Home Blog Page 577

Bargain alert: this Amsterdam garage is a measly million dollars (and the most expensive in the world)

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
-
1
Bargain alert: this Amsterdam garage is a measly million dollars (and the most expensive in the world)

A garage in Amsterdam has appeared on housing website Funda for the bargain-basement price of just €995,000 — plus tax.

What can you get for a million euros in the Netherlands today?

Here are a few ideas:

  • 33 mid-range sedans
  • 3.3 mid-size apartments in a small Dutch city
  • food, accommodation, and education for 1302 African children for a year.

But why buy those things, if you can get a prime parking location in the middle of Amsterdam instead?

The most expensive garage in the world

If the garage on the corner of Jacob Obrechtstraat and Van Breestraat sells for that very reasonable and completely non-questionable price, it will become the most expensive parking space in the world. That record is currently held by this €870,000 parking space in Hong Kong.

The spacious 22 square metre spot boasts lighting, electricity, a sink, an electric garage door, a private driveway, and a bollard with a lock, in close proximity to the prestigious Concertgebouw area.

parking-garage-netherlands-amsterdam-most-expensive
Can you resist it? Image: Google Maps

There’s space for only one car inside, and it’s so fancy you can even open the doors if the car once you drive it in. Even better, if you purchase it from this description here — I’m claiming a commission!

If you don’t have a cool million lying around in cash, you may prefer to take the affordable rental option — it’s only €990 per month or about 3/4 of my total monthly rent.

Shocking price

Is that huge price just a publicity stunt? Maybe. But the owner told AT5 that he’s been fielding calls non-stop.

Over half of teachers want stricter coronavirus measures in schools

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
-
0
Over half of teachers want stricter coronavirus measures in schools

Teachers are worried about the safety of their work environment, according to a poll by teachers union Leraren in Actie (LIA).

Of those who took part in the poll, 55% believe it is not safe to “continue with current full-classroom teaching.”

The poll also found that most teachers find it difficult to enforce the 1.5-meter distance rule in a full classroom and that students are too relaxed with mouth mask measures.

Stricter measures required

The chairman of the LIA, Peter Althuizen told De Telegraaf that teachers want more mandatory measures in the classroom. “For example, working with half classes so that both teachers and children can keep a distance from each other.”

Althuizen says that the teachers’ fear for their own health is not being taken seriously by those in charge. The union claims that the cabinet must take stricter measures in classrooms.

Minister disagrees

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Arie Slob, has spoken on the findings. He says that while he understands the teachers’ fears, he does not believe teaching in half-classes is necessary.

He claims the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has deemed it safe. “It is very important that children are taught at school as much as possible. According to the Outbreak Management Team, that is also justified.”

However, Slob does call on the students to keep the coronavirus measures in mind. “It is also necessary that students keep their distance from the teacher and that the other basic rules are properly observed.”

As coronavirus cases continue to rise across the Netherlands, the government’s decisions surrounding issues such have continued to fall under scrutiny.

What do you think about stricter measures in schools? Let us know in the comments below! 

Feature Image: Pragyan Bezbaruah/Pexels

Raw deal for renters in the Netherlands: is Rutte to blame?

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
-
0
Raw deal for renters in the Netherlands: is Rutte to blame?

A new study has found that renters in the Netherlands have become worse off in the past ten years, a deterioration that has been blamed on current Prime Minister Mark Rutte. 

The study by Woonbond found that tenants today spend more of their income on housing costs than home buyers. That’s right — in many Dutch cities, a mortgage will be cheaper than rent.

While 11 years ago a tenant spent 34% of their income on housing, by 2018 this had already jumped to 38%. This is because rents rose sharply between 2010 and 2019 — up to 44% higher on the free market, according to figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).

Winkels weighs in

Those waiting for social housing now wait longer to be assigned a home, and pay over a quarter more, says Zeno Winkels, the director of the Woonbond in an interview with the AD.

Winkels explains that government policy since Rutte came into power has focused on reducing social housing, and increasing the free rental market.

READ MORE » The 2020 guide to private housing and social housing in the Netherlands: what’s the difference?

“Every two years a landlord can put someone else in his house, paying the new rent himself. As a result, there are now extortionate prices, which means that people with a middle income cannot get a rental house at all,” he says. “Tenants have become the victims of this.”

No surprises

The skyrocketing house prices in the Randstad, for both buying and renting, is a common topic in the Netherlands. In fact, last week a garage in Amsterdam was put up for sale for an easy €995,000 — what a bargain!

