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Easter is coming! (so is bad weather and bad traffic)

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Easter is just around the corner! As we are slowly leaving the cold winter behind, it is time to drown ourselves in chocolate, eggs and chocolate eggs! Since it’s Easter time, who would mind having some time off to get together to relax with the family? On top of that, when you combine it with some sunshine and warmth, it doesn’t get better than that. BUT this is the Netherlands after all and for those who are excited about the sun and the cold beer, we’ve got some bad news: Traffic is gonna suck and the weather doesn’t look any good either.

Traffic from hell

With the whole country enjoying some off days and visiting family, it is no surprise that traffic is going to be horrible. So unless you want to sit in the car for several hours to reach somewhere you know should only take half an hour; make sure you take some measures:

Avoid peak hours if you have to use aforementioned highways. In fact, we’d say invite people to your house for Easter brunch (and don’t forget to make our eiersalade) and avoid traffic all together!

Get all the help you can: use your phone to listen to the traffic news and see if your GPS can guide you through the hellish traffic. Oh and don’t forget to pack some of those chocolate eggs for necessary road snacks. Everything goes better with chocolate anyway. If you are stuck, might as well try your best to make it as bearable as possible.

Lastly, don’t go anywhere unless you have to. Enjoy the activities in your own city and hit the road to visit family and friends after peak hours. Create your own plan!

Easter weather: more bad news

Weather during Easter: not good

Let’s move on to weather. We wish we’ve had some good news to give you but no luck here either. Soak up the sun cause these are the last sunny moments we’ll have for a while. As you can see from weerplaza.nl‘s report, it’s going to rain. In fact it’s going to rain a lot. Apart from the occasional sunshine on Sunday, the new week starts with even more rain. Are we surprised? (Come on this is the Netherlands!) Not really.

It’s not all bad though, the rain is expected to get less and less as next week comes to an end but who knows? Things might change quickly!

So, the biggest advice we can give you is: Don’t forget to pack your umbrellas and raincoats if you are planning to spend Easter outside. And don’t forget to have fun!

Happy Easter!

Scrumptious Eats in Maastricht City Center

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There’s a little something for (almost) everyone in Maastricht when it comes to food options, from meals on a budget to fine dining. As a small Dutch city with Belgian, French and German influence that originate from its varied history, Maastricht has evolved an interesting blend of flavors and styles, as well as preserved some of its own.

Here are a few of my favorites limited to the city center of Maastricht, categorized roughly in order of budget. And hopefully along the way, I don’t get in trouble for some sort of ridiculous copyright on using a currency symbol as a manner of rating. Disclaimer: I receive no kickbacks for naming names (unfortunately). 

Reitz (Friture) €

For €3.25 at Reitz, you can get a small cone of frites (more than enough for one serving!) with mayo. But why go mayo when there are SO many other options? You can pick goulash, zuurvlees (more on this below), or others, and mix and match as you see fit for your taste, with added costs of course. Order a large cone, and you can probably share it with 1-2 more people. Whether fries are a meal or not, that’s a personal preference, so I leave that up to you to decide when you get there! Beware of long lines, especially during peak times on weekends and days with special events, if it’s even open on those dates. Service is typically fast, but waiting in line when you’re hungry — or worse, hangry — is never a fun time!

Walter Sevens – Kipspecialiteiten (Rotisserie Chicken Food Truck) €

I can only call this place what it is at its simplest: “the kip truck.” As the only truck of theirs located in The Netherlands (the others are in Belgium), this food truck serves the most affordable and satisfying, freshly-made, finger-licking-good rotisserie chicken! At only €6.80 per whole chicken, you really cannot err with this as a quick take-home meal. Or, if you want to eat it on the spot, you can also buy individual pieces (e.g. wings, drumsticks, etc) for super cheap and stand up and eat right there in front of the truck. They also offer cooked ribs and side dishes. The only drawback is they aren’t open on Sundays, sadly, and because they close at 18:00 the other days, making it there at the end of a workday sometimes requires a bit of frantic bicycling. But it’s worth the sweat!

