The Holland Times June 2023

here can n he an i es

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5 Healthcare staff in hospitals receive a new collective labour agreement

Changes to payment service iDeal after buy-out

7 umber of fatalities in traffic accidents increased by a uarter in Groningen recei es billion euros in compensation for earth uake damage

9 Time to focus on young Netherland’s mental health

Free childcare plan postponed for two years

11

13

One in 25 Dutch households has assets of more than 1 million euros

Schiphol luggage auction hits the big time

New regulations to limit gambling advertisements the first circular department store in the world

15 Housing news 17 Kazachstan 19

COLOPHON

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

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Contributors

Marla Thomson, Molly Fitz, Zuzanna Kuffel, James Turrell, Tracey Martin, Lorre Luther, John Mahnen, Bárbara Luque Alanis, Benjamin Roberts, Stephen Swai, Nicole Kerr, Priyanka Sharma, Parul Sachdeva, Anastasiia Myronenko, Toss Group & Von Poll

Editor Roselaar Tekstadvies

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Healthcare staff in hospitals receive a new collective labour agreement

After several months of negotiations, it is now final: healthcare staff in hospitals will enter a new collective labour agreement (collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst or CAO, in Dutch). This means higher salaries, decreased work pressure, a better balance between personal life and work, and other changes in working conditions.

It is not surprising that the recent inflation has urged many workers, institutions, companies and trade unions to revise the current wages and working conditions. A series of negotiations has been conducted in different sectors to ensure the adequacy of the salaries for the current financial situation. This process took months for the healthcare sector, resulting in the new collective labour agreement. This agreement will be effective retroactively, starting from 1 February 2023.

According to the new labour agreement, healthcare workers are expected to receive up to a 15% increase in salary (7.5% in the first year of the agreement term and the rest in the second). An initiative has also been proposed to decrease work pressure, improve the balance between work and personal life, and prioritize the workers with a permanent contract when creating schedules. Those workers who are scheduled for emergency or on-call shifts will get a fixed extra payment or extra free hours. The agreement also takes steps

towards making healthcare jobs more attractive for young people. An increasing number of retirements is expected in the sector in the next few years. That is why learners’ salaries will be raised by 400 euros within the next two years. In total, more than 200.000 healthcare workers in hospitals and rehabilitation centres will benefit from the new agreement.

The new agreement was reached at the beginning of April and was subsequently revised by healthcare workers’ unions and hospitals for about three weeks. As a result, more than three-quarters of union members have voted in favour of the agreement. The terms of the agreement were reached, first and foremost, with the welfare of the workers in mind. Nevertheless, even though the overall working conditions of hospital staff are expected to become more favourable than before, the trade unions will remain alert in the face of potential new challenges. The persisting high burden of a healthcare job, and the well-being of the workers must be monitored at all times, according to the trade union representatives.

The labour agreement for hospital personnel affects a higher number of workers than those in other sectors. In general, however, other sectors have also seen the tendency to increase salaries due to inflation. Twenty-four new collective

labour agreements have been reached lately, and all offer an increase in salary of at least 5%. Several branches, such as cleaning and homecare, are expected to review their labour agreements soon to match the income to the rise in prices. It seems that employers are largely understanding of the requirements of the workers and unions, and often a compromise is reached.

Although hospital workers at first demanded an immediate salary increase of 10%, the reaction of the workers to the final agreement is still positive, as reflected by the fact that 75% of them voted in favour of the new agreement. They appreciate the changes in work conditions and the recognition of their hard work. They also find it important that the workers will have more say in their

schedule and vacation planning. Despite some criticism of how much and how fast the salaries will increase, there seems to be an understanding that the financial investment has to remain reasonable for the hospitals. It is primarily their responsibility to decide how to allocate their budget and where to find the money for it, but hospital representatives hope to get some help from the insurance companies and the government. According to the chairman of the Dutch Association of Hospitals, hundreds of millions of euros need to be added to what the hospitals are able to cover in terms of the labour agreement. So far, these discussions are still ongoing, and more groundwork has to be done to arrange this.

Written by Anastasiia Myronenko

Changes to payment service iDeal after buy-out

The acquisition of the Dutch payment service iDeal by the European Payments Initiative (EPI) and its technology supplier Payconiq has recently been making waves in the European payment industry. It marks a new chapter in the history of the payment system, as for years, iDeal has been a successful payment method in the Netherlands, but its expansion into other European countries has been limited.

This buyout could potentially lay the foundation for a pan-European payment network that can compete with American payment giants like Visa and Mastercard, o ering an international payment system.

Takeo

iDeal was established in 2004 by ABN AMRO, Rabobank and ING, with ambitions to expand through Europe. Today, iDeal is the most used payment method on the internet in the Netherlands, enabling consumers to make online payments directly from their bank accounts, without the need for credit cards or other payment methods. On an annual basis, it handles 1.2 billion transactions, as 70% of all online purchases are settled with the system.

However, iDeal’s introduction in other European countries was not successful. ‘We always had a European ambition, but working across borders from a purely Dutch solution is di cult,’ says Daniël van Delft, CEO of Currence, the consortium of Dutch banks that manages electronic payment systems in the Netherlands. Van Delft hopes that the recent acquisition by EPI will be the takeo point for iDeal’s European breakthrough.

Internationally acclaimed

Currently, the payment system of the Dutch banks has generated international interest but has not yet been

implemented in other European countries. However, the purchase of iDeal by EPI, an initiative with shareholders such as Credit Agricole, Deutsche Bank and BNP Paribas, could change this by developing a pan-European payment network with iDeal as a key component.

EPI is working on a digital wallet for payments, similar to Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as systems for direct payments from account to account. The first service that EPI plans to o er is a peer-to-peer payment system, similar to Tikkie, which will launch in France and Germany by the end of this year, with plans for expansion to other European countries in the future. Eventually, payments in physical shops will also be possible.

An iDeal buy-out

The parties involved in the acquisition have not disclosed the financial details yet, and regulators still need to approve the takeover. However, the three Dutch banks will remain co- shareholders as they are part of EPI. The acquisition of iDeal is a significant step for EPI, as it expands its current wallet o ering, which enables bank customers to conduct transactions between di erent accounts. EPI’s future plans include providing electronic identification services, deferred payment and loyalty programs.

The takeover was a complex transaction due to the involvement of several partners in the three initiatives, as noted by the parties involved. CEO Martina Weimert expects the acquisition of iDeal to attract even more partners to EPI.

Changes to come

For Dutch users of the payment system, nothing will change for the time being. However, iDeal can potentially revolutionize the payment industry for European users

by o ering a more e cient and secure payment option. ‘It is possible that the name will change in the long term, but it can also remain iDeal,’ according to a spokesperson for Currence. Only after the integration with EPI is complete will the brand change, but that process will take several years.

The acquisition by EPI is a significant step towards creating a pan-European payment network that can compete with American payment giants Visa and Mastercard. Thus, the acquisition of iDeal will definitely have an impact on the payment industry.

In conclusion, with iDeal as a key component, EPI’s future plans will provide consumers with access to a more e cient and secure payment method, while merchants can expect lower transaction fees and faster payment processing times. As the integration with EPI takes place over the next few years, it remains to be seen how iDeal will evolve and what impact it will have on the European payment landscape. However, at first glance, it seems like a step in the right direction.

Written by Bárbara Luque Alanís

um er o atalities in tra fic accidents increased a uarter in

The number of people killed in road accidents rose by more than a quarter in 2022: from the number was up by 155 to reach 737, the highest since 2008. This information has been shared by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Forty per cent of people killed on the road last year were of cyclists, while 30 per cent were of car users. In numbers, this is 291 cyclists and 255 car users. The number of fatal accidents increased the most among those over 60 years of age. Last year, 54 per cent of deaths were among those of 60 years and above. Children constituted a small percentage of deaths, at only 3 per cent. Gender-wise, in the last year, 522 men were killed in road accidents compared to 215 women.

Half of the cyclists died as a result of collisions with delivery cars. In a quarter of cases, the deaths were not caused by collision, but other reasons. Some of these include collapsing (e.g. through a heart attack) while commuting, steering errors, slippery road surfaces and or feet being tangled in the spokes of a bike. More than two-thirds of these casualties were among people above 70 years of age.

Region-wise, North Brabant is the most dangerous area, with 140 road casualties, followed by South Holland, Gelderland and North Holland. All of these provinces recorded an increase in road casualties. For example, in North Holland, the number of victims increased from 88 to 93. In the province of Utrecht, the number of road fatalities fell, but in Drenthe, Overijssel and Zeeland, the number doubled compared to 2021.

‘Considering the fact that over the past ten years, the figures of road safety have not shown a downward trend, last year’s sharp increase in the number of road deaths has thrown back road safety by 14 to 15 years,’

said Martin Damen, Director of the Institute of Road Safety Research. The minister of Infrastructure Mark Harbers said that the increase was not unexpected, but it was alarming. ‘The number of road casualties must be reduced by making roads and cycle paths safer,’ said the minister. 50 million euros is being channelled into innovative measures for bicycle safety, while 200 million euros will go to national highways in the next few years.

In 2018, the government, provinces, municipalities and civil organizations presented an action plan to drastically reduce the number of road deaths. The goal was to have zero deaths by 2030. However, a report titled Choosing or Sharing, released last year by the Institute of Road Safety Research, showed that it would be hard to halve

the number of road casualties and that to do so additional measures need to be implemented.

Effective measures that are needed to reverse the trend are not always the easiest measures or the ones that gain a lot of support. It is up to politicians to be aware of the urgency and to set priorities in this respect. In the 1990s, this urgency took shape in the emphatic Sustainable Safety policy, with money for effective measures. However, after that, the urgency seemed to fade away. The Institute of Road Safety Research suggested some measures to help with the problem. These included improving cycling safety, which could cause major momentum in increasing safety. Others were creating a safer cycling infrastructure, the compulsory use of bicycle helmets, speed-reducing measures for cars (such as reducing the maximum speed for cars from 50 to 30 km/h in built-up areas), and double the amount of speed cameras to improve enforcement.

