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Protests in the Netherlands: why are the Dutch protesting so much lately?

Ailish Lalor
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Protests in the Netherlands: why are the Dutch protesting so much lately?

Wondering why there have been so many protests in the Netherlands recently? Feeling like this usually peaceful country has gotten a bit hectic? Here’s our guide to everything people have been demonstrating against in the Netherlands recently (and a bit about the past on protests in the Netherlands as well)

In case you somehow haven’t noticed, there have been a bunch of protests recently in the Netherlands about everything from not enough climate crisis action to too much climate crisis action from the government.

Why does it seem like the Netherlands has been constantly protesting over the last few months? What’s causing all this uproar? Are the Dutch really more angry now than ever before? At DutchReview, it feels like we’re constantly covering protests. So we wanted to take a deeper, more analytical look at the main issues in Dutch society at the moment, and whether we’re entering a new era of public discord in the Netherlands.

Some Dutch protest history

When we’re talking about the amount of protests going on in the Netherlands at the moment, it’s worth taking a look at the history of the country to see if this is something new. The Netherlands is not really a protest country- at least compared to other European countries. Even if we look at the recent farmers protests, which have been quite intense at times (they forced open the door of the provincial house in Groningen, for example), it’s nothing compared to the yellow vests in France earlier in the year, or the protests in Barcelona last week. Protests in the Netherlands seem mild, mostly non-violent, and rare when we look at other countries.

protest in the netherlands
Protests against the coronation of Queen Beatrix. Image: Koen Suyk/Anefo/Wikimedia Commons

There have been bloody protests in Dutch history: the Potato riot in 1917 led to nine deaths; the 1934 Jordan riot led to eleven deaths. And in 1980, in the protest against the coronation of Queen Beatrix, commentators have suggested it was a miracle that only injuries occurred. So it’s not that the Dutch are meek: it’s more that there have been ways for the wants of the people to be incorporated into the government’s agenda.

The Netherlands has a talking culture: when there’s a problem, most people’s first instinct is to sit down and talk about it. Most interest groups will end up in a meeting with a government representative eventually if they organise themselves, so lobbying rather than rioting is the first port of call. It’s called the ‘poldermodel‘ and it’s still there.

What are people protesting about in the Netherlands at the moment?

Obviously, we can’t cover everything people are protesting about in the Netherlands: each year there are 1500 protests in just The Hague. Healthcare workers, elderly people, teachers, builders and lots of other groups have protested and will protest more this year. However, in this article we’re talking about four movements that have garnered quite a bit of media and public attention.

protests in the Netherlands
25,000 people came to the climate protest on 27 September. Image: Teresa Gubern/Supplied.

Protests in the Netherlands: the climate crisis

Of course, it’s far from just young people that have been filling Dutch streets recently to share their disappointment with how the Dutch government is handling the climate crisis. But things really began to heat up in February of this year, when Greta Thunberg’s weekly strike movement, Fridays for Future, arrived in the Netherlands. Since then, school children have regularly been skipping school on Fridays, arriving in The Hague (or other parts of the country) and asking for more from the government.

At the same time, the originally British movement, Extinction Rebellion (XR), has also been gaining in popularity in the Netherlands. Similarly to the Fridays for Future movement, it calls for immediate action from the government to avert complete disaster- but it is also more radical, calling for an overhaul of systems we think of as fixed (capitalism, for example). XR stages acts of civil disobedience as well as joining protests.

Both of these movements are international, but it is worth thinking about why people from the Netherlands, in particular, are so frustrated with the way the government is handling things. One of the answers is obvious: we’re a very flat, very below sea level country. If sea levels rise, the Netherlands is going to have some serious problems. But then there’s also the Urgenda ruling, the result of a court case held earlier this year. As a result of this ruling, the Netherlands became the first country to have a government legally obligated to act against dangerous levels of climate change. The Dutch government is still trying to appeal this ruling.

protests in the Netherlands
Farmers and their tractors. Image: @Josephine76/Twitter

Protests in the Netherlands: the nitrogen crisis

All over the Netherlands for the past fortnight, the farmers have been up in arms about the measures the government is taking to combat the nitrogen crisis. Most of the Netherlands seems to be supporting the farmers- they do, after all, play a fundamental role in food production. But there are also people who are frustrated that farmers are seemingly working against their long term interests: after all, if farming continues to be a highly polluting industry, climate change will only get worse, sea levels will rise, and that’s going to be a problem for the farmers as well as everyone else.

