The Holland Times edition February 2022

E!!

FRE per spa new ats and xp ic for e plomat i d y the unit m com

Let’s go out!

CONTROLLED CIRCULATION | POSTBUS 2203 | 1500 GE ZAANDAM

75 Years Unicef

Winter Games 2022 in Beijing 11

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 1

FEBRUARY 2022

21

26-01-2022 20:57

The income tax return for EUR 390 incl VAT for regular private individuals

File online with BNC Tax Professionals

• Private tax return • Corporate tax services • M form Dutch tax return • Tax trouble shooters • 30% ruling in Dutch tax return

• Private tax return • Corporate tax services • FBAR • Foreign earned income exclusion • 30% ruling in US tax return

www.orangetax.com

www.bnctax.com

0023 Advertentie BNC - OTS.indd 3

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 2

23-12-2020 16:54 26-01-2022

20:33

FEBRUARY 2022 | 3

Contents Where can find the olland Ti es The Holland Times is widely distributed for free, in the regions of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Hoofddorp, Schiphol, Leiden, Delft, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Wassenaar and Enschede. ou can find The Holland Times at embassies and consulates, international organizations, internationally oriented companies, hospitals, medical clinics, sports clubs, international schools, housing companies, financial services and banks, expatriate centers, restaurants, libraries, kindergartens, language schools, social clubs, movie houses and expat-oriented stores. ould you like to receive The Holland Times in your organization or become one of our distribution points?

Please contact c.spraakman argomedia.nl

5 7

Rutte IV Cabinet installed ages are no longer keeping up with inflation New law set to improve gender equality at top levels of Dutch businesses

9

Structural shortage of police for the next three years House prices skyrocketing in many places

11

Amsterdam mayor defends police against UN accusations of brutality iving in Amsterdam is becoming more difficult

13

upermarkets complain about the escalating prices of premium brands Problems with electricity supply expected to rise after 2025

15 Column 16 Floriade 2022 & Gardens Mien Ruys 17 Foreign Matters: Azerbaijan 19 Interview with an expat 21 Unicef 75 years 23 Art & Culture 27 Nice spots 29 Tips & reviews 31 Sport

COLOPHON The Holland Times is an independent, English language newspaper with Dutch news, published by Argo Special Media B.V.

All Rights reserved by the publisher and/ or the author(s). ©2003 The Amsterdam Times

Argo Special Media B.V. Postbus 2203 1500 GE Zaandam

The editors try to ensure the accuracy of all information contained within. However, mistakes and ommissions are possible.

No rights may therefore be derived from material published.

Contributors Marla Thomson, Priyanka Sharma, John Mahnen, Nanda Jagusiak, Benjamin Roberts, Juan Alvarez, Femke van Iperen, Raphael Perachi Vieira, Beatriz Negreiros, Nicole Kerr, Stephen Swai, Molly Fitz & James Victoria Luxford Editor Roselaar Tekstadvies Visit our website for news updates: www.hollandtimes.nl For all editorial information and suggestions, please contact us at: c.spraakman@argomedia.nl Advertising and Inquiries Bert Versteeg 020-506 39 26 06-33 74 34 63 bert@hollandtimes.nl

Would you like to receive The Holland Times in your organization or become one of our distribution points?

Please contact c.spraakman@argomedia.nl

Design & Layout Caroline Spraakman

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 3

FOR YOUR DAILY BOOSTER!

Controlled circulation: international institutions, the diplomatic corps, and epicentres of the Netherlands’ international and expat community.

The opinions of external authors in the Holland Times are published under personal title and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of the Holland Times.

All photos: Depositphotos

Monday to Friday open from 7:00 Certified personal trainers • Members from all over the world Classes in Dutch and English • Over 60 classes per week

Please send all advertising content to: traffic@argomedia.nl Distribution PostNL

SPORT STRENGTHENS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

follow us on Instagram @thehollandtimes

HOFCAMPWEG 270 | WASSENAAR | 070-5119645 | INFO@AEROFIT.NL

WWW.AEROFIT.NL

26-01-2022 20:34

Looking for help organizing your kid’s afternoons?

We would love to have your child at our after school care. From building huts outside to playing an exciting game: while you are working or having some me-time, your child is having fun with friends.

Find a Partou location near you and register your child www.partou.nl/find

22 0119 Advertentie Holland Times_Partou_bso.indd 1

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 4

19-1-2022 12:24:05

26-01-2022 20:34

FEBRUARY 2022 | 5

NATIONAL

Rutte IV Cabinet installed After the longest formation in Dutch history (271 days to be exact), the new Dutch government was sworn into office on 10 January 2022. The Fourth Rutte government, Rutte IV, is composed of the four coalition parties VVD, D66, CDA and CU. With the new coalition government comes a coalition agreement, which was recently debated and passed in the Tweede Kamer (the Dutch lower house of representatives). This agreement was notable because for the first time the government recognized the existence of institutionalized racism and seeks to eradicate it. Other notable entries into the coalition agreement include free childcare for lower-income families, aggressive plans and funding to mitigate climate change, special focus on tackling the current housing crisis in the Netherlands and, of course, continued attention to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

have a very fast learning curve as there are no shortages of crises in the world today.

Mark Rutte will begin his fourth tenure as Prime Minister of the country, with the leaders of the other three coalition parties taking vice-minister roles as well as cabinet members. There are familiar and new faces in the cabinet and even new cabinet positions. Doctor Ernst Kuipers, who played a crucial role during the Covid crisis, is now heading the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, taking the place of Hugo de Jonge, who’s headed to the ministry for Housing and Spatial Planning.

Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, Minister of Justice and Security (VVD) – a rising star in the VVD party, Ms. Yeşilgöz-Zegerius takes over the Ministry of Justice from Ferdinand Grapperhaus and is now in charge of national justice, imprisonment and public security. New to a ministerial role, she already made a misstep in her new role, having given mixed messages as to the ministry’s support for the enforcement of Covid rules put in place shortly after the new government’s swearing-in. However, this is likely a new minister learning the ropes of her new role.

The new cabinet has many members who are new to the political arena, including scientist Robbert Dijkgraaf (D66, Education, Culture and Science), Conny Helder (VVD, Long-term Care) and Henk Staghouwer (CU, Agriculture). These fresh new faces will hopefully bridge the trust and confidence gap between the government and its citizens, which has reached unprecedented levels in the last few years. The new government also has the largest representation of women in Dutch history, with an equal number of women and men in the minister and state secretary positions. There are also four new ministerial posts, including Minister for Climate and Energy, Minister for Nature and Nitrogen, Minister for Housing and Minister for Poverty Policy.

Here is a breakdown of the new Dutch government: Mark Rutte, Prime Minister (VVD) – with his party receiving the most votes in the national election last March, Rutte will continue at the helm of the Dutch government and politics. His fourth term will prove to be the most challenging, with crises on the national and international fronts, as well as scandals lingering from his previous cabinet. Confidence in the government is at an all-time low, especially due to its Covid response and subsequent policies, as well as the childcare allowance scandal that made Rutte resign his previous government.

Sigrid Kaag, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (D66) – sworn in via video due to a positive Covid test, Ms. Kaag moves from the Foreign Trade and Development Ministry to the Ministry of Finance. Her credentials in finance include serving on several boards of international banks and financial agencies. With a background in diplomacy before politics, it will be interesting to see her transition into her new role of leading the economic, monetary and tax policy for the country.

Wopke Hoekstra, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs (CDA) – moving from the Ministry of Finance to being head of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hoekstra will be the face of the Netherlands abroad. This is an interesting appointment, as his background in the private sector and in government has been primarily in finance and economics. Time will only tell how this will translate into foreign policy, meeting with foreign governments, settling trade deals and stimulating international development. One thing is for certain: Minister Hoekstra will

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 5

Carola Schouten, Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Poverty Policy (CU) – the only other returning vice-minister, Ms. Schouten moves from the Ministry of Agriculture to one of the newly-created ministries whose focus is on poverty and pensions. Though her tenure in the Ministry of Agriculture was a rocky one, with farmers’ protests regarding the government’s attempt to limit the amount of CO2 emissions caused by farming scarring her record, she seems well poised to lead this new ministry. Her long-time membership in the Christion Union (CU) party, whose platform includes support for the welfare state and social services, makes her a logical choice.

Hanke Bruins Slot, Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (CDA) – having been a member of the Tweede Kamer (Dutch lower house of representatives) and served in the Royal Dutch army, Ms. Bruins Slot will now be heading the department responsible for domestic policy, civil service, elections and intelligence.

In the Tweede Kamer, she focused on armed forces, local government and health care sciences.

Robbert Dijkgraaf, Minister of Education, Culture and Science (D66) – another newcomer to government and politics, Mr. Dijkgraaf is a well-known theoretical physicist, who has appeared on many Dutch talk shows and has a monthly column in the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad. With an academic resume that includes professor of physics at the University of Amsterdam, professor at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and numerous awards, honours and advisory board memberships, he is well-equipped to lead the country’s top education post.

Kajsa Ollongren, Minister of Defense (D66) – moving from the ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations to Defense was unexpected for the previous vice-minister of the Rutte III government, but Ms. Ollongren assures that she is up to the task. This optimism will be needed as the new coalition government allocated less money to defense than what the Dutch armed forces requested; this will undoubtedly result in difficult decisions, something not to take lightly with tensions currently growing on the

Ukrainian-Russian border.

Mark Harbers, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management (VVD) – a long-time member of the Tweede Kamer, Mr. Harbers will now head one of the most important ministries for the Netherlands.

With a background in economics and a short term as State Secretary for Justice and Security in the Rutte III government, Mr. Harbers is again an interesting choice for the infrastructure position.

Micky Adriaansens, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (VVD) – a former member of the Eerste Kamer (the Dutch equivalent of the Senate or House of Lords), Ms. Adriaansens has a background in law and health policy management. She’s pledged to make economic recovery from the Covid crisis a priority while continuing to make the Netherlands an attractive place for corporations to do business. Within her ministry is the Ministry of Climate and Energy, headed by Rob Jetten of D66. With the Netherlands lagging behind most of Europe, the ministry and its sub-ministry have set an ambitious goal of reducing the country’s CO2 emissions by 55% by 2050.

Henk Staghouwer, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food (CU) – another Christian Union member will be heading the ministry for Agriculture, taking over from Carola Schouten. As the world’s second-largest exporter of food, this ministry’s task is no small one. It seeks to support farmers and their economic welfare, while securing the Netherlands’ international standing as a high-quality food producer and sustainability of agriculture.

Karien van Gennip, Minister of Social Affairs and Employment (CDA) – the new minister in charge of relations between employers and employees, social security and trade unions has a long background in Dutch politics. She served in two cabinets of Prime Minister, Jan Peter Balkenende, in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and was a member of the Tweede Kamer from 2006 to 2008. Ms. Van Gennip was also Director European & International Affairs of Dutch bank ING, which should serve her well in her new post.

Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (D66) – probably one of the most exciting new ministers is the doctor/scientist Ernst Kuipers as the new Minister of Health. Dr. Kuipers, though new to the cabinet, is a familiar face from the onset of the Covid crisis, as he headed the National Network of Acute Care which keeps track of, among other things, the number of ICU beds in the Kingdom. He takes this position from former viceminister Huge de Jonge, who stood alongside PM Mark Rutte during the dozens of press conferences throughout the pandemic. Now, with a scientist and doctor leading the government’s Covid response, many are hoping for a better overall response from the government. After his first press conference, he was lauded for his scientific approach and his update via easy-to-understand charts and statistics.

Along with the above ministers, there are also eight ministers without portfolios (meaning they do not head a specific ministry) and another either state secretaries (sub-ministers working within the primary ministries mentioned above). After such a long negotiation period and with challenges and crises at almost every turn, the new Dutch government has its work cut out for itself. Their optimism and enthusiasm run high, which is good – they will need it to navigate the plethora of issues facing the country, the continent and indeed, the world.

Written by Marla Thomson Photo by Valerie Kuypers www.valeriekuypers.nl

26-01-2022 20:34

We provide worldwide moving services tailored to your requirements.

info@atlas-movers.com | +31 (0) 297 348 281 www.atlas-movers.com

Dutch courses French courses Tailor-made courses Online & on-site Cultural workshops

www.centrefrancaisneerlandais.nl 020 623 2074 - centre@dewaalsekerk.nl

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 6

26-01-2022 20:34

FEBRUARY 2022 | 7

NATIONAL

Wages are no longer keeping u it in ation It is that time of the year again when Dutch employees and pensioners are greeted with a slight increase in their bank balance due to the annual increments of wages. However, this time it is hardly a cause for celebration. But why – more money should always make people jump for joy, no?

Well, for one, the maximum wage increase of 1.19% is not all that much. And two, that little bit of extra money is not nearly enough to match the inflation rate, at an average of 3.8%. Let’s put this in context. For an average earner, making about 3000 euros, the increase is wages is about 10 euros per month, which is about 0.4% and definitely not a match for the inflation.

Dutch wallets are feeling lighter than ever. Whether one is working, retired or on benefits, everyone can see the real-time reduction in their buying power. Groceries that use to cost 100 euros in November 2020 cost over 105 euros today. Usually, the increase in wages is calculated to match the annual inflation; however, this year, with inflation ranging from 3.8 to 5%, the wage rise is nowhere near enough to keep up with it. Even the tax-free workfrom-home allowance comes with the loss of travel and fuel allowance, so people’s financial situation remains the same.

Inflation is not only high, it’s also the highest in the last 40 years. But what is causing it?

The primary cause are the skyrocketing energy prices.

It seems obvious that if the fuel required to produce, transport and store goods gets more expensive, there will be an increase in the cost of the final product as well.

The second reason, as many would have already guessed, is Covid. Even though the Dutch economy managed to bounce back rather quickly after the first year of the

pandemic, wave after wave of Covid mutations and the resultant lockdowns caused many businesses to face heavy losses. The closing of borders without much warning also contributed to the shortage of raw materials and supplies.