Paul Broer, Traffic Portfolio Holder at the National Police, said that municipalities and provinces should think more about what they can do to improve road safety. He noted some of the areas of focus to be on the lighting of local roads and the creation of cycle paths. Due to the presence of more and more different types of bicycles, especially new and fast electrical bikes, the question is whether the cycle paths are adequate to house these faster bikes together with traditional ones. Broer also called for more national information campaigns around the holidays, specifically aimed at driving under the influence. ‘Even if you were to save only two drivers from a serious accident, you would already have done a big job,’ concluded Broer.

Written by Stephen Swai

ronin en recei es illion euros in compensation or earth ua e dama e

The province of Groningen has the largest natural gas field in Europe and one of the biggest in the world. Discovered in 1959, it greatly contributed to the welfare of the Dutch state, becoming central to the energy supply in the Netherlands. Gas extraction in Groningen in total brought 363 billion euros to the Dutch national treasury. The extraction of natural gas in the Groningen area for several decades played a key role in the Netherlands’ energy supply. However, with time the downsides outweighed the benefits.

Three decades of earthquakes

Gas extraction led to subsidence and from the 1990s onwards was accompanied by earthquakes. The earthquake that occurred in Groningen in December 1991 had a magnitude of 2.4 on the Richter scale. These types of earthquakes are classified as minor and were only felt by some people, but do not cause damage to buildings. However, the earthquakes have become stronger over time. The Huizinge Earthquake in August 2012 had a magnitude of 3.6. At that time, the State Mining Authority predicted that future earthquakes in the area could become stronger, reaching up to 5 points on the Richter scale.

In response, the government started to limit gas extraction in Groningen from 2014 onwards. Four years later, when Henk Kamp was replaced by Eric Wiebes as the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, the government decided that gas extraction in the Groningen field would stop in 2030 at the latest. These plans were later refined. Currently, the Groningen field is only used as a very last resort, for example, if the energy supply to households or hospitals is at risk. The government aims to definitively close the Groningen field in the autumn of 2023 or 2024 at the latest.

Groningers before gas

The end of the gas extraction is necessary not just for safety. The earthquakes not only severely damaged many buildings, but also caused a lot of stress and trauma for the residents of the affected areas. In theory, they were owed monetary compensation for the damage, but the government was slow in handling their claims and actually restoring their homes often turned out to be impossible.

In February 2021, the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) installed a parliamentary committee of inquiry into the extraction of natural gas in Groningen to carry out an in-depth investigation into the decision-making process surrounding the extraction of natural gas in the Groningen region, the earthquakes, the handling of damage claims and the reinforcement of houses in the area. Two years later, in February 2023, the committee presented its report titled Groningers before Gas. The main conclusion was that the interests of the people of Groningen have been structurally ignored during

gas extraction in that province, which had disastrous consequences. ‘Redeeming the debt of honour starts with putting the interests of the people of Groningen first,’ said committee chair Tom van der Lee.

50 measures and compensation

On 25 April Prime Minister Mark Rutte and State Secretary for the Extractive Industries Hans Vijlbrief presented an extensive package of measures to compensate Groningen residents for years of earthquakes. Most importantly, over the next 30 years, the government will allocate 22 billion euros for the area of Groningen and northern Drenthe. The government formulated 50 measures that focus on four main areas: damage control, recovery and sustainability, social and mental well-being, and economic perspective. Some of the measures also aim to strengthen the government’s service to society.

From now on, damage up to 40,000 euros will be reimbursed without having to prove that it was cause by gas extraction. The government also expands the area where people do not have to demonstrate that earthquake damage was caused by gas extraction. Across 30 years the government will also try to bring employment and school dropout rates in the earthquake areas to the national average. More attention will be paid to mental and social recovery. For example, earthquake coaches will be available for the residents in all municipalities in the area affected by gas extraction.

The government also wants to strengthen the long-term economic perspective for the affected regions. This, among other actions, will involve investing in hydrogen and offshore wind farms.

Written by Zuzanna Kuffel

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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.

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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.

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

Dream of building a strong nation? Time to focus on young people’s mental health

As per GGD GHOR Nederland’s survey, among 16- to 25-year-olds in the Netherlands, one out of five felt depressed and/or had suicidal thoughts about ending their lives during the Covid period. The aftermath of the pandemic is still felt, and continues to impact the mental health and well-being of children and youth for years. The survey filled out by more than 50,000 young adults from April to August 2022.

It was noted that throughout the pandemic, young adults had limited access to support from social services due to Covid measures. Loneliness, uncertainty and negative thoughts triggered by Covid left each of us angry, afraid and stressed. The pandemic not only blanketed everyone with the fear of getting infected, lockdowns, death of loved ones, working from home, online classes, financial crisis, and job losses, but also brought a growing mental health crisis to our notice. Young adults were no exception. In fact, they are the ones who are still feeling the highest impact. They seem reluctant to seek support for mental stress, or find it difficult to access. According to the latest available estimates, one out of seven young adults globally is estimated to experience some form of mental illness as depression, substance abuse, mood disturbances, eating disorders and suicidal behaviors.

Today’s youth will be tomorrow’s builders, creators, leaders, investors and guides. Thus, contributing to their well-being can prove to be one of the significant endeveours. As any other developmental priority, paying attention to youth mental health can be a great driving force for socioeconomic progress. Now that the world has begun taking baby steps to return to normal after a gap of almost two years, it is crucial to keep an eye on any signs of mental health issues amongst children and young adults and provide immediate help in case of need.

Situations cannot be improved overnight or by an individual’s efforts. We as a society must come forward to

mobilize efforts in support of mental health. We all must realize the importance of raising awareness and sharing resources with anyone affected by mental illness, so that everyone can live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Following are some the effective ways to show support to others who are struggling.

Time is the key

People suffering from mental stress often are not ready to talk about their feelings. Time and space are two magic pills that can help them to open up about mental health.

Listening works magically

If you wish to make a big impact, allow your friends or loved ones to discuss their feelings in an open environment. Don’t just hear the words the other person is saying. Try to listen to the message that they are trying to communicate.

Encouragement is infectious

Mental illness can make people feel isolated and misunderstood. Due to stigma, many people hesitate to talk about mental health. A few words of encouragement – ‘I am here no matter what’ or ‘help is available’ – can go a long way to help them feel better and actively do something about it.

Offer help

Avoid diagnosing or giving them advice beyond your knowledge – let professionals take command. Just listen to them, let them know that you are always available and love them no matter what. Forcing treatment can make things worse, but remember to seek immediate help if they are showing reluctance to get better or having suicidal thoughts. If you feel there is a risk of immediate danger or anyone suffering from depression, you can call Suicide Prevention on 0800-0113 any time.

Keep a continuous check on them

Invite them to events or simple hangouts so they feel inclusive and welcoming. The more alone time they have, the more depressing thoughts will haunt their minds. Provide resources to seek professional help. If your loved one is willing to seek help, be available with all the resources they would need.

Written by Parul Sachdeva

Free childcare plan postponed for two years

The rollout of nearly cost-free daycare is being delayed by the cabinet by two years. Instead of 2025, the new system will only go into action in 2027. Following a cabinet meeting, minister Karien van Gennip of Social Affairs stated that the allowance will rise ‘significantly’ in a number of smaller steps.

Van Gennip describes the challenges as follows: ‘You see in the market that there are a lot of personnel shortages, that places are not being filled, that there are long waiting lists and that quality is under pressure here and there.’

Thus, if supply does not keep up with demand, prices may increase.

There was already talk of extending the deadline. Players both inside and outside the industry are issuing warnings about a surge in demand for the already short-staffed industry. It was previously stated by the prospective implementing groups that they would not reach the 2025 deadline.

The process in stages

A ‘a step-by-step introduction’ has therefore been chosen. Van Gennip asserts that this is preferable as ‘you give the market two years to fill the demand’. Van Gennip commissioned research on the sector’s market forces and the potential effects of the planned system reform at the request of the House of Representatives.

Van Gennip will examine various measures to ensure good quality and accessibility for all parents, following the recommendations from those reports. These actions can include tariff regulation, whether temporary or not, as well as extending the right of assistance for parents and quality monitoring.

By raising the surcharge within the current system in 2025 and 2026, it is intended to boost demand more gradually. The distribution of this additional subsidy among applicant households is not yet known. The first costs for the new system, which will cost €2.2 billion fundamentally, were €1.6 billion in 2025 and €2.0 billion in 2026, respectively. When questioned, Van Gennip responded that those sums will not be spent exclusively on boosting the supplements; part of it goes back to parents.

To raise demand in a manageable way, Van Gennip will examine which income groups should receive a greater allowance. The maximum allowance, 96% of the maximum hourly rate determined by the government,

is already given to households with the lowest incomes. Everyone is entitled to the same amount under the new system, and the daycare receives the subsidy directly. This is intended to prevent problems as occurred in the childcare allowance scandal, where parents had to pay back thousands of euros they had supposedly received in error.

Gradual increases in allowances should prevent childcare fees from soaring, owing to scarcity of places. After all, daycare facilities are permitted to charge more than the maximum hourly fee for which the government will pay. The lowest salaries cannot afford daycare even with their full stipend, since parents must cover the entire difference.

Lowering costs

The cabinet will utilise the ‘cheese slicer method’ to make cuts across practically all ministries to close the gaps in the national budget. Due to the conflict in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense is exempt. The STAP budget a fund of €200 million per year, aimed at retraining workers and job seekers, will disappear two years after its inception as a result of the budget cuts. One of the most significant departments in terms of expenditures, the Ministry of Health, is also making reductions.

With the latest round of cuts, Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag is tightening the screws, but the overall result is that the budget deficit will once more fall below 3% of GDP. Kaag is anticipated to inform the House of Representatives that tax increases for wealthy individuals and businesses may be considered in the autumn, around Prinsjesdag. Insiders claim that efforts have been taken to limit the citizens’ suffering as much as possible: ‘That worked out pretty well, if you look at the gap in the budget.’

