

After teasing the opening of terraces for Easter weekend, the Dutch cabinet finally has some good news for business owners: shops and terraces could reopen by the end of the month if infection coronavirus rates continue to drop. 

The cabinet is pleased with the latest coronavirus figures, indicating that infection rates are finally dropping.

It has also announced that the curfew will be lifted, but it’s not yet clear whether this will also happen on April 21, according to the NOS.

On Sunday, these plans will be discussed with the Outbreak Management Team. If any reduction in measures is approved they will be announced in the upcoming press conference next Tuesday.

How do you feel about this announcement? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: ELEVATE/Pexels

Parenthood in the Netherlands: advantages and challenges

Laila Robles Martínez
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5
Parenthood in the Netherlands: advantages and challenges

Being a parent is no piece of cake, no matter where you are from. However, the way you choose to take on this great journey can vary depending on the culture and country where you grew up.

As an expat, here are some advantages and shortcomings I have encountered when it comes to raising a little one (or little ones) in the Netherlands:

Freedom of space

There is so much space for a child to run around, play, cycle… you name it! The Dutch urban landscape comes with multiple playground options and open spaces in general. There is even a good chance you live close to a forest, you are just left hoping for some decent weather.

It is super cute to watch entire families on their bikes just enjoying a nice Saturday morning. I feel that my little dude is truly privileged for being able to experience all this and I am very grateful. This country is, without a doubt, a great place for a kid to grow up.

Child safety in the Netherlands

The first time that I saw Dutch mother on her bicycle with one toddler on the backseat and a little baby on the front one (and no helmets) I have to be honest, I freaked out!

I understand that cycling culture is deeply rooted in this land but I feared this was taking things a little too far. Not long after, I learned how to spot the expat parents — the ones that put helmets on their children — clearly. This is not a judgement, just pure old fashioned culture shock, I guess.

Photo-of-child-on-bike-with-parent
Not many people cycle with a helmet in the Netherlands! Image: Magdalena Laas Photography/Supplied

To this day, I cannot bring myself to hop on a bike with my son. There… I said it, not even a bakfiets (mom bike) will convince me to do so.

Attentiveness

Ok guys, work with me. I come from Mexico, a Latin American country where family culture can be quite overwhelming; by this I mean SUPER overprotective and, at times, overbearing (I feel like you are sensing the pattern here).

While this all derives from love, it can also result in being too apprehensive when it comes to watching your child having fun and the craziness that discovering the world brings with it (going down the slide headfirst comes to mind).

Dutch mothers and fathers on the other hand, can be found casually strolling through the park with coffee in hand, chatting away their morning with other parents; or maybe sitting on a bench without a care in the world, and their children you might wonder?

Probably tripping over a ball, another child, or landing on his/her butt after trying to climb the swings. At first, I have to admit I was not getting it at all, and then time made me realise that perhaps this is just their way of raising strong individuals.

I admit I could stress a lot less over this matter, but how about we all just meet in a happy middle ground?

Daycare in the Netherlands

Let’s see, this is a touchy subject. While I 100% love the daycare my son goes to, I feel like the Dutch system does not cater for all kinds of lifestyles, circumstances and scenarios.

For instance, the childcare allowance “kinderopvangtoeslag“ is wonderful, for those that meet the requirements. If you find yourself with a freelance writer job for other countries (*cough*) or you happen to be employed by a company within thee European Union and stationed here, but not directly in a Dutch company, well… you do not qualify for said benefit.

Daycare in the Netherlands can be quite expensive. Image: qiangxuer/Pixabay

As a result, you will have to break the bank in order to pay for daycare. No wonder it is uncommon for a child to attend five days a week.

READ MORE| Dutch primary schools and childcare to reopen on February 8, cabinet decides

However, once you can get past the fact that the monthly invoice is as much as rent, there are many upsides. For example, the teaching methodology (usually some sort of Montessori/Reggio Emilia/Waldorf fusion), the healthy organic food (mostly vegetarian, Yei!), music class, yoga class, and so on, makes me almost forget how much money we could be saving (ouch!)

The Dutch work life balance

Having said this, it is also remarkable how a normal workweek in the Netherlands can look like 20/24/32 hours and it is not frowned upon at all. Even better, it is perfectly normal for men to do the same and work four days a week leaving space for “papadag” (daddy day).