The farmers started protesting on the 1st of October, and throughout October they’ve been back again and again. In each case they’ve caused chaos, causing the biggest morning traffic jam ever seen on their first day at it. This week they besieged the provincial house in Groningen, breaking open the door with a tractor, knocking down fences, and injuring a police horse. In The Hague and Utrecht, where they protested on the 16th, things were a bit calmer, largely due to a huge army presence that put the city in lockdown. (I had to bike ten minutes longer. It was serious.)

Just in case you were about to get really annoyed with the farmers, we ought to take a closer look at what they’re really upset about. For the nitrogen crisis to be brought under control, polluting farms near nature reserves (Natura-2000 areas) may need to be closed, or at the very least, their practices need to be cleaned up. In other areas of the country, the number of livestock needs to drop dramatically- GroenLinks have suggested halving it. And in general, farmers will need to upgrade their machinery and farming practices under the regulations proposed by the Remkes Commission. The problem is that there will be very limited government funding for the farmers to make these changes, so they will have to shoulder much of the burden themselves. Viewed this way, their anger looks a lot like panic from an industry under threat.

kurds turks rotterdam police photo
Violence broke out at a protest in Rotterdam between Kurdish and Turkish protestors. Source: twitter/politie_rdam

Protests in the Netherlands: the Turkish invasion

Earlier in October, violence broke out at a protest against the Turkish invasion of northern Syria in Rotterdam. This area had been under the control of American-backed Kurdish forces, who have been mainly responsible for bringing Isis under control. Two weeks ago, Trump decided to pull American forces out of the area, and hand over control to the Turkish president, Erdogan. On Wednesday of last week, Turkish forces invaded the area, attacking the Kurds.

Since then, Kurdish people and those who sympathise with them in the Netherlands- and indeed, all over the world- have been protesting against Turkey’s actions, and asking for action from western governments, such as economic sanctions and no-fly zones. That was what was happening in Rotterdam on Wednesday. However, Turkish counter-protesters turned up without a protest permit, and violence broke out between the two. The police decided to shut down the protest in consultation with the mayor of Rotterdam.

Protests against the Turkish invasion of northern Syria are expected to continue this weekend, with major gatherings expected in The Hague and Arnhem.

protests in the Netherlands
Zwarte Piet is an annual cause of protests in the Netherlands. Image: dassel/Pixabay

Protests in the Netherlands: Zwarte Piet

It’s everyone’s favourite family dinner argument! Zwarte Piet has been a topic of discussion in the Netherlands for a good few years now, and it’s always been something that confuses people who aren’t from the Netherlands. After all, most of us come from countries where blackface is considered very racist and just plain weird, and most of us expect the Netherlands to live up to its progressive reputation abroad.

The Zwarte Piet debate encompasses a lot, from the way we understand childhood and tradition to the way we deal with demographic changes. But if we boil it down, we arrive at a sticky syrup of Dutch colonial history and Dutch identity today. In a society that has experienced quite a bit of inward migration recently, the prospect of changing aspects of Dutch “tradition” only adds to the feeling of a country going through a change. To make matters even more tense, for many native (read: white) Dutch people, it feels like this change is coming from outside. So although to many of us, especially those who haven’t grown up here, Zwarte Piet is vaguely horrifying and very odd, the reasons for the controversy surrounding it are understandable, if not excusable.

Though Zwarte Piet protest season hasn’t quite started, there have already been mentions of changes in the news: earlier in September, NOS reported that when Sinterklaas arrives this year, he will be accompanied by Piets with sooty cheeks, rather than in blackface (they will keep their costumes and wigs, though).

Is this a new era of protests in the Netherlands?

As we’ve already discussed, the Netherlands is not prone to violent uprisings: it has a culture of conversation and compromise. Having the pillar system encouraged this in a way. The three different groups would have to talk to each other to maintain a functioning country, but would also be closed off in a way that made each feel at home.

protests in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a conversation culture. Image: Treasure Nguyen/Flickr.

However, the pillar system has been changing for decades now: as more and more Dutch people drift away from religion, the previous divide between Catholic and Protestant makes less sense. And as a result of immigration, the Netherlands also has more varied groups to contend with and listen to than before.

Yes…

In 2019, new issues are affecting Dutch society- and indeed, affecting the global community. The climate crisis has never not been urgent business, but now it is urgent in much of the public’s mind. But figuring out how to deal with this crisis while also taking into account the human side of it- people whose jobs will change, or be lost- has yet to be undertaken on a government scale.

And then the Netherlands is changing, bit by bit: in terms of who lives here, and what kind of society they want to build. We’re seeing people wanting the government to look after vulnerable groups abroad, like the Kurds; and we’re also seeing people struggling with their traditions, and how they can change them to include others.

protests in the Netherlands
Social media also plays a role in Dutch society becoming more protest-heavy. Image: pxhere

Finally, like the rest of the western world, the Netherlands is struggling with increasing social divisions: both in terms of social media, and income inequality. Because of how algorithms on Facebook and other sites work, you literally only hear what you want to hear. And although the figures on income inequality in the Netherlands are unclear about whether it has risen or stayed the same over the past decade, there is no dispute over the fact that income inequality is here, big time.