Written by Nicole Bea Kerr

© Anthony Tran - Unsplash

© Markus Spiske - Unsplash

One in 25 Dutch households has assets of more than 1 million euros

In the board-game Monopoly the player that lands on Boardwalk first and shells out 400 dollars to buy it, and then later scoops up Park Place for 350, usually wins the game. Based on a report from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), that strategy works in the real-life monopoly game too. For the year 2021, CBS reported a total of 317,000 Dutch households with assets of more than one million euros, which is up 32,000 from 2020. It is the seventh consecutive year of growth in the number of millionaire households, meaning that one in every 25 households has assets of more than a million euros.

On average, the assets of Dutch millionaire households remained the same at 1.6 million euros compared to a year earlier. According to CBS, almost two out of three millionaires have assets between one and two million euros, which include the value of the homes they live in and any mortgage debt. This indicates their wealth is based on the current sale price of their home; in financial investors’ terms, they are ‘paper millionaires’.

Paper millionaires

In 2022, real estate prices increased by 21%, which means if someone bought a house twenty or thirty years ago for under a million, they are likely to have reached the status of a millionaire-household through inflation and surging real estate prices. According to the Dutch daily De Volkskrant, the real-life Boardwalk in the Netherlands today is the small town of

Bloemendaal, where more than half of the homes are valued at more than a million. The town of Laren comes in second as Park Place, with half of its homes valued at a million. Blaricum, Wassenaar and Heemstede follow with about 42 percent. With more than 1,400 homes valued at more than a million euros, the Statenkwartier district of The Hague is the neighbourhood in the Netherlands with the most million-euro homes. The most expensive street in the country is Konijnenlaan in Wassenaar, where the average value of a home is 3.3 million euros. In Amsterdam the priciest homes are on Keizersgracht: 600 properties are valued at more than a million, followed by the Prinsengracht with almost 500, Valeriusstraat in Amsterdam-Zuid with 350, Herengracht with 300, and Johannes Verhulststraat with more than 250.

Frenzied real-estate market

So, back to the Monopoly game. Even the owner of Baltic Avenue, who in the 1970s and 1980s bought their home for three or four hundred thousand euros, will have a million-euro house today, and be a paper millionaire. The frenzied Dutch real estate market and increasing number of paper millionaires is part of a global phenomenon. According to Forbes Magazine in April 2023, the US real estate market, as well as that in other western countries, has risen dramatically since 2013 due to low interest rates. Only in the last two years has the Fed in the US raised interest rates, which has brought down the prices of homes, and then lowered

them again, preventing the market from collapsing.

There is also another issue at hand. In the US, as well as in the Netherlands, in recent years, underbuilding has added to the spike in real estate prices. In the last decade around 650,000 new homes were built every year in the US, while from 1960 until 2007 that number hovered around 949,000 annually. The Netherlands is also dealing with a housing shortage, as fewer new homes have been built due to stricter regulations concerning nitrogen

emissions, together with a shortage of building materials. The housing shortage is not expected to be made up before 2031. These factors, together with a growing population – the country is expected to have a population of 18 million by 2024, and 19 million by 2035 –mean that in the long run, housing prices in the Netherlands might fluctuate but are not likely to drop significantly, and the number of paper millionaire households will not either.

Written by Benjamin Roberts

Schiphol luggage auction hits the big time

Every year for over a decade, Schiphol Airport has held auctions giving anyone with the time and interest the opportunity to bid on luggage and other items left behind by travelers. The auctions have become incredibly popular in the wake of the baggage chaos experienced by travelers last year, when thousands of bags piled up due to luggage handling issues. Auction house De Eland organizes the event, held four times per year, on behalf of the airport. This year’s first installment took place during the last week of April and saw participants bid thousands of euros for the right to take home carts full of luggage in hopes of finding hidden treasure.

Schiphol keeps lost items worth less than €450 for three months before sending them on to be auctioned. It holds on to expensive electronic products for a bit longer – 13 months. Identifying information is removed before unclaimed items are forwarded to the auction house. Proceeds belong to the airport, and De Eland charges a 30% fee.

Bids aren’t placed on individual bags during these auctions, but rather on carts containing multiple pieces of luggage or found items. Participants are permitted to tour the warehouse and view the carts a few hours before the big event to

determine what lots they’re interested in. Looking inside individual bags, however, is strictly prohibited. Winners only discover what they’ve purchased after getting their loot home and digging through their finds. But some carts contain a mixture of loose items that can easily be seen. This year a Seqway, books, jewelry, sneakers, clothes and, of course, bags were part of the lots. Carts containing items such as knives and scissors were the most popular and attracted the highest bids. Bidding this year started at €400, but some lots went for much as €2600. Lots with just bags of luggage were less in demand – most went for between €500 and €800.

Most of the items involved in the auction were left behind by travelers. The vast majority of bags that were “lost” this summer were eventually returned to their owners by various airline companies and probably didn’t make it into the auction. But bidders still lined up, hoping to find treasures such as laptops, expensive watches, necklaces and rings tucked away in unclaimed bags. Auction regulars such as traders often purchase lots and resell items such as designer clothes, jewelry and even electronic devices online. Some have even found expensive headphones and nice sums of cash.

The popularity of these auctions has been steadily rising, according to many who’ve been attending for years. Last-year’s baggage chaos may only be one factor driving increased attendance. Bloggers such as Enzo Knol, who posts videos of

himself participating in auctions and sharing his finds, have also contributed to the trend. Auctions have even hit the small screen. The Travel Channel hosted a five-season docudrama, Baggage Battles, that followed experts as they traveled the world participating in luggage and estate auctions and discovering rare finds. The time of year may also have boosted the number of first-time visitors, as some treated the event as a fun school vacation activity. But those who have been heading to these auctions for years aren’t terribly enthusiastic about the sudden attention, as newcomers often drive prices up, offering more than most dealers can comfortably compete with. ‘You often don’t earn more than €800 on a cart,’ says professional trader Jan Verpoorten.

Schiphol isn’t the only airport that auctions off unclaimed baggage and items left behind; these events are actually popular in the United States. Bargain hunters can take advantage of similar opportunities in the United Kingdom. However, valuables are removed from bags before auction in the United Kingdom, taking away the potential for really big scores. Sydney Airport also regularly holds lost item auctions. Proceeds from this year’s event went to a local women’s shelter. There were more than 3000 items up for grabs during the auction, including an air fryer, a circular saw and even a hedge trimmer. Plenty of cameras, Bluetooth speakers and even a violin were also on offer.

Written by Lorre Luther

© Belinda Fewings - Unsplash

HOME SWEET HOME LUXURY LIVING IN AMSTERDAM-ZUID

Imagine…

Living in the greenest suburb of Amsterdam. A quiet, green oasis in the busy capital. You can relax and exert yourself when you want to, not because the environment is chasing you. ere is plenty to do for every age, and the o er is wide, from activities in Amsterdamse Bos to shopping at Gelderlandplein which are both in -very- close proximity.

is could be your new reality when living in Résidence L’Etoile and Résidence La Palissade. Each home excels in luxury design choices, including a high-quality kitchen and tiled bathroom(s) creating a comfortable atmosphere. With apartments varying from 80 to 200 square meters, you will have ample space for you and your family.

Both o er underground parking, yet each building has their own unique facilities. And we haven’t even mentioned the amazing views yet. ose, you nééd to see for yourself.

If you would like further information about the apartments, availabilities, or book an appointment with the letting agents, please visit our websites:

Résidence L’Etoile | www. letoileamsterdam.nl

Résidence La Palissade | www.la-palissade.nl

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New regulations to limit gambling advertisements

In April the Dutch government announced a series of measures to limit advertising for online gambling. The ban focuses on gambling advertising within Dutch football and includes the striking decision to ban all shirt sponsorship of Eredivisie teams by betting companies. The move comes amid increasing concerns on the relationship between advertising and gambling addiction; the announcement follows a consultation by the government on how to regulate the industry.

The initial set of restrictions are to come into force on 1 July; this will include the complete banning of gambling advertisements on television, radio and in public spaces such as billboards. Companies will still be permitted to advertise on the internet and ondemand television, but with very strict stipulations. Gambling companies who wish to advertise on social media will need to demonstrate that their marketing does not reach people aged 24 and under, and there can be no targeted advertising either, as this age bracket is already protected from receiving targeted adverts under Dutch law. The regulations also state that people should be allowed to optout of seeing gambling advertisements on social media.

The major new regulations will have a staggered introduction, allowing existing sponsorship contracts to be honoured. Sponsorship of television shows and events will be legal until 1 July 2024, while

sports-based sponsorship will be accepted until the same date in 2025. This includes the shirt sponsorship and of events, such as the gambling firm TOTO’s sponsorship of the KNVB Beker, the Dutch FA Cup.

Franc Weerwind, Minister of Justice, said in a statement: ‘The government has a duty to protect vulnerable groups against the risks of online games of chance. Through this ban, vulnerable groups, in particular youths, will see this advertising less and we limit the temptation to start playing high-risk games of chance.’

The announcement was received positively by many, including opposition MPs such Michiel van Nispen of the Socialist Party and Mirjam Bikker, leader of the Christian Union party. Van Nispen stated: ‘I am pleased that the ban on untargeted advertising for high-risk games of chance is finally coming into effect. We see that it is risky to encourage people to gamble online because it can cause problems, for people and society.’ Bikker was slightly blunter in her approval, tweeting: ‘Another step in the fight against the money-hungry gambling industry – and finally get rid of those annoying advertisements.’

However, there were dissenting voices.

Helma Lodders, head of the gambling industry trade associate VNLOK, said in a statement: ‘The decision ignores the importance of advertising and ignores the social responsibility that providers

already take.’ KNVB, the Dutch football association, is also against the new regulations. The ban has the potential to cost Dutch clubs €40 to 70 million in sponsorship money.

