tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67983726975994287272024-03-13T00:23:20.813+01:00Turning DutchBorn British, Living Dutch.Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.comBlogger442125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-39709582083244044512017-02-21T14:00:00.000+01:002017-02-21T14:17:04.389+01:00Knocked Up Abroad Again Book Available <b>W</b>hen a mother is born it's a beautiful thing. When she's living abroad that experience is something even more - beautiful but also scary, funny, mystifying and certainly a journey full of bumps in the road and cultural (mis)adventures.<br />
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That's what our book 'Knocked Up Abroad Again' is all about - the magical experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting abroad told by 26 women across 25 countries. And one of those women is me.</div>
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<img alt="" height="333" id="id_7a1e_51c_41d1_4d09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fMkTTBbl9ME/V9-ZrjwEVpI/AAAAAAAAFJA/FIdwtOhcLfA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 308px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /><br />
Together we spill the beans on the highs, the lows and everything you could imagine in between and beyond motherhood in a foreign place.</div>
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Despite the miles between each and every contributor, despite the multitude of cultures we have become mothers in, despite the many languages that separate us, and the experiences that differentiate us, there's a common golden thread that links us together, along with every other mother across the globe - the same worry that our babies will be born healthy, that our children will grow up happy and that hope that we will be the best mothers we can be. I am so thrilled to be a part of this anthology, writing about the best part of giving birth in the Netherlands.......</div>
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Motherhood. Family. Love.</div>
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When a baby is born, it's a beautiful thing. No matter where that happens. And we are so excited to share that with you all, no matter where on this planet you are!<br />
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You can now get your own copy of Knocked Up Abroad Again on <a href="http://amzn.to/2kHjT1U" target="_blank">Amazon.co.uk </a>or <a href="http://amzn.to/2mhKT4n" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. </div>
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Keep up to date on all things Knocked Up Abroad on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/knockedupabroadbook" id="id_a438_ae58_b0c9_ad3d">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/KnockdUpAbroad" id="id_b3b4_9018_bd86_e3cb">Twitter</a>.</div>
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-36400896032323140952017-01-23T15:13:00.001+01:002017-01-23T15:13:44.532+01:00Dear Britain, It's Not You It's Me<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>D</b></span>ear Britain,<br />
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It's not you it's me.<br />
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Actually that's a lie. It's a little bit you. Well, actually, it's a lot you. And a little bit me.<br />
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Britain, I just don't love you anymore.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The last few months have been a turbulent time in our relationship. It's hit rock bottom if I'm honest. <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/09/gone-dutch-and-now-what.html" target="_blank">You forced me into the arms of another</a>. I felt I had no choice, but I admit I fled willingly.<br />
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We haven't been living together now for more than sixteen years so I guess a cooling off in our relationship was inevitable. It wasn't something I could ever have imagined when I packed up my English flat and headed for the shores of the Netherlands on a ferry all those years ago. I thought you would always be the love of my life.<br />
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But you ruined that.<br />
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You had to let something come between us.<br />
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Brexit.<br />
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Brexit ripped us apart.<br />
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There had been talk of a reunion last year. But Brexit wiped that from the table. Watching you fool around with Brexit has been hard. But I'm glad I'm watching from a distance.<br />
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I see now just how much we have grown apart.<br />
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I value other cultures, other languages, other ways of living life. I love that the world is a diverse and big place. I understand just how little you are in the scheme of things.<br />
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I am shocked to realise how badly your eyes have deteriorated since I left you; you have become shortsighted. You've become insular. Britain, I worry about you.<br />
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And Brexit. How will Brexit treat me in the years to come? Have you given any thought to that? Will you look after me when Brexit takes over? I fear you won't. So I'm looking after myself.<br />
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Britain, I see your flag and something withers inside.<br />
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Luckily, I can still stand the sight of Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock, and can overlook your indiscretion as I spread Marmite on my toast. Colman's mustard and Branston Pickle will always have a place in my fridge, but Britain, there are no warm and fuzzy feelings when I think of you these days.<br />
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I'm not mad anymore. <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/06/being-british-expat-in-wake-of-brexit.html" target="_blank">Not like I was when I first found about about your philandering with Brexit. </a>Now, I 'm just resigned to not playing a part in your future. Now, I'm curious where you will end up.<br />
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And if I'm being truly honest, which I am, I'm also hoping your behaviour won't impact the price of my mustard and pickle.<br />
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Britain, I think it's true to say that we have irreconcilable differences. You go your way, and I'll go mine.<br />
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It's definitely more you than it is me.<br />
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Love,<br />
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A British Expat<br />
(who is no longer an expat in the true sense of the word).<br />
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<br />Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-54571874158368051322016-12-08T11:30:00.000+01:002016-12-08T11:30:08.068+01:005 Ways to Embrace a Dutch December<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>D</b></span>ecember in the Netherlands means ferrying the children to school in near-darkness and evenings that draw in early. The temperatures take a nosedive and there’s every chance that snow will form a blanket over this little land. But a Dutch December certainly doesn’t spell doom and gloom. Winter in the Netherlands can be a lot of fun – if you are determined to embrace the colder, grey days and the dark evenings.<br />
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Here are 5 ways you can turn December into a month of <i>gezelligheid</i> and create a treasure trove of memories at the same time.<br />
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<b>1. Embrace the Darkness</b></h3>
Candles and lights are everywhere at this time of year and with a little imagination you can make family time very special indeed whilst the dark evenings close around you.<br />
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Make lanterns or glass pot candleholders and take an evening walk in your neighbourhood, or simply let your children grab torches and go for a stroll after dinner. Children love the excitement of exploring in the dark.<br />
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Alternatively, ask your children to help you decorate a tree in your garden or your balcony with twinkling, festive lights.<br />
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Eat a family meal by candlelight. This is something that has become a bit of a tradition on winter solstice for my family, a way of marking the year’s shortest day. You could also read a story together by candlelight. Little faces light up when the candles come out.<br />
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Or you could venture out and attend one of the many mesmerising kaarsjesavonden in the region: <a href="http://www.goudabijkaarslicht.nl/" target="_blank">Gouda</a>, <a href="http://www.dorpsstraatzoetermeer.nl/?ai1ec_event=kaarsjesavobd-2016&instance_id=109" target="_blank">Zoetermeer</a> and Voorburg all have an evening where the shopping streets and shops are lit up with hundreds of candles.<br />
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2. Embrace the Cold</h3>
The Dutch are ice-skaters <i>extraordinaire</i> and you certainly can’t beat them, so join them. When the temperatures drop to below freezing, listen carefully and you can hear the sound of millions of ice skate blades being sharpened. Grab some ice skates for your children and yourself and head to the nearest frozen canal or pond and get skating. You could also use a garden chair to help you around the ice if skating really isn’t your thing – head to a frozen body of water and you’ll see what I mean.<br />
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If winter doesn’t quite play ball and the canals don’t freeze solid, head to one of the many skating rinks that open or appear at this time of year.<br />
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Similarly, a little snow doesn’t deter the Dutch from going about normal business. Many (but certainly not all) will ditch their bike for a sledge. The dunes are a place with toddler-sized hills for sledging. My children’s excitement is immeasurable when they are pulled to school and back sitting on a sledge. Head for the hills for some sneeuwpret! (Easier said than done here I know).<br />
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You can also keep warm by gathering your family around an outdoor fire basket, the children sipping hot chocolate and munching on festive biscuits and the grown ups indulging in a little Gluhwein, whilst roasting marshmallows over the flames. Gezellig!<br />
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3. Embrace the Winter Feeling</h3>
Instead of shutting down during the cold, dark days of winter, places like the <a href="http://www.efteling.com/winterefteling">Efteling</a> embrace winter warmly like a good friend. The Dutch theme park transforms into a winter wonderland at this time of year; there is a skating rink and a cross-country skiing course (langlaufbaan) as well as live entertainment and of course hot chocolate in abundance.<br />
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Similarly the <a href="http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/#!/evenementen/winter-station">Spoorwegmuseum in Utrech</a>t transforms into a winter station paradise from the 20th December, with music, a skate rink, a carousel and a chance to toast marshmallows outside on open fires.<br />
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There are also numerous <i>kerstfairs</i> across the Netherlands to enjoy too - like this one at <a href="http://www.marienwaerdt.nl/agenda-evenementen/kerstfair" target="_blank">Marienwaerdt</a>.<br />
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4. Embrace Your Family</h3>
Cold days, dark evenings and a month of festivities leaves lots of days for quality family time. Make the most of snuggling together and watching a Christmas movie; read stories together on a mound of cushions and blankets or share tales from your own childhood winters or Christmases. Have a family games evening.<br />
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Bake mince pies, pepernoten or New Year treats with your children. Eat <i>oliebollen</i> together. Make and decorate a gingerbread house – and watch as your children demolish it piece by delicious piece.<br />
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Use this time of year to take silly photos, get your children behind the lens whilst you don a Santa hat. Be creative, have a little fun.<br />
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5. Embrace Good Causes</h3>
December is a perfect month for having a good clear out. It’s the season of giving, and receiving. Encourage your children to sort through their toys and donate those they no longer play with. Clear out wardrobes and donate clothes to worthy causes. Donate food to the local food bank.<br />
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Show your children the meaning of this season, and get your children thinking about who they could help at this time of year. Maybe a family friend or relative has just had a baby and would welcome a home cooked meal from your family. Maybe your children could clear the snow from an elderly neighbour’s path.<br />
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December is a month when animals can benefit from good turns too – for example by making food holders, fat balls or cakes for the birds.<br />
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There are lots of ways you can help at this time of year and get your children more involved in a less commercial side of the festive period.<br />
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Embrace December – and squeeze every last drop of gezelligheid out of the last month of 2016.Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-25077695099940589612016-09-26T10:51:00.000+02:002016-12-08T10:39:43.459+01:0010 Reasons To Love Being Knocked Up in the Netherlands<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>B</b></span>eing pregnant anywhere is a mixed bag of emotions from elation to sickness. Raising children abroad is both amazing and challenging wrapped up in one awkward shaped parcel. If you are <a href="http://knockedupabroad.eu/" target="_blank">knocked up in the Netherlands</a> though you have many reasons to count yourself lucky. Here are ten.<br />
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<b>1. Pregnancy is not seen as a disease </b><br />
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When that cross appears after you've peed on that stick you aren't ferried off to the nearest doctor or hospital. Instead you choose a midwife and, if all is progressing well with your pregnancy, you have all your pre-natal appointments with your midwife.<br />
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<b>2. You may give birth where you like</b><br />
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Around a third of births in the Netherlands are home births. You can choose a hospital if you wish, or even a <i>kraamhotel</i> - a birthing hotel, or you may opt for a home birth. Unless there is a medical reason (in which case you must give birth in a hospital) you are free to choose where you give birth.<br />
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<b>3. You get a box of goodies sent to your house</b><br />
