Bibian Mentel — a three-time Dutch Paralympic snowboarding champion — passed away yesterday at the age of 48, after fighting recurring cancer for more than 20 years.
Mente’s family announced her death on her Instagram, reports the NOS. The message reads: “Rest in peace dear Bibian, dear mama, dear daughter, dear darling. We will never forget you. Love, Julian, Laila, Bella, Maude, Rolf and Edwin.”
Before becoming a Paralympic athlete, Bibian had already won multiple titles and was preparing to participate in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
However, in 2001, doctors discovered a malignant tumour in her periosteum (a connective tissue that covers the outer surface of a bone) and her lower right leg had to be amputated.
The then 28-year-old Bibian was back to snowboarding four months after the surgery. In January 2002, she won the Dutch championship, where she competed among able-bodied athletes.
Three-time champion
After that, she went into para snowboarding. She was the Olympic flag bearer for the Netherlands in 2014 in Sochi where she won a gold medal for snowboard cross.
Four years later in the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, she was a flag bearer again and went on to win two titles. Following these accomplishments, she was named the Paralympic Sportsperson of the year.
Mentel was also the founder of the Mentelity Foundation, which helps children and young adults with a physical disability to get into sports.
Condolences from the prime minister
The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, expressed his condolences on Twitter.
Bedroefd door het overlijden van @BibianMentel. Een icoon van de Nederlandse Paralympische sport. Met haar positiviteit en immense doorzettingsvermogen een voorbeeld voor ons allen. Ik wens haar nabestaanden veel sterkte met dit grote en verdrietige verlies.
He wrote: “Saddened by the death of @BibianMentel. An icon of the Dutch Paralympic sport. With her positivity and immense perseverance, she was an example for us all. I wish her loved ones lots of strength following this great loss”
How do you feel about the death of this inspiring athlete? Tell us in the comments below!
Church doors were opened for worshippers in the Dutch villages of Urk and Krimpen aan den IJssel yesterday, despite the rise in coronavirus infections. Journalists who arrived at both scenes were attacked by worshippers.
Drama arose as journalists attempting to report on the church services were pushed and kicked, while another journalist was hit by a car.
A reporter from RTV Rijnmond was grabbed and kicked in Krimpen aan den IJssel. RTV reported that their journalist was pushed from behind and kicked in the stomach until a security guard from the NOS intervened.
On the other side of the country in Urk, a reporter from PowNed was driven into by a churchgoer while he was standing in a parking space before being kicked. He was reporting on a service being carried out at the Sion church.
The police have arrested a 43-year-old man who was near the Mieraskerk in Krimpen, and another arrest has been made in Urk.
It’s unbelievable. I’d get fined for inviting 3+ family members to celebrate my kid’s first communion (a religious activity, right?) and they go to the church with 500+ ppl, beat journalists, and get full support from the police.
Is this your EQUALITY? #urk#kerk#Nederlandhttps://t.co/PSKH36sLaB
Churches are legally allowed to be open under the right to freedom of religion. However, they’re advised to limit numbers to 30 people as much as possible.
The Mieraskerk and the Sionkerk have been going ahead with services despite the lack of easing of coronavirus measures. Being blasé about restrictions, the Sionkerk told followers that masks and distancing weren’t necessary, according to NU.nl.
The Mieraskerk tried to make adjustments to protect worshippers, advising worshippers to maintain 1.5 meters distance. Since worshippers were divided between three rooms in the church, the auxiliary clerk of the Mieraskerk claimed that there were few coronavirus infections in worshippers. “That is proof that the Lord takes good care of us,” he told the NOS.
What do you think about what has happened over the weekend? Let us know in the comments below!
Things are about to become great for fish in the Netherlands, as the city of Utrecht launches the first fish doorbell in the world.
An underwater camera placed at the Weerdsluis films the fish as they wait in front of the lock gate, a device that raises and lowers boats between stretches of water of different levels.