Consumers took to shopping online, causing even more losses to businesses relying on footfall in stores. To literally keep the lights on – which already got more expensive due to the energy crisis – retailers bumped up the already rising prices. The whole thing became a vicious cycle that requires immediate intervention, especially when it comes to energy crisis. Moreover, it’s safe to say that all businesses and consumers alike can benefit from a “no more hard lockdowns” rule.

Average inflation on a monthly and yearly basis

Having said all that, does the Dutch government have a plan to tackle the inflation?

Here are some of the things in the pipeline: • A plan to allocate 3 billion euros to tax relief for people with low incomes, workers and families.

• The cabinet wants to increase the minimum wage by 7.5%. However, it will still be below 11 euros per hour, while the largest union FNV wants to set it at 14 euros per hour.

• Lower energy prices for the elderly.

• FNV wants the proposed cut to social funds to be scrapped and is asking the cabinet to establish a heat fund of three billion euros to tackle the homes with the worst energy labels (E, F and G), so that people with a low income receive a lower energy bill.

• To improve purchasing power, the government plans to lessen the burden of childcare costs on parents and

Average inflation in the Netherlands

eventually make it free, as well as scrap VAT on fruits and vegetables to bring down the cost.

All these plans seem useful, but it is not yet known when will they come in effect. Right now, it seems all Dutch people can do is pinch pennies and go discount hunting.

Written by Priyanka Sharma

New law set to improve gender equality at top levels of Dutch businesses A change in the law in the Netherlands is set to improve gender equality at the top levels of businesses. The new bill aims to make the ratio between the number of men and women at top levels of large private companies more balanced. Since it went into effect on 1 January 2022, it has become mandatory for such companies to hire more women leaders.

The new law, proposed by Ministers Dekker (Legal Protection) and Van Engelshoven (Emancipation), contains two measures to promote diversity. Firstly, a ‘growth quota’ stipulates that at least one third of the supervisory boards of listed companies must consist of men and at least one third of women. This also applies to

newly-appointed supervisory directors. In addition, the 5000 largest companies are required to set ‘appropriate and ambitious targets’ to ensure an even ratio of male and female leaders at the top and sub-top levels of their companies. They must report on their progress annually. In fact, out of 89 publicly listed companies, 61 already comply with the quota, as shown by the Female Board Index 2021 – ten more than in 2020.

No half measures According to the Social and Economic Council SER, which advised on the law in the report ‘Diversity in the boardroom: Time for acceleration’, there are still too few women at the top levels of businesses, and,

although the number has been growing, the development has been too slow. Now, the SER has called for a more integrated approach and for more robust measures.

An inclusive labour market, SER says, enables talent to be better utilized and stimulates innovation, creativity and social cohesion. Minister Dekker says: “Organisations and companies cannot afford to focus just on half of all Dutch talent. This law should therefore not actually be necessary, but it is necessary as a push for the business community to really work on diversity.” Van Engelshoven referred to the new law as “good news for equality of opportunity and for the companies themselves, because a diverse management ensures better business operations”.

the field of gender equality. She says that such incompetence consists of a ‘whole accumulation of little things’, and used the example of the job interview question ‘how will you take care of the children?’

Employers wouldn’t ask a male applicant such a question, making the children the women’s problem. Moreover, in her answer, a female applicant might show more hesitancy than a man, but the employer has the choice to value their honesty instead of considering it something negative, Turkenburg explained.

Future The ‘Balanced Male-Female Ratio Act at the top of the business community’ was passed in the Dutch Senate on 28 September 2021 and will be evaluated after five years; it will be scrapped after eight years. Van Engelshoven has called the changes a ‘historical step,’ but whether the law will be a success and make a big difference remains to be seen. The effects of a similar quota in Norway introduced in 2013 have been disappointing: the intended effect of more women in top-levels business positions, more female CEOs, more top executives and more equality in pay, has been disappointing so far. Some critics may also call the new measures ‘positive discrimination’, although Turkenburg argues: “We have only really won the battle if mediocre women are appointed instead of those large numbers of mediocre men.”

Accumulation of little things Meanwhile, there are a range of other factors that still need to be addressed. Van Engelshoven mentions, for example, that more childcare facilities should be made available around the country, and that fathers should be encouraged to take more parental leave. Mariëtte Turkenburg, chair of the foundation Talent to the Top, which promotes increased diversity at top levels of organisations, says that implementing the new law “won’t come naturally to most companies”. Turkenburg explained that in her experience, a shortage of women at the top level of a business is not always caused by ‘ill will’, but is often due to what she called ‘unconscious incompetence’ in Written by Femke van Iperen

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 7

26-01-2022 21:06

We understand the highs and lows of living internationally At Kühler & Partners, we are experts in treating mental health issues. Our professionals understand the highs and lows of international living. We provide personlized care with a strong focus on quality of life. Our team of psychologists and psychiatrists offers treatment to adults and children from 6 years old in English, French, Greek, Spanish, Mandarin,

We are here to support you

Japanese, Dutch and German. Kühler & Partners look forward to welcoming and supporting you.

Because sometimes you need a little guidance to find your way.

Please contact us at +31 (0) 85 0660 500 for more information or to schedule an intake.

Contact details +31 (0) 85 0660 500 info@internationalmentalhealth.nl

In2motivation, is an international learning and development company. Specialized in communication, leadership, coaching and Neuro-linguist Programming (NLP).

The motto for In2motivation is Leading Transformation, and we wanted to know more about this International company located in Amsterdam. For that nothing better than meeting the CEO, Ligia Koijen Ramos. We meet and had the opportunity to have a short talk with Ligia Koijen Ramos and ask her what are the challenges that leaders are facing right now and how to prepare better for the future of leadership.

How is Ligia Koijen Ramos?

I’m a philosopher, storyteller and a change master. I’ve spent the last two decades studying and working with communication, relationships and dynamic change.

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 8

What is your vision about what is a leader?

Being a leader is not a new challenge, it has always been a course in high demand, but now even more so, of course. The circumstances are very different and many of us learn to be a leader on the job. With direct progression without, in many cases, adequate learning and experience.

One of the best kept secrets of leadership is ‘follow to lead’.

Is still a lot of preconceptions about leading is going ahead, being strong, being the first, doing everything better than others.

Leader is the one who is able to follow the others in their needs and work the talent of each one in order to bring the best to each person’s team.

The leader is a great observer, a great lister, an inspiration and not so much a doer. Delivering feedback that transforms, having the courage to change and accelerate change, being able to say yes and no with the same conviction.

In our courses we work on the big questions of leadership and accelerate the learning because

Clinics Amsterdam Den Haag

we create the situation and test everything that is worked during the course.

It Is culture really a big obstacle?

Working with International teams for more than 20 years, gave me also notion that culture can play a big role and we need to be aware of it. But people are people, and some fundamentals of communication will work in any context.

What does the leader of the future look like?

I would say more like the leader “for” the future.

Leading is a service, so the leader for the future will be even more clearly a person capable of serving others through his example, his social skills and connection. It will be the person who creates a sense of group and purpose even when people are miles or oceans apart, who has the ability to make a positive impact through words, gestures and attitude.

The challange is real but made for people. in2motivation.com

26-01-2022 20:35

FEBRUARY 2022 | 9

NATIONAL

Structural shortage of police for the next three years

House robbed or bike stolen? Don’t expect a calvary of blue-uniformed police officers in screeching car wheels and blaring sirens to come to the rescue. According to a report released to the national broadcasting services NOS in early January, Dutch national police forces are alarmingly understaffed. This year alone, the current police force of 47,000 employees needs an additional 1,400 people just to carry out the already existing workload.

That might not seem like a lot, but especially with extra police manpower required to enforce Covid regulations and maintain public law and order, it is.

With the Dutch government’s anti-Covid regulations requiring the horeca (the hotel, restaurant and catering sector) and the cultural sector to remain closed, local police authorities are having a tough time of enforcing the government’s unpopular measures. On 19 January more than 70 cultural venues throughout the country opened their doors to the public in protest, stating they were “essential businesses” and deserved to be open.

Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw turned into a hair salon, with clients getting haircuts on the podium while in the background a full orchestra played to an audience. In Zaandam, the Zaanse Museum, which features local artists and is surrounded by windmills characteristic of Zaandam, transformed into an alternative location for Yoga Studio De Weer, where owner, Lizette ten Kate, had her students in downward-facing dog poses and their arms and legs in windmill postures. The police of Amsterdam and Zaandam were at their wit’s end. With not enough manpower, city governments and police authorities embarrassedly watched, and could only issue a warning to museum and concert hall directors.

Besides enforcing Covid laws, local police forces are also

expected to maintain law and order at demonstrations and protest rallies. Especially in The Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, where the frustration of protestors towards the current government’s Covid measures has repeatedly conveyed by stones and fireworks thrown at law officers.

It is no coincidence that these three cities are even more in need of police officers than other municipalities in the Netherlands.

However, according to the national police report, the pandemic is not the only reason for the lack of staff. In recent years, the Dutch government has had to budget additional funding for the national police force to fight organized crime and address cybercrime, which is becoming ever more rampant. The budget for 2022 alone is a staggering 6.4 billion euros, one billion more than six years ago.

However, the lack of law officers is not only due to the pandemic and new tasks required from the police. The personnel problem is also general labour problem in the whole western world, as the Baby Boom generation (born between 1946 and 1964) is starting to retire and leave the labour force. According to Pew Research Center, in the US, for example, last year approximately 28.6 million Baby Boomers left the labour market for retirement, which is 3.2 million more than a year earlier. In the Netherlands, 1.9 million Baby Boomers are expected to retire in the coming years, with only 1.6 million people available to fill their shoes. That will only add to the already existing shortage on the labour market. For the second quarter of 2021, Statistics Netherlands reported that for every 130 job vacancies there were only 100 unemployed. This was a drastic increase from a year earlier, when the pandemic broke out, and the number of unemployed rose drastically.

For the national police, however, help is on the way. With 4,500 officers annually being trained for the next three years, the Dutch national police is hopeful to solve its personnel problem. In 2025, all ranks of the police force are expected to be fully staffed again; the number of new trainees will then be reduced to 4,000. Hence, the shortage of law officers is expected to be only a temporary issue. However, until then, don’t expect the police to fight petty crimes and have time for friendly chit-chat in the street.

Written by Benjamin B. Roberts

House prices skyrocketing in many places The housing market in the Netherlands is experiencing its highest price surge in over 20 years. The Dutch Association of Real Estate Agents (NVM) released quarterly numbers that show this increase. Its data showcased that the average property price in the Netherlands increased by 20.7 percent in the last three months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. In today’s market, the average residence costs 438 000 euros.

The prices fluctuate depending on region, with some regions outside of the Randstad experiencing an increase in pricing by more than 25 percent. Outside of the Randstad, prices climbed the fastest. Northern Drenthe is the absolute highlight, a region named the best place to live in the world four years ago. Within a year, the cost of housing increased by 28.5 percent.

Furthermore, the number of residences available for purchase has dropped by a third and a quarter fewer homes were sold. In explaining the housing situation and its correlation with pricing, the NVM says: “The flow is hampered by too little supply and the shortage is pushing up prices. This is how the dichotomy between homeowners and home seekers is growing.”

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 9

Higher asking price, fewer houses Additional data reveals that four out of five houses were sold for more than the asking amount.

Terraced residences experienced the fastest price growth this quarter, rising 22.5 percent over the previous year. In today’s market, a terraced property costs on average 386,000 euros.

A house for sale in the fourth quarter took an average of 23 days to sell, a day longer than in the third quarter.

According to the NVM, this indicates that the lower limit in terms of sales time has been reached.

In the fourth quarter, 35,000 residences were sold, down by 23% from the previous year. In the fourth quarter, more than 36,500 properties were listed for sale, a 16 percent decrease from the previous year. More than 141,000 properties were listed for sale in the year 2021. This is a significant decrease from past years, when the average hovered around 171,000.

The scarcity of available homes for sale contributes to the housing market craziness. There isa considerable demand for owner-occupied homes, and when there is a high demand for something and a limited supply, prices rise. Experts warn, however, that the significance of the restricted supply should not be overstated.

Chairman of the NVM Onno Hoes comments: “It is critical to place a greater emphasis on a broader range of housing

options. That is why we need to get new construction started as soon as possible. The housing market will then begin to flow again.”

A resolution in sight?

In recent years, the NVM, along with many other housingrelated parties, has campaigned for a specific minister who will be in charge of spatial planning in the Netherlands once again. Now, Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning Hugo de Jonge has been appointed. His mission is to resurrect the stagnant market. De Jonge, commenting on the housing crisis, states: “Brokers know like no other how many Dutch people need a suitable home. That is why we also have to get new building projects going quickly.”

Adding another layer to the housing issue is real estate expert Hans de Geus, who voices concern regarding the financial ability of people who want to purchase houses: “You have to start taxing equity. That way you ensure that people can’t just offer higher amounts, and then first-time buyers don’t have to participate in the race anymore.”

According to the coalition agreement, the government will primarily focus on new construction. There is currently a shortage of roughly 300,000 houses; an additional one million dwellings must be built by 2030 to keep pace with demand. In the next few years, the new Rutte IV cabinet expects the building industry to produce 100,000 new homes and 15,000 temporary homes – a good start, but will it be enough?

Written by Nicole Kerr

26-01-2022 20:35

HSV INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOL Website: hsvid.nl

Admissions email: id-admissions@hsvdenhaag.nl; telephone: 070 318 4951

Global citizenship,

lifelong learning

NSL

LIGHTHOUSE SPECIAL EDUCATION

lighthousese.nl

KSS

VNS

Register for our monthly open mornings on our website www.hsvid.nl.

Covid-19 19 safety measures are in place.