Drool! ‘Nuf said. Go get some kip!

Grote Markt (Mestreechse) € or €€

Every Friday in the morning to early afternoon is Maastricht’s Grote Markt, where the usual markt types of foods can be found: fresh baked goods (including personal-sized Limburg vlaai of various varieties), the usual meats and cheeses, the famous drop (one stall has at least 50 different varieties!), plus there are a handful of food trucks serving Indonesian-style satay, crepes, Filipino loempia or Vietnamese spring rolls, and more. Depending on the season, there might also be herring (of course!). If you’re only visiting, then buying other things like the fresh fish are not all that appealing; if you’re wanting to take some home though, I highly recommend it! I once side-by-side tested salmon freshly bought from the Markt and from Albert Heijn, and the Markt fish came out very slightly on top in both taste and cheaper price!

Bisschopsmolen (Limburgse Vlaai) €

One word: super lekker!! Maybe that’s two, but definitely this is THE place to go to have freshly-baked famous Limburg vlaai — made with fillings of apricots, cherries, rice, or even prunes. As a watermill built in the 7th century, this place is a bakery, café, and historical monument all at once, and has the status of being the oldest spelt bakery in The Netherlands. It’s a great place to pick up freshly baked bread and other goods in additional to vlaai, stop in for a light lunch with a sandwich or salad (accompanied by their spelt bread, of course!), or, with some planning, attend a vlaai workshop! In the basic vlaai workshop, one of their bakers runs the show, providing you all the ready-made ingredients for assembly and baking, narrating the known history of the mill, and describing the origins and love of all of their locally-sourced ingredients. Lunch requires no reservations usually, but workshops require planning with a group of a minimum party of 6. There are also other types of workshops as well, although I still have yet to try them. Want to try to bake on your own? Bisschopsmolen provides their recipes online for free! Alternatively, to broaden your vlaai horizons, follow de vlaairoute in Maastricht to try vlaai from a variety of vlaai bakers!

Café Sjiek and Eetcafé Céramique (Mestreechse) €€

These are pretty much the only two places I go for traditional zuurvlees, translated literally as acidic meat, which is actually a lot tastier than the name suggests! In fact, Café Sjiek is the only restaurant in the city (that I know of, so far) that offers zuurvlees with traditional horse meat and even the recipe for free online (in Dutch)! That said, they both offer other delicious shareables and meals, well-made standards like pastas, plus other regionally-based dishes, especially when white asparagus season rolls around! (They are far from the only restaurants that will have white asparagus-themed dishes during the season though!) Both restaurants have outdoor seating, although Café Sjiek has a nice open space outdoors in a not-so-car/scooter-trodden part of the city, which is also shaded by a large tree. You definitely need a reservation (or be prepared to wait) if it’s a popular time for Café Sjiek, but Eetcafé Céramique offers a welcoming atmosphere where there’s never a line or long wait.

…and so that I don’t end up in someone’s zuurvlees!

‘t Wycker Cabinet (Maastricht) €€

Stylish and contemporary feeling, this place feels cozy, hip and popular with locals in a pleasant ambience day or night. Daily specials, written on chalkboards that the servers can bring to your table, are always delightful, with the small exception that I probably would not choose a meal-sized salad from there again (not quite the value for that I had wanted). They have fantastic drink options from wines to gin and tonics to “nohitos” (the non-alcohol mixed drinks that make people like me feel like I’m still being trendy and cool, despite my physiological impairment when it comes to metabolizing alcohols). Sitting outdoors, especially in the daytime, is always a prime choice, or also a next best option, indoors when the massive patio doors are opened. Romance is definitely an option here in the evenings, but this place can easily be family-friendly or collegial as you see fit any time of the day. Reservations usually not necessary.

Toscanella Apuana (Italian) €€

A family-run spot only a few years old, this place has rapidly become one of the most popular Italian restaurant in the city! I have no objective ratings to offer to support that, but anyone I’ve talked to about having Italian food or pizza has always named this place first. Interestingly, it’s always called “that Italian place on Rechtstraat,” rather than called by its name. It’s virtually impossible to go wrong with any selection from the menu, so pick what Italian food your belly desires! Tiramisu is also homemade, reminiscent of the lovely creamy flavors and texture of this classic Italian dessert, which make me feel like I was actually there in Italy again. Always make a reservation! Or, order something from the menu without seating and take that Italian goodness home with you as an alternative.

