Leaning into cringe
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had this almost-visceral reaction to doing anything even faintly cringe. In fact, growing up felt like one…
2025 – Edition 9 – January
New International school in Haarlemmermeer aims to offer stability for expat families
For many expat families, relocating to the Netherlands comes with a familiar dilemma: how to find a school that provides continuity, community, and a…
From tradition to transition: preparing for a fireworks-free future
As municipalities prepare for the upcoming New Year’s Eve, the landscape is shifting. While the Safe New Year’s Eve Act, passed by the Senate…
Maastricht: a historic, creative and surprisingly international city in the heart of Europe
Tucked into the rolling green hills of the southernmost part of the Netherlands, Maastricht is a city that feels both distinctly Dutch and unmistakably European. With…
Less discrimination apparent in the rental sector
The Netherlands is seeing a decline in discrimination during the early stages of the private rental process. New national research shows that house hunters…
Despite its dull music, the Top 2000 feels radical in a divided world
It was 2017, my first Christmas in the Netherlands – my first Christmas away from my home in Leicester, UK. I had only lived…
Amsterdam wants to ban fatbikes in busy areas
The municipality of Amsterdam is exploring the possibility of banning fatbikes from some of the most crowded areas of the city. Alderwoman Melanie van…
Schools start their own publishing house
A group of schools, teachers and school boards are taking textbook publication into their own hands by creating a cooperative publishing house. Their objective…
Why the Dutch love speed skating and the rest of the world not
Every winter in the Netherlands, something almost ritualistic returns: Dutch people flock to skating ovals and spend long weekends glued to broadcasts of the…
Traffic fines boost national treasury
Across history governments have used varied and sometimes strange methods of collecting revenue from their citizens, whether that be taxes or fines. In 18th-century…
GASSAN 80 years of brilliance celebrating Dutch craftsmanship, family heritage and iconic design
For 80 years, GASSAN has been a symbol of Dutch excellence where heritage, craftsmanship and innovation come together. Founded in 1945 in the heart…
My Circus by Ellen von Unwerth
Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht presents an exhibition by famous Paris-based German fashion and fine art photographer Ellen von Unwerth from 31 January…
BRAFA 2026: a new edition with unprecedented ambition
At the start of each new year, Brussels sets the tone for the European art season with BRAFA, one of the continent’s most respected…
Nederlands Fotomuseum open its doors in the Santos warehouse
On 7 February 2026, the Nederlands Fotomuseum will open its doors in the recently renovated Santos warehouse, a national monument located on Rotterdam’s Rijnhaven….
Winter Exhibition “The Taste of Soestdijk”
On Tuesday 19 November the official opening of the exhibition of “The Taste of Soestdijk” took place. Maya Meijer-Bergmans, the owner of Soestdijk welcomed…
Kawase Hasui. Capturing the soul of Japan | Japan Museum SieboldHuis
From 19 December 2025 to 15 March 2026, Japan Museum SieboldHuis will present the captivating exhibition Kawase Hasui. Capturing the Soul of Japan. The…
Where relaxation meets health: welcome to Caesar
In the middle of The Hague’s daily rush, Caesar offers endless opportunities for self-care and improving your health. It is a place to breathe,…
Interview with an expat
My name is Ana Maria Mitrofan, and I am originally from Romania. I’ve been living in the Netherlands for more than sixteen years. Romania…
The Netherlands and the false myth of not needing to speak Dutch
Let’s be honest, how many times have you heard from people that it is absolutely not needed to speak Dutch if you live in…
Discover the newly renovated Htel Serviced Apartments
Imagine arriving in a place that feels like home from the moment you set foot in your new apartment… Just like your favourite jeans….
The best of both worlds: global learning with a local heart in Amersfoort
At Amersfoort International School (AIS), children don’t just learn about the world – they experience it every day. As an IB World School in…