VHS

PRESCHOOL THREE LITTLE SHIPS

threelittleships.nl

23 FEBRUARY 2022 ∙ REGISTER NOW!

OPEN DAY ISD SECONDARY

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 10

Why choose • IB World School • Small tight-knit community • Culturally diverse • Focus on Design & Technology

Inspiring learning for a sustainable future MORE INFO • Future oriented learning • Projects with TU Delft • Supportive and dedicated international staff • Great accesibility - between Rotterdam & The Hague

26-01-2022 20:35

FEBRUARY 2022 | 11

NATIONAL

Amsterdam mayor defends police against UN accusations of brutality during Covid protests Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema has responded through a letter to the city council to United Nations rapporteur Nil Melzer’s criticism of police actions during the Covid protests, calling the Amsterdam police’s actions “controlled” and “constitutional”. However, she also writes the council is ‘obviously willing’ to collaborate should an investigation take place.

Melzer, who serves as the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Torture, first criticized the Dutch police’s behavior during the demonstrations in a series of tweets published following the January 2 anti-lockdown protest in Amsterdam. “This is one of the most disgusting scenes of police brutality I have seen since George Floyd,” he said about a video of an arrest made during another Covid protest in The Hague last March. In the video, a demonstrator is shown being repeatedly hit by officers with batons and attacked by a police dog. The UN rapporteur addressed the tweet, which has since garnered more than 6,000 retweets, to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Covid,” Halsema wrote in response to Melzer’s criticisms of the police, “the playing field for local authorities is complicated.”

Melzer’s accusation of police brutality drew the ire of Dutch law enforcement agents, with The Hague police calling the comments ‘disappointing’ and the police union filing an official complaint against the UN rapporteur for ‘premature conclusions’. As for Halsema, she called for “making a judgment in the event of an incident on the basis of thorough and weighted information”.

Despite stirring controversy for his criticism of the Dutch police during the Covid protests, Melzer has not doubled

Despite the protest being forbidden by the municipality of Amsterdam, 10,000 people gathered in Museumplein on 2 January to protest the government’s Covid lockdown measures and vaccination policies. This led Halsema to issue an emergency ordinance, empowering the riot police to break up the crowd with batons and shields. Thirty protesters were arrested, while several suffered minor injuries.

According to the mayor, this was the ‘only option’, given the health risks involved – with an expected turnout of 25,000 participants, the 6 feet distance rule could not be maintained, in a time when the Dutch healthcare system was in danger of being overwhelmed by the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid. Moreover, Halsema feared that the protest would turn violent and aimed to prevent this by breaking it up as soon as possible. “In times of

down on his statement, saying he is ‘sincerely afraid of escalation of violence’ in these situations. That is why he reacted so ‘quickly’ and ‘firmly’, he told NOS. Despite acknowledging he could have used more ‘nuanced’ words, the UN rapporteur stood by what he said, because ‘with big words you get attention’.

Although in her letter the mayor of Amsterdam stated she was willing to collaborate should an investigation proceed, Gerrit van de Kamp, chairman of the ACP police union, has his reservations. “It would be good for the UN to carry out this investigation, but led by someone other than this person, who already has drawn his conclusions,” he said to NPO Radio 1.

Antoine Buyse, a professor of Human Rights at Utrecht University, also commented on the matter to NPO Radio 1, saying the ordeal is proof that the state of affairs is ‘striking’.

“To me, it gives the impression of someone who is scrolling on Twitter, sees something serious and immediately says something about it,” he argues. Indeed, at the time of sending the tweet, Melzer had neither verified whether a criminal investigation had already been launched against the police officers in the video, nor had he been in contact with the Rutte cabinet, the Dutch police or the Dutch Public Prosecution Service, according to the police.

According to his spokesperson, Melzer is currently discussing the issue of police violence during the Covid protests with the Dutch government. Incidentally, the UN rapporteur is due to travel to the Netherlands in March, and the theme of his official visit is police brutality. Melzer has said he will use this time to talk to the police directly.

“I want to hear their side, because these incidents can also stem from the police force being overworked and overtaxed,” he concluded.

Written by Beatriz Negreiros

Living in Amsterdam is becoming more difficult The scarcity of owner-occupied homes in Amsterdam is high, with only about 979 homes up for sale in the municipality in the last quarter of 2021 – a decrease of 38 per cent compared to the previous year. The availability of apartments, which is by far the largest group in the housing market with 85 per cent of transactions, has also continued to decline.

According to the figures released by Makelaarsvereniging Amsterdam, the estate agents’ association of Amsterdam, buyers are having a hard time buying property. “They hardly have anything to choose from and they are outbid even more than before,” says MVA chairman Jerry Wijnen.

The current decline in available houses is caused by the fact that fewer and fewer houses are being put up for sale. Though the demand for housing may be greater than ever, more and more homeowners are waiting to put their homes up for sale until they have bought a new home. For example, the supply of owner-occupied homes in Amsterdam Nieuw-West has shrunk by 22 per cent. Many people living there don’t sell, because they can’t buy anywhere else.

This shortage of houses drives up the prices of the few available homes even further.

It is becoming almost impossible for the middle class to buy homes, and it is important to highlight that the waiting time for social housing is on average thirteen years. It appears that every quarter has been accompanied by a rise in price and a fall in the number of transactions. “A home of one’s own is now out of reach for many

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 11

Amsterdammers, causing many residents to move against their will to other cities and villages,” said Wijnen.

Prices on the rise elsewhere The reason for the skyrocketing prices of owner-occupied in other parts of the country is partially caused by something that has been observed in the past year and a half, that has never been seen before: Amsterdammers are seeking refuge outside the city. Amsterdammers who sell their houses now often move far beyond municipal boundaries. Although they get a good price for their homes, they will have to find something affordable themselves.

“Amsterdammers are a popular group of buyers throughout the country: they bring surplus value with them and prices are also rising rapidly elsewhere,” said Wijnen.

not. The VVD in particular is in favour of creating more owner-occupied homes to help middle-income earners to find houses.

To make matters worse, when it came to the substantive debate in Parliament on the issue, the chair had to move to another topic due to lack of time.

A glimmer of hope?

Some say there is hope, since the endless outbidding might come to an end, based on some evidence from the figures of the real estate association.

First, for all types of owner-occupied homes, except for semi-detached houses, the differences between the asking price

and what has actually been paid have not increased in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The average difference between asking and selling price in the previous quarter was the same as in the previous quarter, 8.8 per cent.

Second, the new coalition agreement states, among other things, that 100,000 new homes will be built each year for the foreseeable future. The plans are very concrete and the new Minister of Housing, Hugo de Jonge, has received a considerable budget for the plans.

Written by Stephen Swai

At the end of the previous quarter, 15,600 homes were for sale in the whole country, a third less than a year earlier. In the Southwest Drenthe region, supply fell the fastest, by 45 per cent. There were also 40 per cent fewer homes for sale in the Veluwe, Gooi, Achterhoek and Northeast Brabant.

Who is to blame?

Many parties have been called out for the rising housing prices. Some blame the real estate agents, others the media and even the elderly baby boomers, who are occupying homes that are too large for them. But according to Wijnen, the real culprits are the politicians and the choices they make.

It seems that the political parties are agreed on what needs to be done. PvdA and GroenLinks are in favour of expanding social housing, while D66 and VVD are

26-01-2022 20:36

LOOKING FOR A BACHELOR’S OR MASTER’S PROGRAMME? Learn about our 200+ English-taught programmes at our Bachelor's and Master's Online Open Days

PASSIONATE ABOUT LEARNING 10 - 12 MARCH 2022

The International School Haarlem offers a positive learning environment where students (4-18 years) are encouraged to realise their full potential.

Through internationally respected and recognised programmes we involve our students in meaningful learning. ISH is an IB World School for MYP and offers the IB programme to students in Haarlem and surrounding municipalities.

International School Haarlem Schreveliusstraat 27 (Lower Primary) Oorkondelaan 65 (Upper Primary and MYP)

WWW.INTERNATIONALSCHOOLHAARLEM.NL

Discover the world at Leiden University Ad-1 - Open Days of schools edition-04.indd 1

25-11-2020 13:02

Follow the #ASHexperience on social media.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

@AmericanSchoolofTheHague

CY

CMY

K

@AmericanSchoolofTheHague @AmericanSchoolofTheHague @AmSchoolHague

Our school’s home in Wassenaar, a peaceful village on the outskirts of Leiden and The Hague, provides an ideal background for learning and exploring as a family. Green and open, our purpose-built campuses reflect the spirit of our extraordinary students. Our two locations are just a 6 minute walk apart from each other and 72 percent of our students ride their bikes to school along the safe bike paths in our community.

www.ash.nl

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 12

26-01-2022 20:36

FEBRUARY 2022 | 13

NATIONAL

Supermarkets complain about the escalating prices of premium brands owned by Nestlé, will no longer be found on the shelves of Albert Heijn in the near future. Albert Heijn has been unable to strike a deal with Nestlé over the price increases for the brands. Due to the conflict, the food company has decided to not supply these products for the time being.

“Nestlé wants to implement price increases of more than 20 percent, which are not explained by the regular cost increases. We find this unacceptable for our customers,” a spokesperson for Albert Heijn told ANP news agency. However, Nestlé denies that the company has requested price increases of 20 percent or more. The company says it is still negotiating about the matter.

Negotiations between supermarkets and suppliers are hitting it up, once again. The Financieele Dagblad reports that due to the rising inflation, the bargaining game between both parties is tougher than in previous years. The discussions are intense.

Shop representatives say producers abuse them by raising prices to boost their own profit margins.

The latest numbers in the Netherlands reveals inflation of 6.4% over the month of December. This figure is the highest in almost forty years. “In a few conversations this year we notice that premium brands want to implement additional price

increases,” a spokesperson for Albert Heijn supermarkets told the newspaper.

“A number of large manufacturers, in particular major brands, are trying to create profit for themselves. You understand that we are not happy about it,” says Vomar director Aart van Haren. “They exaggerate the argument of raw material price increases or abuse it to increase their profit margins. This is not the first time and it leads to an acceleration in inflation,” says Jumbo CFO Ton van Veen.

So far, conversations between parties have not been very productive. It may be, NOS reveals, that products of brands like Maggi, Nescafe, Kitkat and Garden Gourmet, all

Higher than before Rabobank economist Sebastiaan Schreijen estimates that the sales prices of supermarket suppliers will have to increase between 9% to 10%, on average, to cover the cost increases. “That’s unprecedented.”

Customers need to be ready to see an increase on their receipt. “We have seen peaks in the prices of energy and raw materials before,” says Schreijen. “But they don’t usually go hand in hand. Now costs are rising in all areas: from transport costs, to packaging material, to personnel.”

“We really want to understand why suppliers ask for higher prices,” says Michiel Muller, director of online supermarket Picnic. “Sometimes the product itself has not become more expensive, but the

transport. The next question is how we divide that extra cost between supplies and supermarkets. You also have to agree on how quickly the price will fall again if the situation changes.”

Clashes about price increases are part of the negotiating game, says Schreijen.

“Producers know who they are dealing with. They also know that retailers read everything and have connections everywhere.”

Furthermore, food manufacturers also compete with each other, which prevents them from raising prices excessively. Supermarkets know that the margins of many suppliers are too low to fully absorb the cost increase themselves, says Schreijen, so a price increase in the supermarket is unavoidable.

“But they push back as much as possible.”

The supermarkets managers say they negotiate sharply so that the prices remain manageable for their customers. No one wants to be the first to raise prices and risk customers switching to another supermarket.

“We try to be cautious about price increases,” says Jumbo CFO Van Veen.

“However, it’s an illusion that we can postpone them forever. We had a net profit margin of 2% in 2020; we cannot absorb a price increase of 5%. Of course, prices are going up. That is not out of luxury, but out of necessity.”

Written by Raphael Perachi Vieira

Problems with electricity supply expected to rise after 2025 Amidst an unprecedented growth in renewable energy production and the phasing out of carbon and gas to achieve climate goals, problems in the electricity supply are rising. In October, a newly built school in Broek in Waterland, north of Amsterdam, was ready to open – except for the fact that there was no more room in the electricity grid and the building could not be connected. The problem is expected to grow further after 2025, when an increasingly weather-dependent energy supply will have to respond to a higher and more dynamic demand in consumption.

A new report by energy grid operator Tennet examines the challenges to ensure electricity’s security of supply in the country for the next decade.

Security of supply comes down to a balancing act between production capacity and fluxes in demand. A more weatherdependent energy production system relies on nature’s availability of sun and wind, and is less flexible than fossil fuels to respond to changes in demand in specific times of the day (night-time) or the year (winter months). As coal and gas are progressively phased out, the reduction in conventional capacity and greater reliance on renewables will have an effect on the security of supply, and will also “result in greater mutual dependency of Northwest European countries to meet their resource adequacy requirements”, Tennet’s report explains. By 2030, De Volkskrant says, it may no longer be profitable to run a gaspowered station, given the rise in cheaper sustainable electricity. Therefore, ensuring a dynamic supply of energy might become

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 13

a problem when too little sustainable electricity is available to meet the demand.

On the other hand, the energy demand is rapidly rising. As mobility and heating become increasingly more dependent on electricity and less on fossil fuels, and as the industry electrifies to become more sustainable, such growing and dynamic demand needs to be met with a production of energy that is equally sustainable but does not endanger capacity of supply.

Tennet’s report estimates that in the short to middle term (2022-2025), security of electricity supply in the Netherlands is sufficient: currently it is 99.9% secure.

However, the panorama becomes less certain in the middle to long term, 2025 to 2030, when the security of supply might be affected to a greater extent, and the country may need to rely on energy from abroad for more days of the year – according to De Volkskrant 25 days per year on average by 2030.

according to the 2021 annual report on climate and energy policy published by the Dutch Environmental Assessment Agency PBL. With the current pace, greenhouse emissions in the Netherlands are set to decrease between 38% and 48% compared to 1990 levels, when the initial government target was 49%.