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As you near the end of your pregnancy you will receive a <i>kraampakket</i>, sent by your health insurer. Okay so there's a naval clamp in there, alcohol of the none drinking kind, more mattress protectors than is healthy to wonder about, and lots of cotton wool related items for soaking up the mess. But hey you still get to feel like a kid at Christmas when a big box arrives with your name on it. Just don't try and work out what it is all for......<br />
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<b>4</b>. <b>Nobody bats an eye when you are still cycling 8 months into your pregnancy</b><br />
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Nothing, and I mean nothing, separates the Dutch from their bikes. Growing a baby in your <i>buik </i>is not a valid reason to stop cycling - in fact the advice is keep moving - you are having a baby, you're not ill! See reason number 1....<br />
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<b>5. The Netherlands is child friendly </b><br />
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It is seriously child friendly. There are playgrounds on every corner. There are schools in every direction you walk. The country is littered with pancake restaurants. Do I need to go on?<br />
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<b>6. The Dutch are raising some of the happiest children in the world </b><br />
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If you could pick any country in the world to raise your children you could do far worse than the Netherlands. <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2014/06/parenting-around-planet-parenting-dutch.html#.V-gYYzLwfm0" target="_blank">Year after year the Dutch come out around the top of happiness surveys</a>, with children showing the rest of us just how happy you can be.<br />
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<b>7. You get <i>kinderbijslag </i></b><br />
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That's child allowance to you and me. If you live or work in the Netherlands and have children under the age of eighteen then you are probably entitled to child allowance, paid quarterly directly into your bank account. It helps. It really does.<br />
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<b>8. Your cupboards fill up with chocolate things</b><br />
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It's near on impossible to raise children in the Netherlands without ending up with <i>hagelslag</i> (sprinkles) and chocolate spread stocked in your kitchen cupboards. I tried to resist. For years I was strong. But the peer pressure is strong and eventually you will succumb. It all goes on bread. Just go with it.<br />
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<b>9. You live with mini language teachers</b><br />
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Your children will speak better Dutch than you by the time they are three years old. And they are proud to let you know that by correcting EVERY. DAMN. THING. YOU. SAY.<br />
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<b>10. <i>Kraamzorg</i></b><br />
I left the best for last. <i>Kraamzorg - </i>a maternity nurse in your home after the birth. I love, love, love <i>kraamzorg</i>. In my humble opinion it should be made illegal for countries not to provide new mothers with <i>kraamzorg</i>. But hey, who am I? I have experienced <i>kraamzorg</i> three times (I also wrote about it in <a href="http://amzn.to/2dls1Ov" target="_blank">Dutched Up!</a>), and every time was a unique, but amazing experience.<br />
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If you want to read more about <i>kraamzorg</i> then get your copy of Knocked Up Abroad Again. My story tells much more about the best thing about a Dutch birth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knocked Up Abroad Again Contributor Locations</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 150px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 109px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 150px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 109px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-74030560117593990712016-09-12T15:08:00.001+02:002016-09-21T11:46:35.956+02:00Gone Dutch and Now What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>L</b></span>ast Wednesday Dutch nationality was bestowed upon me. And given that I can now call myself both British and Dutch it is no longer applicable to call myself an expat. Which is a bit of a buggar when your blog is called Expat Life with a Double Buggy. "Ex-expat with no Double Buggy' is more appropriate these days. So now what?<br />
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First, a couple of photos from the naturalisation ceremony that took place. I was incredibly stressed about the ceremony but I am happy to report that it was actually a fantastic experience - even fun!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGBsYyMynQB1VT9wwkXj4HYDmCA243BKEkH2drJVnoHmfywu4IXOD_n9ThnO1VcI_5woAEd_lUvJ4lD7tDR1bXpXOyMDC-_HIJ0s6Jtk150xdBg9FCN0usuQe3mMUDlxG86F0Oopu4FE/s1600/Gone+Dutch+Ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGBsYyMynQB1VT9wwkXj4HYDmCA243BKEkH2drJVnoHmfywu4IXOD_n9ThnO1VcI_5woAEd_lUvJ4lD7tDR1bXpXOyMDC-_HIJ0s6Jtk150xdBg9FCN0usuQe3mMUDlxG86F0Oopu4FE/s640/Gone+Dutch+Ceremony.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at the town hall for the ceremony - stress? What stress?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw6Nu9Ohx1DWGJiy9yTHceJsGAXpY9NKk_eawihoMnoB3VuSP-v_gO18VDYRDzWhnyTcFEHMUSzSDeDABbWE_AZRvccO5IxsdBLKbmu4haerODoKVjWHUB3V1Udh7z6hCBI4JWhuZdxM/s1600/Ceremony+Sep+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw6Nu9Ohx1DWGJiy9yTHceJsGAXpY9NKk_eawihoMnoB3VuSP-v_gO18VDYRDzWhnyTcFEHMUSzSDeDABbWE_AZRvccO5IxsdBLKbmu4haerODoKVjWHUB3V1Udh7z6hCBI4JWhuZdxM/s640/Ceremony+Sep+2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room set up emphasising that going through this process is about as Dutch as you can get.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3l97JuvMlaiI3dwZAPQOMnNR3sCm4Tx2JQI70-Ec54RwZEa3GHbelx99AGQzLIsqW6jN22l3S1uD4R-ou_UqFioS5ZVG5rMMQuhpnD5AsTNwa5N3fgHO4_aTwA32MlEcy_-4SeI25tg/s1600/Stand+In+Mayor+Naturalisation+Ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3l97JuvMlaiI3dwZAPQOMnNR3sCm4Tx2JQI70-Ec54RwZEa3GHbelx99AGQzLIsqW6jN22l3S1uD4R-ou_UqFioS5ZVG5rMMQuhpnD5AsTNwa5N3fgHO4_aTwA32MlEcy_-4SeI25tg/s640/Stand+In+Mayor+Naturalisation+Ceremony.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stand-in mayor telling us about our role in Dutch society..... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioknmIwITn5GPMy1HmV9SaJn2zFWZrYnhM4vCkTJYc5B_BMIshd_nk8JWsMs0vUOaNksH8P_Tqgtcw_ZEZkdVvu78ZwcdFlC3DETkoUQp6TylIRdD3RvsA0alq7tyGb9Udwq1FkreSO8c/s1600/Group+Photo+Ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioknmIwITn5GPMy1HmV9SaJn2zFWZrYnhM4vCkTJYc5B_BMIshd_nk8JWsMs0vUOaNksH8P_Tqgtcw_ZEZkdVvu78ZwcdFlC3DETkoUQp6TylIRdD3RvsA0alq7tyGb9Udwq1FkreSO8c/s640/Group+Photo+Ceremony.jpg" width="622" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then a group photo for the local newspaper - where hopefully I won't be looking like this...</td></tr>
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So, having now become Dutch (at least on paper) I am faced with the small issue of this blog. The direction of this blog has been on my mind for many months now and going about as Dutch as I possibly can just puts more fuel on that particular fire. Whilst I mull this all over I intend to take a blogging hiatus, on this blog in any case (I will still be scribbling over on <a href="https://happysensitivekids.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Happy Sensitive Kids</a>) whilst I consider where to go from here.<br />
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I will still be popping up with articles (including one planned for Amsterdam Mamas on the naturalisation process I have just been through) and sharing the excitement of a Kick Starter campaign with you which begins next week for our upcoming book <a href="http://knockedupabroad.eu/" target="_blank">Knocked Up Abroad Again</a>. I will remain fully active on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExpatLifeWithADoubleBuggy/" target="_blank">Expat Life Facebook page</a> and on <a href="https://twitter.com/AmandavMulligen" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, sharing news and updates there. You can also catch up with me and my scribbles on www.amandavanmulligen.com.<br />
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So I'm not disappearing - I'm merely collecting my thoughts and deciding on the next move..... get in touch if you have a brilliant idea you'd like to share with me!Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-40903343689217372332016-09-05T11:06:00.001+02:002016-09-05T11:08:58.463+02:00The Week I Become a Nederlander<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>his is a big week in this British expat's life. It's the week (barring a disaster) I become Dutch.<br />
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A few days after I published my last blog post <span id="goog_923880053"></span><a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/08/almost-dutch.html" target="_blank">Almost Dutch?</a> I received a letter, written on behalf of the mayor, inviting me to a naturalisation ceremony which will take place this Wednesday. When I saw the envelope with the local council's logo lying on my doormat my initial thought was oh oh there's an issue with my citizenship application - it's too early for there to be any contact.<span id="goog_923880054"></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a>I opened the letter in an anxious state only to read that I could attend a ceremony a week later. I was gobsmacked, to put it mildly. I had been expecting a ceremony invitation for somewhere in December.<br />
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My husband had taken our sons to school and he was helping out in my eldest's class but he popped unexpectedly back to grab forgotten keys for their bike locks. As he was frantically turning a drawer upside down in search of keys I said,<br />
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"<i>Volgende week word ik een Nederlander.</i>"<br />
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He stopped his search and looked as surprised as I had felt a few minutes earlier. Then he smiled broadly.<br />
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So that is the current status. Attendance at a <i>naturalisatieceremonie</i> is compulsory and the last step to being granted Dutch citizenship. At the ceremony (described as a '<i>feestelijke bijeenkomst over de betekenis van de Nederlandse nationaliteit</i>') what it means to be a Dutch citizen is explained and each applicant has to declare that they will uphold and respect the rights and freedoms of the Netherlands.<br />
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The declaration is as follows:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'Ik zweer dat ik de grondwettelijke orde van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden, haar vrijheden en rechten respecteer en zweer de plichten die het staatsburgerschap met zich meebrengt getrouw te vervullen.' Gevolgd door: 'Zo waarlijk helpe mij God almachtig.'</blockquote>
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or<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'Ik beloof dat ik de grondwettelijke orde van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden, haar vrijheden en rechten respecteer en zweer de plichten die het staatsburgerschap met zich meebrengt getrouw te vervullen.' Gevolgd door: 'Dat verklaar en beloof ik.'</blockquote>
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So I'm really looking forward to getting up in front of the room to say that...... *gulp*. I don't do public speaking........</div>
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Other than the time and location, and the fact that I make a declaration, I have no idea what to expect. After the declaration I will be granted a document that says I am officially a Dutchie. Five days later I am able to start an application for a Dutch passport.</div>
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So there you have it. The process has been easy, quick and painless (aside from standing up in front of a public gathering at the town hall then) and I am, in all honesty, reeling from the whole process.</div>
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The idea of becoming Dutch makes me feel incredibly emotional. It's not something I ever thought I would do. My sons were asking me questions this morning. Would I still be British? Yes. I retain my British nationality. It's hard for them to wrap their heads around, despite them having dual nationality. From Wednesday evening on I will have dual nationality. It's a confusing feeling. It's a lot for me to wrap my head around. It's an honour. It feels strange. </div>
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When I announced on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExpatLifeWithADoubleBuggy/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> that I would be attending a ceremony imminently I had questions and comments. And a wind up. Shouldn't this blog then become "A Dutchie with a Double Buggy"? Do I feel more Dutch than British? Prepare yourself for the tricky questions about Dutch culture and life - and for the Holland scent they spray at the end of the ceremony which smells like <i>oliebollen</i>. </div>
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I have lots of questions whizzing around my head. I have lots of emotions too. I am going to get myself through the ceremony and then assess how I feel. It's a big change, not for my every day life of course, but for how I feel as an expat, a Brit and my own identity. I know for sure that the Netherlands feels like home, far more than Britain has for the past decade. I can't see myself living in Britain again. But I have learnt never to say never - I blogged back in May 2014 about feeling like I live life in the middle - between being Dutch and British:</div>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"However, I am not Dutch. Nor will I ever be. I don't have the cultural background, mentality or history to be Dutch. My cultural background, mentality and history is British through and through. So I fall into a void. Locally, I'm accepted as one of the gang, but I feel sometimes like an impostor, like I stand out, like I'm different. Which I do and I am."</blockquote>
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Life twists and turns, throws up surprises. Life changes. Expat life is all about adapting; it always has been. Suddenly I will be able to call myself Dutch. And British. <i>En dat is even wennen......</i><br />
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<h3>
<b>Over to You: Anyone been through this process? Does dual nationality have consequences for your identity? How did it make you feel to be granted the citizenship of another country?</b></h3>
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-49046215116125874682016-08-26T15:06:00.001+02:002016-09-04T12:08:08.277+02:00Almost Dutch?<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span>ver the years my Dutch husband and I have touched upon the topic of me and Dutch citizenship. Every discussion has ended with the conclusion that I had nothing to gain from owning a Dutch passport in addition to my British one. <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/06/being-british-expat-in-wake-of-brexit.html" target="_blank">Until Brexit</a>. Brexit has changed everything. Maybe. Potentially.