This obviously means much healthier work life balance, and therefore, more quality time with your tiny human.

Like everything in life, being a parent in the Netherlands has its pros and cons; it is up to each person to decide how to handle the challenge.

How do you feel about parenting in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below! 

FeatureImage: Kate Emslie/Unsplash

Stolen Van Gogh painting remains missing after suspect arrested

Kathryn van den Berg
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Stolen Van Gogh painting remains missing after suspect arrested

How many people does it take to steal an invaluable Van Gogh painting? Just one, apparently. A 58-year old suspect has been arrested in relation to the recent theft of two paintings, one of which being an early Van Gogh. 

On March 30 2020, Vincent van Gogh’s The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring was stolen from the Singer Laren Museum. Arriving on a motorbike in the early hours of the morning, the thief used a sledgehammer to break through the museum’s reinforced glass front door.

Although the museum was closed at the time to support pandemic efforts, the alarm went off at 3AM CEST and triggered a raid. In spite of the quick response by police, the suspect ran out of the building with the painting tucked under his arm.

Suspect arrested

While COVID restrictions may be easing up with the approach of spring, the vigilance of the Dutch police certainly is not. An unnamed 58-year old man was arrested in his home town of Baarn on Tuesday. The stolen masterpieces, however, remain lost.

Photos distributed in mafia circles

Arthur Brand, fondly referred to as “the Indiana Jones of the art world” with his ability to uncover lost paintings, attained a photograph of Van Gogh’s stolen painting posed next to a New York Times article published on the day of the theft. With Brand’s help, police now know this photograph has been distributed in mafia circles.

These verified “proof of life” pictures (taken of the painting in an undisclosed location) show a new scratch on the painting’s bottom. Police believe this damage befell the work during the thief’s escape from the museum. In these photographs, the back of the artwork can be seen; adding Brand’s verification of authenticity.

A valued loan

As if the theft of the coveted Van Gogh isn’t distressing enough, adding to the strain of the situation is that the painting was on loan from the Groninger Museum and was the only piece by Van Gogh in this museum’s collection.

The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring is of the site of a vicarage garden and was produced by Van Gogh between 1883 and 1884. What’s worse is that this oil painting was seized on Van Gogh’s 167th birthday. Talk about a coincidence…

Painting-of-two-boys-laughing-by-Frans-Hals
This marks the third time this painting was stolen. Image: DIRECTMEDIA/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Unfortunately, this work is not the only Dutch masterpiece suspected to have been stolen by the recently-arrested suspect. The 17th-century Frans Hals’ piece, titled Two Laughing Boys, was abducted in August from the Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden Museum in Leerdam, just five months after Van Gogh’s The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring was taken.

Despite the arrest of the suspect, police report that neither paintings have resurfaced. Both have been added to Interpol’s international list of stolen artworks.

Van Gogh, the mafia, and a real life Indiana Jones? What are your thoughts on this story? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Groninger Museum/Press Release.

Visitors allowed to enter Keukenhof, museums, and music venues with negative COVID tests

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
Visitors allowed to enter Keukenhof, museums, and music venues with negative COVID tests

As part of a large-scale trial, members of the public will now be able to visit museums, sports matches, zoos, theatres, and even the Keukenhof, provided they can show a negative test certificate. 

Ready to get back out there? People who want to participate in the nationwide trial must register for an event with the organizer of the activity. However, in order to gain entry to these trials, participants must first show that they have tested negative for coronavirus.

What events are part of the trial?

The government has released a list with a full rundown of the various events and activities that are open to the public as part of the trial. Notable locations that will open include the Keukenhof, Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, and The National Theatre.

Fieldlab test events such as the Eurovision song contest are also part of this nationwide trial.

How can I attend a trial event?

In order to attend one of the above activities, participants must first register for a ticket direct with the organiser. Once you have booked a ticket for an event, you must sign up for a test at one of the Open Netherlands Foundation’s test streets. The costs of the tests are currently covered by the government, so you’ll only pay for your entry to the activity.

If you test negative for coronavirus you will receive a test certificate stating your result. This will then be used in conjunction with your ticket in order to gain entry to the event.