Thus, as there is an urgency to reduce emissions in the energy production sector, the resulting acceleration in renewable electricity might inadvertently endanger the security of supply. Tennet’s report warns that “policy aimed at accelerating electrification will have to go hand in hand with policy that results in sufficient flexibility on both the supply and demand sides to support the resource adequacy”.

This includes maintaining strong links with neighbours in the Northwest European area, with which a mutual energy dependence agreement will be established by 2030 to successfully maintain the security of supply. It also includes a solid collaboration at the whole European level, for which common policy making and monitoring are highly relevant. As coal will no longer be used in electricity production by 2030, Tennet advises that it is important to optimize the way in which weatherdependent electricity production will be used, which includes new concepts such as storage, conversion and flexible demand by users.

Written by Juan Alvarez

Renewable production in the Netherlands has been growing steadily in the last few years, and in 2020, for the first time since 1981, more electricity was exported than imported in the country, the surplus going mainly to Belgium and the United Kingdom. In fact, in 2020 the amount of energy produced from renewables alone was equal to the electricity used in the provinces of Utrecht and North Holland combined. This acceleration in generating clean energy is a priority to the coalition government, especially since it was established that the 2030 greenhouse emissions target was likely to be missed,

26-01-2022 20:36

At Kühler & Partners International Mental Health we provide psychological healthcare for Kids & Teens. We have a specialist team of child psychologists and a child psychiatrist, offering high quality care to children age 6-18 and their families.

We are there to support children who experience psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, stress due to major life events, low confidence and self-esteem, problems with attention, behaviour or emotion regulation. If these problems do not disappear by themselves and last too long, they may have an impact on different areas in the child’s life, such as family, friends and school. Therapy or counselling can help to find a way forward. We work together with children and parent(s)/families towards a healthier and better personal wellbeing.

After initial assessment, we offer individual therapy, parent- and family counselling. Our treatments are tailormade, short if possible and longer if needed. We are a multidisciplinary team of professionals with an international background.

If necessary or desirable, we advise or work together with schools.

Because sometimes you need a little guidance to find your way.

Please contact us at +31 (0) 85 0660 500 Kühler & Partners International Mental Health | Kids & Teens Contact details +31 (0) 85 0660 500 info@internationalmentalhealth.nl

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 14

Clinics Amsterdam Den Haag

26-01-2022 21:07

FEBRUARY 2022 | 15

COLUMN

Breaking down expat lonelines It is nothing new to say that the expat life can be a lonely one. But what exactly is expat loneliness? Is it run of the mill isolation that we just perceive through the lens of a cultural disconnect, or is it something deeper?

What is cultural hiraeth?

Hiraeth is a Welsh word that depicts a sense of nostalgia, yearning and grief for the lost places of our past. It is a deep longing for something, especially one’s home.

A recent InterNations Expat Insider survey found that while the Netherlands is a great place to work, loneliness levels are high among expats. According to the study, we struggle to settle in, and it is hard to make local friends. However, I don’t see what is unique about the Netherlands on this front. It is hard to make friends anywhere as an adult, and for us English speakers, the Netherlands is one of the easiest countries in Europe to connect with others.

I left Ireland seven years ago, and I swear I grow more Irish each time I return. I chat endlessly with the cashier in my local supermarket. I saturate my sentences with Irish words like grand or jaysus, and I regurgitate provincialisms. I am from here!

I might as well scream. But, as warm as I may feel in these moments, I am always faced with that freezing cold hit of alienation when I leave the store. I know, in my heart of hearts, I am performing an Irishness I never actually felt when I lived there.

Like many expats, I use a kind of cultural method acting to navigate my no-longer-belonging at home.

Yes, the cost of living is high and looking for an apartment in Amsterdam can feel like one of Dante’s rings of inferno, but neither of those is unique to an expat. So, what is it? Why are we so lonely here?

Of course, there are a host of complicated emotions that come with moving abroad. For example, there is the guilt for leaving our loved ones. There is also a contradictory sense of resentment at the fact life has gone on without us at home. Then, there is the estrangement and unknowingness that coats your disposition when you live somewhere else.

But there is also a difference between people who move abroad but have every intention of going home, compared to those of us who intend to stay overseas. The Netherlands tends to attract more of the latter. In this case, and speaking from a purely psychological position, I would argue that our loneliness is rooted in a kind of cultural hiraeth.

In these moments, my run-of-the-mill loneliness takes on an e pat-specific weight. I would probably feel lonely anyway in that situation, but because of this cultural disconnect, what would be a confusing knot of unknown emotions turns tangible within that space between me and my Irish roots. This allows me to both situate and feel my emotions, for better or worse.

Okay, but how do I navigate it?

When you type ‘combat expat loneliness’ into oogle, you will find tips like building a routine, joining Facebook groups or taking a language class. While these are obviously useful, try to also focus on the exciting aspects of living abroad. For example, if you don’t belong anywhere, then your home can be everywhere. Studies also show that living abroad strengthens our neuropathways (aka it can make us smarter).

You take yourself everywhere Further, be mindful about pinning everything on the fact you live abroad. When we are struggling with negative emotions, thoughts like ‘oh I would be so happy if I wasn’t stuck here’ can start to take over. While this may be true, and perhaps it is time to go home, it could also be a sign that you’re struggling with other issues.

Or, as Jean-Paul Sartre once said, “if you feel lonely when you’re alone, then you’re in bad company”.

Finding a way to be curious about our thoughts as though they were someone else’s is a great way to reduce the ache of loneliness. After all, it is called an inner dialogue for a reason.

Written by Molly Fitz

Modern Dutch Heroes: Queen Máxima in a lavish ceremony viewed by over 80 million people worldwide. Her acceptance by the Dutch people was not always an easy one, but she has since won over their hearts and now is the most popular member of the royal family. She is the first commoner and first non- uropean member of the House of Orange, and though her journey has not always been an easy one, she has taken on this role with regality, grace and professionalism.

But what makes Queen Máxima shine the most is her tireless and passionate work for the causes she supports.

Her Royal Highness Máxima recently celebrated her 50th, birthday along with the country of which she is queen. Dutch TV broadcast various specials, interviews and docu-series about the Queen, her life, family, passions and role as the wife of the King and mother to the royal princesses, and how she handles her high-profile status on the world stage. Through these special broadcasts, we gained insight into her remarkable story – from a young girl from a notable (albeit politically controversial) family growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the international financial world in New ork City and Brussels, and finally to the Dutch Royal House of Orange as Queen of the nation.

Her story is that of fairytales, having met thencrown Prince Willem-Alexander in 1999 at the Seville Spring Fair (as the story goes, she thought he was joking when eventually told her he was not only a prince but the heir to the Dutch throne!

After dating for two years, she married the Prince

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 15

The Queen is a fervent supporter of women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, a strong proponent of music in education, and is especially devoted to the integration of immigrants into Dutch culture, including learning the Dutch language as she did. She serves on numerous boards, committees, government advisory entities, foundations and charities connected to causes close to her heart. But it’s her work with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA) that makes her an international, modern Dutch hero.

In this role, Queen Máxima advises governments and members of the private sector on solutions to make financial services available to developing nations, SMEs and female-owned businesses in developing nations in order for them to participate in global commerce, expand their business and invest in their futures. When she started her work with the UNSGSA in 2009, there were 3.1 billion people worldwide with no access to financial services. 11 years later, that number dropped to 1.9 billion. Yet, she has stated that there is still work to be done, especially with the Covid crisis having hit businesses in developing nations the hardest.

ueen ima also travels the world to see firsthand the reality of small- and medium-sized businesses and is not afraid to ‘get her hands dirty’, as peers of the Queen have said. While on assignment, she sometimes works 14+ hour days with few breaks as she seeks to understand the granular details of the problems faced by those who lack access to basic financial services. ric Duflos, director of one of the UN A’s offices and head of the team that supports Queen Máxima and her activities, said in a recent interview: “Queen Máxima is not a person who is into quick wins. She’s into making big changes.” The Queen herself said that she studied economics because she wanted to help change the world. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that r. Duflos said that the world could use more people like her.

Through her naturally warm nature and strong character, Queen Máxima has won the hearts of the Dutch people and others around the world.

She seems to have understood the role she must assume as the wife of the King and the Queen of the country herself, using her position and role to further causes that elevate people and businesses to participate more equally on the global stage. She seems to understand that her high-profile title and role grant her an access to a level where she can actually help make the positive changes in the world she talks about – and she’s using that access to push nations, governments and the private sector to open financial services to those who need it the most.

Written by Marla Thomson Marla Thomson is a freelance writer

26-01-2022 20:37

16 | FEBRUARY 2022

NATURE

Floriade Expo 2022 in the city of Almere When you think of the word ‘horticulture’, what comes to mind?

It is not surprising that you would think of words such as ‘shrubs, ‘rake’ or ‘vegetable gardens’.

Terms such as ‘sustainability’, ‘liveability’ and ‘a hopeful future’ probably come to mind less quickly, understandably so.

The horticultural sector rarely gets the attention it deserves. A pity, because horticulture is amazing!

Above all it is essential to our common future. In a world where nature often has to make way for concrete, glass and steel, horticulture is the key to a liveable world. In our view, those working in horticulture, from the gardener to the asparagus grower, to the technician in the greenhouse, are superheroes. During Floriade Expo 2022 we are giving these heroes the stage they deserve.

Once every ten years, all the horticultural greats gather during this International Horticultural Exhibition. Experts from all over the world come together at Floriade to present green solutions that make our cities more enjoyable, beautiful and sustainable. Within the theme ‘Growing Green Cities’, more than 400 national and international participants showcase their latest green innovations, solutions and applications.

From state-of-the-art solar roof tiles to amazing vertical façade gardens and from the best ways to grow tomatoes to the latest pruning techniques.

You can see, taste and experience it all at Floriade.

on the site. You can take a stroll through the many flowering gardens, the inspiring arboretum and feast on exciting dishes or immerse yourself in the varied art and culture programme. There is something for everyone. Children can go on an expedition, parents can taste a wide variety of food and entrepreneurs can exchange their biodegradable business cards and lay the foundation for fruitful collaborations.

Floriade inspires you to live greener and healthier.

After a day at the Expo you will go home inspired and full of ideas. For example, how you can enrich your own garden, balcony or living room. In this way you too can contribute to the green city of the future!

Does this sound like music to your ears? Then travel to the greenest and healthiest city of our country: Almere. From spring 2022 Floriade and Almere will be the flourishing centre of the Netherlands for six months. We believe you will love it here so much that you won’t want to leave.

Fortunately, Floriade lays the foundation for the future sustainable urban district ‘Hortus’, so who knows...

Floriade offers horticulture the stage it deserves.

Come and enjoy green solutions and living in all its forms, scents and colours and be amazed at what horticulture can do for us. oriade co

Beside all the inspiring gadgets and innovations, you can also simply enjoy all the natural splendour

Gardens Mien Ruys reopening April 2022 Tuinen Mien Ruys will reopen on Friday 1 April.

From Friday 1 April visitors are welcome to gain inspiration or simply enjoy the work of the most famous Dutch landscape architect, Mien Ruys. In 1924, Mien Ruys, who grew up at her family’s plant nursery, started experimenting in her parents’ vegetable garden. She tried out ideas about design, plant combinations and the use of materials, and continued to do so all her life. A walk through Gardens Mien Ruys is a walk through a green and living history book, an overview of almost a century of garden architecture in the Netherlands. A number of gardens have municipal monument status; the oldest gardens have even acquired the status of national monument. The Gardens Mien Ruys Foundation manages this cultural heritage and stimulates new experiments with plants and materials. In the Gardens you can enjoy a drink and snack, and buy garden tools, cards and books. An extensive range of perennials is for sale in the Plantenhof. In the interior space Ruysend Riet, a small exhibition has been set up about colour in the garden.

At the same time, Louisiana van Onna (1995) will show an installation of her art project The Butterfly Defect . ouisiana van Onna is a photographer working in The Hague, who graduated from the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) in 2019. With her photography she tries to capture the small things in nature. Climate change and biodiversity are close to her heart; as both a photographer and researcher she hopes to give viewers more appreciation for the transience of nature.

The entian blue is a good e ample of this, she e plains it’s is a butterfly that depends on the bluebell gentian and forest ants to survive. Only if

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 16

all these factors are present in the landscape, the butterfly can live. At the moment it is only present in a few nature reserves in the Netherlands. This butterfly has become something of an icon and ambassador of biodiversity; it’s on postage stamps and streets are named after it, but Louisiana’s generation doesn’t know this butterfly at all.

Where once there were so many, this species has declined by 93% in the last 30 years. A blue face familiar to us in the past is slowly disappearing from our landscape, and with it from our collective memory. hotography and film is a great way to explore this development, because it is about literally ‘recording’ its existence. This project thus becomes an attempt to bring the Gentian blue back into our collective memory and our backyard.

Workshop Blueprint On several Saturdays in the spring, Louisiana hosts cyanotype workshops, an easy process with a surprisingly beautiful effect. Using a photographic exposure process, beautiful cyanblue prints are made of flora and objects on the spot.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Entry: €9; children 4-16 years & students €4.