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Although no one knows for sure what the future holds for the status of British expats like me living in the European Union I do know that there is a chance that Brexit will mean some kind of change to my residency status and/or working permissions within EU countries. And so, like many other expat Brits, I started seriously looking into obtaining Dutch citizenship so, given any eventuality, I will still enjoy the same rights as my Dutch family.<br />
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The decision by Britain to leave the EU was taken two months ago but my application for Dutch citizenship is filed, in progress and awaiting the decision of the local mayor. It was filed a month ago actually. I didn't hang around! I could be about to get seriously <a href="http://amzn.to/2bl2QK4" target="_blank">Dutched Up!</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYBVZ70yMJKzU81rSoNvdLjv-qTt9brSK_aRxZyvtDr7EMYxG9KTOsAselip0iRoeQQ1aRO5TVQZka8E1TpX-_DeKRqI-RHANGjnYBz1Qn6tWQpVl6nISBwMNu346V_fSx63SuWGcAeg/s1600/Dutched+Up%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYBVZ70yMJKzU81rSoNvdLjv-qTt9brSK_aRxZyvtDr7EMYxG9KTOsAselip0iRoeQQ1aRO5TVQZka8E1TpX-_DeKRqI-RHANGjnYBz1Qn6tWQpVl6nISBwMNu346V_fSx63SuWGcAeg/s400/Dutched+Up%2521.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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The process has been painless, quick and much easier than I ever could have imagined. And because of the many questions I have had on Facebook about the process I am going through I decided to write this blog post and share my experiences.<br />
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<h3>
Two Ways To Become a Dutch Citizen - The Theory</h3>
Firstly, there are two different routes to obtaining citizenship in the Netherlands - VERY DIFFERENT routes. There is the <i><a href="https://kdw.ind.nl/Dialog.aspx?knowledge_id=%2fdialoogvreemdeling%3finit%3dtrue%26prefill%3dtrue%26WensKlant%3dNederlanderWorden" target="_blank">naturalisatie</a></i> or <i><a href="https://kdw.ind.nl/Dialog.aspx?knowledge_id=%2fdialoogvreemdeling%3finit%3dtrue%26prefill%3dtrue%26WensKlant%3dNederlanderWorden" target="_blank">optie</a></i> route. So, to be clear, I am going through the <i><b>optie</b></i> route.<br />
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<h3>
Requirements to Apply for Dutch Citizenship: <i>Optie</i> Process</h3>
To apply using the <i>optie</i> process you need to meet the following requirements:<br />
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<ul>
<li>You have been married to a Dutch citizen for at least 3 years</li>
<li>You have lived uninterrupted in the Netherlands for 15 with a legitimate residency permit</li>
<li>You have not been in prison during the last 4 years or recieved a judicial sentence such as community service or a considerable fine. (I was told that a fine for running a red light for example was not an issue. Murdering someone is not considered okay.)</li>
<li>You do not have more than one wife</li>
<li>You are prepared to pledge allegiance to the Netherlands</li>
</ul>
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For a comprehensive list of requirements visit the <a href="https://kdw.ind.nl/Dialog.aspx?knowledge_id=%2fdialoogvreemdeling%3finit%3dtrue%26prefill%3dtrue%26knowledge_id%3d%252fdialoogvreemdelinginit%253dtrue%26WensKlant%3dNederlanderWorden%26jse%3d1" target="_blank">IND's website</a>.</div>
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<h3>
Why the <i>Optie</i> Process Rocks</h3>
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If you meet these requirements you qualify for the <i>optie</i> procedure which is good because it means:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>You may keep your birth nationality, so long as dual nationality is accepted in your current passport holding country</li>
<li>Costs are lower than through the <i>naturalisatie</i> route (in my case €179 - the <i>naturalisatie</i> route cost is €840 so a significant difference)</li>
<li>An <i>inburgeringscursus</i> is not a requirement and so language skills are not tested </li>
<li>The process is quicker, usually taking 3 months from filing the application with your local council (<i>gemeente</i>)</li>
<li>And that's the other advantage - the application is done at your local town hall and doesn't involve the IND. And if you have ever had any interaction with the IND you will know that it an advantage for sure</li>
</ul>
<h3>
My Application Process - The Reality</h3>
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So that's the theoretical stuff of IND listed requirements covered. And now the reality...... How did my application process go?</div>
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<h3>
Appointment 1</h3>
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Well, first step was to make an appointment online with my <i>gemeente, </i>where I am registered as living which in this case is Zoetermeer. The purpose of this initial meeting was to assess whether I met the criteria to become a Dutch citizen. I turned up at appointed time with my documents:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<ul>
<li>My passport</li>
<li>My wedding certificate</li>
<li>My legalised birth certificate with an official translation (this needs to be shown if you have not previously shown it to Dutch authorities - I took it with me in case but it was already registered in the system from when I arrived in the Netherlands)</li>
</ul>
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You also need to show your residence permit. As I am (at least for the moment) a citizen from within the EU I officially do not need a residence permit, though I did initially have one. Back in 2000 there was a lot of uncertainty about where to actually have one or not so I applied for one. I renewed it once but didn't bother renewing it again when I had been here for ten years. This did actually cause a minor hiccup in the process. I was told that I had actually only been officially registered in the Netherlands for 14 ½ years, and not the almost 16 years it has been since I arrived on Dutch soil. I was told I would have to come back in December this year. Gulp. </div>
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It turns out that although I arrived here in September 2000 the IND only got round to processing my residence permit in December 2001. (They lost my file when I moved from Voorschoten to The Hague so it was a few months in limbo until I realised I hadn't heard anything and The Hague came to the conclusion they knew nothing about an application for a residence permit....... Hence my comments about the IND above.) My husband piped up and pointed that as I am British I didn't actually need a residence permit, and so the IND blunder was irrelevant in my case and the date I first registered in Voorschoten was the date to use. We were back with September 2000 as the official start of my residency in the Netherlands. Phew, the <i>optie</i> process was back on the table.</div>
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I had already also got over the hiccup of being asked to show which language tests I had passed by explaining I was talking about the <i>optie</i> process and not the <i>naturalisatie</i> process. Man, we had to be on the ball that morning!</div>
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The woman helping me wandered off at one point to get her colleague to help her clarify the whole date of residency issue. She brought her back to the desk and scare number three followed. The colleague assisting asked whether my British passport contained my maiden name or my married name. By the look on her face it was obvious one of the choices was going to be a problem. Argh. </div>
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Luckily I gave the right answer.... had my married name been on my British passport things would have been trickier. My maiden name on my passport made things '<i>makkelijker</i>'. I counted my blessings and I didn't ask why. </div>
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<div>
Hip hip hooray - I could tick off the boxes and was eligible for the <i>optie</i> process. The lady helping me asked when I would like an appointment for. I stared. My husband stared. She stared. Huh? I have an appointment now. I'm sitting right here. Right now. But no, I needed a second appointment to actually make the application. Of course, Dutch efficiency. So I made a new appointment.</div>
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<h3>
Appointment 2</h3>
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And so ten days later I trundled back, my bag filled with every piece of documentation I could possible ever need in any situation. I was determined there would not be a third appointment. </div>
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After a very strange incident at the 'take a ticket' machine in which I had to apparently guess that the council had registered my appointment using random birth date details (entering my actual birth date resulted in an error screen) I did finally have my queue number. </div>
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Within minutes my number flashed up on the screen and sent me to a desk number that didn't exist. I got back in line, spoke to the most unfriendly receptionist the council could possibly find to be told the room I was looking for was upstairs. Of course it was. My psychic powers were a little off that day. But I found the room, took a seat and took a deep breath, psyching myself up for the next barrier.</div>
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Easy as Pie. Or Should That be <i>Pastei</i>?</h3>
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It didn't come. No hurdles. No <i>gedoe</i>. I was back downstairs in less then ten minutes, much to my family's surprise who were waiting for me in the library. </div>
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I was helped by a friendly woman who had the application and declaration forms ready for me to read though and sign. This was the reason a second appointment was needed - so that everything could be pre-prepared! She went through a few points (like telling me a parking ticket or driving through a red light weren't seen as major felonies), checked I understood what I was reading through and getting myself in to, told me where to sign, took my money and that was that. </div>
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She informed me that a judicial check would take place - and if I wasn't found to be a wanted hardened criminal and I could expect an invitation to a ceremony from the mayor in around three months. Then she sent me off with a smile.</div>
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De Naturalisatieceremonie</h3>
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That ceremony she told me about is compulsory and it's where I'd be told what it means to be a Dutch citizen, pledge allegiance (by saying the '<i>verklaring van verbondenheid</i>') to the Netherlands, confirm that I do actually feel a bit Dutch (which in all honesty I do) and . Once I have attended this ceremony I would then be a Dutch citizen. And my husband has promised to throw a big Dutch style party with <i>bitterballen, </i>a huge circle and very frothy beer. And of course you're all invited. </div>
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Watch this space.</div>
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<br />Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-51319130733601316422016-08-18T06:30:00.000+02:002016-08-18T06:30:00.162+02:00Explore Paleis Soestdijk<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b>hilst a new purpose is being considered for <a href="https://www.paleissoestdijk.nl/" target="_blank">Soestdijk Palace</a>, it is open to visitors. And it's well worth a visit.<br />
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It used to be the working palace of Queen Juliana, the mother of Princess Beatrix, the grandmother of the current king of the Netherlands.<br />
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From the smoke stained walls of Prince Claus's study to the family photos of princesses in their childhood prime, the palace gives a fascinating, historical glimpse into the life of the Dutch monarchy. </div>
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The grounds are beautiful to walk around and there's a <i>speurtocht</i> for the children, which gets them uncovering places and facts about the palace and the family that lived in it.<br />
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If you haven't been then go whilst you can!</div>
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I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking!<br />
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-43843626577361325792016-08-11T06:30:00.000+02:002016-08-11T06:30:00.907+02:00Saying Goodbye to My Consultatiebureau“<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span> started working here eight years ago and I can still remember the day you walked in for the very first time – a newborn baby in your arms. A brand new mother,” said the lady at the front desk of the consultatiebureau to me at the end of my last visit.<br />
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I can’t even begin to count the number of times I have set foot inside my local <i>consultatiebureau </i>since 2007. But the woman who has weighed and measured all three of my sons over the space of eight years gave me reason to stop and reflect on my visits there; the same woman who remembers the name of my eldest son despite his last <i>consultatiebureau</i> visit being four years ago.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Eight years ago, when a nurse came to my home and made an appointment for me at the consultatiebureau, I had no idea what to expect from the government funded child wellness clinic.<br />
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I knew it was the place where my children would be vaccinated. It was a place where their growth would be meticulously measured and recorded. It was a place where I could ask questions, ask for advice and ultimately ask for help if I needed it.<br />
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It became a place I got used to visiting but not one I relish going to.<br />
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I learnt quickly it was a place that always smelt of dirty nappies – sometimes the air was merely faintly tainted but other times it was a full-on assault to my sensitive nose. I’m put off by the waiting (they’re invariably running late), the mess of baby clothes strewn across neatly arranged rows of dark blue changing mats, by having to console my baby who, funnily enough, never seemed to appreciate having a needle stuck in his soft chubby thigh. And all whilst listening to the discordant sounds of an unpracticed baby and toddler choir around me.<br />
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It’s a place we’ve had development checks, help with sleep issues, advice on raising bilingual children, discussions on bread intake (he should eat how many slices of bread a day?), eye tests that have lead to referrals to eye specialists at our local hospital and emotional support during periods of parenting lows.<br />
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The <i>consultatiebureau </i>has been a springboard to other services within the Dutch youth services, services that gave us direction when there was the threat of losing our parenting way.<br />
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As my eldest approached his fourth birthday his time at the <i>consultatiebureau</i> came to an end but his younger brother had barely started his<i> consultatiebureau</i> adventure. Shortly afterwards my youngest son was born and I juggled appointments with two boys at different stages until last summer when my middle son turned four. Then his relationship with the <i>consultatiebureau</i> ended too.<br />
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And now as I stand in the <i>consultatiebureau</i> listening to the lady behind the front desk tell her tale of our first meeting I fight back a nostalgic tear that threatens to escape. I hold back a wave of melancholy thoughts and memories of my journey here with my three tiny babies who have grown into little boys before my eyes. And before the eyes of the ladies who work in my consultatiebureau.<br />
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I realise I have one more appointment in this place before my family parts ways with the <i>consultatiebureau</i>. Our time here is almost done.<br />
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By then it will have been nine years since I first walked into the small L-shaped room that forms my <i>consultatiebureau</i>, a place whose appearance has barely changed during those years. As I shut the <i>consultatiebureau</i> door on my way out for the last time I will be walking into a new chapter of motherhood, a new phase for my little family and I already know that I will feel like I am losing someone that has had my back for the first nine years as a mother.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This post was first published on Passionate Parenting in 2015</span>Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-24058458767057132942016-08-04T06:30:00.001+02:002016-08-04T06:30:03.502+02:00Little Steps to the Basisschool<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span>f you are living in the Netherlands your child can start attending primary school at the age of four. All three of my children are now in various stages of primary school but for each one of them making the leap from peuterspeelzaal to the basisschool was a big one. So here's my story about how we tried to make it easier.<br />
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My youngest son will soon turn four. In the Netherlands this means he can start at primary school.<br />
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He currently attends a <i>peuterspeelzaal </i>for two mornings a week. He’s well aware that he’ll soon be going to school every day like his two elder brothers. He also knows that the class he will spend his first two years of school life in is ready and eagerly waiting for him.<br />
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He’s already busy with <i>wennen</i>, a few mornings before he actually starts as an introduction to his teacher, his classmates, his classroom and how his days will look in school.<br />
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There have been tears. There have been bursts of anger because he doesn’t want to go to a new school. Through the eyes of my <a href="https://happysensitivekids.wordpress.com/">highly sensitive</a> three year old all that change is bad, scary.<br />