Online gambling only became legal in October 2021, following the passing of the Gambling Act, which included new provisions for online gambling advertising. While the Dutch government keeps no official statistics for the number of gambling addicts in the Netherlands, the gambling addiction clinic Hervitas has reported a 50% increase in referrals in the last 18 months. A study by Ipsos suggested that the number of gambling addicts may not be increasing, but the amount of

debt accrued by addicts has increased, suggesting an increase in the severity of gambling addiction society-wide.

The Dutch government has acted quickly to stem the potential explosion of gambling addiction that occurs in countries such as the UK, where last week a paper was released outlining its own set of regulations related to gambling advertising. While the relationship between the rise of gambling advertising and addiction is currently unknown in the Netherlands, the director of Hervitas Fred Sleutel stated: ‘It’s obvious that these two things have something to do with each other.’

Written by James Turrell

TOMO: the first circular department store in the world

Earlier this year, the Netherlands gained bragging rights to being the first country in the world with a circular department store: TOMO, short for Tomorrow, in Westfield Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam. The 1000 square meter department store offers everything, from clothing to skincare to cleaning supplies. What makes TOMO different from other retail chains is that it offers not just sustainable but circular products. What are circular products?

Circular products are those that operate within the circular economy model. For the longest of times, humans have lived with the take-make-dispose mentality. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of the United Nations, the world has finally woken up to the fact that our current way of living is not sustainable, but is in fact accelerating the death of our planet.

Circular economy takes its learnings from nature; where there is no landfill and nothing is ever wasted. Things grow, things get eaten, things die and return to the soil safely. The aim of a circular economy is to introduce the same cyclicality in our production-consumption cycle: replace the take-make-waste economy with source responsibly-make-use-return-refurbish/recycle/renewreuse.

While there are plenty of brands that offer sustainable products, there aren’t many places where you can physically try or even see them before buying – most of these products are sold online. When it comes to preloved clothes, there are not many physical stores; most of the business is conducted via apps and websites. It often leaves the consumers, especially those new to circular consumption, quite overwhelmed due to the availability of so many options. Many find the whole ordeal too stressful and time-consuming and call it quits even before they have begun.

TOMO is bridging the gap between the customers and the sustainable products, making sustainable shopping the new normal. It is not just a department store but an experience centre, making a point that recycled doesn’t mean shabby and vintage doesn’t mean old. An ecofriendly liquid cleaner can smell and work as good, if not better than the one riddled with harmful chemicals. The store is designed tastefully, giving the customers time and space to enjoy and sample these products. The staff is very knowledgeable and the store is transparent about the origin of the products and the manufacturing processes. While TOMO is representing its house brand, it has also given home to plenty of other sustainable names. It offers everything from skincare, bath products, home décor and even some clothing.

TOMO is the brainchild of founder and CEO Marjan Haselhoff, who wants to give people a sustainable alternative to fashion, and hopefully make an end to fast fashion. Buy beautiful things and contribute to making the world a better place at the same time. When it comes to clothing, you can expect to find some tasteful yet trendy things here, but they also carry a price tag to match. This is where the store offers its most unique service. If you do not want to buy a dress fearing you will only get to wear it once, you can rent it! If you do end up buying clothes here, you get free repairs for up to 5 years from the date of purchase. And if you have clothes that you don’t wear anymore, TOMO will happily take them off your hands and recycle them responsibly.

TOMO plans on opening several other stores around the Netherlands and eventually an online store as well. Whether you end up buying anything or not, the store is well worth a visit even just for inspiration.

Written by Priyanka Sharma

Changing laws and regulations for rental properties in the Netherlands

The Dutch government has announced major changes for rental housing rentals. These changes will greatly affect residential landlords and tenants. In this article, we take a closer look at the new rules and how they will affect the rental market.

In recent years, residential property rents in the Netherlands have risen considerably. To halt this rise, a new law that should better protect tenants from skyrocketing rents is scheduled to take effect from 2024. From then on, the rental price of a large portion of the houses in the free sector will also be determined on the basis of the quality of the rental home by means of a point system, the housing valuation system (‘WWS’).

New liberalization limit 2024

Currently, the WWS only applies to social housing. On February 27th 2023 a bill was introduced for consultation to extend the WWS to middle segment housing. If this passes and the bill takes effect on January 1st 2024, a maximum rent will also apply to houses up to 187 WWS points. These 187 points is equivalent to a monthly rent of approximately EUR 1,100.

Changes to the WWS system

There will also be changes in the WWS point valuation. For example, more points will be awarded for outdoor spaces such as gardens and roof terraces. In addition, homes with higher energy performance labels will receive more WWS points. This makes insulating and making houses more sustainable a serious consideration for property owners to optimize rents for the WWS points 2024.

Consequences

As a result of the above plans, there is a fear that the number of rental properties is rapidly decreasing, causing the opposite effect. From the market we hear that many private landlords currently feel compelled to sell their rental properties, because renting out will soon no longer be profitable. At the same time, demand is only increasing, causing rental prices to rise. It is our expectation you will see this particularly in cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam.

It is not yet clear who will be responsible for monitoring compliance with rent regulation, but it is expected that this will lie with the municipalities. Residential landlords will soon have to be able to prove that the agreed rent is correct with the new WWS point count, for every lease concluded after January 1st 2024.

TOSS in Holland

TOSS in Holland offers a wide range of services related to Global hiring, working and moving to the Netherlands. Not only the road to The Netherlands but also assistance in settling and living in The Netherlands is part of our services.

If you seek appropriate advice on upcoming changes in the WWS points system, the TOSS Housing agents are here to help.

And if you are looking for a estate agent, TOSS housing has a large network of property owners and fellow real estate agents which could be very helpful for you and possibly your ticket to your dream place of stay or to find your new tenant(s).

TOSS is here to help!!

www.tossinholland.com/housing

Trends in the market for newly built homes

Newly built homes have traditionally been an attractive option for home seekers. These brand-new homes are low-maintenance, more sustainable and therefore generally cheaper in the long term. Because the market is constantly changing, in this article we highlight a few trends that will influence the position of new-build homes in the market in the near future.

Sustainability

The building regulations for new construction projects regarding energy efficiency and environmental requirements are very strict and therefore result in particularly sustainable homes. Good insulation, triple glazing, solar panels and a heat pump are the new, high standard. These requirements will be closely monitored in 2023. Investing in a new home means investing in a pleasant and healthy living environment and a positive effect on the energy bill.

Prices

The current high prices for building materials and raw materials are increasing the costs for new-build homes. A study by ING Research shows that prices of building materials have risen by almost 20% in the past year. However, the biggest rise seems to be over. Other costs such as labour have risen less rapidly, so that the total costs of materials and wages in October 2022 were about

‘only’ 10% higher than a year earlier. A great advantage is the fixed price of a new house. As a buyer, you know exactly where you stand.

Supply

The government has set the bar high in terms of the number of new homes to be delivered in the future. More and more people are living in the Netherlands, so a lot of houses have to be built. The number of completion certificates issued, a permit necessary to build a house, is unfortunately 20% lower than last year, according to ING. As a result, fewer developers can start construction. The supply of new homes will therefore decrease in the coming years and is expected to stand at 65,000 new homes in 2023. This conflicts with the government’s plans to develop one million homes by 2031 – an average of 100,000 new homes per year.

The new nitrogen rules

Unfortunately, the expiry of the nitrogen emission exemption for houses this year will lead to delays for some projects. The number of nitrogen experts assessing developers’ proposals has declined in recent years. This increases the waiting time for approval. “We see much uncertainty in the housing market due to the shortage of feasible building plans, long lead times for permits and an accumulation of requirements. The sector is looking for continuity to reduce the

housing shortage and to be able to build more affordable homes,” says Ruben Heezen, representative of Bouwend Nederland, the association of construction and infrastructure companies.

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GREENSTAY AMSTERDAM HOTEL

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Aflat-screenTVwithcablechannels,adining table,afullyfunctioningkitchen,andaprivate bathroomwithashowerandcomplimentary toiletriesareincludedineachunit.Acoffee maker,atoaster,andakettleareallincluded, alongwithafridge,anoven,anda dishwasher.

Thehotelisconvenientlylocatednearthecity center(20minutesonthetram2)andhas goodaccesstoSchipholAirportviabus195.

Withitswelcomingpetpolicy,theGreenStay AmsterdamHotelallowsyourpetstojoinyou duringyourstay.Ofcourse,ourpetsare family,sowhyshouldtheybeleftoutof specialfamilyvacations?

One of Amsterdam's most historical municipalities, Sloten, is home to the tranquil Greenstay Amsterdam Hotel, which is surrounded by a beautiful natural setting; full of greenery and a dreamy canal. For both short stays and long stays, the hotel offers completely furnished studio apartments.

Aflat-screenTVwithcablechannels,adining table,afullyfunctioningkitchen,andaprivate bathroomwithashowerandcomplimentary toiletriesareincludedineachunit.Acoffee maker,atoaster,andakettleareallincluded, alongwithafridge,anoven,anda dishwasher.

our car is securely protected at our car Parking and bike rental service available on-site.

The hotel is conveniently located near the city center (20 minutes on the tram 2) and has good access to Schiphol Airport via bus 195.

With its welcoming pet policy, the Green Stay Amsterdam Hotel allows your pets to oin you during your stay. f course, our pets are family, so why should they be left out of special family vacations

Yourcarissecurelyprotectedatourcar Parkingandbikerentalserviceavailable on-site.

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The Greenstay family is spreading its wings in Germany. With the opening of two new facilities in Essen and Bochum, our guests can now also en oy Greenstay in these German cities..

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urious to have a look We welcome you to oin in on our weekly viewing sessions from Mondays to Friday between 12:00 to 15:00.

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A at-screen T with cable channels, a dining table, a fully functioning kitchen, and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries are included in each unit. A coffee maker, a toaster, and a kettle are all included, along with a fridge, an oven, and a dishwasher.

Kazakhstan on the eve of an important milestone

has visited Kazakhstan with 22 Dutch companies to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, promoting progress for both sides.

Using this opportunity, I would like to announce that Kazakhstan is actively working to overcome global challenges. In this regard, we will host the Astana International Forum (AIF) on June 8-9 in our capital which aims to tackle global challenges like climate change, food and energy security.