Café and shop access free Moerheimstraat 84 7701CG Dedemsvaart www.tuinenmienruys.nl

26-01-2022 20:37

FEBRUARY 2022 | 17

FOREIGN MATTERS

Shusha - the Pearl of Azerbaijan 2022 is declared the “Year of Shusha” in Azerbaijan by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The city of Shusha, which is also known as the Conservatory of Caucasus and the cradle of the culture of Azerbaijan, was founded in 1752 by Karabakh ruler Panahali khan, therefore this year marks the 270th anniversary of this glorious history. Located in the historical Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, at the altitude of 1,400–1,800 meters, Shusha is known for its unique beauty, nature, stone towers, ancient monuments, springs, endemic Karabakh flower named “Kharibulbul” (Ophrys caucasica) and rare and famous Karabakh horses. Shusha has also given many historical figures to Azerbaijan and the world and is regarded as the city of music and poetry. This city is the homeland for the prominent figures of Azerbaijan history, such as the poet, the founder of the realism genre in the Azerbaijani poetry, the statesman and diplomat, vizier of Karabakh khan - Molla Panah Vagif, General of the Artillery and the Minister of Defense of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic - Samad bey Mehmandarov, the composer and the author of the first opera in the Orient world - Uzeyir Hajibeyli, playwright and satiric, Creator of the Theatrical Writers Society in Azerbaijan - Abdurahim bey Hagverdiyev, famous opera tenor, folk music performer, and one of the founders of vocal arts and national musical theatre in Azerbaijan - Bul-Bul, author of the music and libretto of the first ballet in the Orient world Afrasiyab Badalbeyli and finally Khurshidbanu Natavan, the daughter of the last ruler of Karabakh khan, Azerbaijani poet and philanthropist.

Situated in the Great Stone Fortress, at a military and strategic height, Shusha has been the scene of combats by many rulers since the ancient times. During the feudal wars, Shusha successfully overcame the challenges and the rulers of different dynasties in the region, as well as the subject of battles during the Russo-Persian wars, but could not be captured.

In 1747, the Karabakh ruler Panahali khan declared himself the khan of these lands and decided to build defenses and a perfect fortress in the most strategic positions of the khanate in order to protect the khanate from enemy attacks in the future. The first Fortress was built in 1748, followed by the second Fortress in 1752. In the first years, the new fortress was called “Panahabad” after its founder and later “Shusha”. Today there are different opinions about the origin and meaning of the name of Shusha city. However, according to folk legend, the air of these places was called “Shusha” (“glass” in Azerbaijani language) because it was as pure and healing as crystal.

Ibrahimkhalil khan (1721–1806), the second ruler of Karabakh khanate, was one of the most prominent and political statesmen of his time. During his reign, the khanate became even stronger and developed. In the 18th century, Shusha became one of the most important cities in Azerbaijan. A large and strong barrier was erected around it, and numerous artisan neighborhoods were created. Shusha merchants maintain trade relations with Persian cities and Russian Empire, where a silver coin called Panahabadi was minted. The poet and politician Vagif became the vizier of Ibrahimkhalil khan, and was in charge of foreign affairs of the khanate. He took part in the development and planning of Shusha, organizing the defence of Shusha during the foreign incursions and played an important role in establishing political relations between the Karabakh and Iravan Khanates, Georgia and Russian empire.

In order to prevent the destruction of the Shusha fortress, in May 1805, Ibrahimkhalil khan began negotiations with the Russian Empire. He retained his power, but undertook to end relations with other states. The Gulustan and Turkmenchay peace treaties of 1813 and 1828 strengthened Russia’s control over the Karabakh khanate.

The special role in the building of cultural, educational and humanitarian life of city Shusha as well in all Karabakh is attributed to the daughter of the last Karabakh khan Mehdigulu - Khurshidbanu Natavan. She was born on August 15, 1832 in Shusha. As Khurshidbanu was the only child of the family and the last heir of the Karabakh khanate, she was called “Single pearl” in the palace, and “Khan gizi” (khan’s daughter) among the people.

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 17

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Shusha became the cultural center of the Caucasus. Shusha was called “Little Paris”, “Caucasian Art Temple”, “Cradle of Azerbaijani Music” and “Transcaucasian Conservatory”.

Khurshidbanu Natavan was also considered one of the most valuable musicologists of the 19th century. Natavan paid serious attention to the enlightenment of the people, the development of literature, the improvement of Shusha.

She created a literary assembly and took over all the expenses of the assembly. Various literary classes were also held here. There were talks about the writings of the great Nizami, Fuzuli, Navai and other classical poets, and poems were written. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the art of music in Azerbaijan, including Shusha, was developed primarily by singers and musicians.

Khurshidbanu Natavan was a gifted lyric poet and woman with the ideals and mindset ahead of her time. She left deep traces in Azerbaijani culture and public life. Natavan began writing her poems in the 1850s. The poems of that period that she wrote under the name “Khurshid” disappeared, and only a small part has reached us. She began writing under the penname “Natavan” beginning 1870s. Along with her mother tongue Azerbaijani, she fluently spoke Arabic and Persian, Natavan read the works of ancient classics, and was inspired by those works. Her works reflected her inner world as well. Humanism, kindness, friendship and love were the main themes of Natavan’s works.

Unfortunately, Natavan had several tragic events in her life; these sentimental romantic poems express the feelings and sufferings of a woman who was devastated by the death of her young son. She dedicated her poems “I’m crying”, “It happened”, “Gone”, “Without you”, “I’m dying” to her son. The pessimistic tone of these poems opens up the “hurricanes in her heart”. Many of these poems are used in folk songs nowadays. It is not surprising, that the life and works of Natavan create interest worldwide, and in the Netherlands too, by the National Theatre of the country.

Natavan was also a talented artist. Proofs of this are the paintings in her album “Flower Book” dated 1886.

is also be restored, and the breading of world-famous Karabakh horses, along with the traditional Karabakh horse riding game – ‘’Chovgan’’ - that is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. It should be mentioned that the Karabakh horses were gifted to the Queen of United Kingdom and the annual show of Karabakh horses are presented at the birthday of the Queen. As the cradle of the Azerbaijani culture and music, the annual “Kharibulbul” festival has been revived, as well as the traditional poetry days in homage to Molla Panah Vagif.

Also for next year, Shusha is also nominated to be cultural capital of the Turkic world in the framework of The International Organization of Turkic Culture. Due to the rich history and cultural heritage Shusha, in perspective, is considered to be a favorable place for different international events and meeting point of different cultures.

One of the interesting facts in the life of Natavan was her meeting in 1858 in Baku with the famous French writer Alexandre Dumas. Information about this meeting is also reflected in A. Dumas’ book “Journey to the Caucasus” and was the source of different legends about the meeting.

Natavan was very attached to her homeland, to the land where she was born and also to her lineage. She was remembered as a philanthropist and active public figure.

In 1873, she built a water pipeline to Shusha, this water pipeline is still known as “Khan gizi spring” (Spring of khan’s daughter) and initiated the construction of a water pipeline from the Araz River to the Mil Plain.

Natavan also did a lot for the development and popularization of the famous breed of Karabakh horses.

Karabakh horses took part in the World Exposition of 1867 in Paris and one of them was awarded a silver medal.

Natavan died on October 1, 1897 and was buried in the family cemetery in the city Aghdam of Karabakh. As a sign of respect, the inhabitants of Shusha followed the funeral of their beloved Khan gizi from Shusha to Agdam on foot.

Today, there are several streets, libraries and schools named after Natavan in Azerbaijan. Also, there are monuments of Natavan in the center of Baku, as well as in Waterloo city, Belgium and Evian city, France. The heritage of Natavan is the strong voice of a woman, a poet and public figure that was not oblivious to the events and people surrounding her. This is the example of devotion, role model that encourages many young people, especially girls in Azerbaijan nowadays too. This is the national treasure of Azerbaijani people. This year Azerbaijan will celebrate the 190 years birth anniversary of Khurshudbanu Natavan.

Today, the city of Shusha restores its own historical and cultural appearance. The city is now under generally reconstruction and rebuilding. The Government of Azerbaijan paid a great attention to the preservation of all traces and heritages of ancient history of the region.

Along with reconstruction and rebuilding of old Muslim monuments and mosques, the ancient Christian churches are also being renovated. The second large and oldest city in Karabakh, Shusha have got its new breath and life.

Therefore, the ancient art of weaving Karabakh carpets

26-01-2022 20:37

Watch them learn with concept based inquiry

Dutch Language and Integration Classes

at The International School of The Hague

Admissions open for Primary School

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT LANGUAGE COURSE? Look no further. We are here to help prepare you for the state and integration exams in the best way possible while also offering a much broader learning experience. You will get the most out of your time in our virtual classrooms! www.discoverindutch.nl | info@discoverindutch.nl Sieger Timmerman 06-13054490 | Robert Pelgrim 06-20912404

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 18

26-01-2022 20:37

FEBRUARY 2022 | 19

INTERVIEW

Interview with an expat and I complain about it, but it’s a real first-world problem.

What’s the worst thing about the Netherlands?

Maastricht. Nothing nice people told me about this place was true. And let’s leave it at this.

Do you have Dutch friends?

No. I usually think I’m meeting a Dutch person only to discover later in conversation that they are another expat who’s just lived here for 5-10 years and speaks perfect Nederlands. Maybe it’s just my luck, maybe I will soon befriend my first “real” Dutch person!

What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like?

I like friendliness and how welcoming they are.

Wherever you go people are always chilled and relaxed. Even in a rush it feels organized and purposeful. What I don’t like is the “doe normaal” approach to things. I feel it’s kind of limiting people’s self-expression and I can’t get the concept of fitting in to stand out .

Where do you come from and where do you live in the Netherlands?

I’m originally from Poland. As soon as I turned 18, I moved out to live in Germany for some time and now I’m a happy Delftenaar.

What’s your job/business?

I’m currently a student at Leiden University, doing an undergraduate in Urban Studies. Sorry in advance for all the amazing city designs I’m about to implement in my lifetime!

What as o r first ti e in the Netherlands Before I moved here, I always thought that the Netherlands was just a party destination where you either go for red lights and weed or to bike around tulip fields. I guess I was just very ignorant, but this is what everyone thought about the country back then. When my husband got a good job opportunity in Rotterdam, we came to visit the city and we fell in love. It was so much more than what was circling around as a stereotype. Architecture was crazy in 2010 but in a good way, and compared to Berlin, where I lived at the time, it was so clean and organized.

I moved to ermany to find the famous erman “ordnung” and I found this in the Netherlands instead.

What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands?

How close everything is. Now I obviously complain about it, but it was super refreshing to be able to go to a completely different city within an hour, not care in which town or city some event is playing out, because - unless its Maastricht or Groningen - you can always reach it and get back the same day. That completely changed my perception of space. After years I got so accustomed to it that now 15 minutes between Delft and Rotterdam feels like an endless journey

Delft

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 19

Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city?

Not yet in Delft (thanks Covid), but back in Rotterdam I just loved Umami by Han at Binnenrotte. It’s fusion Asian cuisine with really good prices. I learned about it from Michelin recommendations, as they have a bib gourmand mark. Do yourself a favour and try their scallops, I’m melting every time I eat them.

Where do you prefer to relax in your city?

I love the beach and would love to move Delft 10 km closer to the shoreline (c’mon global warming) but then I would probably not leave the town at all. In warm months I love to spend time at Wilhelminapark with my dog and walking through the city center is quite relaxing for me. There must be something in this old Dutch architecture that just vibrates right for me.

What’s your favourite Dutch store?

Oliebollenkraam. Hands-down the best invention of Dutch commerce. But if we talk store store then I guess Blokker is my favourite. Mostly because I’m always on the market for something for my kitchen.

What do you like to do on the weekends?

Play games or meet up with someone. Now with the pandemic it’s mostly games though. And I’m usually cooking something big on the weekend.

Often something Polish, as most dishes take forever to finish.

Who is your favourite Dutch person?

Floor Jansen. She is a very compassionate, talented, good-spirited person and just a phenomenal singer. I have seen her live and I’m crazy about her voice. I would love to sound half as good as she when I sing.

What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city in the Netherlands?

I will not be very inventive, I think. Wander around the city center here, eat lunch at Markt with a view of a church and antique city hall, surrounded by old stone houses. Then burn these calories entering Nieuwe Kerk tower to enjoy the panoramic view of Delft and surroundings (there is no elevator, just hundreds of steps). Go see the port of Rotterdam in Hoek van Holland, see big ships entering the port and enjoy the amazing beach there.

What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike?

I love Dutch sweets like bossebollen, tompoes and moorkoppen. I guess I’m not fond of stamppot.

Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? What is your favourite?

I don’t celebrate holidays much at all. Not Dutch, nor Polish ones. But I like Bevrijdingsdag and the festivities around it. Kind of dislike King’s day as I’m not that much of a party person, so for me this is quite an unnecessarily messy celebration.

Where do you like to go out?

Outside is my favorite outing. Outside pandemic times I also love to spend time outdoors. On a serious note, I’m not going out often and mostly it’s my friends that pick a place and I’m just tagging along.

What famous Dutch place should you really go and see?

Deltaworks. It’s not a place but a series of places, but I recommend going to see these gigantic water-stoppers as they are quite a sight to see.

It makes you appreciate engineering and Dutch ingenuity.

Best kept secret in your city?

If I tell you, will it still be a secret?

Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands?

That once a year you get a letter with local taxes to pay. It was quite unpleasant to learn about it only when I got the letter saying I needed to pay several hundreds of euros that I was not ready for. Luckily, they always give you like 2-3 months to pay for it.

What are 1-2 things you recommend to new expat here in the Netherlands?

Get rid of thinking of people as nationalities, just be an international. And for each big city you want to live in, there are at least one or two smaller satellite cities where you will live more peacefully and cheaper than in a big city. Also, they usually are so quiet that you will be able to properly relax.

Interview by Marla Thomson

Deltawerken

26-01-2022 20:38

Meet the makers of the iconic Delft Blue Creating history through innovation

Visit Royal Delft Museum and meet the makers of Delft ceramics. Already since 1653 the painters, potters and mold makers of Royal Delft are creating iconic blue pottery.

The craft is passed on from generation to generation. Visiting Royal Delft Museum gives you the unique opportunity to see the stylish collections from different time periods and experience the making of the newest collections in our factory. Enjoy the collection of blue of the Dutch royals, impressive building ceramics and contemporary Delft Blue. Get an exclusive insight in how it’s all made.