Utrecht’s residents, watching the forming fish jams via a live stream, can press a digital doorbell to give the local keeper a signal when fish arrive.
The fish doorbell is another one of Utrecht’s projects which educate the city’s residents about the rich and diverse life in the waters of the local canals, reports AD.
A highway for fish
The doorbell plays an important role in allowing the fish to migrate between the warmer, deeper waters in the winter and more shallow waters where they reproduce in summer.
“You have to see the Oudegracht as a motorway for fishing. Sometimes you see literally dozens of fish floundering in front of the lock gate, so a fish jam is created,” says the underwater nature expert Mark van Heukelum.
See the fish doorbell in action below (in Dutch):
Utrecht’s urban ecologist Anne Nijs is enthusiastic about the project. “Not only is it of great importance for the fish, but it is also a great way to teach Utrecht residents more about life in our canals,” she says.
The important question
The residents will be able to observe large pikes, lobsters, and basses, among others. Why did the city decide to go for a digital doorbell instead of an automatic sensor? Because it’s a lot more fun, of course.
So much so, that this fish live stream may very well become the new Netflix in Utrecht. Play some dramatic music in the background or David Attenborough’s narration while watching and you suddenly have a whole documentary. “I am already addicted to it myself and watch it every night,” says Van Heukelum.
How do you like this idea of a fish doorbell? Let us know in the comments below!
“Met elkaar en voor elkaar”, with each other, for each other. You may be thinking that the quote above must be an encouraging slogan used during coronatimes: a supportive message, cheering on critical workers and the masses in an article addressing the sacrifices we must make.
How I do wish that were the case.
The quote is instead taken from an article from Viruswaarheid, the protest group making its way all across Dutch news and social media.
It is a quote from one of the many articles protesting the corona measures from mandatory face masks, to lockdowns, to vaccines, to 1.5m social distancing — name a measure, odds are there is or will be an article against it.
With flyers spreading disinformation about the Dutch coronavirus and recent protests over the coronavirus measures gaining popularity in the news and social media, it is easy to make jokes about the “facts.”
Misinformation is spreading so fast nowadays it’s almost as if the virus we’re suffering from is in fact gullibility and not COVID — these days, the former certainly seems as (perhaps even more) contagious than the latter.
Unfortunately, this is not merely one or two lone nonconformists but hundreds and thousands of people resisting the measures, with successful lawsuits against the rules — such as the curfew — and even violent anti-lockdown protests.
Thus, the question must be explored — does wearing a mask limit your freedom? And if your answer is yes, what does freedom mean to you?
Freedom and the Netherlands
The Netherlands has always stood as a prominent example of liberalism. It’s a country reputed for its progressive policies tackling gender equality, discrimination, climate change, the poverty gap, and sexual orientation.
The Netherlands is a place where you can be free to be yourself. Image: Anna Biasoli/Unsplash.
It’s a freedom that is well rooted in history, in the economic liberalism that founded the world’s first stock market, the religious tolerance that separated church from state, and the intellectual freedom that attracted scholars all over Europe creating a dynamic publishing center.
Growing up in Hong Kong, where buying, selling, or smoking weed carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years and a fine of 100,000 euros, I often find myself in awe of the freedoms I witness living in Amsterdam.
The freedom I’ve always found here is one that is open, inspiring, tolerated, humbling, and often humorous in a laugh-in-disbelief type of way.
Some sacrifices can be made
Protestors and anti-mask groups have framed recent corona rules as antithetical to these freedoms. However, one only has to look to at the widespread opinions on the Dutch tax system to see how this is not the case.
Ask most Dutch people about the tax system, and on average many Dutch people see the system as mostly “fair”, “balanced”, and “just”. Coming from an income tax system in Hong Kong that is almost nonexistent, I incredulously did exactly that — asked Dutch friends how they were willing to pay what to me seems like exorbitant taxes (although what wouldn’t seem high compared to the HK maximum of 17% in its highest bracket).