And if you test positive? Get back home mate, the GGD (municipal health services) will be in touch.

Reopening the Netherlands

Thousands of participants are expected to take part in these trial events. The hope is that — all going well — the events will prove that Dutch society may start to reopen once again with the help of rapid testing.

Minister Grapperhaus of Justice and Security hopes to see Dutch society gradually reopen following the trials saying “it doesn’t seem to be going badly these days.” The hope is that the Dutch government may start to relax measures by April, RTL Nieuws reports.

What do you think of these trial events? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Mario Gogh/Unsplash

Here’s when you can get your first coronavirus vaccine in the Netherlands

Chloe Lovatt 🇬🇧
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1
Here’s when you can get your first coronavirus vaccine in the Netherlands

If you’re feeling exhausted by all the stops and starts in the Dutch vaccine program, we don’t blame you. But there is some good news. The RIVM has launched a calculator so you can find out when you can expect your first coronavirus jab.

The vaccination program in the Netherlands has been anything but a steady road. With a slower start, the AstraZeneca vaccine’s turbulent rollout, and empty vaccination appointments, it’s amazing that the Netherlands has managed to rank fourth place in Europe for administering the first doses of the vaccine.

In spite of this, the Dutch government remains optimistic about how many vaccinations it can roll out in the next few months. April brings an influx of vaccines, with the new one-shot Jansen vaccine, as well as the Netherlands receiving a total of 500,000 vaccines a week. The government is sticking to its guns, promising that everyone can receive their first shot by July.

When can I expect my first injection?

Due to recent developments in the vaccination timeline, this promise may seem a little hard to believe. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. The Ministry of Health has created an official vaccination calculator where you can find out when you can expect your first injection.

As it stands, the calculator is predicting that anyone under the age of 50 without pre-existing health conditions can expect an invitation for their first dose of the vaccine in mid-June. Just in time for summer! ☀️

Will I get vaccinated if I don’t have a Dutch passport?

If you don’t have a Dutch passport but are wondering if you will be invited to get a coronavirus vaccine, the answer is most likely yes. Anyone who is registered at a municipality in the Netherlands will be invited to get vaccinated.

There are other circumstances where you might be invited for vaccination even without being registered or holding a Dutch passport.

What do you think about this vaccination calculator? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

5 “Dutch addictions” that have spread throughout the world

Kenneth Hull
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2
5 “Dutch addictions” that have spread throughout the world

The Netherlands has an addictive nature. Tourists often have this small but mighty country on their bucket list for a good reason, and the Dutch addictions have really spread far and wide.

“Dutch addictions”, I define as things the rest of the world cannot help but love. This addiction may be real or perceived. From food to iconic architecture, there’s a lot of the elements of Dutch life that are addictive. So here is my case for five truly addictive elements to living in the Netherlands.

1. Cheese

You may think 17 million Netherlanders can’t be wrong, and we agree. Who around the world doesn’t love a slice (or 10) of Gouda or Edam? Apparently, one of the Netherlands largest exports is putting a death grip on the world. I assume that means happiness and high cholesterol? In 2016, the Netherlands exported $3.3 billion in cheese which is 12.4% of their total exports.

But is cheese really an addiction? Some research says yes! It has opiate-like molecules built into it, as Forbes.com reports. These casomorphins exist in all dairy fat.

A-big-wheel-of-Dutch-cheese-with-a-cheese-slice-on-top
It even looks addictive. Image: Eelke/flickr

So does that mean milk is addictive? Come on! What’s next, Cheese Anonymous? Snopes.com however debunks the theory that you can have a diagnosable cheese addiction.

The USDA recommends only 1.5 oz of cheese a day maximum. Well, that’s not happening. Wait, maybe I am a cheese crackhead. If there’s a 12-step program, I’m there! I’m off to Gouda rehab. (I hope there’s wine too.) 🧀

2. Windmills

Windmills are often the first thing on your mind when the Netherlands enters a conversation. The Dutch built windmills for practical use to crush corn and to help reclaim the land starting circa 1200. But why are windmills addictive?

It could be the romantic history of windmills, helping the Dutch to claim much of their country from the seas. Windmills also were used as signals by positioning their sails to broadcast events and news, and decorated for events.