Witloof (Belgian) €€ or €€€ 

Tucked away on a side street off of Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, Witloof’s specialty is definitely its beer! There are literally nearly 400 beer options to select from, covering the front and back of a large board that you’re given along with the menus. I had mussels and beer, naturally, but there are plenty of other delicious offerings to select from. You can even order beer pairings with your meal if you order multiple courses or the 3-course prix fixe menu. Unfortunately for me, holding my own with beer is not my strong point, so I didn’t get to taste too many beers. Nonetheless, this places offers a warm, welcoming and cozy atmosphere, plus that nostalgic homey feeling akin to eating a home-cooked meal, served on old-fashioned ceramic dishware, and a delicious beer (or a few, if you choose!) in your belly. Oh, and reservations are a must, as seating is limited! Online reservation is easy to do, but entirely in Dutch, and complete with the option to select to add on a special beer-based aperitif to your dinner experience.

Choose from 300+ beers offered on their beer “card.” Photo by Tiffany Leung

 

Wen Chow and Yong Kee (Chinese Cantonese) €€€

I used to live in California, where there are huge swaths of Chinese and other Asian populations in the bay area, plus an affordable Chinatown in San Francisco and other restaurants all over the bay area and surrounding suburbs. I also know Chinatown in New York City from childhood. That said, I have some high expectations of Chinese food. Wen Chow does a pretty good job, as does Yong Kee, but both can be pretty pricey at over €20 for some of the classic fish or shrimp dishes I would have otherwise seen in America for half the cost (or in Hong Kong or the rest of China for one-quarter or one-third the cost). Fu-Wah has been recommended to me by a colleague, but I haven’t made my way there yet. No reservations needed for any of these. Perhaps Chinese food just isn’t that popular in Maastricht.

Restaurant O (Seafood) €€€

I’ve only been to this place one time, but was incredibly impressed with the selection and freshness of their seafood options. They offer a combination platter of seafoods as an appetizer (e.g. various breeds of oysters, snails, shrimp, etc), which in my opinion are super-delicious! I also enjoyed a whole grilled fish as a main course, which was minimally seasoned but so well-cooked that it was amazingly flavorful and gave me the added false reassurances that I was eating a healthy meal. Another table ordered the daily special (sold out by the time I ordered, sadly), which was fresh lobsters on the half-shell. Yum! No reservations are needed, unless you want to guarantee an outdoors seat. The menus are in Dutch, so be prepared. When I asked a server for a translation of slak on the menu, she said sea snakes, not snails!

Warning: Shellfish allergy!! At Restaurant O. Photo by Tiffany Leung

Beluga Loves You (Fine Dining) €€€€

This is arguably the pinnacle of culinary adventurism in Maastricht, as Beluga (somehow I can’t bring myself to call it by its full, rather cheesy-sounding name) is the only Michelin 2-star restaurant in Maastricht. There are two more restaurants, each Michelin 1-star restaurants, in town, which is amazing considering the small size of this city. Admittedly, the only time Beluga is even conceivable is super-special occasions when you want to impress someone! In my case, it was my in-laws on their first visit to Maastricht, so we had to take this place for a taste (and experience) test. With a set multi-course menu and multiple amuse-bouche, plus champagne and bites on intake and dessert and coffee/tea on outtake, the 6-hour event of the night was incredible! And probably will not happen again for a really long time. Despite its starry status, the price is actually super reasonable when compared to Michelin 2-star restaurants elsewhere in the world, which are easily double the price of Beluga’s set menu. Its younger sister near Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, Nxt Door, also offers numerous tasty options a la carte at a far more affordable price. Reservations are, of course, a must!