Royal Delft is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17th century in Delft. The factory survived by innovating its decorations and production methods throughout the years. Surprising collections of Delft Red and Black were made here in the past. Nowadays Royal Delft successfully takes on the challenge of producing modern Dutch Designs that fit the current time. Discover what is made in the factory today like the stunning collection of Proud Mary or the mind blowing collection in collaboration with tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher. Visiting the museum and factory gives you a guaranteed sneak peak of our newest works.

Painting workshops In addition to a visit to the museum you can discover what it is like to be a Delft Blue painter. One of our professional workshop attendants will teach you the tricks of the trade. You may pick a tile or plate and create your own piece of art. To book your ticket and/or workshop please check out the website for the latest information.

Book your visit now! www.royaldelftmuseum.nl

FRÉ COHEN till 04 09 2022

graphic artist

Photo Fré: Annemie Wolff en/of Helmuth Wolff © Monica Kaltenschnee

Museum Het Schip Oostzaanstraat 45 Amsterdam info@hetschip.nl www.hetschip.nl

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 20

26-01-2022 21:08

FEBRUARY 2022 | 21

FOREIGN MATTERS

Going strong at 75: UNICEF calls to reimagine and rebuild that transforms waste into safe and sustainable building materials for schools. Fifty-eight classrooms were already constructed, making education possible for 2,900 children. UNIC F aims to support the building of a total of 28 classrooms before 2023.

For 75 years, UNICEF has been an unstoppable force for change in the lives of children everywhere. The quintessential cyan blue shirts and determined faces have marked the frontlines of humanitarian situations from the aftermath of World War II to natural disasters and armed conflicts today, its owners always reimagining what it really takes to protect and help children not only survive but thrive.

Today, that power to reimagine is crucial. With a worldwide pandemic rolling back many of the gains made these past 75 years, the only way forward is to work even harder, to keep going, and to never give up.

Founded in the aftermath of World War II as the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, UNIC F’s first mission was to help children suffering from the effects of the war. One of the children receiving aid in the Netherlands in 1946 grew up to be a legendary film and fashion icon as well as UNIC F oodwill Ambassador Audrey Hepburn.

I did emerge from the war, along with hundreds of thousands of other children in Holland, with very poor health because of years of malnutrition,’ Hepburn once said in a recorded interview. UNIC F came in right after the liberation, the way they do now in all kinds of emergencies, with food and clothing, medication and blankets, she recalls in the interview. ith a focus on both short-term relief and long-term change and development, UNIC F has since built healthy, safe, and sustainable environments for children and families in countries and regions all over the globe.

Protecting refugee and migrant children UNIC F’s work with refugee children started with displaced families in 19 and hasn’t stopped since. The child refugee crisis we are facing today is the worst since orld ar II, with families fleeing from violence, conflicts and natural disasters as well as the direct conse uences of climate change. According to the UNHCR, 8 million people were displaced in 2021, including 3 million children. From the Middle East to Central America, Southeast Asia and outhern urope, UNIC F supports children and families on the move to stay safe, healthy, and continue to learn and thrive under difficult circumstances.

Fighting against preventable diseases orking together with local health care professionals and international partners, UNIC F leads the fight against preventable childhood diseases. mallpo was wiped off the planet, and polio reduced by 99 percent since 1988. Today, tetanus has been eliminated in out of 9 atrisk countries. erhaps surprisingly, UNIC F also plays an important role in the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. UNIC F currently leads the largest vaccine supply operation ever on behalf of COVA , an international partnership and programme aiming for the e ual distribution of covid vaccines, sending both purchased and donated vaccines to low- and middle-income countries. On January 1 th, the programme reached its 1 billion vaccines delivered milestone. A significant number, yet just over eight per cent of the population in low- and middle-income countries has received a single dose. UNIC F will continue to support COVA by shipping vaccines, training health care workers, and enhancing cold chain vaccine storage capacity. ith a high global percentage of vaccinated people, we have a chance to stop the virus and its mutations, and a chance to end the pandemic and its conse uences for children everywhere.

Before, during and after emergencies ince orld ar II, UNIC F has been on the ground before, during and after hundreds of humanitarian emergencies. In 19 8, UNIC F provided aid for mothers and children in civil conflicts in Nigeria and Vietnam, underlining its philosophy of non-political and nondiscriminatory aid. In 200 , UNIC F and its partners organised a rapid humanitarian response to the devastating tsunami. On average, UNIC F responds to around 300 emergencies every year, able to ship humanitarian supplies within 8 to 2 hours from its giant supply hub in Copenhagen, as well as local supply hubs worldwide.

Changing the course for climate change very child on earth is or will be e posed to the shock and stress of climate change. hat seems like a thing of the future in the estern part of the world is already a harsh reality in countries like outh udan. treme climate changes from e treme warmth and long droughts to unpredictable and catastrophic rainstorms wreak havoc on villages along the Nile, drowning homes, livestock, harvests and people. UNIC F works tirelessly to protect children from the immediate effects of climate change, providing emergency relief during floods or other natural disasters, constructing solar powered water pumps, implementing air pollution programmes and supporting climate and environmental programming in countries and counting.

Providing building blocks for the future In 19 1, UNIC F e panded its focus to include education, launching innovative programmes worldwide. ducation is an important key to building a better future for every child. A good educational basis can provide opportunities for the future, helping not only the child itself but also his or her community and country. et 2 8 million children worldwide still do not have access to education. ith programmes like lastic Bricks, UNIC F combines sustainable development with education, empowering a women-led recycling market in C te d’Ivoire

Recover, rebuild, reimagine UNICEF’s resilient and innovative focus on education, malnutrition, child protection and e uality has allowed millions of children to thrive, to build a better and more promising future for themselves, their families, and their countries. et in 2022, millions of children everywhere face the biggest global crisis in UNIC F’s -year history. The impact of COVID-19 is significant, challenging decades of progress in areas like poverty, health, education, and nutrition. An alarming 100 million additional children are now living in poverty because of the pandemic,

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 21

a 10 per cent increase since 2019, meaning appro imately 1,8 children was pushed into poverty every second since mid- arch 2020.

This th anniversary is a time for marking UNIC F’s history, but it is also a time for action, says UNIC F ecutive Director Henrietta Fore.

A time for action by ensuring vaccines for all, revolutionising learning, investing in mental health, ending discrimination, and addressing the climate crisis.

The world and the work have changed, but after years UNIC F’s call remains the same. To reimagine and rebuild a better world for every child. To work together to invest in the future, end the pandemic, and build a resilient and sustainable environment that allows every child, everywhere, to survive and thrive.

Fore has since retired from the position, Catherine . Russell replaced Fore in December 2021.

UNICEF the Netherlands UNICEF’s national committee in The Hague was founded in 19 and works hard to defend children’s rights in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands, including the Dutch Caribbean. UNIC F monitors the government and holds policymakers accountable to make sure they comply with the agreements in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. Around 110 employees and 1, 00 determined volunteers in the Netherlands are committed to issues like the well-being of child refugees and fair asylum procedures, climate change, socioeconomic ine uality, mental health, and good nutrition. The COVID-19 crisis has made it abundantly clear that there is still a lot of work to be done to make sure every child knows his or her rights, can speak up for what they believe in, and gets every opportunity to build a better future.

Interested in supporting UNICEF as a volunteer, or do you wish to support our work locally or globally?

Go to unicef.nl/howtohelp

26-01-2022 20:38

LEIDEN ticket s online rmo.n l

God on Earth

until 22.05 2022

Emperor Domitian In association with:

RMO_Domitianus_Adv_The_Holland_Times_264x398_ENG-v01.indd 1 THT1_2022 _CS.indd 22

Thanks to:

13-12-2021 10:43 26-01-2022 20:38

FEBRUARY 2021 | 23

ART & CULTURE

The

a nificent T el e “It is a great pleasure to see how the Netherlands and Japan found each other in this book, which features Dutch artists giving form to the Japanese tradition of cyclical time reckoning.

Japan is often seen as a closed culture, but this book demonstrates that everyone who is prepared to take a genuine interest, is most welcome to take part.”

From left to right: Louise de Blécourt, Jon de Jong and Professor Emiritus Willem van Gulik

n Wednesda e r ar the la nch of a ne lished oo titled The a nificent T el e a anese calli ra h and art or on the the e of the odiac too lace at oci teit de Witte in The a e At the launch of the book, the guests of honor were the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Hidehisa Horinoushi accompanied by his spouse and the diplomat of the Embassy of South Korea, Mr. Junsu Park as the Ambassador of South Korea had to apologize due to another commitment.

There were presentations by the authors Louise de Blécourt, Jon de Jong and Professor Emiritus Willem van Gulik.

The twelve animals of the Zodiac feature prominently in countless East-Asian tales and legends, and have always been an important source of inspiration for Chinese, Korean and Japanese artists. Together with the Five lements wood, fire, earth, metal, and water , the twelve animal signs constitute the East-Asian horoscope. They form part of a chronological cycle and, like their Western counterparts, determine the personalities of those born under a certain sign.

The agnificent Twelve offers a highly accessible introduction to the twelve animals, the stories that surround them, and the character traits that are associated with them, as well as information on the role of the signs within traditional systems of reading years and hours. Naturally, the book also enables you to discover your own sign and its characteristics; relational advice is included.

Professor emeritus Willem van Gulik (Leiden University, the Netherlands wrote the te t, the images were conceived and created by the Dutch graphic artist and art dealer Jon de Jong, and Louise de Blécourt (entree 4th dan, Nihon hod Bijutsu-in contributed with the calligraphy. The introduction was written by the eminent American art historian and an e pert in the field of calligraphy tephen Addiss. At the launch, the other authors were also present, e cept for tephen Addis as he lives in the tates. r. enno Fitski, Head of Asian Art, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam wrote:

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 23

Professor emeritus Willem van Gulik wrote: “Fascinated and inspired by the art of the brush, Louise de Blécourt demonstrates her skills through the calligraphic specimens of the characters that represent the twelve animals of the East Asian zodiacal cycle. The written characters conjure up images of the animals and call to mind the characteristics by which they are popularly known. The elegance of the calligraphy and the aesthetics of the way of the brush are manifest.

If there is the softness of brush and paper, there also is the hardness of needle and metal.

Graphic artist Jon de Jong handles the dry-point needle as if it were a brush, tracing on tin the images in his mind. Here, needle and metal are no different from brush and paper” Quote by Louise de Blécourt: “East-Asian calligraphy has gripped me.

The search for balance in the white space and harmony between the characters, and the movement of writing itself are endlessly intriguing and always new. I do not think I shall ever put down my brush.”

Art historian Stepen Addiss wrote: “When it is discovered that the beauty of calligraphy does not necessarily depend upon reading the text, a world of artistic experience opens. If it is about the forms, the compositions, the sense of movement, the rhythm, the energy, the use of (seemingly) empty space between forms – then we can all connect with calligraphy and enjoy it Quote by Jon de Jong: “When I made the linocuts, I just did a complete series of cuddly toy animals, which means I have to start thinking about a new series again by 2031. That the Year of the Rat would also be the year of the Covid-19 virus, in which cuddling was declared taboo, is rather cynical.” re ie of so e of the le ends According to Chinese legend it was the Jade Emperor who, long ago, organised a race for all the animals; the twelve winners would each be assigned a year of the zodiacal cycle, in the order of their arrival. When crossing a river that was part of the course, the cat and the rat managed to hitch a ride on the back of the o . Halfway across, the rat pushed the cat into the water and upon reaching the bank jumped off the o and ran to the palace, leaving the bewildered o in second place. Ne t came the tiger, followed by the hare, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and finally the boar.

The sequence of animal zodiacal signs was now determined. The unfortunate cat was left out and because of the trick played upon him by the rat, the two animals do not get along.

In the Japanese legend about the origin of the

animal calendar j nishi no yurai god summoned all the animals on a certain day, so that he could assign a year to the twelve who came first, in the order of their appearance. Having forgotten the e act date, the cat asked the rat when e actly they were e pected at heaven’s gate. The rat told him it was the day after the actual one. eanwhile the o , who knew he was slow-going, decided to leave one day earlier, unaware that the rat was riding on its back. hen the o was about to make an early arrival, the rat jumped off its back, ran forward and claimed the first place.

This e plains why the animal cycle begins with the rat, followed by the o . The cat, of course, arrived too late. Having been cheated by the rat, cats have a dislike of rats and mice.

After the presentations, the Ambassador of Japan and the diplomat of South Korea were handed over the book by Louise de Blécourt, who also organized this event. The guests of honor e pressed their words of gratitude mentioning the importance of this book towards their country and were more than pleased to receive the book. It is a hardcover edition in English and in Dutch, both with 144 pages and ca.104 illustrations Present at the book launch were also people with an interest in Asia, art and astrology. Most of them were also member of Sociëteit De Witte, like the Azië Tafel, the Nederlands-Indonesische Cultuur Tafel eja utih’, alon der Beeldende Kunsten, etc.

Invited were also the Royal Asian Art Society VVA in the Netherlands and Head of Asian Art of the Rijksmuseum r. enno Fitski etc. and several people from the press.

After the presentations, a reception took place followed by a book session of the authors.

For more information: lo ise de leco rt e co Limited copies are numbered & signed and can be ordered via leco rt online store or oranda in nl Other copies of the book can be ordered at your bookshop.

Written

Nanda a

sia

onteiro

26-01-2022 20:39

The CHABOT MUSEUM for International Expressionism is housed in an icon of the Modern Movement located in the bustling Rotterdam Museum Park. Here, you can experience art in the light, open spaces of one of Rotterdam’s most beautiful villas. Face to face with the monumental works of Henk Chabot (1894-1949), his leading contemporaries and present-day kindred spirits. An intimate art experience at world-class level. guided tour Also, join us in the weekends for a guided tour to the Van Nelle Factory – unesco world heritage site. Devotees of architecture, art and industrial heritage will thoroughly enjoy themselves with this tour celebrating Rotterdam’ Modernism.

Museumpark 11 | chabotmuseum.nl | museumparkvillas.nl

Johannes Vermeer of Delft.