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“<i>Te spannend</i>!” he shouts through his tears.<br />
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And I agree. It is a huge amount of change in one big bang; from a few hours a week to full time education just around the corner of his fourth birthday.<br />
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So his school life will begin slowly but surely, one step at a time. First he’ll just do mornings, one day at a time. Whatever he can manage. I’ll let him take the lead.<br />
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I want the basisschool to be a fun, positive and exciting experience right from the start for the last of my brood. Third time around I know exactly what a drain starting school can be on a brand new four year old. I know how difficult a new environment for a highly sensitive child can be.<br />
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Unfortunately, I also know that without the understanding and support of a teacher starting in school can be a negative, upsetting experience for a highly sensitive child.<br />
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My eldest son didn’t have the benefit of my experience and wisdom when he first stepped into his classroom. His school start was rocky to say the least. It ended in a change of school.<br />
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So now I’m planning ahead. I’m talking to my youngest son’s teacher. She knows he’s sensitive to change, nervous about new things. I stayed for the duration of his first morning in school. The second morning there were tears, but there were already trusted faces in the classroom so the tears quickly subsided.<br />
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There are still tears as I leave him in the classroom for a third time, short-lived ones, but tears nonetheless. However, this time around I know he will be fine as I head out of the school.<br />
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This morning he asked, as he lay snuggled in bed,<br />
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“Mama, am I going to the <i>basisschool</i> today?”<br />
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“Yes,” I told him, and he leapt out of bed with cries of “yippee”.<br />
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“I’m going to big school, I’m going to big school,” he sings as he dances around our living room wiggling his bottom at us.<br />
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I drop him off and he barely looks at me as I leave his classroom. He’s deep in conversation with the little girl sitting next to him on their tiny chairs. There are no tears, just smiles and excitement. My heart soars as I walk home.<br />
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It’s early days but he feels at home in his new classroom. His teacher already gets him, makes time for him, does all she can to make him feel comfortable in this new place, to prepare him for the following day.<br />
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He smiles broadly when he talks about his school. He chatters about being a big boy going to the <i>basisschool</i>.<br />
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More importantly he is the picture of happiness when I pick him up on the school playground at lunchtime. He runs out, beaming, eager to tell me about all the things he has done. He has made friends already.<br />
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The tide has turned. Getting him to go to the last few <i>peuterspeelzaal</i> sessions has become challenging,<br />
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“But I’m done going to baby school,” he exclaims indignantly. “<i>Ik ben een grote jongen en ik ga naar de basisschool</i>!”<br />
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He’s ready.<br />
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<b> Quick Tips and Info:</b></h2>
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<li>Children enter the Dutch education system as soon as they turn 4. There is therefore a constant stream of new children joining group 1 throughout the entire school year.</li>
<li>School is only actually compulsory from age 5 when children become <i>leerplichtig</i>.</li>
<li>Some schools in the bigger towns (Amsterdam and The Hague as examples) have long waiting lists (and lottery systems) so register well in advance with your preferred school.</li>
<li>Before a child turns 4 it is usual for a school to invite you for an intake meeting. Your child will also be invited for a few intro hours (<i>om te wennen</i>) before they actually start. It is a great way to get your child prepared for the big transition.</li>
<li>Talk to your child’s teacher about your child’s personality and any issues you foresee with your child settling in at school. The sooner they understand your child, the more they can help and advise.</li>
<li>Children celebrate their birthday in school with a <i>traktatie</i>. For ideas see my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amandavmulligen/birthday-parties-gift-ideas-traktaties/">birthday Pinterest board</a>.</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This post was originally published last year on the Passionate Parenting site.</span></div>
Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-88145821093070111592016-08-01T06:30:00.000+02:002016-09-12T14:33:12.495+02:005 Popular Dutch Children's Books<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>here are a lot of books in our house, and they are something that generally escape my rare but thorough decluttering frenzies. Our bookshelves are filled with both English and Dutch books (with the occasional French and German title). When it comes to Dutch children's books there are some which are incredibly popular which you will generally see everywhere - like these 5.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Nijntje</h2>
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If you live outside the Netherlands then you know Nijntje as <a href="http://amzn.to/29BxeyD" target="_blank">Miffy</a>. I wasn't really a fan of Miffy, but since having children I do appreciate the magic of Nijntje. The series is a fun read for the little ones because of the rhyming language.<br />
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The books are written by Dick Bruna who is just about a household name in the Netherlands. I'd be surprised if there's a Dutch adult alive who doesn't know his name. There's even a <a href="http://nijntjemuseum.nl/?lang=en" target="_blank">Miffy museum</a> to visit here.<br />
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You can find a <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=miffy&search=Find+book" target="_blank">Miffy book</a> for just about every topic and any occasion you can think of so they always make<a href="http://amzn.to/29vqO8O" target="_blank"> great gifts</a>.<br />
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My favourite is actually a book my husband gave me: translated it means "the writer".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5pyFzi_sk6UMYo4bxk_0RjpZlSBbVKmeidp2HvEAGr_ETVW2vgwLUW-bBOrzJW7waJ93oScOtBFlVrUIICJFhUKYC2UXVxpWNP0FH7IEmGEj2D-faexW9kO-5NHtjBAo4iBFfra5N-8/s1600/De+Schrijfster+Bruna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5pyFzi_sk6UMYo4bxk_0RjpZlSBbVKmeidp2HvEAGr_ETVW2vgwLUW-bBOrzJW7waJ93oScOtBFlVrUIICJFhUKYC2UXVxpWNP0FH7IEmGEj2D-faexW9kO-5NHtjBAo4iBFfra5N-8/s640/De+Schrijfster+Bruna.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure how far Miffy has travelled around the world so let me know in the comments if she's made it to your neck of the woods.<br />
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Dolfje Weerwolfje</h2>
I'd go as far as to say that Paul van Loon has made his mark on the Dutch children's book market in a way that no other modern time writer has. <a href="http://www.dolfjeweerwolfje.nl/" target="_blank">Dolfje Weerwolfje</a> is a national reading pastime. The stories follow the adventures of a boy who changes into a werewolf three nights a month - and a white werewolf wearing glasses at that. There are many adventures to follow and I know that my eldest is doing his best to work through the entire series.<br />
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There's a film, an upcoming musical and more merchandise than you could ever hope to collect, should you be so inclined.<br />
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Researching for this post I have actually learnt that elsewhere in the world the series is known as Alfie the Werewolf (available in the <a href="http://amzn.to/29PlRsL" target="_blank">US</a> and the <a href="http://amzn.to/29Rnkvh" target="_blank">UK</a> or from the <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=alfie%20the%20werewolf&search=Find+book" target="_blank">Book Depository)</a> so that's another series discovered for me to read in English with my 6 year old!<br />
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Jip en Janneke</h2>
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My youngest is nuts about <a href="https://partner.bol.com/click/click?p=2&t=url&s=36014&f=TXL&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bol.com%2Fnl%2Fp%2Fjip-and-janneke%2F1001004011522898%2F&name=Jip%20and%20Janneke%2C%20Fiep%20Westendorp">Jip en Janneke</a>. Every night papa has to re-read the adventures of the two Dutch kids who live next door to each other, and this is the third time around because my eldest two worked their way through the series too.<br />
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Written by Annie M. G. Schmidt, and illustrated by Fiep Westendorp, these tales are classics for sure. Despite being published in the 1950s, Jip and Janneke are still the best known children's book characters in the country.</div>
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The illustrations are black and white and certainly iconic - and some of the books are available in English like <a href="http://amzn.to/29wLee5" target="_blank">Two Kids from Holland</a>. (US link <a href="http://amzn.to/29BDLZW" target="_blank">here)</a></div>
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Pluk van de Petteflet</h2>
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I couldn't mention Jip en Janneke without talking about Pluk too; written by the same writer with the pictures drawn by the same illustrator, Pluk is almost as iconic as Jip and his friend.</div>
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<a href="https://partner.bol.com/click/click?p=2&t=url&s=36014&f=TXL&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bol.com%2Fnl%2Fp%2Fpluk-van-de-petteflet%2F1001004007516421%2F&name=Pluk%20van%20de%20Petteflet%2C%20Annie%20M.G.%20Schmidt">Pluk van de Petteflet</a> tells the tale of a boy (Pluk) who rides his little red engine around looking for a place to live - he hears of a room free in the Petteflet tower and promptly moves in. He soon makes lots of friends to have lots of adventures with.<br />
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Pluk has also been translated into English - known as Pluck - and his adventures can be read in <a href="http://amzn.to/29HjxTa" target="_blank">Tow-Truck Pluck</a> (<a href="http://amzn.to/29vv2xm" target="_blank">US here</a> or available from <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Tow-Truck-Pluck/9781782691129" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>).</div>
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<h2>
Dummie de Mummie</h2>
<a href="http://toscamenten.nl/boeken/bibliografie/" target="_blank">This is a hugely popular series of books written by </a><a href="https://partner.bol.com/click/click?p=2&t=url&s=36014&f=TXL&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bol.com%2Fnl%2Fs%2Fnederlandse-boeken%2Fzoekresultaten%2FNtt%2Fdummie%2Bde%2Bmummie%2FN%2F60%2B8293%2Fsc%2Fbooks_nl%2Findex.html&name=dummie%20de%20mummie">Tosca Menten</a>. My eldest is about to start reading a Dummie de Mummie adventure that he got from the library. The series started in 2009 and a book has been published every year since.<br />
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The book is a series of adventures about a Mummy called Dummy.....<br />
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The books are available in original language in the <a href="http://amzn.to/29wNPVh" target="_blank">UK</a>, and in <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=tosca%20menten" target="_blank">German from Book Depository</a> - as far as I know are only available in English in Australia but feel free to correct me on that.<br />
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<a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" border="0" height="320" src="https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Olympics-series-button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Welcome to our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank">Olympics for Kids series</a>! The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the world and explore cultures together.
Today, you can find more about other travel posts about various countries thanks to our participating bloggers:
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<b>Book review: Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboahw - <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2016/08/01/emmanuels-dream-emmanuel-ofosu-yeboah/" target="_blank">Multicultural Kid Blogs</a>
Latino Kids Lit Featuring Mexico - <a href="http://www.mommymaestra.com/2016/07/childrens-books-about-mexico.html" target="_blank">Mommy Maestra</a>
Children's Books Featuring Chile - <a href="http://www.laclasedesradufault.com/2016/07/childrens-books-featuring-chile.html" target="_blank">La Clase de Sra. DuFault</a>
5 Popular Dutch Children's Books - <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2016/07/5-popular-dutch-childrens-books.html" target="_blank">Expat Life with a Double Buggy</a>
Kids Books Set in Jamaica - <a href="http://kidworldcitizen.org/" target="_blank">Kid World Citizen</a>
Children's Books Set in South Africa - <a href="http://coloursofus.com/" target="_blank">Colours of Us</a>
Children's Books about the Amazon - <a href="http://hispanicmama.com/" target="_blank">Hispanic Mama</a>
Portuguese Favourite Books for Under 6's - <a href="http://www.thepiripirilexicon.com/2016/01/our-favourite-portuguese-books-for.html" target="_blank">the piri-piri lexicon</a>
Explore Brazil with Your Child: Read, Cook, and Craft - <a href="http://packngogirls.com/home/blog/" target="_blank">Pack-n-Go Girls</a>
</b></center>
Don't forget that you can also download our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" target="_blank">Summer Games Unit</a> activity pack to learn more about the world and have fun during the Olympics.
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-37646653578291163122016-07-29T06:30:00.000+02:002016-07-29T06:30:00.154+02:00Flying the Dutch Flag<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b>hould you be in the Netherlands on King's Day you'll notice flags out in force in the Dutch streets, hanging from flag poles attached to the houses. We don't have a flag holder on our house, nor do we own a Dutch flag to hang even if we did... but I did stumble upon "general flag instructions in Zoetermeer" on the internet and was quite surprised by the rules around flag flying around here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgNeTk1LIooJon8htWJW90ZQ9oJ9sWCfGeFeTFeY6A2x6xDFeuaQ36oq8HI5Ahq2GV-NQZmagMsQiHYV0zYYsBHTSj5RX8o2rWQ6ppHSWeUTNFqZLVI8sDxPklGscSBFfOKEpLGoogpg/s1600/The+Dutch+Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgNeTk1LIooJon8htWJW90ZQ9oJ9sWCfGeFeTFeY6A2x6xDFeuaQ36oq8HI5Ahq2GV-NQZmagMsQiHYV0zYYsBHTSj5RX8o2rWQ6ppHSWeUTNFqZLVI8sDxPklGscSBFfOKEpLGoogpg/s640/The+Dutch+Flag.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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If you're thinking of getting all patriotic as the summer Olympics approach then think again - you can't just get your flag out and start willy-nilly waving it about how and when you want!<br />
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Firstly, there are moments for 'general flagging' (where you and I can wave away) and there are times for "restricted flagging" (only on state building and the like). Here are the dates when General Joe Public may proudly fly the Dutch flag from their houses:<br />
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27 April - <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2016/04/everything-you-need-to-know-about-kings.html">King's Day</a><br />
4 May - Remembrance day (with time restrictions and flag must be flown at half mast)<br />
5 May - Liberation Day<br />
Last Saturday in June - <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2015/06/national-veterans-day-in-netherlands.html">Veteran's Day</a><br />
15 August - official end of World War 2<br />
3rd Tuesday in September (only in The Hague) - Opening of Parliament<br />
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So there you have it. General Joe Public may not hoist the flag for any royal birthdays - you'll only see flags out on state buildings and the like for these occasions. They are also not officially permitted to raise a flag for sporting events, though you often see orange flags flying during a major football tournament.<br />
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But wait, there's more. On King's Day you may also raise your orange wimpel with the Dutch flag. For non-Dutch speakers - a wimpel is a bit of material shaped like a long neck tie. It's the only annual use you'll ever get out of your orange wimpel so make the most of it.<br />
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And that's not all of it... if the said flag flying day should fall on a Sunday or a Christian holiday then the date for official flag raising may change.....so you need to check before you get your ladder out, or hang precariously out a window to reach the flag holder.<br />
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And there are also rules about the size and colours of the flag, how it should be raised and how the flags should sit should there be two together. Really. And you thought the Dutch rolled out of bed on any given King's Day and just 'put their flag up". Now you know differently!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank"><img src="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Olympics-series-button.jpg" alt="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" width="320" height="320" border="0" /></a></div>
Welcome to our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank">Olympics for Kids series</a>! The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the world and explore cultures together.