A-windmill-in-a-Dutch-wheat-field
Even on a cloudy day, these beauties are still addictive. Image: AngelaHB/Pixabay

For the rest of the world, just looking at a picture of a windmill in a colourful tulip field seems to be hypnotic. Paintings, art, posters and yard models of windmills are available for purchase almost anywhere in the world. Tourists visiting Holland stand ready with a camera (sometimes for days) pleading for the sun to shine for that perfect picture. Whatever the psychological reasons, the majestic windmill is definitely one of the Dutch addiction that has gone global.

3. Clogs

A-yellow-pair-of-tradtional-Dutch-clogs
Who wouldn’t want a pair of these fashionable statements? Image: monika1607/Pixabay

Another practical item that turned into a Dutch addiction is these wooden shoes. To the Dutch, clogs worn like garden crocks or wellington boots. A waterproof garden and farming shoe. They have been around since medieval times. The rest of the world doesn’t flock anywhere for rubber boots, but they do flock to the Netherlands to buy these uncomfortable wooden shoes.

Over three million are made a year, most going to tourists whether they’re plain clogs, beautifully painted, clog slippers, or custom clogs. When tourists buy a pair, they smile like a drug addict getting their daily fix. Who can blame them?

4. Stroopwafels

A-plate-of-Dutch-stroopwaffels
I can proudly confess, I am a stroopwafel addict. Image: Takeaway/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0 

As a child in the USA, I only knew waffles with maple syrup. I liked them well enough, but Stroopwafels present a waffle that is portable and ready to eat on the go. They seem to have some kind of secret addictive ingredient. These syrup waffles might accompany you on car rides, picnics, or even just while watching the TV. In the US, you can drive a thousand miles and not find a bitterballen or pannekoeken, but you will find stroopwafels on the shelves. 🥞

As reported by Bakeryandsnacks.com, Dutch baker Daelmans alone produces several million a day in his bakeries across 30 countries. The total number of stroopwafel made worldwide goes well into the billions every year. Sounds like a worldwide addiction to me!

5. Heineken

There are many famous brewers that have crossed the pond, but Dutch Heineken has been making beer since 1864. When I visited the Netherlands, my wife’s local Dutch relatives would point out the Heineken Brewery from the train, every single time. Funnily enough, it began to stick in my brain. Heineken!

Back in the states, green glass bottles became fascinating to me. Heineken would catch my eye first when browsing brews in the supermarket. The green bottle with a red star. Suddenly, six showed up in my refrigerator. I must’ve gone into a Heineken based hypnotic state. 🍻

All kidding aside, alcohol is obviously addicting to some. Although the Chief Commerce Officer of Heineken a few years back touted the health benefits of beer (fewer calories than milk, and it’s one of few natural drinks), he stressed moderation of course. Not that I need another excuse to have an occasional beer.

Nevertheless, in 2011 Heineken produced 2.74 billion litres of beer in the Zoeterwoude brewery for shipment to 170 countries. That’s a lot of “healthy” drinks! Nearly 16.5 billion litres from all 160 of their beer brands were shipped worldwide in the same year.

So Heineken, by sheer numbers and alcohol content, is a “Dutch addiction” in a number of senses. It’s a popular beer, and we must face facts, James Bond drinks it in Skyfall – so it must be cool!

Dutch Addictions

It’s clear the Netherlands is sending out addictive produce across the world. I believe I am attracted to most of these five Dutch addictions. Blame the Netherlands when they kill me.

It won’t be pretty when I trip in my clogs, distracted by my cholesterol report, as I choke on my cheese-covered stroopwafel, crash into a cheap copy of a Van Gogh windmill painting, and impale myself on my Heineken bottle. At least I will die happy. Please place tulips on my grave.

What other “Dutch addictions” have spread around the world? Share with us in the comments!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2018, and was fully updated in April 2021 for your reading pleasure.
Feature Image: Eelke/Flickr

Weekly update: coronavirus infections are finally going down in the Netherlands

Jana Vondráčková 🇨🇿
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0
Weekly update: coronavirus infections are finally going down in the Netherlands

The RIVM has released its weekly coronavirus figures for the period of March 31 to April 6. The number of infections has fallen compared to the previous week.