…and no

While it’s definitely true that different issues are affecting the Netherlands than those from ten years ago, it’s not completely true that the amount of protests going on is new. For sure, if you compare the number of protests in 2018 with the number in 2002, that number easily quadruples. But according to sociologist Jacquelien van Stekelenburg in an interview with NOS, the amount of protests going on in the Netherlands at the moment is about the same as in the sixties. She notes that protests tend to come in waves: they happen all at once, and then not really at all. So we are seeing a different level of engagement from the public than ten years ago, but that isn’t completely unheard of in the Netherlands.

What we’re seeing in the Netherlands is new, then, in the sense that we’re dealing with different issues, and a more diverse society (in terms of income and political beliefs as well as migration backgrounds). But it is not new for people in the Netherlands to protest if we take the history of the last century into account. And, furthermore, if we compare the amount of protests and uprisings in the Netherlands to those taking place in other European countries, we’re left with the idea that the Dutch way of protesting is milder, because Dutch people expect to be heard. It remains to be seen whether they (all) will be, and how the different needs of different groups will be taken into account by the government.

So, what do you think? Is the Netherlands becoming a protest country, or are we just struggling with some big issues at the moment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Feature image: Teresa Gubern/Supplied.

These dreamy, innovative train interiors could soon be part of your commute

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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These dreamy, innovative train interiors could soon be part of your commute

Not a fan of the stock-standard train interior? Tired of boring seats with uninspired designs, tray tables hiding people’s leftover crumbs, and wall decorations of graffiti? Ladies and gentlemen, the next stop is interior city.

At least that’s the possibility, according to NS, architectural firm Mecanoo and project designer Gispen who are investigating ‘the train journey of tomorrow.’ And let’s just say, at this point, that train journey is looking pretty darn sweet.

With a focus on creating spaces where travellers can read, chill, work, or muse about their thoughts, the new trains aim to create more space as NS faces ongoing stress from unprecedented passenger growth.

“This train of the future means that you can get more out of your day because, for example, you can work undisturbed,” explains Tjalling Smit, Director of Commerce and Development at NS.

NS Innovative Train Interior
A 3D walkthrough of the new train interiors is available at Dutch Design Week. Image: NS

“Travel time thus becomes working time. Or read, chat or chill time. The train makes it all possible, the traveller decides.”

We’ve got good faith in these Dutchies seeing as their track record on innovation is damn good. Just this year NS have been implementing drones to check out their stations, checking out some self-driving trains, and even planning on building stations of the future.

That’s not to mention the scores of other innovation happening in NL, from bus stops being converted into bee stops, the testing a hyperloop train, and work on air-cleaning bikes, and apps to detect skin cancer.

Designed for activities

Sounds pretty awesome, right? Associate Architect, Arne Lijbers at Mecanoo agrees. His task is to make the train an experience, rather than just a method to get from A to B. “The train of the future becomes a dynamic, open environment to all kinds of activities from travellers,” he said.

So how do you create the interior of the train of the future? For starters, you don’t treat it as a train, says Sarah Schiffer, product and concept manager at Gispen. A modular grid means every centimetre is used and the design is futureproofed.

NS Innovative Train Interior
The new trains will try to capitalize on the sensory experience. Image: NS

“[It means] every traveller has more space during the peak times and can find a place to their liking at other times,” Schiffer explains. If you’re keeping count, that means maybe no more sitting next to the person whose never heard of earphones.

Toot, toot!

Alright, alright, we’re excited – so when can we hop onboard? If you’re thinking this is the part where we crush your dreams and tell you not for twenty years, you’re wrong. While the new trains interiors aren’t confirmed, you can experience them at Dutch Design Week 2019!

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Dutch Design Week!

Using virtual reality technology you can test out the new train interiors and give your feedback – love it, hate it, check it out and tell NS your thoughts – it could affect the train you ride one day!

Got a smashing idea for a new train interior? Think these ones are absolutely leuk? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: NS

Volunteering in the Netherlands: the unique magic of the Happiness Walk

Laila Lopes
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Volunteering in the Netherlands: the unique magic of the Happiness Walk

Have you considered volunteering in the Netherlands? Volunteering can not only make other’s lives better and provide a positive impact on the community, but it can also enhance your perspective on the world – at least that’s what the volunteers and participants in the Happiness Walk found. This unique activity designed to boost the imagination is just one of many volunteering opportunities in the Netherlands.