Something delicious served on a bunch of cold rocks. Yes, Beluga loves me (and money too)! Photo by Tiffany Leung

So what are you waiting for? Visit Maastricht and enjoy the culinary adventures, whatever your style and tastes may be — and be sure to share with us your favorites! Smakelijk!

Finally something good comes from living in Rectum, the Netherlands (Video!)

After a long day of rain and discrimination discussion, we can finally do something all together that’s fun for all the people here. It’s time to mock the people living in funny-named places like Rectum. Yes, it exists! And good news for them too, they’ll all get free Pornhub Premium.

Don’t worry, it’s a wholesome video, there no nudity in it what so ever:

Also, I’m left kind of wondering why they didn’t opt for the town of Sexbierum?

Yes that too exists:

Dutch Christian newspaper protests over Suitsupply gay kissing ad

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Suitsupply hits the news again

If you’ve been following this story, our other advertising rants or saw our last rant about people destroying the bus shelters in the Netherlands, then we have another story for you. A Dutch newspaper ‘Reformatorisch Dagblad’ – a Christian paper has distributed controversial leaflets about Suitsupply’s ad.

– Exaggerated eyeroll –

The leaflet contains the same picture that Suitsupply used in their advertising campaign (two men kissing). However, there is a large red cross over the faces and a banner underneath stating: “Suitsupply, stop with your distasteful advertisements!” This was part of a campaign named ‘Family in Danger’ – which aims to protect families against these forms of sexualisation. Wow, just wow. Understandably, this caused an outrage and people took to social media to slam the leaflet.

 

Wait, what pictures?

We’ll give you a quick recap about what all the fuss was about in case you missed it. Basically, earlier this month Suitsupply released a new ad campaign, containing gay men passionately kissing one another. These were distributed over the Netherlands and other countries on bus shelters. Some bus shelters in the Netherlands were then vandalized. Suitsupply also lost a load of followers due to this campaign.


The campaign looked a little like this

It now appears that the tables have turned and people are now targeting Reformatorisch Dagblad for their controversial view. Their social media accounts (especially their twitter) has been bombarded with that exact picture in protest right back at them.

It seems crazy how much controversy has been caused. However, that is why that advert was used in the first place – to get people talking. However, being a target of hateful leaflet distribution definitely wouldn’t have been on their agenda. Free advertising for them I guess. Is it bad to see two men kissing? Certainly not to me.

Cover pic source: Suitsupply / Facebook

What do you think of this new Suitsupply news? Let us know in the comments. And don’t forget to join our Facebook group for more! 

There is wide-spread discrimination in the housing market in the Netherlands

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Migrants, Internationals and Expats are discriminated against in the housing market? Well, yeah…

FINALLY, people are starting to realize that foreigners (or just foreign-sounding names) are discriminated against in the housing market. This isn’t the first time DutchReview has discussed the elephant in the room with issues similar to these. If you’re an expat (immigrant) and/or have a foreign sounding name (i.e. not a Dutch one), you are significantly discriminated against when it comes to applying to rent a property. Recently, more and more people are coming forward with their experiences and the big news sites are picking up on it.

Discrimination in the housing market in the Netherlands definitely exists in a big way and frankly, something has to give.

‘Jaap’ and ‘Rachid’ and the housing market in the Netherlands

So, yeah, if you’re an expat or just Dutch with a name that doesn’t sound Dutch enough, you’re in for a fun ride when it comes to renting a house in the Netherlands. Research was conducted by De Groene Amsterdammer in order to test this long-known belief. They decided to apply for 250 rental properties under the names of ‘Jaap’ and ‘Rachid’, and record the responses when asking if the property was still available. 116 responses for Rachid came through, in comparison to 162 for Jaap. A 28% ‘net discrimination’ difference. This could be a lifeline for someone who is in need of housing and it’s pretty appalling.

In another part of the study, they called 50 real estate offices pretending that they wanted to rent out their home now that they live abroad. They then asked them if they could not let the property out to foreigners to see if they would grant this. 31 did it no questions asked and the other 15 were skeptical, knowing it was against the law, but did it anyway. Only 4 declined this request, realizing that it was wrong.