The answers were always an amalgamation of the same elements — while the taxes may be high, it is worth it to ensure everything (mostly) works the way it should such as healthcare, education, and social services. This way, everyone is more or less taken care of, and in doing so the taxpayer can live his/her own life without worry as well.
It’s this last sentiment that is key to this article’s question. That higher tax appears to imply more freedom, and that by caring for others you ultimately care for yourself. Thus, I wonder if we can equate these sentiments of taxes and face masks to each other — the idea that sacrificing what may seem like our freedoms, ultimately leads to freedom.
Why then, do some not want to wear face masks in the Netherlands? Image: Anna Shvets/Pexels
Confusing? I’ll rephrase — like high taxes, while masks and other coronavirus measures may seem uncomfortable and in some cases even exorbitant, they’re in fact there to ensure your freedom. They do this by limiting the uncontrolled spread of the virus just as taxes aim to prevent strain on social institutions.
Following this logic, face masks don’t limit your freedom; they promote it. It’s hard to have freedom when a country is overrun with those suffering from a pandemic.
One only has to look at Hong Kong for a hint of this: while it is without any shade of doubt easier to manage a city of 7.5 million than a country of 17.5 million, it is still a city where businesses and restaurants have largely remained open the entire length of the pandemic.
So, let’s wear a mask: not to give up our freedom, but to ensure it. With each other, for each other.
What are your thoughts on wearing a face mask? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Spring has officially begun and the Dutch weather finally seems to be catching up to this fact. Sunshine and a high of 22 degrees are expected in the Netherlands next week.
Tuesday will be the nicest day of the week, with temperatures climbing up to 19 degrees in many parts of the country. The east and the southeast of the Netherlands can look forward to a whopping 22 degrees, reports RTL Nieuws.
“Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be beautiful with plenty of sunshine,” says Nicolien Kroon, a meteorologist at Buienradar.
But before that happens, we’ll have to get through a gloomy Saturday. In fact, the first day of this coming weekend is expected to be wet, grey, and chilly, with the temperatures staying below eight degrees.
What about Easter?
While this spring sunshine is great news, don’t go making fun outdoors plans for the Easter weekend just yet. The lovely, almost summer-like weather may come to an end on Thursday.
However, the weather forecast may change between now and Easter. While some models predict temperatures no higher than 10 degrees, others are a bit more optimistic, suggesting temperatures closer to the 20 degrees mark. One can only hope, right?
How will you spend these upcoming sunny days? Tell us in the comments below!
A team of researchers at UMC Utrecht is testing a bracelet that could help detect symptoms of coronavirus at an early stage.
The bracelet continuously measures body temperature and breathing, explains UMC Utrecht. A higher temperature, as well as coughing and breathlessness, are all symptoms that could indicate the presence of the coronavirus.
After Studio Roosegaarde’s Urban Sun which rids public spaces of coronavirus using UVC light, this bracelet is another impressive addition to the Netherlands’ collection of innovations.
Certified device
Originally developed by Ava AG in Switzerland for women to track their ovulation, the bracelet is an already certified device. This is why the researchers of UMC Utrecht can get started with testing the wearable for coronavirus so quickly.
Professor of clinical epidemiology at UMC Utrecht, Rick Grobbee, and his team have been brainstorming how to use this bracelet to detect coronavirus. In this next stage they’ll test the device on 40,000 people.
The aim is to start testing as soon as the number of infections goes up again. Grobbee expects that this could be in autumn.
Who is it for?
Early detection of the virus is crucial for combating the global pandemic and the project received a subsidy of 10 million euros from the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI).
Grobbee hopes to have results concerning the effectiveness of the bracelet about six months after the start of the trial. “If this turns out to work, I imagine that this wearable will mainly be used by people from high-risk groups and healthcare workers,” he says.
Do you think this bracelet could play a role in managing the global pandemic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
After a hectic morning in the Dutch political sphere, two scouts charged with forming the new government after last week’s elections have stepped down after their notes were leaked.