Perhaps our first great accomplishment as humans is when we start walking. From then, it’s a matter of practice and gaining balance. Once comfortable in our skin, we walk extra miles until it reaches normality, and becomes the usual happenings of everyday life. We all have them; those tiny moments that pass by neglected.

But what if we made it a habit to look at those unnoticed ordinary things? Chances are that you may spot something you have never noticed before and that will allow you to exist in that particular moment.

How Happiness Walk gives a new perspective

It’s 10:30 in the morning and the team of volunteers is ready for their first assignment: walking through the nursing home and motivating elderly people to come outside for a walk. Each volunteer is responsible for providing care for one person. With a little bit of extra support and kindness to build their interest in going outside, the activity has a great impact on their life quality: less fluorescent lights and TV screens; more socialization – stimuli and new impressions.

The Happiness Walk has participants from sixteen different nursing homes. Image: Gelukswandelingen/Supplied

The Happiness Walk is led by Misja Immink, an artist based in Rotterdam and creator of the concept. The activity started 7 years ago, and the central idea of the walks is to explore the neighbourhood with wide-open eyes to the people, the urban signs around, the buildings, street art or anything else you might spy.

No need for screens

During the activity, the fun comes from caring for each other and being outdoors, instead of staring at a screen. With the help of short assignments, socialization happens in a form which Misja Immink describes as ‘connection through wonder.’ That means being able to observe ordinary objects, people and situations from another perspective.

“I hope that with the assignments people will start looking different to objects, buildings and things that are seen as common in our everyday life,” Immink said. “Thanks to the walks, the elderly go out more often; they meet other people; they get to know their neighbourhood better and sometimes nice conversation arises which can lead to lasting friendships”

Misja Immink, founder of the Happiness Walk. Image: Gelukswandelingen/Supplied

Due to their difficulties getting around, or sensitive mental conditions, some elderly groups may only venture outside for outdoor activities less than once a week. Joke van de Berg joined the ‘’Happiness Walk’ in 2015 and has now completed over 100 walks as an active volunteer.

“It is very important to have volunteers doing this. It brings joy to the people. You see the difference in their eyes before and after the walk,” Van den Berg explained. “Sometimes they have an expression that seems far, but after the walk, they look renewed and happy.”

Joke’s dog also gets to participate in Happiness Walk. Image: Gelukswandelingen/Supplied

How can I participate?

The walks are organized all year long, three times a week. With the help of volunteers, the team wants to achieve 200 walks by the end of 2019. There are sixteen nursing homes involved in the activities, alongside educational institutions and corporate companies.

The walks take place in different locations depending on the planning for the day. Daily activities and agenda can be found online, where you can check when the walks are happening, how to sign in, and find information on participating as a flexible volunteer. The activity is also supported by volunteer group NL Cares.

Science says volunteering is good for you

The logic of doing volunteering work is simple: you give and you receive. Taking some of your time to do something for the community you are living in can have a great impact on someone else’s life.

Bu, volunteer work may end up giving you the greatest boost. Science shows volunteer work improves the mental health and well-being of the volunteer, as well as the beneficiary. From having a walk with elderly people to helping to collect litter in your neighbourhood, it all makes a difference.

Better physical health is just one benefit of volunteering. Image: Gelukswandelingen/Supplied.

There are hundreds of articles and publications on this subject. Most evidence points out that voluntary services are strongly connected with better mental health, life satisfaction and even contributing improves depression.

Generally speaking, giving some kindness to others has its payback. It feels good because it reminds us that we are not the only creatures that matter in the world. It connects people, and on a bigger picture makes people feel like they are part of humanity, rather than an isolated unit.

So why don’t more people volunteer?

Many people want to volunteer but are stuck on knowing where to start. This is one of the most common reasons why people don’t engage in volunteer activities. The other main reason is time: after working 40 hours a week there is not much time left to add an extra action to the routine.

But, the truth is that if you are ready to take the plunge, there are many options to start volunteering in the Netherlands in small bits. Little by little, the combination of your commitment with the efforts of other volunteers is what helps organizations accomplish their goals of providing services to the community.

Street Art in Rotterdam discovered on a Happiness Walk. Image: Gelukswandelingen/Supplied.

Where can I find flexible volunteer work in the Netherlands?

There are many ways you can start volunteering. Sometimes you can even do it from your home through things like arranging a service for someone or just having a chat online or in a phone call. No matter how would you like to contribute there is always someone out there whose smile you can boost.

Here are five organizations in the Netherlands where you can find flexible volunteer work:

NL Cares

NL Cares offers flexible volunteer work for individuals and the business community. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up and find various flexible voluntary activities available in the Netherlands (mostly within the Randstad). You can choose the activity based on your own time and convenience.