Today, you can find more geography and flag posts about various countries thanks to our participating bloggers:
<center><b>All about Chile - <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2016/07/29/all-about-chile/" target="_blank">Multicultural Kid Blogs</a>
France: Places Where the Olympics Took Place - <a href="http://lacitedesvents.blogspot.com/2016/07/places-where-olympics-took-place.html" target="_blank">La Cité des Vents</a>
South Africa's Flag: A Symbol of Unity and Progress - <a href="www.globetrottinkids.com" target="_blank">Globe Trottin' Kids</a>
Brazilian Flag Infographic - <a href="http://www.thepiripirilexicon.com/2016/07/the-flag-of-brazil-infographic.html" target="_blank">the piri-piri lexicon</a>
Flying the Dutch Flag - <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2016/07/flying-dutch-flag.html" target="_blank">Expat Life with a Double Buggy</a>
</b></center>
Don't forget that you can also download our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" target="_blank">Summer Games Unit</a> activity pack to learn more about the world and have fun during the Olympics.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cover2.jpg" alt="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" width="338" height="436" border="0" /></a></div>
<span style="border-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font: bold 11px/20px 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #ffffff; background: #bd081c no-repeat scroll 3px 50% / 14px 14px; position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer;">Save</span>Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-57201845439486439692016-07-25T06:30:00.000+02:002016-07-25T09:57:37.688+02:007 Places to Explore in the Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>here is so much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam, despite the bulk of the tourists heading to the Dutch capital. Exploring beyond Amsterdam is definitely worth it. Here are 6 Dutch places that should be on your travel itinerary if you come to the Netherlands.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP62CEzkVVDO136Ic1T4PrenFsVd4W7ItlMOu8Tny4HR46XbEe7OrhRvLIuFJFprxbxe3_lR2TVwr02IlKIlHNjfkfwlnrmfKEcVSXNoO9_pSbLYdovuI_JCnpclBJcRiPZb4u3fWB1X0/s1600/7+Places+to+Explore+in+the+Netherlands+Beyond+Amsterdam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP62CEzkVVDO136Ic1T4PrenFsVd4W7ItlMOu8Tny4HR46XbEe7OrhRvLIuFJFprxbxe3_lR2TVwr02IlKIlHNjfkfwlnrmfKEcVSXNoO9_pSbLYdovuI_JCnpclBJcRiPZb4u3fWB1X0/s640/7+Places+to+Explore+in+the+Netherlands+Beyond+Amsterdam.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>Texel</b></h2>
Don't take my word for it. <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-europe?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=best-in-europe" target="_blank">Those folk over at Lonely Planet</a> know much more about travel than I do, and they say you should visit Texel too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4oj4smpD0nZA0MNoW4oCXiLPfKg3sD1Q93Wgw0CrI0NtXVHvua-bJMcciV51YLZrnpDrjHPLGm6lHjY6VheajOutHDEkpaHZ_y3bLfeb50_KH0xnTF9zOOz-EDe_xxYqM43AxpQ48Pw/s1600/Texel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4oj4smpD0nZA0MNoW4oCXiLPfKg3sD1Q93Wgw0CrI0NtXVHvua-bJMcciV51YLZrnpDrjHPLGm6lHjY6VheajOutHDEkpaHZ_y3bLfeb50_KH0xnTF9zOOz-EDe_xxYqM43AxpQ48Pw/s640/Texel.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Texel is the largest of the Wadden Islands - it means you have to take a ferry from the mainland to get to it, which is a fun way to start your trip. The island is made up of white sand beaches, dunes and nature reserves. There's lots to do for young and old from hiking and cycling to dairy farm visits, a seal sanctuary and museums. There's a lot of sheep too, which can be entertaining whilst you cycle around the island.....and gives Texel a name for quality wool.<br />
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IJsselmeer</h2>
If you are a water sport fan then the Ijsselmeer is a great destination for you. The largest lake in the Netherlands, it was formerly known as the Zuiderzee until the Afsluitdijk closed it off from the sea. The dyke itself is worth a peek, and you can travel the length of this man-made piece of engineering.<br />
You can read more about the IJsselmeer area, in particular about Medemblik in <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/03/why-you-should-visit-dutch-town-of.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.<br />
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The Hague</h2>
The political capital of the Netherlands doesn't always make it on to a traveller's 'to visit' list, but it should. There is so much to do in the Hague: visit <a href="http://denhaag.com/en/museums" target="_blank">museums</a> like the <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2015/01/my-sunday-photo-wondrous-panorama-by.html" target="_blank">Panorama Mesdag</a>, Mauritshuis, Escher museum or Gemeentemuseum; go to a football game at <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2016/06/parenting-lessons-watching-ado-den-haag.html" target="_blank">ADO Den Haag's Kyocera Stadion</a>; take in a show or a dance performance.<br />
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The Hague also makes for a surprising ideal base for <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/07/5-beaches-to-visit-from-hague.html" target="_blank">days out to the beach</a> or walks in the dunes, Scheveningen being one of the most popular. There are festivals (<a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2013/09/an-afternoon-at-embassy-festival-in.html" target="_blank">like the Embassy Festival in September which is a cultural treat for all the senses</a>), theatres, shows and special <a href="http://denhaag.com/en/things-to-do?group=What&what=Museums&tab=Events" target="_blank">museum events</a> on a regular basis.<br />
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Kasteel De Haar, Utrecht</h2>
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This castle is a place I would happily live in. On my bucket list is to sit in the gardens and just spend an afternoon writing. It is stunningly beautiful. The gardens have an English country garden feel to them, and in typical Dutch style there are waterways to admire.<br />
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In the words of my sons: </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"This is the best castle ever!"</span></div>
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It should definitely be on your list when you come to the land of the Dutch. You can read lots more about this beautiful castle <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2014/05/kasteel-de-haar-in-utrecht.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Soestdijk Palace</h2>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Whilst you are in the province of Utrecht, take a trip to <a href="https://www.paleissoestdijk.nl/" target="_blank">Soestdijk Palace</a>. This is the former home of Queen Juliana and the childhood home of Princess Beatrix (the present King's mother). The royals lived here for around 60 years and you can tour the palace and take a stroll around the plentiful gardens and estate. There are also special events on from time to time. </span><br />
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Giethoorn</h2>
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There are no cars in <a href="http://giethoorntourism.com/" target="_blank">Giethoorn</a>. If you want to get around you do it in a little boat. It's the Venice of the Netherlands and it looks gorgeous. Thatched roofs, lots of green, and lots of waterways. I haven't been there yet, but it's on my Dutch bucket list. <a href="https://nl.pinterest.com/amandavmulligen/what-i-love-about-the-netherlands/" target="_blank">Check out my Pinterest board for pictures</a>, which I am sure will convince you to include Giethoorn on your trip around NL.</div>
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De Efteling</h2>
If you are into theme parks then <a href="https://www.efteling.com/en" target="_blank">De Efteling</a> is a great place to head to. There are attractions and entertainment for young and old, in summer and in winter. There's a bit of a fairy tale theme to the park, and it's a hit with kids of all ages. You can read about our visit there in <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2014/05/de-efteling-dutch-theme-park.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.<br />
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank"><img src="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Olympics-series-button.jpg" alt="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" width="320" height="320" border="0" /></a></div>
Welcome to our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank">Olympics for Kids series</a>! The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the world and explore cultures together.
Today, you can find more about other travel posts about various countries thanks to our participating bloggers:
<center><b>Explore Wild Nature in Latvia - <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2016/07/25/explore-wild-nature-in-latvia/" target="_blank">Multicultural Kid Blogs</a>
Sports to Try When Visiting France - <a href="http://lacitedesvents.blogspot.com/2016/07/sports-to-try-when-visiting-france.html" target="_blank">La Cité des Vents</a>
A Journey in South Africa - <a href="https://globetrottinkids.com/page/2/" target="_blank">Globe Trottin' Kids</a>
Sports to Try When Visiting France - <a href="http://lacitedesvents.blogspot.com/2016/07/sports-to-try-when-visiting-france.html" target="_blank">La Cité des Vents</a>
Chile - <a href="http://www.laclasedesradufault.com/" target="_blank">La Clase de Sra. DuFault</a>
Tomar, Portugal: the Last Templar Town - <a href="http://www.thepiripirilexicon.com/2016/07/tomar-portugal-last-templar-town.html" target="_blank">the piri-piri lexicon</a>
7 Places to Explore in the Netherlands - <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2016/07/7-places-to-explore-in-netherlands.html" target="_blank">Expat Life with a Double Buggy</a>
Explore Buenos Aires - <a href="www.hispanicmama.com" target="_blank">Hispanic Mama</a>
Kid-Friendly Vacation in Puerto Rico - <a href="http://discoveringtheworldthroughmysonseyes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Discovering the World Through My Son's Eyes</a>
</b></center>Don't forget that you can also download our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" target="_blank">Summer Games Unit</a> activity pack to learn more about the world and have fun during the Olympics.
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<br />Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-80297325666665541152016-07-22T06:30:00.000+02:002016-07-22T06:30:06.954+02:005 Dutch Foods You Need to Try <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>F</b></span>ood is an important part of a country's culture. Every country has different foods associated with it. Think British and you think fish and chips. Think <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2016/03/10-things-i-learnt-cooking-indonesian.html">Indonesia</a> and you think nasi goreng. Think Germany and you think sausage. You get the picture. If I say the Netherlands what food springs to mind? Probably cheese. But there's much more to taste than cheese in the land of the Dutch. Here are five Dutch foods worth trying - and some of them you can make yourself at home.<br />
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1. Bitterballen</h2>
These are small balls of meat (usually beef) in a roux sauce in breadcrumbs, which are then deep fried. You will commonly see <i>bitterballen</i> on cafe menus as a snack to have with your beer and they are typically served with mustard on the side.<br />
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2. Stroopwafels</h2>
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Biscuits. But not just any biscuits. These are little drops of heaven, or rather large chunks of heaven, depending on the size of <i>stroopwafel </i>you opt for. I'm actually convinced that there are not many problems you can't solve with a good <i>stroopwafel</i>. </div>
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These Dutch delights are in essence syrup waffles and probably one of the most commonly bought gift by expats to take home for loved ones (although I have it on good authority that they are now available in UK supermarkets too).</div>
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They are traditionally placed over the top of a cup containing your hot coffee (or tea) so that the biscuit softens up before you eat it. If you can wait that long to eat it - good for you.</div>
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If you have a <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/stroopwafels-143903">pizzelle iron you can make stroopwafels yourself </a>- apparently.... for the rest of us they are available in any supermarket, bakery or fresh from any specialist <i>stroopwafel</i> maker you may find randomly in a market or on a shopping street. You're welcome.</div>
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3. Stamppot</h2>
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Stampwhat? Stamppot is essentially mashed potatoes (the Dutch after all are lovingly known as potato eaters - <i>aardappelvreters</i>) with a vegetable mixed through it, commonly kale, spinach or onions, carrots (known then at <i>hutspot </i>or hotchpotch in English). It's served with a <i>rookworst</i> - a smoked sausage.</div>
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It's traditionally served in the winter but I am seeing more and more variants around outside of the colder months. A good <i>stamppot</i> is a great winter tummy filler.</div>
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4. Pancakes</h2>
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This is not so much about the pancakes, as about the whole pancake eating experience. The Dutch love their pancakes and you'll find pancake restaurants just about everywhere, known as a <i>pannenkoekboerderij</i>. </div>
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These eating establishments often serve only pancakes and the decor is invariably that of an old farm house interior; think dimly lit and oozing <i>gezellig</i>. There are artefacts from farms and farmhouses hanging from the ceilings, and dotted around. Often a gnome or two (<i>kabouter</i>) will also feature, or there will be a cow theme going on. These places are, of course, a big hit with children.</div>
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The pancakes themselves are usually adorned with every choice of ingredient you could imagine but a kid's pancake will almost definitely involve <i>hagelslag</i>, or sprinkles. (A trip to the supermarket will show you just how seriously the Dutch take their <i>hagelslag</i>.) And lots of them. And that classes as dinner.</div>
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It's an experience you should definitely have if you are in the Netherlands.</div>
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My first Christmas in the Netherlands was quite a dining experience. It consisted of a family <i>gourmet</i> session, and I was a <i>gourmet</i> virgin.</div>
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For those unfamiliar with the concept, a <i>gourmet</i> is, put simply, a hotplate and a mini-grill compact enough to take centre stage on the dining table. Should you need it, the verb is '<i>gourmetten</i>'. Diners cook their own meat and vegetables at the table. </div>
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What could be more perfect: hosting a dinner party you don't have to cook for? Worse case scenario, you are expected to chop raw vegetables such as onions and peppers and prepare a few salads and sauces and put some bread in a basket or bowl.</div>
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As a host you can spend the entire evening with your guests, instead of slaving and stressing in the kitchen. You have plenty of time to chat and catch up whilst the food is cooking. <i>Gezellig.</i> More importantly, if your guests go down with food poisoning the next day, they only have themselves to blame (unless you served meat passed its best of course....).</div>
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The variation on this is the cheese fondue evening. Although this is by no means a Dutch invention, it has been embraced fondly, most likely because of its <i>gezelligheid</i>.</div>
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Some restaurants offer this <i>gourmet</i> or <i>fondue</i> experience so you can cook your own dinner at your table. It is definitely the height of <i>gezelligheid</i> when it comes to dining!</div>
<a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" border="0" src="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Olympics-series-button.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>
Welcome to our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank">Olympics for Kids series</a>! The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the world and explore cultures together.
Today, you can find more about other recipes from various countries thanks to our participating bloggers:
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<b>5 French Recipes to Cook with Kids - <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2016/07/22/5-french-recipes-cook-kids/" target="_blank">Multicultural Kid Blogs</a>
A Taste of South Africa - <a href="https://globetrottinkids.com/2016/07/20/a-taste-of-south-africa/" target="_blank">Globe Trottin' Kids</a>
Cooking Hoosier Style (Indiana, USA) - <a href="https://www.blogger.com/useresourceswisely.com/2016/07/22/midwest-meals-hoosier-cooking-indiana" target="_blank">using resources wisely</a>
Chilean Sopaipillas - <a href="http://www.laclasedesradufault.com/2016/07/sopaipillas-chilenas.html" target="_blank">La Clase de Sra. DuFault</a>
5 Dutch Foods You Need to Try - <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2016/07/5-dutch-foods-you-need-to-try.html" target="_blank">Expat Life with a Double Buggy</a>
My Favorite Latvian Childhood Dessert - <a href="http://www.letthejourneybegin.eu/favorite-childhood-dessert/" target="_blank">Let the Journey Begin</a>
Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies with Guava - <a href="http://discoveringtheworldthroughmysonseyes.blogspot.com/2016/02/polvorones-con-guayaba-puerto-rican.html" target="_blank">Discovering the World Through My Son's Eyes</a>
Brigadeiros - <a href="http://www.thepiripirilexicon.com/2013/07/brigadeiros-brazilian-sweets.html" target="_blank">the piri-piri lexicon</a>
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Don't forget that you can also download our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" target="_blank">Summer Games Unit</a> activity pack to learn more about the world and have fun during the Olympics.