Discrimination in the housing market in the Netherlands
Wanna rent? NAH SORRY YOU CAN’T

We already wrote extensively about the problems internationals face on the student housing market in the Netherlands. I don’t know if it’s more honest or even more horrible that they just write ‘just Dutch girls’ in the online ads for student rooms.

Discrimination in the housing market in the Netherlands: What now?

So it seems that money really pays in this instance. We seem to have a long way to go in order to eradicate this. How? For a start trying to change the mentality of some people thinking that this is acceptable. I guess it’s something that they’re going to have to sort on their own. However the government needs to make a bigger stand. The law needs to be used in a way that doesn’t allow this loophole to happen. I know that’s probably incredibly naive of me, but clearly something needs to give.

What do you think about this? Have any personal experiences when it comes to discrimination in the housing market in the Netherlands you’d be kind enough to share? Drop it in the comment section below! 

8 Reasons why studying abroad in the Netherlands is the best

So you’re studying abroad in the Netherlands! Welkom to the Netherlands, the low-lying region with the high-ranking student life! Settle in and kick back, while we give you eight of the greatest reasons why studying in the Netherlands will top your educational experience.

Studying abroad in the Netherlands: life by bike

It’s hard to describe the exact feeling that comes from gliding along on a human-powered transport machine, where the only limits are your leg muscles (okay, and the sheer amount of rust on the bike).

Not all bikes are created equal in the Netherlands – don’t buy a lemon to avoid scenes like this.

But, this indescribable feeling is even greater in the Netherlands when you are surrounded by other humans on these mechanical steeds, a flock of twisted metal, dinging bells, and the occasional squeaky brake, bumping over the cobblestone paths or sailing along the designated red aisles, knowing that you are truly the king or queen of the road. Even better, ride with a group of friends to feel like a true #bikegang.

Remember, man versus car always loses, unless you’re living in the Netherlands. What a nation!

Studying abroad in the Netherlands: #StudentLyf

Ever wanted to get drunk on cheap crated beer, then dance a conga line singing a traditional tune? Welcome to a Dutch student party.

Dutch students in their native habit, celebrating after a successful drink at the local watering hole by dancing the peculiar social ritual: polonaise.

The Dutch are great at being students, which makes student life in the Netherlands particularly leuk. Being an international-student is even more fun, with various societies set up to help you fully integrate into Dutch study life – The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) run heaps of activities all over the country!

Even better, studying abroad gives you the best cultural exchange possible. And while the Dutch aren’t particularly known for their national food, their historical attraction of migrants has given a gastronomically diverse culture – and some of the best kebabs in town – perfect for when you get a little van de kaart (off the map drunk).

And the bonus? No expensive taxis home. Just try to keep your balance on your bike (and don’t get caught by the politie!)

Studying abroad in the Netherlands: Engels, Engels, Engels

Studying in a foreign country? Geen probleem! The Netherlands continually scores in the top three of non-native speaking countries for the English proficiency! What does this mean for the foreign student?

Well, when studying, as long as your English is prima (we’re looking at you Spaniards and Frenchies!), you will be able to understand your professors, and even turn in assignments*!

* Disclosure: the ability to turn in assignments is also directly associated with how much beer you drink the night before the due date.

The Dutch’s English talent also means they have one of the largest offerings of English-taught courses in continental Europe. Why are the Dutch so good at English? Find out here!

Studying abroad in the Netherlands: Nederlands, Nederlands, Nederlands

“You only speak one language?!” – Every European ever.

On the flip side of the Dutch/English equation: if you’re a American, Australian, British etc. and are jealous of all of these Europeans and their ‘bilingualism’ from ‘being culturally aware and diverse’ there is an upside: learning Dutch is one of the easiest languages for native-English speakers to learn. 

So if you want to return from your European study-abroad and show-off to your friends back home how European you have become, just slide a few words into sentences to remind them of your ultimate far-reaching superiority. Example? See this article.

Studying abroad in the Netherlands: a chance to open your mind (and see new colours)

The Dutch have had a long reputation for their relatively relaxed attitude towards drug use. The famous (infamous?) Dutch coffeeshops are an excellent example of this (don’t expect a caffeine hit).