There is no mandatory commitment for one activity, you can help based on the time you are available and how motivated you are. NL Cares focuses on the vulnerable groups of elderly, children, people with disability, migrants and homeless people. If this triggers your attention, check it out their work, mission and activities.

Deedmob

Besides their commitment to providing a great tool for people interested in volunteering, Deedmob is a start-up company with a great story too. The brains behind the concept developed the project while studying at Oxford University.

Their ‘aha!’ moment started with a bigger picture: that volunteering could be the answer to several societal issues such as youth unemployment, social inequality, the ageing population, and unsuitable business practices.

Taking the volunteering plunge can change lives. Image: Gelukswandelingen/Supplied

With that purpose clear, Deedmob helps to connect charities, corporate companies, volunteers and government institutions to create an effective circle of collaboration and increase impact. Their online platform is up to date, fresh and offers various volunteering opportunities nearby you.

Serve the City – Amsterdam

‘Join as a volunteer for one day’ is splashed across their website. Serve the City is a global movement of volunteers who aim to help people in need by holding events to mobilize volunteers to help for various causes, like homeless shelters, refugee centres, orphanages and other associations.

Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam

Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam brings people in contact with other volunteer associations who are searching for volunteers to meet various requirements. For instance, cooking a meal for elderly people, technical jobs, coaching a sports team, helping with a garden. The vacancies are available at their page and even though most work requires Dutch there are some exceptions for those who don’t quite speak it yet.

Burennetwerk

This is a channel created to provide help specifically for the neighbors. It is a non-profit organization that connects people living close to each other and willing to help with tasks or social visits. At present, about 1000 ‘good neighbours’ are part of Burennetwerk.

Have you engaged in volunteer work before? Share your comment with us below and inspire others to give something back to the community!

Feature Image: Gelukswandelingen/Supplied

Your complete guide to drugs in the Netherlands

DutchReview Crew
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Your complete guide to drugs in the Netherlands

We certainly do not want to glamorise drug use in the Netherlands but if you are going to take drugs, knowing about the different properties of drugs can mitigate the risks involved. 

Many drugs are susceptible to abuse that can lead to serious health implications and even be deadly. But the key word there is can because along with all the nasty and horrible complications drug-abuse can cause, exists the truth that some drugs possess profound healing effects.

Many scientists have tested the healing capabilities of drugs. For example, there was the trial which tested MDMA’s healing proponents for alcoholism and another trial that proved MDMA use can help cure trauma. Nonetheless, MDMA is still susceptible to abuse.

On the other hand, there are drugs such as magic mushrooms that have profound healing utility but no addictive properties.

As with anything, it is important to gen up on what you are consuming if you take drugs. What are they actually made of? Is the drug an upper or a psychedelic? How much should you take for your first time? How long does the high last? We have compiled a handy guide for your ease and access to answer some of these pressing questions.

Remember that drugs in the Netherlands are typically stronger than elsewhere. My friend once said he takes a whole ecstasy pill in other countries but only about half in the Netherlands.

Ecstasy

√ Also known as: E
√ Synthetic
√ Stimulant
√ Lasts between 3 and 6 hours

Esctasy is MDMA that is cut with other drugs to bulk it out. In the Netherlands, it is usually cut with Speed or other nasty chemicals such as bath salts. This is probably why they are so cheap. On average, one pill costs five euro. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, the chills, excessive sweating

ecstacy
Source: Wikimedia / Melirius

MDMA

√ Also known as: Molly
√ Synthetic
√ Stimulant
√ Lasts between 3 and 6 hours

MDMA stands for Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine. It increases the level of serotonin in the brain which increases sexual desire, enhances touch and makes you feel happy and carefree. It is why it is colloquially known as “the love drug”.

It should come in crystal form unless it has already been cut by the dealer, in which case it will be more of a powder consistency.

mdma in the netherlands

Cocaine

√ Also known as: Coke, snow
√ An upper
√ Lasts between 20 minutes and 1 hour

Cocaine increases the level of dopamine in the brain which creates feelings of reward, motivation, and pleasure. The high only lasts around 30 minutes which is much shorter than most other drugs. It is difficult to source pure cocaine in the Netherlands so if you take cocaine, you’ll be ingesting lots of other chemicals such as Levamisol, a medication used to kill parasitic worms in animals.

Source: lechenie-narkomanii /Pixabay

Marijuana

√ Also know as: MJ, weed, ganja, grass, kush
√ Natural
√ Lasts between 1 to 3 hours

Does this really need an introduction? It’s the first thing people ask about when you say “I live in Holland”.