Launched under the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev forum is expected to serve as a platformforeminent delegates from governments, international organizations, businesses, and academia and will address key global challenges that include foreign policy, security and sustainability, energy and climate, and economy and finance. We invite all interested parties to join this event and discuss common challenges that we are facing.

The beginning of this year has been a stark contrast for people of Kazakhstan in comparison to the unfortunate events of January 2022. A little over a year ago, our country had faced a violent situation involving a group of high officials of the National Security Committee. There was an unprecedented risk to Kazakhstan’s democratic institutions and fundamentals of law that could have created far-reaching consequences for our country and the region. Fortunately, our nation stood strong, showing its resilience to the unexpected challenges whereby the order and law were eventually restored.

Fast forward just 12 months from the January 2022 events, our country not only healed from the wounds but also bolstered the fundament of our governance with political and socio-economic reforms, resulting in a remarkable transformation. The constitutional amendments that were implemented following the nationwide referendum in June 2022 have introduced new democratic principles in our country. We established a more influential parliament, limited presidential terms of office (one time only), simplified procedures for registering new political parties, and institutionalised direct elections of Akims (mayors), among many other important measures.

Several political initiatives were launched. As a further step of the reformation, Kazakhstan has held Mazhilis (the lower house of parliament) and Maslikhat (local representative bodies) elections on March 19. These elections were unique in many respects. Firstly, two recently established political parties participated in the vote. For instance, the Green Party was established towards the end of last year. Its goal is addressing ecological issues – a vitally important topic due to the ongoing climate change challenges and enduring effects of large-scale Soviet-era man-made environmental calamities that haunt our land to this day. Overall, seven parties were registered for the elections, offering a plethora of political choice for the citizens.

Out of them, 6 have been voted into the Parliament – the highest number in our history.

Our country has always shown its commitment to holding free, open, and fair elections. The role of election monitors was undoubtedly crucial in this regard. As with previous elections, including the presidential election in November 2022, we have invited 10 international organizations and scores of observers from foreign nations to observe the election.

The elections did not change our country overnight, but their results further contribute to the creation of a Just Kazakhstan – a prosperous society with a more vibrant, dynamic, and competitive political system. Such a country will be an even stronger and more committed partner for cooperation with the international community, including the Netherlands.

Overall, it is important to mention that Kazakhstan and the Netherlands have created a long-time and reliable partnership in political perspective. The diplomatic relations between our countries

started in 1992 and have been flourishing since then. Today Kazakhstan and the Netherlands are keeping close ties, both between our leaders and the people. Highlevel officials constantly meet on the basis of the OSCE and UN, the Dutch Prime Minister visited Kazakhstan twice. Our cultural connections are facilitated through many collaborative events organized by the Embassies of both countries.

In addition, I would like to mention that economic partnerships, initially based on oil and gas exploration, have also been positively facilitated over the time. For many years in a row, the Netherlands are the biggest investor in the Kazakh economy, reaching record high FDI in 2022 amounting to 8.3 billion USD (in total around 115 billion USD). Our bilateral economic partnership is also underpinned by the extensive trade, with the turnover reaching 5.8 billion USD in 2022. It was a noticeable 26% increase from the year before. In the period of 2021-2023 there were 12 successful business missions to Kazakhstan, and 5 business missions to the Netherlands. Only recently Mayor of Westlands province Mr. Bouke Arends

Ait is also important to note that as part of global challenges our President have also proposed establishing an International Agency for Biological Safety, accountable to the UN Security Council. The mission of the agency should advance peace, health and well-being by initiating and ensuring safety and control measures related to potential biological and biotechnological threats and by promoting biological development for peaceful purposes.

Overall, as the world continues to navigate the current geopolitical and economic challenges, a stable and thriving Kazakhstan will benefit of not just our own citizens, but to the whole region and beyond. Our political reforms, supported by competitive elections, are the foundation on which we will ensure our stability and continue to build our future. We firmly believe that the successful bilateral cooperation between our countries in all spheres will continue to develop for the sake of the Kazakh and Dutch people.

Written by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Askar Zhumagaliyev

Mr. Mark Rutte and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

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Is the future of psychoanalysis psychedelic?

On the surface, the only similarity between psychedelics and psychoanalysis is controversy. In both, the ‘audience’ tends to consist of fanatic enthusiasts and staunch critics. As a result, both schools have had to contend with the not un ustifiable scrutiny that typically comes when a mode of thought edges closer to a belief system than an academic one. However, thanks in part to neuroscientific ad ancements and in part to the devasting opioid crisis in the US (which left us open to thinking differently about treatment , psychedelic research is in the midst of a renaissance. In so doing, it has, perhaps unintentionally, brought psychoanalytic thought with it.

Specifically, one of the main issues with psychoanalytic psychotherapy is how long it takes to achieve any noticeable or meaningful change. Many either spend years in therapy or leave before anything really happens. However, due to the changes that psychedelic-assisted treatment can create in the brain, this years-long psychoanalytic psychotherapy could become a thing of the past.

Psychedelics enhance neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity refers to our brain’s malleability. Instead of being a static and impermeable organ, it is ever-changing and adapts in response to new experiences or environmental input. This means we are constantly forming and strengthening neural connections while pruning unused connections.

Psychedelics have been shown to increase neuroplasticity by promoting the growth of new neural connections and stimulating the brain’s ability to reorganise itself. In so doing, it can aid in treating mental health conditions, because you become more receptive to new information or interpretations (e.g., when you have a phobia, during psychedelic-assisted therapy you become more receptive to new interpretations about that phobic ob ect .

This idea that the brain is not static but malleable is at the heart of psychoanalytic work. For example, the fundamental tool of psychoanalysis is free association, essentially meaning that you speak about whatever comes to mind. In so doing, the idea is to create new neural connections and pull forth otherwise unknown neural connections.

In addition, Freud and his colleagues laid the groundwork for our understanding of neuroplasticity, Specifically, he argued that childhood is a highly ‘plastic’ period of development and because of this, we end up with neural imprints of our experiences in our adulthood. Should those imprints be causing us pain, we can alleviate that pain by obtaining insights into our unconscious processes. In other words, if you speak about your traumatic experiences with a professional, they can help you reinterpret the event, creating neuroplastic changes in the brain.

he g is rs an re s a b i g Digging even deeper, countless studies have shown that psychedelic substances, particularly psilocybin-targeted serotonin receptors in the brain, enhance sensory input. As a result, you experience sensory hallucinations, such as changes to your sense of smell, touch, sight and hearing. In other words, the couch you’re sitting on will feel different, or you might start to hallucinate images that aren’t there, and so on. In other instances, you can cross-sense, which means you might see sounds or hear colours.

Psychoanalytically, Freud famously said that the ego is first and foremost a bodily ego’ . y this, he meant that the infant’s sense of self is closely tied to its experience of bodily sensations, and we essentially come to be who we are as a result of them. Wilfred ion elaborated on reud’s findings to argue that sensory experiences were crucial to the development of mental functioning and that disruptions in

sensory experiences could lead to mental health issues. That is why psychotic states of being are so often an attack on your link to reality (i.e., you hear, see, smell or touch something that is not there . With these theories in mind, ion advocated for the ‘alpha function’, which refers to the ability to transform raw sensory data into meaningful mental representations. For ion, the therapeutic encounter often meant helping clients strengthen their alpha-function, a process similar to the mentalisation-based therapies we have today.

With these theories in mind, it would seem that what psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy appears to do is create the ideal neurological ‘grounds’ upon which psychotherapeutic processes that have long been established can work. Enhancing neuroplasticity and opening up your sensory experience enhances your capacity for transforming sense data into meaning. Or, put simply, you can get out of your own way. ack in the day, this process typically took years of therapy to achieve. However, that could be the crux of this renaissance: while psychedelics can potentially speed up your recovery, they are a tool, not a cure.

ri en b i

Pawsitively Dutch: Why the Netherlands is a dog lover’s paradise

The Netherlands is known for many things, from its beautiful tulip fields to its rich cultural heritage. ut one thing that often surprises visitors and expats is just how dog-friendly the country is. From its outdoor cafes to its many parks, the Netherlands seems to welcome dogs with open arms. ut why is this the case What makes the Netherlands so dog-friendly, and why are there no stray dogs in the country

For starters, the Dutch have a long history of living with dogs. Historically, dogs were used for hunting, herding and guarding property, and many Dutch families had at least one dog as a working companion. Over time, dogs became beloved family pets, and the Dutch developed a deep appreciation for their loyalty and companionship. Today, around one in three Dutch households owns a dog, making it one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. One reason why the Netherlands is so dog-friendly is its urban design. Many Dutch cities and towns are built around a network of pedestrian and bikefriendly paths and lanes, which make it easy for dog owners to take their pets on walks and runs. There are also plenty of public parks, gardens and forests throughout the country, which provide ample space for dogs to run and play.

Another factor that makes the Netherlands dogfriendly is the attitude of its people. The Dutch are generally very laid-back and tolerant, and this extends to their attitude towards dogs. Most people in the Netherlands are happy to see dogs out and about, and many are quick to strike up a conversation with their owners. Dog owners are also expected to take responsibility for their pets, including picking up after them and ensuring

that they are well-behaved in public spaces. It’s important for dog owners to familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations to ensure that they are in compliance.

In addition to the urban design and cultural attitudes, there are also some laws and regulations that help make the Netherlands a great place for dogs. For example, dogs are allowed on most public transportation, with their own dog ticket, as long as they are on a leash and wellbehaved. Many cafes and restaurants allow dogs on their outdoor patios, and there are even dogfriendly beaches in some parts of the country. Additionally, many businesses in the Netherlands even have water bowls or dog treats available for their canine customers, or even a dog menu with different types of food. This makes it easy for dog owners to take their pets with them when they are out and about.