But other drug use is also common. In fact, a 2017 study showed the Netherlands had the top use of MDMA and amphetamines in the European Union. The Dutch’s pragmatic approach to drugs recognises that it is impossible to stamp out all drug use in the Netherlands, instead shifting the focus to responsible consumption. The results? The legalisation of marijuana purchase from licensed coffee shops, and anonymous pill-testing clinics – gratis!

Light up your brain and find out some myths about drugs in the Netherlands.

Studying abroad in the Netherlands: travel inside and out

Studying in the Netherlands and sick of dining on bitterballen and kaassouffle? Need a little break that’s further than a bike-ride away? Welcome to the excellent transport links of Western Europe!

Hop on board Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) train service, for direct links all over the country! What’s that? Tickets are far too expensive? Don’t jump the barrier! Find out the tips and tricks to the cheapest train tickets available!

For an even further journey, thank your lucky stars that the Netherlands isn’t an island, making bus journeys the option of choice for the young student traveller! There are multiple cheap bus lines that offer direct and indirect connections to cities all over Europe. Or, hop on a flight with an array of low-cost airlines (if you don’t mind carry-on luggage and squishy seating arrangements!).

Studying abroad in the Netherlands: progressive and diverse

If you’re looking to broaden your horizons and outlook, the Netherlands is a great option. The country has an excellent reputation for progressiveness and acceptance in relation to drugs, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, and sex. However, this isn’t the same for all of the Netherlands (check out the Dutch Bible-Belt for examples).

Studying abroad in the Netherlands: top-notch education

Last, but certainly not least, we can’t go without mentioning one of the best reasons for studying in the Netherlands – the education is truly great!

Many of the Dutch universities are ranked among some of the best in the world, so when you’re not riding your fiets, drinking your bier, speaking different languages, experimenting with recreational drugs, travelling, or enjoying the progressive life of the Netherlands, you’ll be getting a top-notch education.

Studying in the Netherlands? What did we miss? Tell us the best parts about studying in the Holland below!

75% of Dutch adults welcome refugees to the Netherlands

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Refugees welcome!

According to a perception study carried out by Statistics Netherlands, 75% of Dutch adults welcome shelter refugees to the Netherlands. Great news ( could be better though 😉 )! This study was conducted last year, and was used to find out opinions relating to social and environmental issues.

According to the results, individuals who have come into contact with a refugee, were highly educated, were women, were not from the West or live in more urban environments, were more likely to support it. Individuals who were from disadvantaged backgrounds or low-skilled backgrounds, were men or were living in more rural areas, were more likely to think negatively about it.

Culture? Security threat?

49% feel that refugees do not pose a threat to Dutch security. What we have learnt from the attacks in Europe is that almost always, the offender is not a refugee. A lot of the fear surrounding allowing refugees, has been manipulated in order to create that fear. This is pretty sad to witness.

When it comes to cultural differences, 31% feel that they can keep their own culture after arriving in the Netherlands, whereas 33% think not. This is pretty vague though, as ‘culture’ could be applicable to many different things and I guess each person’s opinions will differ depending on each one of these.

Refugee centre in Oude Pekela

The 75% is not applicable to economic migrants. This changes when speaking about economic migrants, which has less positive results. This is also affected if the economic migrant is not from an EU country.

We will see if these stats change over the next year or so.

As always, we should carry on being thankful for living in a safe country like NL 🙂

What do you think about these statistics? Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to join our Facebook group for more Dutch tings’

The Netherlands is set to have 3 new wind farms in the North Sea

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The wind farms are coming…

The Netherlands is going to have 3 new wind farms in the North sea. 2 of these will be opposite Egmond aan Zee. The other in the very North of the Netherlands (North of Leeuwarden and Groningen). This was a government tactic to ensure that more renewable energy is generated from the Netherlands. This is just the first stepping stone to more renewable energy, as this is set to increase as time goes on. It’s in the Netherlands best interest to take these steps, as issues such as global warming is only going to make it more difficult to manage water. Flooding is a big worry for us all.