But contrary to popular belief, cannabis is not actually legal in the Netherlands. It is instead, only tolerated. There are a myriad of strains which have different effects. For example, sativa-based weed will produce a head high and indica-based weed will create more of a body high. If you go to a coffeeshop then you can ask the “budtenders” advice on what weed you should try.

Speed

√ Also known as: Ampehtamine, Rush
√ Synthetic
√ An upper
√ Lasts between 4 and 8 hours

Speed makes you feel alert, less tired and energetic. It does not produce the high like other drugs like MDMA do because it affects the norepinephrine brain chemical (instead of dopamine or serotonin). This neurotransmitter increases heart rate and blood pressure. It will prevent sleep by boosting energy levels but many people find the intensity overwhelming.

taking the speed drug
Source: DMTrott/wikimedia

Ketamine

√ Also known as: Keta
√ Synthetic
√ Dissociative
√ Lasts between 45 minutes to and 2 hours

Ketamine is used as an anesthetic drug for veterinary practice. So, people take a drug that is used for animals? Yep, that’s correct. Ketamine is becoming increasingly popular and people like it’s dissociative effects. A dissociative drug is one that disconnects yourself from your body and surroundings. You can lose track of time, hallucinate, becoming immobile and have difficulty speaking.

If you abuse ketamine then it can lead to your bladder crystallising over and you’ll need to undergo a bladder transplant.

Source: Asia/Wikimedia

LSD

√ Also known as: Acid
√ Hallucinogenic
√ Lasts between 6 and 12 hours

LSD causes the user to hallucinate by changing their state of consciousness. Colours become more vivid, kaleidoscopic geometric structures can be seen, noises change or are invented and smells become obscured. This is called a ‘trip’ and it is really important to have a “trip sitter” (someone who is sober and can watch over you) if you are going to take LSD as people under the influence can often imagine things that are not actually there.

drugs in the netherlands
Source: Activedia/Pixabay

Truffles

√ Natural
√ Psychedelic
√ Lasts between 4 and 10 hours

Truffles come from the same plant as Magic Mushrooms. The only difference is that truffles never break the earth’s surface and they are legal in the Netherlands. Truffles contain a compound called psilocybin which enhances serotonin activity in the brain. Doing truffles in the Netherlands can make the user euphoric, feel at peace in world and searingly introspective and insightful. Others report feeling fragile, out of control and ultra-anxious.

truffles in the netherlands
Magic mushrooms

So there you have it, your complete guide to drugs in the Netherlands. We have more detailed pieces about the individual drugs such as one about Ecstasy and one about truffles and micro-dosing. We’ve also written an etiquette guide for visiting a coffeeshop and about the latest CBD oil craze.

We hope you learnt something new by reading this article. Remember to be safe, look after your friends and enjoy! 

Feature image: Free Photos/Pixabay 

Millions of euros in investments boosts hyperloop development

Freya Sawbridge
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Millions of euros in investments boosts hyperloop development

Futuristic travel is becoming a reality as over a million euros has been invested into the Delft Hardt Hyperloop. Instead of heading to the nearest train station for your next trip, it could instead be a hyperloop station. And instead of taking 3 hours from The Hague to Paris, it could take as little as 15 minutes. 

What is the hyperloop?

The hyperloop is a snazzy train that drives through a tube with very little or no air resistance which allows incredible speeds.

The transportation method was first proposed by Tesla and Space X, but is being developed by a group of students from TU Delft after winning a competition.

If successful, the hyperloop could transport people at speeds up to 1000 kilometres per hour and would be the fastest mode of transport to date.

It’s a yes from us! How long until we can ride on the hyperloop?

The hyperloop is expected to be launched in 10 years. The first serious test was passed last year in an experimental 30m tunnel in Delft. But given the short track, the hyperlook could not exceed speeds of 700km/h.

The investments boost progress

With the money from investors, Hardt want to build a three-kilometre test track.

Jelte Altena, from Hardt Hyperloop, tells NOS “We can then carry out many more tests…We think that the top speed can be 1000 kilometres per hour, but research has shown that in Europe, due to all the exits to be taken, the ideal cruise speed would be 700 kilometres per hour. We have to be able to achieve that speed at the test location. Moreover, that would also be a record speed, so it is also nice to have that record in our hands”.

It is still being decided whereabouts in the Netherlands this second test tracked will be built.

The hyperloop company are aiming to create a large network with access to all the major European cities.

There are many scary things about the future but this is certainly not one of them. Whe cannot wait, what about you?! 