This morning, the news hit that the Dutch cabinet had been potentially exposed to coronavirus through Minister Ollongren — one of two ‘scouts’ tasked with determining the new layout of the cabinet. However, the decision-making process had been further complicated by the fact that the minister’s private notes were left visible.
As a result of this blunder, the two scouts who were charged with determining the new layout of the Dutch cabinet — Minister Ollongren from D66, and Senator Jorritsma from the VVD — have decided to step down from scouting stating that they can no longer do their job without prejudice.
Notes visible in picture taken by the press
The notes were seen in a picture taken of the minister as she left the Binnenhof this morning. The shots were initially taken as part of the news that she had tested positive for coronavirus.
However, once eagle-eyed readers zoomed in on the images, one could read the minister’s important notes. On the notes, sentences such as “left-wing parties do not really hold each other” can be read.
There was a mention about MP Omzigt from the CDA that he could “get a position elsewhere,” and another on CDA’s Wopke Hoekstra’s negotiation style. Hoekstra has called this bizarre. He wrote on Twitter: “None of these subjects have been discussed with me, and are also not her domain.”
Bizar, dit inkijkje in de aantekeningen van verkenner Ollongren. Onderwerpen die geen van allen met mij zijn besproken en waar zij ook niet over gaat. #CDA
All of this news comes while a lot of people are thoroughly frustrated with the Dutch political scene and the lack of decent corona policy and speedy vaccination program.
It remains to be seen how today’s events will affect the speedy formation of a coalition.
What are your thoughts on this political jumble? Tell us in the comments below!
The Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn will remove the rolls of single-use plastic bags for fruits and vegetables from its stores by the end of the year.
During the two weeks following April 19, all AH customers will receive a reusable nylon bag for free if they purchase fruits or vegetables that have to be weighed. After those two weeks, customers will have to pay 30 cents per bag.
Removing single-use plastic bags from Albert Heijn stores will save 243,000 kilograms of plastic per year. This equals approximately 130 million bags. Customers will be informed about this by AH’s fruit and vegetable department from mid-April, reports the NOS.
A small step for Albert Heijn
If you feel like doing a little celebration dance or saluting the supermarket for finally doing something good for the planet, let us stop you right there.
While single-use plastic bags from the roll are finally being removed, Albert Heijn is dragging its feet on removing shrink-wrapped carrots, peppers, and aubergines across all its stores. This one small step for Albert Heijn is, thus unfortunately not one giant leap for mankind.
This week, all 17 party leaders of the newly elected Dutch government met with the Minister of Interior Relations, Kajsa Ollongren, to discuss the new formation of the Dutch cabinet. Today, Ollongren tested positive for coronavirus.
The task of organising the layout of the new Dutch coalition is no small one, especially when there are 17 separate parties involved.
Minister Ollongren from D66, along with Jorritsma from the VVD, had been given the job of “scout”, meaning that she was involved in the process of determining what the new Dutch cabinet will look like.
In order to do this, Ollongren and Jorritsma met with all 17 party leaders — in person — for discussions throughout the past week. She was also present at the Council of Ministers last Friday.
Coronavirus regulations followed but still a risk
There had been some discussion as to whether the talks should be carried out in person, especially once the Outgoing State Secretary of Economic Affairs, Mona Keijzer, tested positive for coronavirus last week.
Minister for Health, Hugo de Jonge, was also asked to remain at home for a few days after voting last week. The public have expressed annoyance at the cabinet’s continued insistence to not work remotely themselves.
However, the decision was made to lead the coalition talks in person. While the meetings had been held in accordance with coronavirus regulations, concern remains as the meetings were held behind closed doors for more than 15 minutes.
Dutch minister and 'coalition scout' Ollongren tested postive for corona. This is after meeting up in person with virtually all of Dutch political leadership and after numerous calls from outsiders to move their meetings online and WFH. I guess it's "do as we say, not as we do"
Political reporter, Fons Lambie, tells RTL Nieuws that all party leaders are at risk. “They have been in the same room for more than fifteen minutes. Although at a distance and in compliance with the corona rules, all the party leaders and half the cabinet have been near her.”