With the number of infections slowly going down, the RIVM predicts that the peak of the third wave will come earlier than initially expected. Since March 31, the curfew has also been pushed back an hour, starting at 10 PM.

New number of infections

Over the past week, the RIVM reported 48,186 new infections in the Netherlands. This is a decrease compared to the previous week’s number of 51,866 new infections. The percentage of positive tests, however, went up to 8.9% compared to 8.5% last week.

Deaths

The number of patients who have died from COVID-19-related complications has gone down slightly. This week 142 people passed away, compared to 171 people the previous week.

Hospitalisations

Hospitalisations have decreased, however, the number of admissions to the ICU has increased slightly. The past week saw 1,588 new admissions to the nursing ward and 376 new patients in the ICU. The week before, there were 1,633 and 317 respectively.

Shorter third wave

The RIVM had initially predicted that the Netherlands would see the peak of the third wave at around May 1. Now, the health institute believes that this might come earlier, around mid-April. The RIVM also expects to see fewer ICU admissions at the peak than originally predicted.

However, this prediction is based on the assumption that there will be no relaxation of the coronavirus measures, and that many people will be vaccinated in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, coronavirus self-test kits are being introduced in Dutch pharmacies.

Vaccination

About one-fifth of the Dutch population already has coronavirus antibodies. While for some of us it may still take a while before we get an invitation to receive our first jab, it is good to know that getting vaccinated in the Netherlands without a Dutch passport is possible.

People living in the Netherlands who are registered with the municipality in the Personal Records Database (BRP) or the Non-residents Registration (RNI), as well as people without a valid residence permit, people in detention centres, and asylum seekers, are all eligible to get their vaccine in the Netherlands.

Illegal gatherings in parks

The 22-degree temperatures of the past week encouraged us to go outside and soak up some sunshine. Unfortunately, this also resulted in large illegal gatherings across the Netherlands’ parks. Park Lepelenburg in Utrecht closed down and Amsterdam’s Vondelpark was evacuated, with only piles of trash remaining after the visitors were forced to leave.

Trial events with thousands

Tens of thousands of people will be able to attend trial events organised across the Netherlands over the course of April under strict safety protocols. Museums, theatres, sports venues, and concert organisers are able to participate in these trials.

The Eurovision Song Contest, which was initially set to take place in Rotterdam last year (but was cancelled due to the coronavirus) will be one of these trial events and is set to happen between May 18 and May 22.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest news about the upcoming coronavirus measures.

Feature Image: Kate Trifo/Pexels

This new Dutch night train lets you sleep your way from Amsterdam to Berlin or Prague

Jana Vondráčková 🇨🇿
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This new Dutch night train lets you sleep your way from Amsterdam to Berlin or Prague

The Dutch start-up European Sleeper is introducing a night train that will take you from the Dutch capital via Rotterdam and Berlin to the city of Prague in one fell swoop. 

If you’ve been planning on doing a little trip around Europe next summer, then this is the news you need to hear. With trains already running between Amsterdam and London, this is another milestone in connecting the Netherlands’ capital with different corners of Europe.

Connecting European gems

The European Sleeper night train will connect major European cities — Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Hannover, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague — and is supposed to start running in April 2022. 

The plan is to offer the train connection three times a week for the first months. After that, there could be as many as one of these sleepers running a day, the train operator announced on its website. 

Ticket prices announced soon

Travelling by train is not only an exciting Murder-on-the-Orient-Express-like experience but it can also help reduce the environmental costs of flying, which — let’s be honest — are still very real even despite numerous flight cancellations during the pandemic.

The first private railway company to enter the Dutch market since 1999, European Sleeper aims to put overnight trains back into the limelight. 

The company has partnered with the Czech railway operator RegioJet to offer their first route. Ticket prices and the exact travel times are to be announced soon.

Breakfast in bed

For the trip to Prague, the company advertises friendly staff, free internet, privacy, free coffee, and even breakfast in bed. Sounds like a pretty good way to start your adventures in the heart of Europe, right?

If you’re not jumping with excitement already (why aren’t you, though?), maybe you’ll be happy to know there have also been plans to introduce trains from Amsterdam to Scandinavia, or cities like Vienna and Zurich.

Will you be taking this overnight train from Amsterdam to Prague next year? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Dmitry Goykolov/Unsplash

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