Feature image: Delft Hyperloop

The Netherlands is one of Lonely Planet’s top ten countries to visit

Ailish Lalor
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The Netherlands is one of Lonely Planet’s top ten countries to visit

If you’ve been hesitating to come and visit this flat country, or you were feeling your national pride beginning to slip, then good news: according to Lonely Planet, the Netherlands is one of the top ten countries in the world to visit.

The travel guide placed the Netherlands in seventh place, and gave Aruba, also a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, fourth place. Each year Lonely Planet puts together guides on the best countries, regions, cities to visit and cheapest destinations of the year. Aruba was favoured by the judges not only on account of its sunny weather and palm trees, but also because a colourful and creative revival of the festival of Saint Nicholas is taking place there.

The Netherlands is ready to party

And as for the Netherlands, it’s ready to party in 2020. Apart from our usual reputation as a drug tolerant land, we’re also going to be hosting the Eurovision in Rotterdam this May. It will also be 75 years after the end of World War II. Lonely Planet is also paying a bit more attention to the mitigation of mass tourism- which has been a problem for the Netherlands. The guide encourages tourists to also visit the Waddeneilanden, especially if they want to avoid the crowds.

Dutch tourism office pleased

The Dutch tourism office was pleased with the decision of the guide, with General Director Jos Franken emphasising the importance of bringing tourists beyond the confines of Amsterdam, according to NOS. He is hoping that Lonely Planet mentions more less-known places in the future, so that tourism can be spread throughout the country.

Bhutan is the number one country to visit this year

Lonely Planet places Bhutan first on the list of countries to visit. According to the guide, the country is CO2 negative, and has a strict “low impact, high value” tourism policy. Salzburg, in Austria, wins first place in the city ranking, and the central-Asian Silk Road was named best region. Finally, the Eastern Lesser Sunda islands were chosen as the place where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.

Are you planning to come and visit the Netherlands soon because of this guide? How about Bhutan or Salzburg? Let us know in the comments below. 

Feature image: 1919021/Pixabay

Traditional student ‘friendly-fight’ goes awry, descends into hair-pulling

Freya Sawbridge
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Traditional student ‘friendly-fight’ goes awry, descends into hair-pulling

Students going crazy at university are usually depicted in films as gross exaggerations of what actually happens. Not this time, however, with a video surfacing online of a student association in Utrecht, UVSV, visiting Rotterdam student association, RSC/RVSV, where an annual ‘friendly fight’ turned nasty. 

The video shows students wrestling with one another and wrenching each others hair, in the most unfriendly way possible. Saskia van Bergen, vice-president of the Rotterdam student association, told RTL Nieuws she understands for outsiders the images may give the wrong impression.

“Our society committee has intervened as much as possible with some first-year students who went too far, such as pulling their hair,” she said, adding that some students also yelled things that crossed a line for the organisers, although didn’t give a specific example.

Was this hazing?

People have questioned whether the activities shown in the hectic video are a result of hazing, given their violent nature.

Hazing is considered “any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”

Watch the student fight in the video below (the video has been blurred to protect identities, but you can still see all the action):

It is a term associated with new university students who must take part in challenges to achieve entry in a university group.

However, the student groups deny that it is a hazing activity. Van Bergen explained to RTL Nieuws that the fight is an annual tradition and is entirely for fun. “The visit usually starts with fighting for a few minutes. Everyone does this voluntarily and it is not about hazing.”

No injuries reported

The student associations say there were no injuries, and it is not as serious as the video depicts it to be. “After the traditional 5 minutes of pushing and pulling, the party was celebrated together in all conviviality”, Van Bergen assures.

What do you think of the video? Hazing or innocent fun? Let us know in the comments below. 

Feature Image: Screenshot/YouTube

Education sector all set for a big strike on November 6

Kavana Desai
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Education sector all set for a big strike on November 6

Teachers in primary and secondary education in the Netherlands will hold good on their promise of a national strike on November 6 if the government did not respond to their demand of 423.5 million euros to be invested in the education sector next year, reports NOS. 

According to the national unions, they never responded to these demands when they were previously announced. They say they require this money to tackle the problems of teacher shortages, work pressure, and meagre salaries of the teachers.

What will happen during the teacher strike on November 6?

The teachers had held one other strike in the Netherlands on March 15 where they demonstrated at  Malieveld where more than half of the primary schools in the Netherlands had to suspend classes. This time, they are hoping to raise awareness through social media. “On 15 March we were at the Malieveld as an AOb with 40,000 teachers and supporters. And now there is this distress signal from all unions and from employers. The minister really cannot ignore these signals,” says AOb chairman Liesbeth Verheggen.

They chose November 6 as this will be the day that the House of Representatives will be discussing the education sector budget for 2020. The education union AOb says, “you are probably familiar with the image: politicians looking at their phones during the debates. So we [will] ensure that our message appears there. We cannot be ignored if we have their attention at that time. Wednesday, November 6, is, therefore, the ultimate opportunity to influence the budget and get extra money for education.”