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<a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cover2.jpg" height="436" width="338" /></a></div>
<span style="background: #bd081c no-repeat scroll 3px 50% / 14px 14px; border-radius: 2px; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font: bold 11px / 20px "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-20799180671179150772016-07-15T06:00:00.000+02:002016-09-12T16:40:16.620+02:00Olympisch Stadion in Amsterdam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>he Netherlands has hosted the Olympics once, back in 1928, and as a legacy to that the <a href="http://olympischstadion.nl/en">Olympisch Stadion</a> (Olympic Stadium) stands in Amsterdam and still provides the backdrop for significant sporting events. </div>
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The Olympisch Stadion, designed by Jan Wils in typical Amsterdamse School architectural style, served as the main stadium for the summer olympics of 1928, hosting field hockey (the first event to be played there), football, cycling, athletics, gymnastics, korfball and equestrian jumping. </div>
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Notable about the 1928 Olympics is that it saw the (re)introduction of the Olympic Flame, which was kept burning in the Marathon tower next to the Olympisch Stadion throughout the games.</div>
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To say the stadium's use and history since the Olympics of 1928 has been varied and rich is an understatement: </div>
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<li>The Olympic stadium served as the home ground for the national Dutch team once the Olympics were over.</li>
<li>Amsterdam's football team Ajax used it for games needing floodlights (which their own football ground didn't have) or when the expected crowd was too big for their own stadium, which tended to be the international games. Ajax continued using the Olympisch stadium until 1996 when the Amsterdam Arena was completed. </li>
<li>The stadium was used as the start and finish point of the 1954 Tour de France.</li>
<li>Every October the stadium is the start and finish of the Amsterdam marathon. </li>
<li>In 1995 and 1996 the Amsterdam Admirals played at the Olympisch Stadion in the World League of American Football with the stadium hosting the World Bowl of 1995.</li>
<li>In 2005, the sports museum 'Olympic Experience Amsterdam' opened. It closed in 2014.</li>
<li>The 2016 European Athletic Championships were hosted there last week - the biggest event hosted in the Olympisch Stadion since the 1928 Olympics!</li>
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And to think, in 1987 the Amsterdam city council wanted to demolish the stadium! Thankfully it was saved and given monument status in order to protect it for the future. </div>
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In the same year renovations on the stadium began, to return it to its original state. When it was first built it could house around 31,000 spectators. A second tier was later added to give the Olympisch Stadion a capacity of 64,000 in order that it could compete with Rotterdam's new stadium, which was completed in 1937 (De Kuip, the home of Eredivisie club Feyenoord and coincidentally the venue my family and I just visited to see Monster Jam!) </div>
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After the renovations were complete the stadium capacity was reduced to just over 22,000 and its primary use became track and field events. It was re-opened in 2000 by 'Prince' Willem-Alexander, who is now King of the Netherlands.</div>
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There has been talk of the Netherlands bidding for the 2028 Olympics, to mark the one hundred year anniversary of the 1928 Olympics hosted in Amsterdam. The Dutch government, however, put any potential bid project on hold because of the cost implications of hosting an Olympic games. There is still a possibility that the idea will be revived - but we won't know for sure until 2019 when the bidding to host the 2028 Olympics starts.....</div>
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<a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" border="0" height="320" src="https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Olympics-series-button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Welcome to our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank">Olympics for Kids series</a>! The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the world and explore cultures together.
Today, you can find more about Olympic history and famous athletes from various countries around the world.
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span> <b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Judoka: <span style="font-family: inherit;">Rafaela Silva</span></span> - <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2016/07/15/judoka-rafaela-silva-olympic-gold-rio/" target="_blank">Multicultural Kid Blogs</a></span></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">South Africa's First Olympians</span> - <a href="https://globetrottinkids.com/2016/07/13/south-africas-first-olympians/" target="_blank">Globe Trottin' Kid<span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span></a></span></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chile: Important Names and Winners</span> - <a href="http://www.laclasedesradufault.com/" target="_blank">La clase de Sra. Du<span style="font-family: inherit;">F</span>ault</a> </span></span></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Female Athletes to Watch in 2016 - <a href="https://useresourceswisely.com/2016/07/15/fair-play-badge-female-olympic-athletes-united-states/" target="_blank">Use Resources <span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>isely</a> </span></span></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jefferson Perez: The Only Olympic Medalist in Ecuador - <a href="http://hispanicmama.com/2016/07/14/jefferson-perez-the-only-olympic-medalist-in-ecuador/" target="_blank">Hispanic Mama</a></span></span></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fastest Man/Woman in the World</span> - <a href="http://kidworldcitizen.org/2016/07/14/fastest-person-in-the-world/" target="_blank">Kid World Citizen</a></span></span></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Olympisch Stadion in Amsterdam - <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2016/07/olympisch-stadion-in-amsterdam.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Expat Life with a Double Buggy</span></a></span></span></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Baron Pierre de Coubertin & the modern Olympics - </span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://lacitedesvents.blogspot.com/2016/07/baron-pierre-de-coubertin.html" target="_blank">La Cité des Vents</a> </span></span></span></span></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></b>
Don't forget that you can also download our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" target="_blank">Summer Games Unit</a> activity pack to learn more about the world and have fun during the Olympics.
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-85142962743360152822016-07-11T06:30:00.000+02:002016-07-13T11:00:29.900+02:00Football in the Netherlands: The Men in Orange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>he UEFA European championship has just finished, with weeks of football matches being played at the highest level. England crumbled, Iceland amazed, France dominated until Portugal surprised them, and Germany, being Germany, just kept winning, until they didn't. And where was the Netherlands? Where was the orange that usually decorates the stadiums at major football events? Nowhere. The Dutch team failed to qualify for the Euros 2016, and that hit fans of the boys in orange hard. </div>
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Football is a national Dutch sport. It's one of the most popular sports in the country, if not the most popular. And that's saying something <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2014/08/doe-normaal-doesnt-apply-to-sports.html">because the Dutch are incredibly competent at sports</a>, excelling in a number of different events - such as ice skating competitions and hockey. The Dutch medal count at the<a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2014/02/dutch-speed-skaters-rule-supreme.html"> last winter Olympics</a> tells you a lot about their sporting prowess on ice. It's all very impressive in a land so small. </div>
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So the lack of orange in this years European football tournament was a massive dissapointment. In fact, it was such a disappointment that the Dutch appeared to try and pretend there was no football competition at all this year...... the <i><a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2014/07/world-cup-2014-oranjegekte.html">oranjegekte</a></i> was certainly missed!</div>
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It's in stark contrast to the success of the Dutch team in the 2014 World Cup finals where they came home with the bronze medal, and in 2010 when they were runners up to Spain. Back in 1988 the Dutch were European champions. </div>
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So since 2014 things have gone seriously downhill with the Dutch national football team and for a country with a rich footballing history, and an attractive top class national football league it's been a time for soul searching and questions.</div>
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The national team played their first international game in 1905, against Belgium in front of a crowd of 800. These days the national team can pull up to 8 million television viewers when they compete in the Euros or a World Cup (note that is not far off half the population of the Netherlands). </div>
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The next international games that the Netherlands play will determine whether they qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. And the nation is hoping that this will end more successfully than their bid to play in the 2016 Euros..... Football runs through the veins of many a Dutchman, woman and child.</div>
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The KNVB (<i>Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbal Bond </i>(Royal Netherlands Football Association)), the national football union, had 1,227,157 members as of 2015. The union obtained it's royal status in 1929, but the origins of the organisation date back to 1889. </div>
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Paid football was introduced in the Netherlands in 1954 and women's football became an official part of the KNVB in 1971. </div>
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The national league of the Netherlands, the Eredivisie<i>, </i>came to be in 1956, although the national championship had been competed for officially since 1898. Once the Eredivisie was established the best teams from across the country started playing against each other, dispersing with the regional leagues that had existed up until that point. Ajax was the first winner of the Eredivisie, and much to the distaste of football fans in Rotterdam, the Amsterdam based team has also won it many times since.</div>
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18 clubs compete for the national title in the Eredivisie, and it has a good reputation in the international footballing arena. It's been a breeding pool for many top Dutch players such as these names:</div>
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Johan Cruijff, Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Ronald Koeman, Dennis Bergkamp, Philip Cocu, Frank de Boer, Edwin van der Sar, Clarence Seedorf, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart, Dirk Kuijt and Robin van Persie. </div>
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I grew up spending many of my Saturday afternoons, and Tuesday evenings, on the terraces of Vicarage Road, the home of Watford FC in England. When I moved to the Netherlands I didn't start supporting a local club until my eldest son was eight. <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2015/04/my-sunday-photo-harry-hornet.html#.V3onyle9CQ8">I'd already taken him to his first English Premiership game to watch Watford</a>, but until last season we hadn't got involved with any Dutch club.</div>
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That has now changed. I have the football bug once more and for <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/06/parenting-lessons-watching-ado-den-haag.html">many of the Eredivisie home games of ADO Den Haag at least one of my sons and I can be found in the Kyocera Stadion in The Hague</a>. We'll be there next season too. We'll be hoping for success for our local team - and for the national team too.
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Welcome to our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/olympics-for-kids/" target="_blank">Olympics for Kids series</a>! The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the world and explore cultures together.<br />
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Today, you can find more about other sports/games from various countries thanks to our participating bloggers:<br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span> <b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Exploring Indonesian Badminton - <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2016/07/11/exploring-indonesian-badminton/" target="_blank">Multicultural Kid Blogs</a></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Popular Summer Sports in USSR - <a href="http://creativeworldofvarya.com/" target="_blank">Creative World of Varya</a> </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Handball, France and the Olympics - </span></span><a href="http://www.loumessugo.com/en/blog/entry/handball-france-and-the-olympics" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lou Messugo</span></span></a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Capo<span style="font-family: inherit;">eira: a martial art with a great beat - </span><a href="http://www.brynninbrazil.com/capoeira-a-martial-art-with-a-beat" target="_blank">Brynn in Brazil</a></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The big 3: soccer, rugby, cricket - <a href="https://globetrottinkids.com/2016/07/10/the-big-three-soccer-rugby-cricket/" target="_blank">Globe Trottin' Kid<span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span></a></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Copa América: We Are the Champions - <a href="http://www.laclasedesradufault.com/2016/07/copa-america-we-are-champions.html" target="_blank">La clase de Sra. Du<span style="font-family: inherit;">F</span>ault</a> </span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Football in the Netherlands: The Men in Orange - <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.de/2016/07/football-in-netherlands-men-in-orange.html#.V4S4eo7Sjwg" target="_blank">Expat Life with a Double Buggy</a> </span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summer sports in Latvia - <a href="http://www.letthejourneybegin.eu/summer-sports-in-latvia/" target="_blank">Let the Journey Begin</a></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Valuable Lessons From The Olympic Sports to Kids - <a href="http://hispanicmama.com/2016/07/11/valuable-lessons-olympic-sports-kids/" target="_blank">Hispanic Mama</a></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fencing with Ibtihaj Muhammad - <a href="http://kidworldcitizen.org/2016/07/11/fencing-ibtihaj-muhammad/" target="_blank">Kid World Citizen</a></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Puerto Rican Olympians</span> - <a href="http://discoveringtheworldthroughmysonseyes.blogspot.de/2016/07/puerto-rico-olympic-medalist-winners.html" target="_blank">Discovering the World Through my Son's Eyes</a></span></span></span></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></b><br />
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Don't forget that you can also download our <a href="http://multiculturalkidblogs.com/product/summer-games-unit-activity-pack-ages-8-12/" target="_blank">Summer Games Unit</a> activity pack to learn more about the world and have fun during the Olympics.