Despite these barriers, housing in the Netherlands is scarce and is there is often huge competition when trying to find rooms to rent and houses to purchase. Despite the coronavirus crisis, rents experienced the largest rise in six years in July this year.

Have you experienced the struggles of renting in the Netherlands? Tell us your story in the comments below!

Feature Image: Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

Royal family returns from Greek holiday after 24 hours following outrage

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
-
1
Royal family returns from Greek holiday after 24 hours following outrage

The royal family has learned that even they are not immune to the latest coronavirus restrictions. After 24 hours, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima returned to the Huis Ten Bosch palace yesterday.

Whilst the Netherlands breached 8,000 new cases in one day this weekend, the royal family took a government plane to their Greek residence on Friday. This was in spite of the new coronavirus measures. Of course, this led to outrage both on the (digital) streets and in the House of Representatives. As a result, the family returned to the Netherlands.

What were they thinking?

The King and his family left on a government plane on Friday afternoon but the King later announced that the trip would be aborted and the family returned on a KLM flight.

The trip provoked much controversy given that the latest measures ask that people only travel if absolutely necessary. Whilst the royal family believed such a trip was within the boundaries of these measures, The House of Representatives felt universally that the trip was irresponsible in these times.

Rutte was aware of the trip

Prime Minister Rutte was indeed aware of the King’s trip. In a letter to the Lower House, he has stated that “I realized too late, especially after the press conference on Tuesday evening, October 12, last year, that the intended holiday, which was in line with the regulations, could no longer be reconciled with the increasing infections and the stricter measures”, RTL Nieuws reports.

Rutte has said he takes full responsibility for the lapse in judgement “this should have prompted me to reconsider the planned holiday. I bear full ministerial responsibility for the above.”

What does the King have to say?

The King has also released a statement. He says that he and the Queen recognise that their trip was “not wise.”

“We do not want to leave any doubts about it: to get the Covid-19 virus under control, it is necessary to follow the guidelines. Discussion about our holiday does not contribute to that.” The trip has prompted serious discussion both at a governmental level and on social media.

What do you think about the royal family’s trip? Let us know in the comments below! 

Feature Image: 12019/Pixabay 

Utrecht professor passes away, leaves over €1 million for students in need

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
-
0
Utrecht professor passes away, leaves over €1 million for students in need

Utrecht professor, Joop van der Maas, passed away in June this year. Utrecht University’s fund for students in need was delighted to hear that they were listed as his only heir. 

Van der Maas passed away on June 2, 2020, and left the Utrecht University Fund as the sole inheritor of his legacy worth over €1 million.

The fund was set up for students who may find themselves unable to pay their university fees due to a change in their life circumstances. This change can be attributed to either financial or emotional problems.

A struggle that he understood

Professor Van der Maas led an interesting life. Having survived the “Watersnoodramp” flooding of 1953, he understood that life can be disrupted in the blink of an eye. For this reason, he left his legacy for students who may find themselves in a similar situation.

Van der Maas did not like to talk about his experience of the flood but Utrecht University writes that it influenced the way he saw his students. “The fear of drowning, shelter and housing with a host family [that he] suffered during the disaster had shaped him to a large extent. As a result, he had an eye for disadvantaged students.” 

The University described Professor Van der Maas as, “a passionate teacher who was keen to share his knowledge and to make students enthusiastic about the profession. Education was never a mandatory number for him.”

He believed that students should be given a chance in spite of their circumstances, saying “you have to give everyone a second chance.”

What do you think of this professor’s story? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Mikael Kristenson/Unsplash

The 4 phases of coronavirus in the Netherlands: a crisis management roadmap

Brin Andrews
-
1
The 4 phases of coronavirus in the Netherlands: a crisis management roadmap

The Dutch government released a series of new measures on Tuesday, October 13, to combat the country’s rapidly increasing number of coronavirus infections. Along with this new package, they have presented a long-term strategy, or roadmap, for managing the crisis.

This roadmap categorises regional risk into four different levels: caution, concern, serious, or very serious. Each level has corresponding measures recommended along with it.

The recommendations are to be considered in addition to the government’s basic rules, such as hand washing, maintaining 1.5 metres distance, wearing a mask on public transportation, and staying at home if symptoms are present.

Every Monday, RIVM calculates the risk level of each region. The ‘very serious’ level of risk level now applies to eight different safety regions.

Risk levels

Level 1: “caution”

Less than 50 positive tests per 100,000 inhabitants in one week. The situation is manageable. Vulnerable groups must remain alert.

  • Reservations are required in restaurants and bars, people must sit in fixed seats, and undergo a check call.
  • Reservations are required at events.
  • At a funeral, a maximum of 100 people are allowed inside and 250 people outside.
  • Work from home whenever possible.
  • Face masks must be worn in stores.