They will also be organising regional events where the teachers will come together to discuss the budget and the problems they’ve been having. You can find more information on this on AOb’s website.

Image: Wokandapix/Pixabay

Why does the education sector need 423.5 million euros?

The so-called emergency package was demanded so as to reduce workload, have the capacity to hire more teachers and provide decent wages for the teachers they already have.

Reducing workload in primary education

They say 241.5 million euros would go towards primary education where it will be utilized to reduce the workload of the teachers. According to AOb, the workload of the teachers are too harmful to them where they would rather work fewer hours. They also have older teachers quitting earlier than they would as the pressure is getting immense.

In regards to secondary education, they want around 91 million euros allocated for the same reason, where they will reduce 50 hours of lessons and improve the quality of education every child receives.

Better working conditions

They also would require around 91 million to improve the working conditions of staff in schools which are located in “disadvantaged areas”. The trade union and employers say, “these schools have a big motion to attract teachers. That poses a direct threat to the quality of education and leads to an even greater opportunity inequality of students.”

Bridging the pay gap between primary and secondary school teachers

They say they will require 185 million euros in 2020 so that teachers in both types of schools are paid comparable wages. This money would go to primary education again.

They also demand 16.5 million euros to improve the wages of teachers “in the diploma-oriented part of special education”.

Will you be supporting the teacher’s strike on November 6? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Wokandapix/Pixabay 

Dutch pension system ranked as the best in the world

Kavana Desai
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Dutch pension system ranked as the best in the world

The Netherlands’ pension system has been ranked as the best in the world by the Melbourne Mercer Global Pensions Index for 2019. This is a second time in a row where the system got higher points this year when compared to last year. 

Mercer ranked 37 different countries according to their adequacy, sustainability, and integrity. The Netherlands scores 88.3 points in integrity and is in the top three for the other two categories. They say it is better than other pension systems studied because of economic growth and better accessibility to work.

They also say that the country can improve on the sustainability front by encouraging retirees to work at an older age as the general life expectancy of the people increases.

But they said it could be higher if people started saving more and paid off their debts, reports NU.nl. It is the first of its kind to study the so-called “wealth effect” where people feel like they can spend more as their wealth starts to increase. They found a direct correlation between pension assets and an increase in wealth – as pension assets increase, people feel richer and are more likely to borrow.

Best in the world despite concerns in the country

Despite having concerns within the country about reducing the pension, the Dutch system is still ranked as the best in the world. “We are critical with each other, and that is also good because only then can you continue to guarantee quality. But sometimes it is good to cherish your blessings through this type of research and realise that we are doing very well worldwide,” says Marc Heemskerk, a pension expert at Mercer.

It was announced last week that the coverage ratio has fallen wherePensioenfonds ABP (National Civil Pension Fund), the largest pension fund in the Netherlands, saw a decrease in coverage from 95.3% to 91%. The third-largest fund, BpfBouw, also saw a decrease but is still at 108.1%, reports NU.nl.

Are you a retiree in the Netherlands? What do you have to say about the pension system in the Netherlands as an expat? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

Hang those raincoats up and put those umbrellas away: no rain is forecasted for this week

Kavana Desai
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Hang those raincoats up and put those umbrellas away: no rain is forecasted for this week

Autumn is rolling out all of its beautiful colours, it’s getting chilly outside, and you’re making your homes as gezellig as possible to prepare for the oncoming winter. Should you layer up in raincoats and get your umbrellas out this week, though? You may not have to because starting tomorrow, it’s going to be the driest week in October, reports RTL Nieuws. 

For anyone looking to enjoy a nice walk around the wooded areas in the Netherlands can rejoice! There was a bit of rain this morning, but it’s gradually going to get better as the day progresses. It is going to be cloudy with just a hint of sunshine breaking through in the afternoon. It will be around 14-17 degrees with moderate wind blowing through the country.

Image: Albrecht Fietz/Pixabay

In the night, there’s going to be some rain in the western provinces and coastal areas of the country but it should stay mostly dry, reports Weeronline. Expect pleasant temperatures of 8-10 degrees.

But will the sun be shining through?

Starting from tomorrow, it’s going to get drier with only a few light showers. But no rain does not mean the sun will be shining through because there might be thick fog which might be difficult for it to breakthrough. But when it does manage to do that, the temperatures are set to go up to 20 degrees on Thursday in Limburg. The rest of the country will have to endure lower temperatures of 18 degrees.

How are you going to enjoy the driest week in October? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Albrecht Fietz/Pixabay

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