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is the place to learn more about the 17th century Delft painter Johannes Vermeer. You can enjoy all his 37 works as digital reproductions in full size, made in collaboration with the museums where his real works are on display. You will learn a lot about his techniques, his life, his city of Delft in the 17th century, his use of color, his perspective, etc. We show

you how a painting of Vermeer is restored and you can also enjoy modern work inspired by the paintings of Vermeer. And last but not least: a shop with lots of nice souvenirs to have yourself or to give away. The Vermeer Centrum Delft is located on the spot were Vermeer once lived and worked, in the historic city of Delft.

MEET THE MASTER OF LIGHT Johannes Vermeer is one of Holland’s best known artists. The painter lived between 1632 and 1675 and spends his entire life in Delft.

Vermeer only made 37 paintings in which he created his own world.

All of them are of an exceptional high quality. The Vermeer Centre in Delft brings the old master back to life.

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 24

A SAFE VISIT

VERMEER & MORE

In the shop we have a lot of nice souvenirs, books about Vermeer (in several languages), postcards, stationery and gifts with and A visit to this information center without images of about Vermeer of course is safe.

Vermeers paintings.

We use the guidelines of our government and also rely on your own responsibility.

The center is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Book your tickets in advance (www.vermeerdelft.nl).

Please indicate which day and time you want to come and with how many people.

You can also pay at the desk with PIN, credit card or cash. We allow a maximum of 50 people at a time.

26-01-2022 20:39

FEBRUARY 2022 | 25

ART & CULTURE

King’s night in the Concertgebouw with young Dutch singer-songwriters Young Dutch singer-songwriters perform with Camerata RCO in the Concertgebouw The traditional King’s Night concert is back in Het Concertgebouw with four Dutch singersongwriters: Jeangu Macrooy, MEAU, Pitou and Thomas Azier. Thus, they follow in the footsteps of international artists such as Patrick Watson, Fink and Benjamin Clementine. On Tuesday 26 April, these artists will perform together with Camerata RCO, an ensemble with members of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, during the Music Bowl event, which brings together pop and classical music.

With the new King’s Night concert, a tradition is continued: a special concert in which pop artists connect with a classical orchestra.

The Concertgebouw Orchestra previously welcomed a selection of international pop artists during Queen’s Night and King’s Night, such as CocoRosie, Patrick Watson, Benjamin Clementine and José James. Fink even released an album following his performance. In 2022, this formula will be continued, together with youth association Entrée, the Concert Friends of the Concertgebouw and the Concertgebouw Orchestra.

MEAU debuts in the Concertgebouw 21-year-old singer MEAU had her breakthrough in 2021 with her number 1 hit That’s you. Her Dutch-language indie pop is popular with a wide audience, as shown by her much-discussed performance in talkshow M. In addition to MEAU, Amsterdam singer-songwriter Pitou is also on the program. In the past year she has performed throughout urope and at the first usic Bowl in the Concertgebouw Jeangu Macrooy and Thomas Azier Since his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, singer and songwriter Jeangu Macrooy needs little introduction: a powerful voice in the Dutch music world with a focus on his Surinamese roots. Moreover, Jeangu is a welcome guest in the Concertgebouw; he previously performed there in the summers of 2017, 2018 and 2019, and in 2021 at the Empty Concertgebouw Sessions. To complement the company, the idiosyncratic singer, composer and producer Thomas Azier will perform during King’s Night. He already has several Edisons to his name and is looking forward to celebrating King’s Night in Amsterdam after various European performances.

King’s Night: Music Bowl with Jeangu Macrooy, MEAU, Pitou, ThomasAzier & CamerataRCO Tuesday 26 April 2022, 9 pm Tickets from € 29 via www.concertgebouw.nl/koningsnacht

Jeangu Macrooy ©Rinse Fokkema

The history of Waldorf education and the International Waldorf School in The Hague

How a living room in Columbusstraat was home to the first Waldorf school in The Netherlands Immediately after the First World War, people were ready to try new things and the spirit of entrepreneurship was alive. At this time, Rudolf Steiner held lectures throughout Germany and later abroad, articulating his ideas on education.

Austrian philosopher and social reformer, Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), inspired the ‘Vrije School’ pedagogy. He is also the founder of anthroposophy, which he defined as a scientific exploration of the spiritual world.” He believed that education needed to be extended, give children more opportunities for development, and be open to children from all levels of society.

One of these lectures was held for staff at the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart, Germany. The factory workers wanted an education like this for their children and the factory director, Emil Molt, invited Steiner to manage the undertaking. The result was the first Waldorf school in Stuttgart in 1919. During the Second World War, Waldorf schools were closed by the Nazi government, only to be reopened after the war. Nevertheless, Waldorf education was innovative, and gradually more Waldorf schools were established, first in ermany and then worldwide.

In 1922, an enthusiastic group of people with an

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 25

interest in anthroposophy attended a congress at the Haganum Gymnasium in order to hear Steiner speak. After the lecture, two of the attendees approached Steiner to ask permission to start a Waldorf school in The Hague. A group of individuals who supported the idea provided funding and accommodation. On the 9th of September 1923, ten children and three teachers came together in a living room in Columbusstraat, the first aldorf school in the Netherlands. The house belonged to a parent of one of the pupils, who offered an ensuite room and another room upstairs. The school started with three small classes. Then, as it grew, it moved to another house with more space. In November 1923, Rudolf Steiner visited the small school, which now had a total of 20 pupils. He was full of praise for the school and gave it the name De Vrije chool , referring to a school ‘free of state interference’.

Eventually, multiple neighbouring properties in Van Speijkstraat were bought to accommodate the growth in pupil numbers. You can imagine the noise on the stairwell in between lessons and during break times! Only seven years later, the pupils and teachers moved to a large purposebuilt school in Waalsdorperweg. It still houses the Vrije School Den Haag today.

In the span of a hundred years, Waldorf education has organically spread throughout the world.

Today, it consists of an established network of 1100 schools and 2000 kindergartens in nearly 70 countries.. A grassroots movement, which was fuelled by individuals invested in the idea of educating their children through the principles of Waldorf education, has grown into the largest independent pedagogical movement in the world. The movement is not driven or controlled by any government, state or commercial entity. It also has no official accreditation or certification system. et, it continues to grow through the efforts of dedicated, enthusiastic and independent individuals – from around the globe - who seek to offer an inspiring, developmentally appropriate, and academically rigorous education to the children of the world.

As the birthplace of the Waldorf school in the Netherlands and the cradle of international

cooperation, the International Waldorf School The Hague is a natural progression in this journey, as it sits comfortably within the existing infrastructure of international education in The Hague.

At IWSTH, the teachers make use of the English Steiner-Waldorf curriculum (edited by Rawson, Richter and Avison), whilst also keeping abreast of the latest trends and developments in international education. This allows children to move within both the international school system and other Waldorf schools throughout the rest of the world.

In 2017, the school’s management recognised an apparent demand for an International Waldorf School where the pedagogy could be made available to non-Dutch speaking children who move around the world with their parents.

Following a thorough study, the Ministry of Education in The Netherlands granted permission (and funding) to establish the school.

School principal Niels Schieman explains that there is a clear demand from families whose children do not have Dutch as their mother tongue. Additionally, The Hague welcomes many temporary international families, so there is a need for an international school.

In 2019, Waldorf education celebrated its centenary. This was marked in many ways within the community. One particular project in the 100 years’ celebration was the correspondence between the various Waldorf schools located around the world. At the ‘Vrije School’ in The Hague, a box of 1100 postcards was carefully compiled with messages, stories and illustrations made by the pupils. Every single Waldorf school received one of these postcards. And in turn, the school started to receive postcards from every corner of the world. They were displayed in school alongside a world map, with a location pin to show where the postcard came from. Niels chieman says This tangible image of our global community brought home to me and everyone who saw it, the connectivity and solid foundation of the Waldorf tradition, built on 100 years of a grassroots movement.”

26-01-2022 20:39

IMC - International Mental Care is the leading mental health clinic for internationals, aiming to contribute to a lasting improvement of your health and well-being.

Home to a multilingual team of expert psychiatrists and therapists we offer high uality mental health services, without the wait.

We look forward to welcoming you at IMC. www.internationalmentalcare.com Prins Mauritslaan 6 2582 LR The Hague – NL T: +31 (0) 6 18 64 23 65 E: info@internationalmentalcare.com

FIT AND HEALTHY AT CAESAR FITNESS + SPA RESORT

Safe exercise and relaxation in The Hague 5000 m2 of wellness, health and fitness in the heart of the city of The Hague. At Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort you will find everything under one roof. This luxury resort is located in a beautiful building on the Mauritskade 10. Thanks to the high-tech ventilation system, you only breath in fresh and clean outdoor air which is definitely a pleasant idea, especially in these times!

FRESH, CLEAN AIR Healthy air has always been a part of the concept of Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort. Thanks to our ‘state of the art’ ventilator system fresh air is constantly brought and filtered through high Fitness & Sport

Body & Mind

Beauty & Health

Spa & Wellness

quality glass filters. In addition, present air is continuously discharged to the outside. At well over a million, this is a considerable investment,

EXCERCISING AND RELAXING

KIDSCLUB

but an extremely important one. Thanks to this

Whether you are young or old, a beginner or

Even during the day Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort is

air treatment system you only breathe in fresh

advanced, at Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort everyone

the place to be for parents with young children! The

and clean air.

has the possibility to work on their fitness and health.

KidsClub opens its doors to children of our members

After a training, members can relax in the Spa &

from 3 months to 4 years on weekdays, but children

Wellness area. In addition to a fantastic swimming

up to 8 years are welcome on weekends and school

pool, you will find a variety of saunas, a hamam,

holidays. The children will be entertained while the

sunbeds and a whirlpool. For an optimal balance

parents complete their visit.

between body and mind, visit our Body & Mind Studio.

Would you like to become a member or spend a day exercising or relaxing?

View the option at www.caesar-denhaag.nl

MAURITSKADE 10 | DEN HAAG | T 070 820 99 10 | WWW.CAESAR-DENHAAG.NL

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 26

26-01-2022 20:39

FEBRUARY 2022 | 27

NICE SPOTS

Boutique hotel Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda Quietly bringing something to life. Something that had been around for a long time, but suddenly made itself felt. That is the metamorphosis of the old orphanage (weeshuis) in Gouda, built in 1599, into boutique hotel Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda (WSHS): a stylish retreat with international allure. The monument has been restored to its full glory with much love.

WSHS is located in the cultural quarter of Gouda. Leave your mundane life behind and let yourself be pampered, from early in the morning until late at night. At WSHS, attention to detail, small surprises and genuine attention take centre stage, so you will lack for nothing. Enterprising couple Sharon and Lennart van Gastel, the beating heart behind Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda, have opened not only a hotel, but also a restaurant, cocktail bar and a number of spectacular reception rooms, all under one roof. Find culinary treats on impeccable white table linen in the casual fine dining restaurant. Before you go to sleep, take a stroll past COCO, the gracious cocktail bar across the rustic courtyard that is the heart of the WSHS. From here you can access all parts of the building and discover the stories hidden inside.

The building has lived through many events, great and small, and this is reflected in the interior in a contemporary and idiosyncratic way.

Interior architect Judith van Mourik, known for the interior design at Parc Broekhui en, flawlessly combines lu ury and design with various historical gems, such as Gouds Plateel pottery, to create a surprising, eclectic whole. A black and white checkerboard pattern matches perfectly with extravagant wall decorations, and striking art objects combine tastefully with the brass coffee bar. The 25 hotel rooms, ranging from spacious family rooms to romantic getaways, all have their own wow factor and guarantee an unforgettable time. With a wink here and there, an unexpected twist and a good dose of playfulness, because life is serious enough as it is.

WSHS does everything it can to make you forget everything for a while. www.wshs.nl

Estate de Holtweijde in Twente Estate De Holtweijde is located in the beautiful and quiet village of LattropBreklenkamp, surrounded by forest and nature. The perfect getaway for anyone looking for some quiet relaxation and romance. Overlooking the scenic landscape, you can experience real Twente hospitality here, relax by a crackling fire and enjoy culinary delights.

Around Christmas 1973, the founders of Estate De Holtweijde opened the hotel. De Holtweijde soon became a symbol of conviviality, personal service and top-quality luxury. These factors still determine its character today. In 2007 the founders handed over the reins to Marcel and Marlies Vlek, the current owners of Estate De Holtweijde.

The hotel has 77 luxury suites, located on the estate and in the main building. Ready to relax? Make an appointment for a wonderful treatment in the Health & Wellness Centre and then dive into the 20-meter indoor pool. The Finnish sauna, the Turkish steam bath and the infrared sauna will make all your worries disappear. Fancy some sportsmanship? Ask at reception for golf clubs and hit the driving range. The hotel also has pitch and putting greens and two all-weather tennis courts.

To spend the night, choose from a Country House Suite with full view of the deer outside, or a Royal Suite in the main building? Both are fully equipped and exude luxury.

For young families, the Cottages serve as the perfect base for a weekend away. Would you rather experience real relaxation, without stimuli such as television and radio?

Then the uni ue Tawny Owl is perfect. ight up the fire, open a good bottle of wine and enjoy the beautiful view.

Enjoy the local culinary delights in Restaurant ‘t Spieck, which has been awarded a Bib Gourmand. Let yourself be pampered by chef Rob Fiselier and his team! They only work with seasonal and regional products, as you can taste. www.holtweijde.nl

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 27

26-01-2022 20:40

Help them discover their personal excellence

FURNITURE

ARCHITECTURE

at The International School of The Hague

• Student population with over 100 nationalities.

• Well-established, highly successful IB Middle Years, Diploma and Career-related Programmes.

DECORATION UPHOLSTERY

• Extensive co-curricular clubs, arts and sports.