Misschien dat na het positief testen van 3 kabinetsleden (van wie Ollongren de afgelopen dagen alle fractieleiders heeft ontvangen) het in Den Haag ook doordringt dat Zoom vergaderingen een mogelijkheid zijn?
It is not known where Ollongren contracted COVID-19. However, Prime Minister Rutte has had yet another lucky escape, according to RTL Nieuws, he has since tested negative for the virus.
The talks have now been delayed as a new “scout” must be found to replace Ollongren while she is gone for at least the next 10 days.
What are your thoughts on this outbreak? Tell us in the comments below!
Tilburg can get past most people’s radar because…well, I don’t know. I’ve been there, and it is a positively charming city. It isn’t typically Dutch, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit! Have you seen Its nature and luscious green scenery? No? Allow us to introduce you!
The city of Tilburg has a lot to offer in terms of culture, art and music, but it is also one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands. You can explore and hike through its breathtaking nature, and just take the time to get connected with the world around you again.
Coronavirus update: Due to the current coronavirus restrictions, festivals, museums and Cafés are currently not going ahead/open. However, we thought we’d share some this article’s great hiking spots for a socially distanced walk!
Abdij de Koningshoeven
Let’s start with one of the most beautifully located areas which has some old and grand buildings and — more importantly — serves you some of the best beer of the world.
This monastery is located inside of the Moerenburg — Koningshoeven Landscape Park and is a must for any La Trappe Trappist beer lover. This was built in the late 19th century by trappist monks, and has a really interesting history.
At the end of the 19th century, a small group of Trappist monks fled from France to Berkel-Enschot. Here they found a piece of heather with a few hooves and a sheepfold. They embraced this former country residence of King William II — the royal hooves — as their new home. This was the start of the beer brewery. The beginning of a life full of prayer, work in peace and quiet (and beer, the good stuff.)
They have a tasting room where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, and then you can start your brewery tour. Did you know it takes between 6-7 weeks to brew beer? You can see how it is brewed on the tour!
They have tours starting at 2pm from Monday to Friday. On weekends and public holidays, they have tours at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. For the English tours, you can register and go on the tour on Tuesday and Thursday at noon, or Saturday at 11:30 am.
Even better might be the La Trappe cycling route, which combines cycling, epic surroundings and drinking beer all in one journey that you’ll never forget (well, unless you overdo it on the beers). Check it out right here!
Beer, great nature, epic history — all in all going for a daytrip to the Koningshoeven Abbey is great thing to do.
Located in the East outside of Tilburg, this nature park is perfect for anyone who is looking to enjoy a day with the environment, go boating, or to just walk through the thick forests.
It serves as the “Gate of the Green Forest” or as a gate to Het Groene Woud, a special forest area in the country. It has multiple nature reserves and tons of things to do, including a walking tour which takes you from the city to the Moerenburg area and back.
Nothing like a frosty morning walk! Image: www.tickettotilburg.com
Just got to Tilburg, and your plan to get around the city is by foot? No worries — Piushaven can be easily reached by foot, located right in Tilburg city. You will have a lot of places to choose from to eat, and drink.
It is right next to the water, and even has a “living stage” for different events for art and culture! Check out the Ticket to Tilburg section to find out what’s happening in the Piushaven and what to do there.
But that’s not all! Piushaven also plays host to the Drakenboot Festival. Teams compete with each other on boats, and it is spectacle to not just participate but also watch as they try win! It happens every year on September the 8th, so don’t miss it!
Everyone loves a good dragon boat race. Image: www.tickettotilburg.com
Stadsbos 013
This one is a local favourite! The municipality of Tilburg has worked together with local residents, entrepreneurs and nature enthusiasts. It is just outside the city, but is still within cycling distance. You can go there to enjoy in peace, play some sports, and enjoy the serene nature. It is as big as 7 football fields, bringing you a plethora of flora and fauna to explore and enjoy. This park is a delight for everyone!