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-23409496876513072682016-07-07T06:30:00.001+02:002016-07-07T06:30:24.299+02:005 Beaches to Visit From The Hague<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he school holidays have arrived and the beach is surely on the wish list of every child this summer. The good news is that if you live in or around The Hague you have an excellent choice of beaches to explore. So get your bucket and spades, sun cream and a picnic ready and head off to one of these sandy locations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasT0eBy81w8rW4CD1V8dLHL3GpDz1PcnMhxTaWF_uRtVUMsJv5vfoEsX2BDOwdhY8FVevxyNw2TOqUyICoRfSjgcWSejjweuy08pRcEBV3RujW1Y0IqkLX4joqtrpgPIJW4nRdHq0CYk/s1600/Wassenaarseslag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasT0eBy81w8rW4CD1V8dLHL3GpDz1PcnMhxTaWF_uRtVUMsJv5vfoEsX2BDOwdhY8FVevxyNw2TOqUyICoRfSjgcWSejjweuy08pRcEBV3RujW1Y0IqkLX4joqtrpgPIJW4nRdHq0CYk/s640/Wassenaarseslag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Scheveningen</h3>
The most famous Hague beach is undoubtedly <a href="http://scheveningenbeach.com/en">Scheveningen</a> which not only offers sand, sea, relaxation, water sports and, if you are lucky, a little sun, but also has its fair share of places to eat and drink, as well as entertainment and attractions for young and old.<br />
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<b>Things to Do:</b> There is lots to do in Scheveningen: from relaxing on the beach, taking a walk to <a href="http://www.denhaag.nl/en/visitors-and-tourists/the-beach/Scheveningen/to/GlowGolf-Scheveningen.htm">Glow Golf</a> and surfing at the <a href="http://www.denhaag.nl/en/visitors/the-beach/to/Surfers-Village-in-Scheveningen-F.A.S.T..htm">Surfer’s Village.</a> You can also head to Scheveningen harbour for sailing, offshore fishing and day trips or a spot of shopping or boat watching from a terrace.<br />
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Once the children tire of building sandcastles and splashing in the sea there is much more to keep them entertained.<br />
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The Kurhaus hotel is a notable site to cast your eyes over in Scheveningen, but there is also a huge range of beach clubs and restaurants to grab a bite to eat or a drink at or take a long leisurely lunch or dinner along the beach and the promenade.<br />
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There are also two theatres, a Pathe cinema, a shopping centre and a Sea Life Centre.<br />
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For the adults there is the <a href="http://www.beeldenaanzee.nl/en">Museum Beelden aan Zee</a> and a Holland Casino in Scheveningen.<br />
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<b>Safety:</b> the Rescue Brigade and a flag warning system are in operation on Scheveningen beach (a red flag means that swimming is not advised, a yellow flag means that swimming can be dangerous). <a href="https://www.hvrb.nl/">Consult the Hague Volunteer Rescue Brigade for specific warnings</a>.<br />
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<b>Getting there:</b> Scheveningen has plenty of <a href="http://scheveningenbeach.com/en/tourist-info-scheveningen/transportation/parking">parking garages</a> but note that on busy days these are quickly full. As soon as a real summer’s day is forecast the roads to Scheveningen are quickly congested and you can expect traffic jams for miles around trying to get into the area. Luckily, Scheveningen is also very well served by public transport, namely trams and buses. You can find more detail <a href="http://scheveningenbeach.com/en/tourist-info-scheveningen/public-transportation/buses-trams">here</a>.<br />
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Kijkduin</h3>
More southerly on the Dutch coastline, Kijkduin is a lesser-known beach than Scheveningen but also a resort of The Hague. It’s a family friendly beach worth exploring, particularly with smaller children. It is also a fabulous starting or finish point for a walk or a cycle in the dunes surrounding the beach.<br />
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<b>Facilities:</b> there is a shopping centre with specialised shops as well as various restaurants along Kijkduin’s promenade. For the children there is a play boat and a lighthouse to explore.<br />
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<b>Safety: </b>the Rescue Brigade and a flag warning system is in operation in Kijkduin. A red flag means that swimming is not advised, a yellow flag means that swimming can be dangerous. Consult the <a href="https://www.hvrb.nl/">Hague Volunteer Rescue Brigade</a> for specific warnings.<br />
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<b>Getting There:</b> Kijkduin offers a range of (some free) parking and there are bus and tram routes directly from The Hague to the promenade.<br />
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Wassenaar</h3>
There are eight kilometres of coastline around Wassenaar and the beach is accessible from two points: the Meijendelse Slag on the south side and the Wassenaarse Slag on the north side. The beach here is much quieter than those in The Hague with fewer amenities, but perfect for making sand castle, relaxing and building dams (or is that something just my little Dutch sons do?).<br />
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<b>Facilities:</b> There is a beach library on sunny summer days available and a handful of beach clubs for food and drink as well as deck chair and parasol rental.<br />
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<b>Safety</b>: the Rescue Brigade is operational in the high season at the Wassenaarse Slag entry to the beach and there is also a police hut there.<br />
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<b>Getting There</b>: There are two large paid parking areas, which provide good access to the beach and the dunes. Alternatively cycling is a good option.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wvKbNtYHWwwCi6Q6Ni4EF_X4zcjt7ggNw01BgbktJzumtnzJWiAD7zQ6ZU_VmaFIgiOPuiWzNga5BFs8BsnIgB9AwnPkHc3YEZV5p5vGnVN_WaIPuea1G227M733lARMQ5YwilW1amc/s1600/Sailing-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wvKbNtYHWwwCi6Q6Ni4EF_X4zcjt7ggNw01BgbktJzumtnzJWiAD7zQ6ZU_VmaFIgiOPuiWzNga5BFs8BsnIgB9AwnPkHc3YEZV5p5vGnVN_WaIPuea1G227M733lARMQ5YwilW1amc/s640/Sailing-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Katwijk aan Zee</h3>
If you move in a northerly direction from Scheveningen past Wassenaar you will end up in Katwijk aan Zee, a seaside resort that attracts its fair share of tourists. Katwijk has a Quality Coast Award and has been awarded the Blue Flag, an international environment standard.<br />
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The promenade is practically on the water’s edge, making for a nice stroll. Sea, sand and beach huts as well as parasol and deck chair rental – all you need for a day on the beach.<br />
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<b>Facilities:</b> Aside from being the hometown of Dutch international footballer Dirk Kuyt, Katwijk also houses the oldest lighthouse (De Vuurbaak) on the Dutch coast as well as an idyllic looking white church, aptly named De Witte Kerk.<br />
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Along the beach itself and on the promenade there are plenty of places to eat and drink ranging from restaurants to beach clubs covering most of the cuisines you’d expect to find in the Netherlands. There is a shopping centre (Zeezijde) close to the beach.<br />
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There is also a small art museum (<a href="http://www.katwijksmuseum.nl/english">Katwijks Museum</a>) which displays work of both Dutch and foreign artists who painted in Katwijk.<br />
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You can see parts of the Atlantic Wall whilst taking a stroll in the nearby popular Panbos (<a href="http://www.katwijk.nl/cultuur-sport-en-vrije-tijd/vrije-tijd/panvanpersijn/">De Pan van Persijn</a>) and then <a href="http://www.pannenkoekenboerderijdehooiberg.nl/index_katwijk.asp">head for delicious pancakes across the road</a> when you’re finished.<br />
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<b>Safety</b>: There is a police hut on Katwijk beach, which provides information about the quality of the water, the tide, the weather and special events. Special wheelchairs for the sand can be found in some of the beach clubs and are free to use.<br />
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The Rescue Brigade and lifeguards are active on Katwijk’s 4km long beach and there is a first aid post. There is a flag system to indicate where swimming is safe. A red flag means that swimming is not advised, a yellow flag means that swimming can be dangerous. Consult the <a href="http://www.krb.nl/">Katwijk Reddingbrigade website for further information</a>.<br />
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<b>Getting there</b>: there are various possibilities for parking including parking garages and street parking. Charges apply so be sure to check the signs when you park.<br />
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There are bus routes direct from The Hague Central Station, as well as from Leiden to Katwijk’s boulevard.<br />
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Noordwijk aan Zee</h3>
Continue moving north up the coast and you reach Noordwijk aan Zee, which also holds the Quality Coast Award and the international Blue Flag. You can rent parasols, deck chairs and windbreakers on the beach and there are plenty of places to quench your thirst and satisfy hunger, big or small.<br />
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<b>Facilities</b>: Noordwijk is home to luxury hotel Huis ter Duin, which you may have seen as the backdrop on TV news items for when the Dutch football team gathers together. Huis ter Duin also hosted Obama and other world leaders during the Nuclear Security Summit in March 2014.<br />
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In fact, Noordwijk aan Zee is associated with chic beach tourists – but we common folk are also very welcome.<br />
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There are two boulevards to explore, one more traditional that the other with plenty of food and drink options. A lighthouse sits on Wilhelmina Boulevard.<br />
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There is a kite surf school in Noordwijk for the more active beach goer and for those wanting to relax there is a beach library available on sunny days during the summer months.<br />
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<a href="http://www.atlantikwall.nl/">The Atlantic Wall museum</a> is housed in Noordwijk and can be visited without reservations on Sundays between May and September.<br />
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<b>Safety:</b> There is a police hut on the beach. The Rescue Brigade and lifeguards are active on Noordwijk’s beach and there is a first aid<br />
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post. A flag system is in operation to indicate where swimming is safe.<br />
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<b>Getting There:</b> You can park in one of the five parking garages, or find a parking space on one of the streets, and in all cases charges apply. You can either catch a train to Leiden and take a bus from Leiden Centraal to Noordwijk or catch a direct bus from Centraal Station in the Hague (not operational in the weekend).Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-22214501191658065582016-07-05T09:51:00.001+02:002016-07-05T09:51:35.352+02:00Monster Jam in Rotterdam 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>f there were any events I could never have imagined myself being present at before I had children then Monster Jam was probably certainly right up there as one of them. I can take or leave a monster truck. However, I have three sons who would rather be close up and personal to a monster truck than a million miles away from one. So we got 5 tickets for Monster Jam in De Kuip. </div>
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And you know what? I actually kind of enjoyed myself! I enjoyed it far more than I ever dreamed I would - and more importantly my three boys had the time of their lives. My youngest was in tears as we were heading out of De Kuip. He hadn't been feeling too great so I initially thought he was feeling ill - but no he was crying because it was all over and he'd had such a great time. He was enthralled by the events on the Feyenoord pitch on 2 July, as were his brothers. </div>
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I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.......</div>
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And last, but not least, there were some nutters on bikes who jumped obscenely high. My heart was in my mouth until they landed safely again!</div>
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<br />Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-12386616427856195872016-06-30T05:30:00.000+02:002016-07-05T09:23:47.246+02:00Parenting Lessons Watching ADO Den Haag<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span></b>ast August I took my eldest two sons to their first eredivisie match at the Kyocera Stadion in The Hague. We’ve been to most home games since.<br />
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It’s reminiscent of my own footballing childhood; from the age of seven I stood on the terraces of my local football club at Vicarage Road. Up until I left England in 2000, at the tender age of 27, I was a serial season ticket holder at Watford Football Club.<br />
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It’s amazing what you can learn as a football supporter when you are a child: loyalty to a cause; dealing with disappointment; emotional involvement; commitment; social connection, cohesion and a sense of community; something to identify with and most importantly of all you learn to believe in dreams and miracles. (<a href="http://www.adoforexpats.com/2016/02/01/ado-atmosphere-in-the-kuip/">I write this hours after I watched ADO beat Feyenoord in De Kuip</a>.)<br />
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As a child I associated football with family time. My brother (actually a Liverpool supporter) and I travelled with my parents the length and breadth of England to follow the Hornets. I have fond memories; it was an activity that brought us together – football was a passion we shared. So it’s no accident my own little family can be found in the family section of ADO’s home ground this season. I have been waiting for my children to be of an age where they are ready to embrace sitting in a football stadium every week for ninety minutes at a time.<br />
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On one occasion this season my husband accompanied us, as did our four year old, but it proved to be a little much for the attention span of our youngest. (The lesson he learnt that day was patience!) So the composition of my family representation changes each home game – but in one form or another we are there. We are part of the ADO Den Haag community.<br />
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It’s a community that was caught up in a scandal in January when a handful of fans chanted racist and insulting slurs against Ajax. There were two appeals over the loudspeaker to stop. It didn’t. It was disturbing. It was uncomfortable. This was happening at my club. Our club. I left the stadium with a bad taste in my mouth that, for once, wasn’t attributable to ADO’s defeat or on pitch performance.<br />
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As we walked to the train station after the match, I took the opportunity to speak to my eldest son who was at the match. I asked him how much he had understood about what had been going on. He hadn’t got any of it – he was focused on the match and we couldn’t hear the specifics of the songs or chants from where we were sitting. I could have left it there. But I chose not to.<br />
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I chose to use it as a learning moment. We talked about what had happened as we walked. We talked about it again when <a href="http://www.adoforexpats.com/2016/01/22/ado-identify-suspects-of-racist-chanting/">it was announced that supporters had been identified, faced prosecution and had received a stadium ban</a>. We talked about it again after the next ADO home game, when the ADO club staff tackled the issue themselves with videos of the players and staff about the kind of support they wanted to hear from the terraces, and a banner which asked for racism to be given the red card.<br />
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We talked about what and why it had happened. We talked about whether it was right or wrong, and why he thought what he did. He was shocked that racism exists. He was shocked that people would insult a football player because of his origins. He looked puzzled as he told me,<br />
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“We are all the same, just different colours.”<br />
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I realised I didn’t need to give my son a lesson about racism – he has it covered. My son showed me that it’s not just as children we can learn a thing or two sitting supporting our local football team – it’s a lesson that other football supporters would do well to learn too.<br />
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Tip</h3>
ADO's 2016/17 campaign kicks off on August 6th at home against Go Ahead Eagles. If you are a football fan living in The Hague area and you are missing the regular stadium trips to your football club back 'home' then head to the Kyocera Stadion and support your local team instead. ADO's reputation hasn't been great in the past but that's history - there's a great article <a href="http://www.adoforexpats.com/club-info/kyocera-stadion/is-it-safe-at-ado/">here</a> to set your mind at ease.<br />
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You can find out more about joining the ADO Den Haag kid’s club <a href="http://adodenhaag.nl/ado-kids/kids-corner">here</a>. The club has a huge (no-smoking) family section and there is a great atmosphere.<br />