Still, finding suitable housing in the etherlands with a dog can be challenging, especially if you are looking to rent an apartment or house in a city or densely populated area. Many apartments and houses in the Netherlands have strict pet policies or do not allow pets at all. Even if you are able to find a pet-friendly apartment or house, there may be additional costs associated with having a dog. Some landlords may require an additional pet deposit or monthly fee to cover potential damage or cleaning costs. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to find suitable housing in the Netherlands with a dog. It’s important to start your search early or consider working with a rental agency that specializes in pet-friendly housing or looking for housing outside of the city center where there may be

more options available.

Another interesting thing to note about the Netherlands dog culture is that it has virtually no stray dogs. This is largely due to the country’s strict laws and regulations around dog ownership. In the Netherlands, all dogs are required to be microchipped, registered with the government, and have a license. Some municipalities even charge a dog tax. Dog owners are also required to keep their pets on a leash or under control at all times, except in designated areas. If a dog is found wandering alone, animal control officials will scan the dog’s microchip to identify its owner, and may issue fines or other penalties if the owner is found to be in violation of the law.

Overall, there are many reasons why the Netherlands is such a dog-friendly country. Whether it’s the urban design, cultural attitudes, or laws and regulations, everything seems to come together to make life easier and more enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. So, if you’re thinking about bringing your furry friend to the Netherlands, rest assured that your pup will be welcomed with open arms.

Interview with an expat

dog, some in my choir. I am quite a social person and make friends quite easily.

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

I like the directness of Dutchies. At the beginning it can feel very sharp, but I have learned to appreciate it. It makes communication easier. What I don’t like is their resistance. Even if they have known you very well for a long time, they remain a bit distant.

What’s your best advice for new expats to make friends?

Join groups of interests, a language course etc. I met some of my good friends joining the international choir.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in your city? Yes, recently I discovered Ninh Binh, a Vietnamese restaurant with excellent food.

What’s your favorite Dutch store? I like Pipoos very much, a store where you can buy art, crafts and hobby supplies. Also all textile shops are my weakness, as I can spend a lot of time and money there.

What do you like to do on the weekends?

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

I wish I knew more about Dutch law and rules. It would have helped me organise my life here more easily and avoided a lot of stress. My own fault, as I moved to the Netherlands very spontaneously and without preparations.

What are a few things you recommend to new expats here in the Netherlands?

Check your possibilities and rights. Be open to Dutch culture and Dutch directness - don’t take it personally.

Explore the country, it is beautiful.

Thanks for the interview, Aga!

Interviewed by Marla Thomson

What’s your name and where do you come from? Can you tell us something about your hometown/country?

My name is Aga Krogulec and I come from Poland. I was born in the small village in the middle of Poland and spent my childhood in a natural area with animals, which I still love.

Where do you live in the Netherlands? What is one of your favorite things about where you live?

At the moment I live in Hilversum, a town surrounded by heaths, what is one of my favourite things about this town. What I also like about il ersum is that you can find all possible activities, workshops, lessons and events here. Hilversum is a very international and multicultural place.

What’s your job or business?

I am a fashion designer and the owner of small clothing business.

hen as ur rs i e in he e her an s ha ere ur rs i ressi ns r ha as s ecia ab u ha rs ri

I first came to the etherlands years ago. I was visiting one of my good friends who lived here. I loved everything about this country. The bikes, tulips (it was April, so the perfect time to admire flowers , clean streets, smiling people. Even the weather was great. I was happy that everyone spoke English and it was very easy to communicate.

What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? How does this compare to your country?

What I like here is that people are very active, e en in older age. It is difficult to guess their age, as people are ery fit and look great an an older age. In Poland, a lot of people who retire sadly start to look very old and don’t enjoy life anymore.

Besides the weather, what is your biggest pet peeve about the Netherlands?

Intolerance. The Netherlands can be seen as very easy, open country, where many illegal things are more less legal and all nations are very welcome, but when you know Dutch people better, you see less tolerance than you expect.

Do you have Dutch friends? How do you meet Dutch people?

I have a lot of Dutch friends. Some of them I met at a dancing class, another when walking my

I love to walk my dog, read books, meet friends and sometimes watch a good movie.

Who is your favorite Dutch historical, cultural or famous person?

I admire the Dutch fashion designer duo Viktor and Rolf. They create amazing haute couture outfits and they are a huge inspiration for me.

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

Hilversum is famous of the media, so I think it is nice to visit the “Beeld en Geluid” museum. As for the whole country, there are many incredible places to see, some of them very touristic, like Keukenhof, Giethoorn and Volendam. I like Leiden, which looks like a smaller version of Amsterdam, and Dutch islands, especially Ameland and Terschelling.

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

I like stamppot, mashed potatoes with different vegetables. It reminds me of some traditional Polish dishes. What I dislike is haring - raw herring with pickles and onion. I have no idea how people can eat it.

Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? Which one is your favorite?

I used to celebrate King’s Day (it was Queen’s ay before . ut after many years I prefer to spend that day far from the crowd, so usually I plan something less loud.

Where do you like to go out in your city with friends or co-workers?

There is a very nice bowling place in the centrum of Hilversum; you can not only play bowls there, but also have a meal or drinks, organise a birthday party etc.

What famous Dutch place should new visitors r e a e ni e g see I would start with adurodam. ou can find all Dutch attractions in miniature. You can decide there where to go to visit a real place.

Best-kept secret in your city?

Not everyone knows that if you walk the small, hidden streets in the centrum of Hilversum, you can find yourself among some ery old houses, feeling like time stopped there.

Keukenhof

Madurodam

Ameland

Egypt in hip-hop, jazz, soul & funk

efertiti, and the co er art for as’ legendary album I m depicts him as the gyptian pharaoh utankhamun. In the s, actor ddie urphy appeared as haraoh amses II in the music ideo for ichael ackson’s emember the ime, while irtually e ery arth, Wind ire album co er featured an gyptian motif or symbol. In the subse uent decade, artists like auryn ill and S- ne went on to rap about ancient gyptian ci ili ation. his ongoing phenomenon can be traced back to the s, when a icon Sun a and his rkestra began combining a , gyptian themes and frofuturism into a style of music that e oked the space age and continues to resonate with audiences e erywhere.

Kemet

he influence of ancient gypt and ubia is e ident in the works of a multitude of musicians of frican descent, including icons of a such as iles a is and Sun a and contemporary artists such as eyonc and ihanna. o understand these imaginaries of ancient gypt, created by these artists, the e hibition emet: gypt in hiphop, a , soul funk in the ational useum of nti uities embarks on a ourney through music history.

From Sun Ra to Rihanna eyonc and ihanna ha e both appeared on stage or in music ideos as the gyptian ueen

ncient gypt and ubia ha e been an undeniable source of inspiration for musicians of frican descent for o er years, with artists not only embracing and claiming these ancient frican cultures, but also employing the associated motifs as symbols of resistance, empowerment and spiritual healing. Such motifs include the name the gyptians themsel es ga e their country: emet, the black’, a reference to the fertile land along the ile. he resulting e pressions of emet present ancient gyptian culture not only as historically important e ents and artifacts, but also as a means to discuss the present and the future. We see this in the music, lyrics and imagery employed by a , funk, soul, pop, reggae and rap artists o er the last few decades, including iles a is, ina Simone, rince, ela uti and rykah adu, as well as utch artists such as wart icht and ay uego.

Music and ancient artefacts

usic takes centre stage in the e hibition, its central theme brought to life with the aid of music ideos, audio clips, concert recordings, photographs and album co ers by musicians

with a connection to ancient gypt. he accompanying audio tour is by utch hiphop artist yphoon, and a new single by nelg e plains the rap artist’s relationship with ancient gypt and ubia. hibition highlights include as’ gold mask of ing utankhamun and se eral of Sun a’s gyptian-inspired costumes. In addition, the e hibition e plores the actual artefacts of ancient gypt. he ancient cultures of gypt and ubia arose on the banks of the ile around , years ago. hese were rich and comple societies the technological achie ements of these ci ili ations included large temples for the worship of the many gods of the gyptian religion, as well as the famous pyramids. he e hibition highlights a selection of items from the museum collections, including sculptures and figurines of gyptian deities, gold ewellery, hieroglyphic te ts and royal portraits.

Egypt as part of Africa

In gyptology, the academic discipline that specialises in the study of ancient gypt, gypt has typically been treated as part of the editerranean region. ut many artists of frican descent are keen to stress the recognition of ancient gypt as an frican culture. hrough their music, lyrics and isual representations, they con ey their connection to the millennialong history of the region, and claim this history as part of their past, present and future identity. he e hibition will run ntil September. omplementing the e hibition is a full programme of music and e ents related to ancient gyptian culture, which allows isitors to immerse themsel es in the sights and sounds of music and ancient history.

ore information: www.rmo.nl

Paleis Het Loo, the national museum exploring the monarchy

entrally located in peldoorn, the etherlands, yet hidden from politics and power in he ague, aleis et oo used to be its own powerhouse. reaties were signed, laws were signed up and the etherlands went from republic to ingdom all within the brick walls of aleis et oo. oday, the historic palace offers more than history a state-of-the-art e tension underneath the front s uare. ou ha e to isit, to belie e it he m e tension houses temporary e hibition spaces, a permanent presentation of the ouse of range and isitors facilities such as museum shop, grand foyer and ele ators to e hibition spaces and the palace.

House of Orange

he presentation he ouse of range is about the history of the utch royal family and its role within the etherlands and abroad. With masterpieces, ideo images and animations, isitors can disco er the story behind the colour orange and of the royal family: from William of range to malia, the utch crown princess.

he stories e plore the origins of the royal family. Wandering past ob ects, from the th to the st century, isitors unra el the great history’ of the etherlands and the ouse of range.

he presentation is also about the public side of the monarchy: about power, politics and persona. he relationship with the people runs through it like a thread, because without the support of the people, the monarchy will and cannot e ist.

Masterpiece

he first temporary e hibition deals with the rebuilding process of the , m e tension and reno ation of the palace. or years, the forecourt was a metre-deep construction site. his was a grand pro ect, with technical challenges and comple planning referred to a asterpiece by many, hence the name of the e hibition. undreds of people worked on this architectural masterpiece, in which e ery detail was prepared, documented and e ecuted to perfection. ure craftsmanship.