This one really makes for amazing picturesque strolls or bike rides, and it is right in between the centre of Tilburg and Reeshof. They have many hiking trails, and places with picnic benches. Doesn’t it sound like the ideal place to take your family, friends or just about anyone to enjoy a nice picnic by the waterside, and get that quality time you need with them?
So serene! Image: www.tickettotilburg.com
This place even has a petting zoo for the kids. Or you could even go there alone, because getting lost in nature is the perfect way to reconnect with yourself!
This one is one for the photography books! The paths within this park are shaped like a star, with each one taking you to different corners. All you have to do is pick one, and you seriously cannot go wrong. As soon as you reach the end of one road, start making your way to the middle, where you’ll find a nice little clearing with a cafe.
The perfect place for a morning jog. Image: www.tickettotilburg.com
The park is also featured in our video about Tilburg, which you’ve probably seen before because of the epic drone shots of Tilburg’s beautiful nature surroundings:
Enjoy open-air festivals? Then visit this park for their events like Back 2 the 90’s and Parkbeats. Grab a beer, or a picnic basket, your nearest mate and head over here even if they don’t have anything happening! You guys are in for a wonderful time nonetheless. Come rain, snow or sunshine, this park is ideal for a walk or a bike ride.
Birb. Image: www.tickettotilburg.com
National Park Loonse en Drunense Duien
Tilburg is one of the greenest cities but they still have sand dunes! What?! Yes, I know! It was formed nearly 10,000 years ago, covering 30 square kilometers, and is home to many different species of plants and animals.
You can visit these dunes any day, and tour through them with guides. Don’t feel like walking? Take your mountain bike, and use their GPS tours, bridle paths or bike trails and hop (ride) to it!
Safaripark Beekse Bergen
Did you know that Tilburg is also where the largest wildlife zoo in the Benelux is located? The Safaripark Beekse Bergen is a safari-themed park where you can go through it either by boat, bus or your own car.
For the more adventurous people, you can even go by foot. It is open all year round. So visit the elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalos, and see how they’re liking the Dutch weather!
So, we know that spending a day in the park or with nature is not always possible, because let’s face it: we’re still in the Netherlands. But if you still want some nature, and wouldn’t mind a bit of humour, some general knowledge, and a whole lotta fun, go to the Natuurmuseum in Tilburg! (Or go to the other museums there, or visit the new LocHal!)
Apart from being a perfect way to spend the day indoors with your family, the museum is also home to the exhibition called the Comedy Wildlife Awards! Does your morning routine consist of scrolling through 9gag, Instagram, or Facebook looking for funny cat videos, or cute little doggos doing their doggo thing? There are so many more (hilarious) animals to laugh at!
This exhibition is an attempt at bringing attention to conservation of nature and wildlife, with a little bit of humour to brighten your day.
D’awww. look at that cutie. Image: www.tickettotilburg.com
This one deserves a special mention because the Spoorpark is one of the largest citizens’ initiatives in the Netherlands. The municipality has built and designed this park based on 80 ideas submitted to them by the citizens! They have a campsite, outdoor sports area, 35m high lookout tower, and so much more.
As you can see, if nature is your thing then Tilburg is your town. If nature isn’t your thing but culture is, well we’ve just got that perfect article on culture in Tilburg for you. More into eating, drinking and partying? Say no more…
We’ve worked together with Ticket to Tilburg on bringing you this article, check out their site for more good stuff on Tilburg! The city of Tilburg also has a wicked insta-account, a Facebook-page and a Twitter-account to keep you up to date!
Have I convinced you to go to Tilburg yet? Let us know in the comments or tag @dutchreview on Instagram when you do go and take those amazing pictures!
Feature Image: Evelien Oerlemans/merktilburg.nl Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2019, and was fully updated for your reading pleasure in March 2021.