Admissions open for Secondary School mas interieur the ultimate way of modern living visit us at:

Curious, connected and compassionate

Frederikstraat 565 2514 LR Den Haag

T 070 345 09 03 winkel@masinterieur.nl www.masinterieur.nl

accredited by the Dutch Central Interior Design Industry Association

HELLO EXPATS!

Are you looking for a place to refresh your body, soul and spirit?

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR EXPATS REAL EXPERTS FOR EXPATS With more than 30ESTATE years of experience and consisting of a team of dedicated professionals, De Vries Robbé Real Estate Agents specializes in rentals and sales of houses and REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR With more than 30 years of experience and and consisting of a teamEXPATS of dedicated professiapartments in The Hague the surrounding areas.

onals, De Vries Robbé Real Estate Agents specializes in rentals and sales of houses and With more than apartments 30 years of experience andand consisting of a teamareas. of dedicated professiinin The the surrounding Our team will welcome you ourHague beautiful new office at the corner of the Frederikonals, De Vries Robbé Real Estate Agents specializes in rentals and sales of houses and straat and the Javastraat. apartments and theoffice surrounding areas. of the FrederikOur team will welcome youin inThe our Hague beautiful new at the corner straat and the Javastraat.

Our team will welcome you in our beautiful new office at the corner of the Frederikstraat and the Javastraat.

Join us at RCCG Throne of David to develop your capacities.

Meet us every Sunday at (Wereldwijs Hall)

Address: Kerkenbos 28, 2716 PH Zoetermeer Time: 10:00-13:00 (Light refreshment follows)

Email: pastor@rccgzoetermeer.nl | Mobile: +31(0) 685130025 (Eng Line) +31(0) 646720980 (Dutch Line) | Web: www.rccgzoetermeer.nl

STANZA BOOKSHOP We are an international bookshop established in The Hague offering English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese and Russian books for adults, young adults and children. Additionally, we have a selection of International Law books in English, Spanish and French.

We host literary events such as storytelling, writing & poetry workshops, and services for book launch.

De Vries Robbé Makelaars | Javastraat 47 | 2585 AE Den Haag 070 - 365 88 44 | info@vriesrobbe.nl | www.vriesrobbe.nl De Vries Robbé Makelaars | Javastraat 47 | 2585 AE Den Haag 070 - 365 88 44 | info@vriesrobbe.nl | www.vriesrobbe.nl De Vries Robbé Makelaars | Javastraat 47 | 2585 AE Den Haag 070 - 365 88 44 | info@vriesrobbe.nl | www.vriesrobbe.nl

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 28

Opening times Mon: closed. Tuesday-Saturday from 10.30 until 17.00.

During November and December we open twice per month on Sundays (please check the dates and opening hours through our social media) Noordeinde 98, 2514 GM, The Hague. T. 0031 (0) 702144117, www.stanzabookshop.com, Instagram: Stanza_Bookshop, Facebook/Twitter: @StanzaBookshop

26-01-2022 20:40

FEBRUARY 2022 | 29

TIPS & REVIEWS resto |

La Liguria | The Hague After a closure of more than a year, the renowned Ristorante La Liguria in The Hague reopened its doors with an even more extensive wine list composed by its new sommelier Daniele Lizza, under new chef Patrick Salzano. This renowned Italian chef uses avant-garde techniques to take La Liguria classics to the next level. With Noordeinde Palace just around the corner, the restaurant opened in 1981 by Franco Piacenza and Emilio Vulcano has grown in forty years into an unofficial Italian embassy, where hospitality, food and drink predominate. A popular address to escape the daily grind and enjoy Italian classics - even for royal gourmets!

The restaurant and the Home of Italy Group, which also owns Pizza Burrata, Gastrovino La Liguria Scheveningen and Gastrovino Leidschendam, are run by new generation owners Damiano Piacenza and Chris Brosius, who do everything they can to preserve the traditions of La Liguria. The restaurant distinguishes itself through its culinary allure. The new menu is filled with Italian classics with a twist and new innovative dishes. The focus is not exclusively on food: with the Award of Excellence from the WineSpectator Winelist, the restaurant in The Hague is one of only two restaurants in the city that has received this international recognition. The acclaimed wine list, with 150 Italian labels, will be expanded in the coming years to 500 labels of the best wines Italy has to offer.

Noordeinde 97 The Hague www.laliguria.nl

movie |

The Worst Person In The World | Joachim Trier Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier concludes his celebrated Oslo Trilogy with this dark romantic comedy, which follows 2006’s Reprise and 2011 Cannes favourite Oslo, August 31st. At the time of writing, it has also been shortlisted for the 2022 Academy Awards. For his conclusion, Trie has chosen one of the more challenging film genres, given the amount of tropes and conventions one must avoid to tell an original story, and by succeeding he has created one of the year’s truly original films.

Renate Riensve offers a star-making performance as Julie, a young woman in her 20s somewhat overwhelmed by the opportunities life has to offer.

Skipping from one career to the next, and going through relationships almost as quickly, her path to happiness seems hampered by her conviction that the grass is always greener on the other side.

On paper, this is a rather familiar premise that has been assembled poorly by many Hollywood filmmakers. Under Trier’s guidance, however, the story becomes something that feels human and relatable. Julie is flawed but in a way that isn’t played for laughter, but rather to understand the messiness of life and love. In one moment, she is asked by a new lover whether she is aware that what she is about to do with “destroy” her current relationship.

With wide eyes, and an earnest, uncomfortable grin, she replies “yes; of course”. The character is not an idealised heroine, but a portrait of human frailty that is both funny and understandable.

Perfectly matched with Riensve is Anders Danielson Lie as Aksel, a comic artist who is perfectly suited to Julie, but pushed away thanks to her restlessness. Aksel has his own problems, but then again don’t we all?

Despite the title, Trier is not in the business of judgment. The filmmaker objectively views every high and low, acknowledging that it is difficult for a generation where anything is truly possible, but that a self-destructive path is also not the way to navigate it.

The Worst Person In The World is a thoughtful, expressive take on young adulthood, made all the more surprising when framed through a genre that has a well-known blueprint. Expect to see more from Riensve in the future, and for this breakthrough role to become a cult favourite in many an arthouse cinema for years to come.

James Victoria Luxford

food |

Kellys Expat Shopping |

Online www.kellys-expat-shopping.nl

Amsterdam - The Hague & Wassenaar

Kellys Expat Shopping is the biggest British & American grocery store in the Netherlands. The company opened its first shop back in 2008 in The Hague and expanded further over the years. They are now based in Amsterdam, The Hague, Wassenaar, and online, shipping all across Europe. Kellys Expat Shopping is the onestop shop for all those that are missing a piece of home or are looking for products that are not available in normal grocery stores.

Locations: Ferdinand Bolstraat 139 1071 LG, Amsterdam Zoutmanstraat 22a 2518 GP, The Hague Luifelbaan 40-42 2242 KV, Wassenaar

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 29

26-01-2022 20:40

BOOST YOUR HEALTH WITH HOLLAND HEALTH CLINIC

Today, 86% of disease is chronic and lifestyle driven. Our certified physicians and team of medical specialists are trained in functional medicine, meaning they use nutrition, stress endurance, lifestyle

change,

and

cutting-edge

testing to help you balance your health and lifestyle and prevent disease while thriving in today’s fast paced world.

We are a clinic for preventative healthcare. With doctors who listen and understand your needs.

We offer state of-the-art Health Checks & Women Hormone Checks, personalised health, lifestyle and medical consults and guidance programs to a healthier you.

Consults

Checks

Guidance

• Vitality

• Health Check

• Health Control Program

• (Over)weight

- Regular

• Weight Control Program

• Cardiovascular disease

- Optimal

• Light Control Program

• Diabetes type 2

- Yearly

• App Control Program

• Rheumatism & Arthritis

• Hormone Checks

• Stress & Anxiety

- Pre & post pregnancy

• Skin & Hair issues

- After 40 yrs

• Fit for Surgery

• Nutrigen DNA Check

• After Cancer Care

EXTRA

SUPER INCENTIVE Let us help you to start and boost your health and lifestyle: Book a Health Check and receive a free Vitamin D check.

Use code: VITAMINTIME2022 when you book your appointment (valid till March ’22)

Talk to us: 020 210 1230 | Minervalaan 29, 1077 NL Amsterdam | www.hollandhealthclinic.com

HHC adv_CS.indd Boost Your THT1_2022 30 Health 264x398.indd 1

20-01-2022 17:26 26-01-2022 20:40

022 17:26

FEBRUARY 2022 | 31

SPORT

Ready or not, here we come!

On the 26th of January, flight KL823, a Boeing 777 went wheels up from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport carrying the hopes of a nation to Beijing and the 24th Games of the Winter Olympiad. In the on-again / off-again world of sports in the age of pandemic, the Winter Games will hopefully serve as a beacon of light to all and bear witness to the core of the Olympic movement: Citius, Altius, Fortius. The Beijing games will be different for a number of reasons, most of which are related to Covid-19 in one way or another. The aforementioned KLM flight, for example, will be tangible reminder of the gauntlet that awaits the Dutch delegation in the Chinese capital. Having already sequested themselves under the protocols established by the Dutch Olympic Federation, the athletes will be cordoned off in the plane away from any other passengers in the hope of avoiding any repeat of the infections possibly contracted on the flights to Tokyo last year for the Summer edition of the games.

The “Bubble Life” will likely continue unabated at least until they alight back into a Dutch registry aircraft for the flight back the Netherlands.

While several sports will begin their competitions on February 2, the Winter Games will officially commence with the Opening Ceremony on the 4th. Leading the Dutch team in the obligatory orange uniforms and carrying the flag will by Lindsay van Zundert, a figure skater and youngest member of the team and Kjeld Nuis, the 32 year old speed skater who will compete in the 1500 meter race.

As usual, the Dutch are expected to dominate the speed skating competition. The National Speed Skating Oval is the only new venue built on Beijing’s Olympic Green (the Olympic Park constructed for the 2008 Games) for the Winter Olympics. Coincidentally, the Oval, nicknamed “The Ice Ribbon”, was build on hallowed ground at least as far as the Dutch women athletes are concerned. The Dutch women’s field hockey team took the Gold Medal in the 2008 Summer Games on a pitch which occupied the same geography as the skating venue. The men’s hockey team, however, missed the podium taking fourth.

The Dutch speed skating team will once again be the odds-on favorites for most of the races. They dominated the competition in South Korea during the 2018 Games taking 7 gold and a total of 16 medals in Gangneung.

The team is a Tour de Force coming into Beijing razorsharp on the tail of a sometimes nerve-wracking Olympic Qualification Tournament. Seasoned veterans Sven Kramer and Irene Wüst, both taking part in their fifth Olympiad, will lead a talented team that may face more

THT1_2022 _CS.indd 31

opposition from airborne particles than any competitor in a speed suit with skates. Coming off a stellar performance at the qualification tournament, Irene Schouten will the one to watch as she set her sights on four podiums and looks to join Wüst as well as Yvonne van Gennip and Marianne Timmer as the latest Dutch Queen of the oval ice. Femke Kok will make her Olympic debut looking to turn heads in the 500 meter sprint, one of the few events not historically one of the strongest for the Dutch.

The National Speed Skating Oval is not the only venue where the Dutch are expected to have success on the ice. After hosting the volleyball tournament at the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Capital Indoor Stadium will stage the figure skating and short track speed skating competitions during the Winter Olympics. The short track competition holds promise for the Dutch team. Suzanne Schulting and Sjinkie Knecht will lead a formidable delegation that will look to improve on their impressive showing in South Korea four years ago where they finished second on the Medal table just being the host nation. Competition in 2022 will come not only from the 2018 hosts but the current hosts as well as it was China finishing third in the medal standings during the last edition of the Winter Games.

preferably together with youngsters, the short film made about Akwasi’s life entitled “Black Ice” which is now on YouTube.

The Winter Games will doubtless be followed closely here in the Netherlands, including sports that the Dutch are not participants in such as biathlon, curling, ice hockey and everyone’s (well almost everyone’s) favorite, ski jumping. Once again, cable TV subscribers will have some of the best coverage in the world with not only the national broadcasters of the Netherlands (NOS), but Great Britain (BBC) and Germany (ZDF) proving extensive live action.

Pan-European broadcaster Eurosport will also be offering non-stop coverage and for less than 10 Euros, a month’s subscription to their app will ensure that you do not miss a moment of the action.

Let the Games begin!

Written by John Mahnen

The Dutch Olympic team will feature several novelties including two participants in the Alpine skiing competitions. Adriana Jelinkova and Maarten Meiners will strap on their ski and be the first Olympic downhill racers to represent the Netherlands in 70 years. Their participation will bring the total number of sports with Dutch representation to 7, besting by far the previous reocrd of 4. The Dutch team features entries in two new medal events: the ‘monobob’ or one man bobsled and a mixed relay in the short track skating competition.

One of the biggest disappointments of the 2022 games has already occurred even before the Opening Ceremonies. Akwasi Frimpong is a Winter Olympic skeleton athlete. The accomplished sledder holds both Dutch and Ghanian nationalities, competing for the latter. Through a cruel twist of pandemic fate, he was unable to compete in a tournament last December in German and thereby improve his ranking to Olympic Qualification levels. Baring a miracle at the IOC and or federation level, he will miss the Olympics, nullifying his chance of becoming the first African to win a Winter Games medal. We can small solace in the fact that while we will likely not see him hurtling at death-defying speed down the ice chute in China, we can all watch,

27-01-2022 09:43

TO DISCOVER THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL

TO PROVIDE THE PATHWAY

EERDE INTERNATIONAL BOARDING SCHOOL NETHERLANDS

curriculum:

• Day school, flexible and full boarding options • Internationally accredited Primary and Secondary education • Unique and stimulating learning environment • Highly qualified educational staff accreditations:

official partner of:

www.eerde.nl • admission@eerdeibs.nl THT1_2022 _CS.indd 32

26-01-2022 20:41