Orange blossom

art of the e hibition asterpiece, is range blossom. he artwork range blossom from inda ieuwstad depicts the renewal of aleis et oo. isitors can see, feel and e en smell the sculpture. ieuwstad was inspired by a painting from the collection of et oo alace, i at e ’, painted by lias an den roeck.

perience asterpiece’ with all your senses in an interacti e tour lasting minutes, in which you will disco er the highlights of the rede elopment operation. Smell, see and hear the new aleis et oo. he Sensory our is free of charge, and there is no need to book.

ery half year, starting this spring, a new e hibition will be featured. In autumn the second temporary e hibition rones will be featured.

Opening hours

onday from pm to pm. uesday to Sunday from am to pm. uring school holidays and public holidays aleis et oo is open all onday.

www.paleishetloo.com

Japanese fables by the Miedema Brothers | Sieboldhuis

In the exhibition ‘Japanese fables by the Miedema Brothers’, Japan Museum SieboldHuis presents twenty well-known and lesser-known Japanese stories in a special way, placing animals and demons centre stage. The three Miedema brothers made more than ninety drawings on paper, in which the soft appearance is sometimes in sharp contrast to the gruesome stories they represent.

The Miedema Brothers is an artistic alliance of brothers Harry (1954), Hessel (1962) and Peter (1967) Miedema. They create works in which animals, creatures and demons play the leading role, inspired by the symbolic world of Japanese fables, having converted the stories into a modern visual language. Together they tell a story where it doesn’t matter which brother made what. When looking at the works, something wonderful happens, precisely because of the similarities and differences: what one does not show, the other shows. This is how the Miedemas create their own mysterious world with fantastic creatures, from a combination of people, animals and strange organisms. All works are drawn on paper with pastel, charcoal, cont crayon or colored pencil, in fi ed format, single as well as in diptychs and triptychs, in homage to Japanese woodblock prints.

Ancient Japanese stories often revolve around karma, in which good deeds are rewarded and bad ones punished. Talking animals with human characteristics often play an important role and there is a clear moral to each story. The versatile stories are sometimes gruesome, illogical or unfair, but always revolve around human feelings such as fear, jealousy, pain, loyalty and justice. Japan is well known for its fable animals such as the kappa (river monster), oni (horned demon) and tanuki (raccoon dog). The exhibition also brings talking frogs, cats and a hare, an enchanting crane, the supernatural aku who de ours nightmares and mib u, the shy sea ghost.

Until 27 August www.sieboldhuis.org

Die Űberraschung | Museum No Hero

Anyone who thinks that only social realist art was made in the GDR will be surprised at the exhibition Die Überraschung (The Surprise) – East German artists before and after the Wende: surprised by the kaleidoscopic versatility and the high quality of the art from the East of Germany. The exhibition aims to focus on artists trained in the GDR, who initially made their work within the – often harrowing – restrictions of the political system. Some artists left the GDR before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

In 1990, the two Germanies were reunited and the GDR became ‘Ein Land das es nicht mehr gibt’ – a land that no longer exists. East German artists had to come to terms with their past, whether they went to the West or stayed in the East. Their post-1990 work often bears witness to their dealings with that past, with liberties regained and illusions lost.

The exhibition contains more than 60 works by, among others, the following artists: ernhard eisig, olker Stel mann, ubertus Giebe, elge eiberg, orbert Wagenbrett, arald et kes, Werner St t er, Wolfgang euker, a hlig, ornelia Schleime, nnette Schr ter, rak Wendisch, olf ndler , ans icha, Wieland rster, Strawalde rgen ttcher , eter errmann, Werner iebmann, alf erbach, einhard Stangl, . . enck, Werner bke, Wolfgang attheuer, Willi Sitte, artwig Ebersbach, Stefan Plenkers, Walter Libuda and Gerhard Altenbourg.

he e hibition celebrates the fifth anni ersary of useum o ero in Delden. There are plans for the exhibition to tour to various museums in Europe from May 2024.

Museum No Hero, Delden

Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm

www.museumnohero.nl

Volker Steizmann, Tamara with assistant and knife thrower

Illustration for the fable ‘The adventures of Kintarō’

international performing arts amsterdam

1 June – 1 July info & tickets: hollandfestival.nl

EUPHORIA

Julian Rosefeldt

Spectacular film installation showing the euphoric aspects of capitalism and the history of greed. Musically supported by life-sized projected choir and five jazz drummers.

9-25 June, Centrale Markthal

GRANDPA PUSS; OR HOW GOD DISAPPEARED

Lisaboa Houbrechts, laGeste (les ballets

C de la B + kabinet k)

Family epic full of trauma that spans three generations, from the perspective of a young girl.

16-17 June, ITA

TO FEEL A THING: A RITUAL FOR EMERGENCE

adrienne maree brown, Troy Anthony, The Fire Ensemble

A participatory, spiritual and ecstatic ritual with gospel music set to the inspiring lyrics of writer and activist adrienne maree brown.

18 June, Muziekgebouw

CALL FOR THE COMPANY

Raven Chacon, The Monochrome Project

A programme full of unusual instruments, from guns to dog whistles, from Navajo composer Chacon.

20 June, Muziekgebouw

THE DISINTEGRATION LOOPS (FOR EUTERPESTRAAT)

William Basinski, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, gepresenteerd door ANOHNI Meditation on the resonance of genocide, linked to the wartime history of Gerrit van der Veen Street (formerly Euterpe Street).

18 June, Gerrit van der Veenstraat

DRAGONS

Eun-Me Ahn

Dancers from various Asian countries, born in the Year of the Dragon (2000), provide colourful fireworks.

20-21 June, ITA

RESPUBLIKA

Łukasz Twarkowski, Lietuvos nacionalinis dramos teatras

Enter a utopian world during this 6-hour trip featuring theatre, film, techno, rave and visual arts.

22-23 June, Donau

TENEBRIS SUSPIRIA NATURAE & THE WAY WE ARE

Johanna Constantine, Kembra Pfahler

Double bill: transformative work with multiple dancers about survival in an unpredictable environment, and a legendary band from the New York performance scene with frenzied costumes and performances.

23 June, Muziekgebouw

BROS

Romeo Castellucci, Societas

Breathtaking images and sound show how brutal violence can occur without demonstrable harm.

24-25 June, ITA

EVOLUTION OF FEARLESNES

Lyne e Wallworth

An intimate virtual encounter with migrant women in an internationally praised installation.

11-24 June, Muziekgebouw

Hartwig Art Foundation en Holland Festival present: INDRA’S

NET

Meredith Monk & Vocal Ensemble, Ensemble Academy

Performance of living legend inspired by a Buddhist narrative showing the interconnectedness of all life.

23-24 June, Gashouder

WHAT’S YOUR HEAVEN

CocoRosie

Suggestive pop songs that touch on hiphop, folk and opera, asking questions about modern reality.

24-25 June, Muziekgebouw

Sara Cwynar SS23 | Foam

Since 2015, Foam has organized the exhibition series Next Level, which aims to introduce a broad public to innovative art by contemporary artists who are progressive in their use of the medium of photography. In this edition, the honor fell to Sara Cwynar, who has been a regular photographer at Foam for the past ten years. Sara Cwynar’s photography, video works, collages, installations and books try to interpret our visual culture. In her studio she brings together images and objects in order to map out how we consume them and how these products shape our lives, and which ideals and ideologies play a role in this. By means of photos from encyclopedias, the internet and various catalogues, text fragments from literary essays by leading thinkers, but also witty captions that she plucks directly from Instagram, Cwynar gives words and explanations to the process of image formation that gives substance to how we perceive the world.

Until 24 September www. foam.org

Friesland from Above | Fries Museum

Eleven photographs by photographer Siebe Swart, who specializes in aerial photography, form the core of Friesland from Above. From a bird’s eye view, we see how the polders on Vlieland merge into a nature reserve, how the Sintrale As shamelessly cuts through the age-old bocage landscape of the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden, how Wierum is surrounded by a multicolored patchwork of fields. Swart’s photo of the meadows near Jorwert shows old, irregularly shaped watercourses, next to modern, straight ditches as a result of land consolidation. Grass, ditches and water, it seems like abstract art.

The same is the case with the alienating kite photos that Gerco de Ruijter made in 2009. He was guided by the wind and chance. Part of the exhibition is devoted to ‘remote sensing’, the collection of information from a distance. Infrared or thermal images are made from aircraft or satellites using special cameras. They show how devastating the extreme drought of 2018 was and how a plague of mice undermined many Frisian meadows.

Until 5 May 2024 www.friesmuseum.nl

La Grande Bellezza in Amsterdam |

La Nostra Gigi

At La Nostra Gigi on the Marie Heinekenplein in the Amsterdam you can immerse yourself in a flamboyant interpretation of Italy from the exuberant 1970s by creative director and interior designer Will Erens from Too Many Agencies.

This colorful trattoria, cocktail bar and lounge is all about shared dining and getting together for a cozy drink or classy cocktail. Erens opted for a romantic and opulent setting, which is expressed in an extravagant interior with cozy seats, green gazebos, mirrors, shine, velvet and colour, lots and lots of colour. La Nostra Gigi is a place where grand and compelling go hand in hand with cozy and intimate.

From oysters, pizzettas, bruschetta and calamari fritti to antipasti, La Nostra Gigi has it all and presents it with that signature over-the-topbut-irresistible Italian flair. With the crispy focaccia with truffle cream, Ostriche al Crodino, Burrata con acciughe and Polpette al pomodoro, Gigi shows that she has more to offer than just a nice appearance. After the Campanelle al Pecorino Tartufato prepared at the table and a deliciously creamy tiramisu or sgroppino, you will be ready to declare your love to her.

Chances are she will seduce you for another drink in the bar, or snuggle up in the lovely cushions of the terrace and lose all sense of time. And you are not alone: Gigi effortlessly winds all her guests around her fingers: seductive, playful, attentive, sweet and provocative, she makes every day a party! On Sunday even a little more, because there is live music too.