Level 2: “concern”

More than 50 positive tests per 100,000 inhabitants in one week. The situation is moving in a negative direction and the existing approach must be strengthened.

  • For home visits, a maximum of six people from another household are allowed.
  • For meetings and events, a reservation is needed. A maximum of 60 people are allowed inside and 80 people outside.
  • Restaurants and bars must be closed by 1 AM with no new guests after midnight.
  • Limit travel.
  • For weddings, a maximum of 60 guests may be indoors or 80 guests outdoors.
  • At a funeral, a maximum of 100 people may be inside and 250 people outside.
  • Designated shopping hours for elderly and vulnerable people.

Level 3: “serious”

More than 150 positive tests per 100,000 inhabitants in one week. Severe measures are needed to prevent further escalation and return to a manageable situation.

  • Group size no larger than four in public.
  • For home visits, a maximum of three guests per household.
  • For meetings and events, a reservation is required, and a maximum of 30 people inside and 40 people outside.
  • No shopping in the evenings, except for food sales.
  • Weddings may have a maximum of 30 guests.
  • At a funeral, a maximum of 100 people are allowed inside and 250 people outside.
  • All restaurants and bars close at 10 PM with last entry at 9 PM.

Level 4: “very serious”

More than 250 positive test results per 100,000 inhabitants in one week. A very large number of people are infectious and more severe national measures are needed. Contact tracing is no longer effective.

  • Groups of no more than four people in public.
  • For home visits, a maximum of three people from another household, and a maximum of three guests per day.
  • Ban on events.
  • A maximum of 30 people is indoors for meetings.
  • Restaurants and bars are closed.
  • No amateur sports for both youth and adults. Changing rooms and sports canteens will be closed.
  • A maximum of four people may train together, with the exception of anyone under 18 years old.
  • Weddings may have a maximum of 30 guests.
  • At a funeral, a maximum of 100 people are allowed inside and 250 people outside.
  • Ban on sale of soft drugs and alcohol after 8 p.m.
  • From that point on, there is also a prohibition on consuming or possessing soft drugs or alcohol in public.

Lockdown

A lockdown may be necessary if the coronavirus spread exceeds what is manageable under the level 4 restrictions. In that case,

  • A maximum of two people may go out.
  • No home visits, stay home.
  • Meetings are not allowed.
  • There are no events.
  • A maximum of 30 people may be present at weddings.
  • Bars and restaurants are closed.
  • Indoor sports are prohibited. A maximum of two people may exercise together at a distance outside.
  • Changing rooms at sports clubs will be closed.
  • Only necessary travel at home and abroad.
  • At a funeral, a maximum of 100 people are allowed inside and 250 people outside.
  • Education in MBO, HBO, and WO online only.

What do you think of the cabinet’s new roadmap? Do you think these measures will be effective? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature Image: United Nations/Unsplash

COVID-19 infection rates rise fastest amongst the elderly

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
-
0
COVID-19 infection rates rise fastest amongst the elderly

As coronavirus cases continue to rise across the Netherlands, the elderly are being hit the hardest. 

Of those who tested positive for coronavirus last week, 19% were above the age of 60. Whilst the majority of positive cases remain to be found in people in their twenties — accounting for one in every five infections — the age group with the fastest growth rate are those above 60.

In September, the elderly made up 10% of coronavirus infections. Now, in October, that percentage has almost doubled.

Majority of hospitalisations

The Netherlands saw how severe the virus is for the elderly in the first wave of the pandemic. This remains the case during the second wave.

Of those hospitalised in the past week, admission rates for those above 60 were four times more than average, and they made up 98% of deaths. RTL Nieuws reports that the elderly currently make up the bulk of hospitalisations and deaths from the virus.

Young people’s share goes down

Whilst the infection rate amongst the elderly rises, younger people’s share in infections has dropped. In September, people in their twenties accounted for one-third of positive cases in the Netherlands.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest news and updates. 

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

Loophole: at this Dutch Michelin star restaurant, €10 lets you dodge the catering ban

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
-
1
Loophole: at this Dutch Michelin star restaurant, €10 lets you dodge the catering ban

Rotterdam restaurant Joelia has found an escape clause around the catering ban that came into effect on Tuesday.

The Michelin starred restaurant is doing some creative interpretation of the government’s new measures. While all restaurants, cafes, and bars are now closed (with the exception of take-away), hotel restaurants are allowed to continue serving their guests.

This is where Joelia secured their loophole: the one-star restaurant is attached to the Hilton Rotterdam.