This move brings investments to the Netherlands. Also over 10,000 jobs are even expected to have been created due to this, as estimated by the cabinet. The Netherlands will soon own a lot of the market share in the European market, which is great news for the economy.

First non-subsidised wind farm

We are also having the first non-subsidised wind farm in the world, here in the Netherlands in 2022. Nuon will be building it, which is great news, as it costs an awful lot of money to have these subsidised. The more renewable energy we have, the cheaper it gets.

Dutch government: Up to 40% of our energy in NL will be renewable from these wind farms by 2030

What do you mean it’s not subsidised?

The electricity produced requires a minimum price and if it ends up lower than this, then the government effectively subsidises it up to the price agreed. This is all about to change though, thanks to the new non-subsidised wind farm. It’s not all plain sailing though. There is still a cost to the government for the survey of the soil. Only time will tell if these non-subsidised wind farms are a thing of the future.

What do you think of these new wind farms? Let us know in the comments. While you’re at it, don’t forget to join our Facebook group… you know you wanna!

Inside Rotterdam: the Biggest, the Tallest and the Weirdest buildings

You might have spotted our last collaboration with Levi Hildebrand already a while ago when he showed you (hilariously)  just how mega the student housing problem is in the Netherlands (that’s not so hilarious actually).

It turned out that Levi hadn’t properly checked out Rotterdam yet, and as a born and raised Rotterdammer I couldn’t let that slide of course (and I’m always looking for an apology to spend a day loitering around in Rotterdam – who can resist?). But what to show you – our trusty viewers? Well, the Markthal is already all over the place and we did a good photo report of loads of epic architecture in Rotterdam a while back already so we went for a different take on things – something that would really fit the vlog format.

Inside De Rotterdam, the Cubic Houses and the Euromast

So in between all our shenanigans, we went inside the largest building of Rotterdam, aptly called ‘De Rotterdam’. We went inside in one of the weirdest buildings in Rotterdam (very well be the weirdest overall): the iconic cubic houses. And last but not the shortest, we went in and up the Euromast.

Anyways, enough stalling, here’s the Rotterdam Supervlog:

What do you think of this vlog in Rotterdam? Let us know in the comment section! Also, don’t forget to join our Facebook group, it’s worth it, I promise!

And be kind, rewind! (not rewind but subscribe to Levi, but that doesn’t rhyme)

The Netherlands is expelling Russian diplomats over UK poison attack

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Netherlands to expel Russian diplomats

Mark Rutte has just announced that they are also going to expel Russian diplomats ahead of the poison attack which happened in the UK. The UK started expelling them first and everyone else followed. Even Donald Trump has got on board and is going to expel 60 Russian diplomats (I don’t think Putin is going to like him after that). 14 other European countries have done the same.

This is not fake news this time

The Netherlands is going to expel 2 Russian diplomats. Mark Rutte’s move is to show that Britain is one of his closest allies and to show unity.

What poison attack…?

Where have you been!? No worries, I’ll give you the basic lowdown. Being a Brit, understandably it’s been all over British news, and it’s awful. So I’ve heard a lot about it.

No cup of tea with Russia is going to sort this (‘cos that’s what we do)

Sergei Skripal was a Russian military intelligence officer, who then acted as a double agent for the intelligence services in the UK. For this, he was seen as a traitor. Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia (living in the UK) were poisoned earlier this month and remain in a critical condition. The UK identified that they were poisoned with a military grade nerve agent, called Novichok. This nerve agent was developed by Russia. As a result, they were confronted and of course Russia denies the claims.

It was an awful thing to happen. Everyone is p**sed about this and Russia are accusing everyone of starting a ‘anti-Russia’ campaign against them. Europe and the US remove diplomats to show how seriously angry we all are and now we’re all kind of worried WW3 is going to break out. We’ll see how this one pans out as time goes on.

I hope they both make a full recovery!

What do you think of this move by NL? Let us know in the comment section! Also, don’t forget to join our Facebook group, it’s worth it, I promise!