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR EXPATS

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR EXPATS

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR EXPATS

With more than 30 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 apartments in e Hague and the surrounding areas.

With more than 30 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 apartments in e Hague and the surrounding areas.

With more than 35 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 apartments in The Hague and the surrounding areas.

With more than 30 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 apartments in e Hague and the surrounding areas.

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

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

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

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

Schoutenlaan 62-2215 ME Voorhout -The Netherlands

E info@pasbms.com

T +31 (0)252-347876

I www.pasbms.com

Big5 Relocations is a young and dynamic independent organisation with a wide personal and professional network in the Eindhoven region. We offer a personalised approach of relocation services including home&school search, pre-assignment visit of the Eindhoven region and settling-in, through our experienced and professional relocation consultants.

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

Suitelodges Gooilanden | Loosdrecht

Suitelodges Gooilanden is located bang in the middle of a beautiful nature reserve, partly in the water of the Loosdrechtse Plassen. There are 53 four- and six-person Suitelodges on the villa park, offering comfort, lu ury, space and pri acy. heir striking and stylish appearance fits nicely in the plush environment of the Gooi region. The Suitelodges are comfortably furnished with pleasant light through the large windows, a luxurious kitchen, a comfy seating area and two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. All Suitelodges are detached and equipped with a lovely terrace and sauna; some even have a whirlpool. The houses are located in a diverse environment with forests, farmlands and vast lakes, a beautiful area to explore by boat. There are many picturesque villages to visit in the area and Amsterdam and Utrecht are less than a 25-minute drive away.. A unique base for a versatile holiday.

www.dutchen.nl/gooilanden

Terra Wolde | Zeewolde

Terra Wolde in Zeewolde originated from the dream of Lisette and her husband Bas for a simpler and more sustainable way of eating, living, staying and recreating. She started her catering career with two food trucks, with which she traveled to festivals, and her own catering business in Utrecht. Then, the dream arose to focus more on pure food and sustainable entrepreneurship in combination with nature: Terra Wolde was born. Because Lisette and Bas believe that you can only really relax if you immerse yourself for several days, you can only book an all-in package at Terra Wolde. This consists of a choice of accommodation of two or three nights, including food. You can spend the night in one of the comfortably furnished bell tents, yurts or the off-grid forest house. In restaurant Pomponius, which is open to guests and visitors, the farmto-table principle pre ails food is cooked on the open fire and the menu varies according to the rhythm of the seaosons, with ingredients from erra Wolde’s organic forest garden. ake a fresh morning swim, rela in a hammock, sup at dusk, roll out your yoga mat on the yoga deck or spot wildlife in the forest. Terra Wolde means sustainable comfort with lots of outdoors activities, pure food, delicious coffee and lots of relaxation.

www.terrawolde.nl

Haven Lake Village | Kortenhoef

With four completely climate-neutral, luxury water villas with a terrace, each uniquely decorated by Loggere Wilpower, Haven Lake Village is an ideal retreat for those in need of relaxation and entertainment by the water. Thanks to the elegant interior design, the room service and catering facilities, the beautiful surroundings and the adjacent marina, experience the ultimate holiday feeling here. Rent a classic sloop at Jachthaven de Kortenhoef and discover the beauty of the Loosdrechtse Plassen. For a sportier alternative, canoes, sups or e-Solexes are available. Enjoy an aperitif in the designer pool on your 80-square-meter terrace, or take a dip in the water and then join the nearby Docks Fish & Grill restaurant, where you can watch the evening fall over the lake as you relax in a cozy atmosphere en oying tasteful meat and fish dishes. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to get away from it all, Haven Lake Village is the foundation for an unforgettable family vacation in the middle of a beautiful natural area!

www.havenlakevillage.nl

At Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort we have 5000m2 of fitness, wellness, and health facilities. Caesar is located in the city centre of The Hague on the Mauritskade.

Our motto at Caesar is: “Your body is your temple.” We offer a variety of activities for a healthy balance between sports and relaxation. Our members can train and relax in a safe and healthy environment. Thanks to our state-of-the-art ventilation system, our visitors always breathe in fresh and clean air. This system supplies us constantly with fresh outdoor air filtered through glass filters. Good air keeps us all in a good mood.

Our Body & Mind studio is a place to bring balance to your body, mind and spirit. We give different types of yoga classes. For example: Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Yin Yang yoga and many more. We can help you find the yoga class that suits you best. As a member you are free to explore all of them.

Next to yoga classes we also give different group classes in our aerobic studio, spinning studio and our swimming pool. They are fun, energetic and they keep you fit. We also have various Fitness & Sports activities. There’s a range of fitness equipment for beginner and advanced athletes, so there is always something to do for everyone.

At the Spa & Wellness area you can ease yourself in a soothing atmosphere. We have a hot whirlpool, a lovely swimming pool and different types of saunas to calm down. Our Beauty & Health offers a variety of massages that add to your well-being.

Did you know that we also have a Kidsclub? Our Kidsclub is for young children from three months old till four years old. If you have kids as a member, they are taken care of during your visit at Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort.

Caesar offers the perfect environment to encourage a healthy lifestyle. A place where you can take a moment to yourself or to have quality time with friends. We are open every day of the year. Being a member at Caesar Fitness + Spa resort adds to your well-being and health. Come and experience it for yourself. For more information, visit our website www.caesar-denhaag.nl.

Fitness & Sport

Beauty & Health Spa & Wellness

Body & Mind

What a racket!

An up-and-coming sport in the Netherlands, padel is a racket sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s. It was invented by Enrique Corcuera, who wanted to create a new game that would be suitable for his children to play on the limited space available in his backyard. Padel quickly gained popularity in Mexico, and its success there led to its spread throughout Latin America and eventually to Spain.

In Spain, padel became immensely popular, with an estimated six million people playing the sport on a regular basis. The Spanish government recogni ed padel as an official sport in , and it has since become one of the country’s most popular sports. Padel is now played in over 50 countries around the world, with the International Padel Federation (FIP) serving as the global governing body for the sport. The number of padel courts throughout Europe has grown exponentially in recent years from just over 2,800 courts in 2016 to nearly 8000 in 2021. In addition to Spain, Italy and Sweden are true hotbeds of the sport.

The popularity of padel has been attributed to several factors. One is its accessibility. Padel is played on a smaller court than tennis and requires less physical exertion, making it a suitable option for people of all ages and fitness le els. he game is also relatively easy to learn, and it can be played as either a singles or doubles game. The walls surrounding the court also add an extra element of strategy to the game, as players must anticipate and adjust to the ball bouncing off the walls.

Another reason for padel’s popularity is the social aspect of the sport. It is often played in doubles, which encourages social interaction and teamwork. Padel courts go to great lengths to enhance the social dimension with most courts featuring bar and in some cases, food services. At least one padel center in Amsterdam features a “padel and pizza” night. The sport has become particularly popular with expatriates. Players can easily get teamed up with other players of similar ability and the mixed doubles game lends itself well to these ad hoc sessions.

Padel is also a sport that travels well. There are courts to be found throughout the world and new ones are popping up at a rapid pace. It is estimated that the number of padel courts in the U.K. will double in this year. Given that a padel racket should fit in a carry-on bag and your court and padel mates are a click away on an app such as Playtronic, you can take your game on the road and meet new friends at your holiday or business destination.

In the Netherlands, padel was introduced in 2010 and has since experienced rapid growth. The Dutch Padel Association (Nederlandse Padelbond or NPB) was established in 2014 to promote the sport and develop it further in the country. While the padel bond is now a division of the KNLTB, the Dutch Lawn Tennis Association, the vast majority of the approximately 200,000 players in the country participate without federation membership.

There are now approximately 200 padel installations in the Netherlands, with many tennis clubs and other sports facilities adding padel courts to their facilities. The sport is played at both recreational and competitive levels, with the Dutch Padel League (Nederlandse Padel Competitie or NPC) being the country’s national league. The NPC has both a men’s and women’s league, as well as a mixed league. Padel’s growth in the Netherlands has been attributed to its accessibility, social aspect, and the fact that it is a relatively new and exciting sport. It has also been helped by the fact that it can be played both indoors and outdoors, making it a year-round option for Dutch sports enthusiasts.

Padel does not require expensive equipment although, like tennis, you can shell out plenty for a top-of-the-line racket – luxury brand Prada offers one for about 1,500 Euros! Most padel players wear tennis or court shoes when playing. Some players also prefer to wear shoes specifically designed for the synthetic grass courts, which may offer additional features such as an increased grip on the court surface. The choice of apparel seems to be dress to the environment. Some players in an urban setting

we encountered were not that far removed from street clothes! Rest assured, as the sport continues to grow, haute couture can never be far behind. Several designer lines are popping up in the padel cages including one from exprofessional footballer Robin van Persie.

There are several types of padel rackets available, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. The most common types of padel rackets are power rackets, control rackets, and hybrid rackets. Power rackets are designed for players who want to hit the ball harder and generate more power, while control rackets are designed for players who want to have greater control and precision in their shots. Hybrid rackets are a combination of both power and control rackets, offering a balanced approach to both. The head can be round, diamond or tear drop in shape. Other factors to consider when choosing a padel racket include weight, balance, and grip size, all of which can have an impact on a player’s performance on the court. According to Dragana Radasic, one of the owners of padel specialist webshop The Padel Outlet, one should expect to replace and upgrade their racket on a yearly basis. They feature only European-made rackets coming from Spain and Portugal. Its seems that Portuguese expertise in crafting canoes translated well into good padel rackets.

Padel seems here to stay in the Netherlands but there may some competition on the horizon. Pickelball, a similar concept but with its roots in the USA, is also up-and-coming in the low countries. Arnoud Fiolet, director of RSI Sports Group, who supplies a padel court solution called Instapadel believes that Pickelball will also become popular in the Netherlands. One thing is certain, the new wave of racket sports is here to stay and if you are looking for a great way to stay in shape and sociali e, you should definitely be giving it a whack!

Written by John Mahnen

A NEW ICON IN TOWN