A tenner for a loophole

Restaurant-goers can register with the hotel for the measly sum of €10, granting them access to the hotel’s facilities: including the restaurant. For this, you book part of the day at the Hilton — from 12 PM to 5 PM for lunch, or from 6 PM to 10 PM for dinner. If the guest want to indulge on a bit too much fine wine without drink-biking, they can even stay overnight from just €75.

“I am a hotel restaurant and that is allowed. I am not doing anything wrong”, chef Mario Ridder told RTL Nieuws. “This is within the rules. We’ve made a razor-sharp deal with the Hilton. We’re in the same building.”

Apart from that, Ridder says that the restaurant adheres to all of the rules by keeping their distance, allowing a maximum of 30 people inside, and not serving alcohol after 8 PM.

One star reviews

Not everyone is happy with Ridder’s creative interpretation. Dutchman Tom Wintermans had a reservation for Saturday. He expected Joelia to cancel the booking — but instead was told he could still come for the extra sum.

“That registration with the Hilton, supposedly with a room, was necessary should there be a police raid, the restaurant said,” Wintermans told AD. “At first, I thought it was a joke. But no, it was serious and completely legal. I did not know what I heard.”

“Take responsibility, said Rutte at the press conference, do not seek the loopholes of the law. So it really went down the wrong way. Maybe you can do it, but I do not want it,” Wintermans continued.

The defensive chef

But Chef Ridder says he’s not doing anything wrong. “Everyone in the hospitality industry is looking for opportunities and is creative. I’m in a hotel and this is my way of trying to keep afloat.”

All guests with current bookings have been offered the option, says Ridder. While booking is unavailable on the Joelia website, a deal on the restaurant website Heerlijk is still available. “The reservations are pouring in.”

The Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region is now investigating whether the loophole is legal.

Do you think this loophole should be allowed? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Michael Browning/Unsplash (for illustrative purposes only)

“Suspicious situation” in Utrecht neighbourhood where two women were assaulted last month

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
-
0

The Utrecht neighbourhood of Lunetten has been thrown into the spotlight once again, after a potential attack today and yesterday led to heavy police presence in the area. This follows two attacks against women in the past month, which prompted police to encourage women to not cycle alone.  

Yesterday, local residents noted a large police presence. Earlier this morning, police returned again to conduct a major investigation for what they described as a “suspicious situation”, RTV Utrecht reports.

The two assaults in the park last month has people believing the current events may be related. Police are yet to confirm or deny any link.

Suspicious man

The report of suspicious behaviour in the park was received in the early hours of this morning. Police were deployed to the park and a police helicopter circled the area.

An appeal was sent out through Burgernet at 7:30 AM asking that local residents keep an eye out for a man acting suspiciously. The man was described as wearing dark clothes and left the area on a bike.

The area where “suspicious behaviour” occurred was cordoned off but a forensic investigation yielded nothing. Police left the area at 11 AM.

Did you spot any suspicious behaviour in the area? Stay safe out there!

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

The last hurrah: Dutch bars full before new lockdown measures begin, others infuriated

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
-
0
The last hurrah: Dutch bars full before new lockdown measures begin, others infuriated

Staggeringly high coronavirus infection numbers did little to dampen the spirits of bar and restaurant lovers last night before the new measures came into place at 10 PM.

Revellers in The Hague and other cities used their final hours to make the most of open catering businesses, and steep discounts — like 50% off draught beers.

While the parties had an expiration date of 10 PM, when bars, cafes and restaurants all closed for the next four weeks, not everyone was happy to see the fun shut down.

In The Hague, tents of partygoers were full to the point where police had to step in. Images that emerged of the gatherings on social media elicited furious reactions.

A council spokesperson said coronavirus rules were violated, but it is unknown whether any fines were issued. Meanwhile, Mayor Jan van Zanen described the parties as “completely irresponsible.”

“These people don’t care about hard-working healthcare workers, patients who are in ICU or whose surgery is now being postponed,” he said. “Of course people want to party again, but this kind of selfish behaviour only makes the measures last longer.”

Morgen laatste kans om onze taps leeg te maken we hebben er nog 17 met héérlijke speciaalbieren. Help ons en jezelf en…

Geplaatst door Cafe de Opera op Dinsdag 13 oktober 2020

Hospitality industry organization, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland, have also frowned upon the images. “It is unacceptable,” director Dirk Beljaarts told RTL Nieuws. “This is not the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry is crying tonight and has given everything in recent months to offer a safe place to go out.”

Did you head out to the bars last night? Did people behave? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Marvin Meyer/Unsplash

1...576577578...743Page 577 of 743