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There is also a great website for expats to keep up to date with the “Haagse” club in many different languages – <a href="http://www.adoforexpats.com/">ADO for expats</a>.Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-16787795330762888662016-06-28T15:14:00.002+02:002016-07-12T20:46:31.453+02:003 Lessons Brexit Could Have Learnt From Sinterklaas, Yes Sinterklaas!<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span>t struck me today that the whole Brexit thing is rather like the whole <i>Sinterklaas</i> thing here in the Netherlands - and there are lessons the Brexit camp could have learnt from the Dutch. Bear with me: it's June and we're talking <i>Sinterklaas </i>so I know you're wondering where the hell this is going.....<br />
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Lesson 1. Outdated, Insulting and in Need of Change</h2>
<a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2013/10/how-to-piss-of-dutch.html">For many a year now there has been a huge discussion about Sinterklaas's helpers</a> and the fact that they are outdated, insulting and in need of change.<br />
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As it is with some of the EU institutions, those in the "Leave" camp have said, (and not many would disagree). Outdated, insulting and in need of change.<br />
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So you see, Brexit and Sinterklaas - same thing.<br />
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Did the Dutch throw Sinterklaas back to Spain and leave him there to rot? Did they stamp their feet and abandon the whole party, casting a bewildered Piet and his friends aside? Did they involve the whole world in their conundrum? No.<br />
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No, what they did, and are still doing, is shout a bit, argue amongst each other, and then let the NTR (Dutch television company who makes the Sinterklaasjournaal) gradually and subtly make changes that neither offended nor riled any particular side. The talking continues. Eventually everyone ends up happy without even realising it. Eventually.<br />
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Lesson 2. Not Logical for Modern Day Society</h2>
Many Dutch children have been screaming for years about the fact that most modern houses (i.e. the ones they live in) don't have chimneys so how were the Piets getting in to fill their shoes?<br />
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You see children are getting smarter, they are more informed than they once were, and they ask questions. They pose questions that parents can't answer, because no, none of it is logical. It's all based around an ideal, an ideal that isn't quite ideal. Sometimes it means parents have to lie to their children; it means they have to make shit up.<br />
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The situation is very much like the electorate of any EU nation. People are asking questions. Some of them are very intelligent questions, other questions not so much. People are getting much more information than they once did and social media allows that information to be spread easily. Lies, made up stuff and facts. The questions asked aren't necessarily met with the right answer. For example:<br />
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Q: Will that 350 million that we pay into the EU each week be paid to the NHS if we leave the EU?<br />
A: Yes, we've even put it on a bus for you.<br />
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The question is based on misinformation, and the answer is an outright lie. Exactly the same as when our Dutch children ask:<br />
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Q: How does Piet get in our house if we don't have a chimney?<br />
A1: Magic.<br />
or A2: I don't know, I'm asleep when Piet comes into the house.<br />
or A3: Piets have special keys that open all doors.<br />
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So what have the Dutch done to solve this chimney question? Did they ban shoe filling? Build chimneys on every home in the Netherlands? Abandon the whole Sinterklaas thing? Air their dirty laundry in public?<br />
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No, the answer is magic stones. Seriously, it's ingenious. Suddenly the Piets have magic stones to get into our homes. Methods change. Things evolve. The Dutch found an answer that fits today's problem. Children happy. Parents happy. The Piets are happy (those chimneys were a bit of a buggar to go down) and most of all Sinterklaas is happy. The Dutch now have a solution that fits with our modern day houses. They didn't knock the houses down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KqJPXVO3UINSx475JnLWISqxY1_0Tr5ZyiosZRTmv1lWX3FUmXMe7su7a8JZmBVuubEn1NpJFgVNscJ4_N9LbG4FwBULHsYaOQ3HIHp5svYGkr4yjYvhbbWximfNiqIkj8ZOceCcpFc/s1600/3+Lessons+Brexit+Could+Have+Learnt+From+Sinterklaas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KqJPXVO3UINSx475JnLWISqxY1_0Tr5ZyiosZRTmv1lWX3FUmXMe7su7a8JZmBVuubEn1NpJFgVNscJ4_N9LbG4FwBULHsYaOQ3HIHp5svYGkr4yjYvhbbWximfNiqIkj8ZOceCcpFc/s640/3+Lessons+Brexit+Could+Have+Learnt+From+Sinterklaas.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lesson 3. Who is it all for?</h2>
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Ok, so there are lies told. <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2014/12/my-love-hate-relationship-with.html">There's an awful lot of stress involved around November and December</a> whilst the children bounce around for weeks with excitement about the fact that Sinterklaas and his helpers are in the country and the <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-sinterklaas-school-surprise.html">older children hand over their <i>surprise</i> project</a> to their parents out of frustration and reluctance. There is frantic shopping. Frantic planning. Lots of sugary snacks that are incredibly bad for you. There's a bit of arguing (see lesson 1) but we muddle through and then heave a sigh of relief when the man in red totters back to Spain on the 6th of December where he remains until the following November. </div>
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It's not perfect. But wow, there are great things about it too. Seeing the pure excitement, joy and happiness on your child's face when they come down and see a present in their shoe. The sheer joy of watching your kid running out the house to look for a magic stone, or a special Sinterklaas coin. The culmination of all your hard work on 5 December and the most <i>gezellig</i> of all <i>gezellig</i> evenings.<br />
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We do it for our children. We do it so they can look back and cherish those memories, and pass those traditions and experiences on to their children one day.<br />
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We do it for our children. We are thinking about our children. And the generations to come.<br />
You can make the connections yourself there I am sure.......<br />
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-88224041889081325322016-06-27T11:16:00.000+02:002016-06-27T11:18:14.701+02:00How to Get (and Keep) Your Bilingual Child Writing<div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>'ve been living in the Netherlands for more than fifteen years and although my daily life is conducted in Dutch, writing remains the weakest area of my Dutch language skills. I need to really think about every single word and sentence I write. So it's no wonder that this is also the area I find hardest whilst raising my children to be bilingual. And it's the topic I have chosen for the Multicultural Kid Blogs carnival about raising multicultural children.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB6_uO-e8z0Fj5I7zNfopwlvbk8XqO6zK-bNIjAr4tKf-asQoR0Ute8gzUMFmRHmCOkmgyzZZA9OcKEqf9SGi-p2Xv3vs0JWonbcxCcJ4Su8Pw3JJnwWnbBHJ1XMzuSPi6eCbCHYErXU/s1600/How+to+Get+%2528and+Keep%2529+Your+Bilingual+Child+Writing+MKB+Carnival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB6_uO-e8z0Fj5I7zNfopwlvbk8XqO6zK-bNIjAr4tKf-asQoR0Ute8gzUMFmRHmCOkmgyzZZA9OcKEqf9SGi-p2Xv3vs0JWonbcxCcJ4Su8Pw3JJnwWnbBHJ1XMzuSPi6eCbCHYErXU/s640/How+to+Get+%2528and+Keep%2529+Your+Bilingual+Child+Writing+MKB+Carnival.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Why Bother with Writing in a Second Language?</h3>
The first question you may be asking yourself is why bother. Gone are the days when we hand write everything; we have computers now. We have auto correct and spelling check. Why spend so much time trying to teach our children to write in a second or third language? The Russian Step by Step team sum it up:<br />
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<b>"Yes, everyone will agree that in the modern world we have a lot less opportunities to use handwriting than even 50 years ago. Everyone, even toddlers, use the “screens” and start typing at a very early age." Russian Step by Step</b></blockquote>
But there are still many reason whys handwriting is today still an important tool to help your children improve their language skills. Russian Step by Step give four great reasons in their post <a href="http://russianstepbystepchildren.com/why-learn-the-russian-handwriting/">Why Learn the Russian Handwriting? </a>which apply to other languages too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.europeanmama.com/handwriting-around-the-world/">The European Mama also points out just how far handwriting is cultural - it differs across the world, and not just because of the different alphabets:</a><br />
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Writing is something special!</div>
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How Do Children Learn to Write</h3>
Bilingual Avenue has a whole podcast dedicated to helping you understand <a href="https://www.bilingualavenue.com/how-do-kids-really-learn-to-write/">How do kids really learn to write</a>, as well as this one to support you in <a href="https://www.bilingualavenue.com/096-how-can-i-teach-my-child-to-write-in-the-home-language/">teaching your child to write in the home language</a>.<br />
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Of course, to be able to write in a language a child also needs to be able to read, which is the theme of a great post on Spanish Playground, tips to help teach those first steps to reading: <a href="http://www.spanishplayground.net/spanish-syllables-learning-read/">Spanish Syllables: Learning to Read</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://multilingualparenting.com/2015/02/04/from-bilingual-to-biliterate-learning-to-read-and-write/">Multilingual Parenting shares tips in a post called 'From bilingual to biliterate':</a><br />
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<b>"What you can do as a parent to nurture this interest is being a great role model for literacy. Read lots of books to (and later with) your child. Following the words with your finger while reading allows your child to make the connection between the sounds, letters and words. Write notes, cards and letters. If you have nothing else to write on a day, make writing the shopping list something that you do together." Multilingual Parenting</b></blockquote>
Use day to day chores to practice writing, make use of technology and get your children writing emails to family members in their second language. <br />
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Make Writing Fun to Keep Children Engaged</h3>
Being able to write in a language is important and there are ways to encourage, motivate and help your children develop an enthusiasm for writing in a language that is not their native tongue. </div>
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Adam Beck (Bilingual Monkeys) advocates making literacy development fun - and as far as I'm concerned keeping it fun is one of the best tips for parents raising multilingual children.<a href="http://bilingualmonkeys.com/the-funniest-activity-ive-ever-done-with-my-bilingual-kids-and-students/"> His idea of Silly Stories is a sure fire way to get children laughing and learning! </a></div>
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Another idea over on the blog <a href="http://familylifeinspain.com/2014/06/09/using-story-cubes-tell-stories/">Family Life in Spain is to use story cubes</a> to create stories that can also be written. My children love story cubes but we have only used them to make up verbal stories so I love this idea of taking it further and actually writing down the little tales we make up.<br />
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Fun is also the key to <a href="http://www.trilingualchildren.com/2014/01/what-should-i-order-mortadella-alphabet.html">this post by Raising a Trilingual Child</a> - not just fun but food too!<br />
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<b>"Apparently there is nothing as easy and fun as teaching your child letters using an aromatic Italian mortadella! One evening I was preparing appetizer for kids, I took a big piece of mortadella, the Italian heat-cured meat sausage, and started slicing it and cutting it in cubes and sticks." Raising a Trilingual Child</b></blockquote>
There are <a href="http://discoveringtheworldthroughmysonseyes.blogspot.nl/2016/02/bilingual-kids-reading-and-writing-in.html">eight more creative tips on Discovering the World Through my Son's Eyes</a> to keep your children engaged in reading and writing from bingo to mini books. She realises that as parents raising bilingual children we sometimes need to think out a little outside the box:<br />
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There are other ideas and tips in the post "Easy way of teaching your bilingual kids to write in a minority language" on how to get your child writing in their second (or third) language over on <a href="http://www.trilingualchildren.com/2016/06/How-to-teach-bilingual-child-write.html">Raising a Trilingual Child</a>, who also reminds us of something important:<br />
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Just Start Writing</h3>
I journal. I write daily. I read daily. I read with my children on an almost daily basis (if not me then my husband does so we alternate between Dutch and English books). And I hope by doing these things the importance of reading and writing, in both languages, becomes engrained in my children - that practicing these skills just come naturally to my boys.<br />
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Writing can be in many forms:<br />
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<b>Journaling</b> - I am currently exchanging journal entries with my eldest boys using <a href="https://gadanke.com/a/cMrW/">The Time Capsule</a> and <a href="https://gadanke.com/a/3Xvp/">Between Mom and Me</a>, journals that have been made especially for children. <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/04/a-kids-journal-to-encourage-child-to.html">I have written before about how to use journals to encourage writing in a second language</a> - and it's a tool that really works for us.<br />
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<b>A Pen Pal</b> - Read why everyone should have a pen pal <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2016/05/why-everyone-should-have-pen-pal.html#.V3DmA1e9CQ8">here</a>.<br />
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I have five more ways in this post: <a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2015/01/5-ways-encourage-child-write-in-second-language.html">5 Ways to Encourage a Child to Write in a Second Language</a><br />
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And finally, in his blog post "<a href="http://bilingualmonkeys.com/do-this-one-simple-thing-and-i-guarantee-you-greater-success-on-your-bilingual-journey/">Do This One Simple Thing and I Guarantee You Greater Success On Your Bilingual Journey</a>" Adam Beck explains just how important writing is as a tool on your bilingual journey, not just for our children but for us too, to help us raise our bilinguals:<br />
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<b>"Just start writing: No matter who you are, or what your circumstances are like, if you make writing about your bilingual journey a priority in your life—a firm and regular routine—you will inevitably strengthen your awareness and your actions, and accordingly, your children’s bilingual development." Bilingual Monkeys</b></blockquote>
Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-38771835126360902882016-06-24T15:06:00.001+02:002016-06-24T15:06:46.628+02:00Being a British Expat In the Wake of Brexit<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> woke at 5am this morning and the first picture in my head was a map of the United Kingdom. The British referendum on the EU was weighing on my mind. Nearly two hours later I saw the BBC headline that it forecast that the 'leave' campaign would win the referendum. Britain is leaving the EU.<br />
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33.6 million people voted. 16,141,241 cast in favour of Remain and 17,410,742 in favour of Leave. Interestingly, the older Brits voted for Leave whilst the younger citizens opted for Remain.<br />
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My Facebook timeline is filled with shock, confusion and upset.<br />
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Of course, my network comprises British expats, Europeans and expats from other countries - many who could not vote or had no say in British matters. I wasn't eligible to vote as I have been out of Britain for over fifteen years. I had no vote yet the result today will have an impact upon me personally, and my family. Some of my husband's colleagues are today wondering what their future holds - in all likelihood they may lose their jobs. I see my friends who are EU citizens living in the UK also wondering how things will pan out for them in the future.<br />
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It feels like a hangover from a party I never went to. There are condolences being handed out to British expats left right and centre. It's a strange day.<br />
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But what does this actually mean for British expats in EU countries?<br />
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David Cameron touched upon the issue on British expats minds this morning from outside the Downing Street property he will shortly vacate,<br />
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"There will be no immediate changes in your circumstances."<br />
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Nothing we'll notice straight away. But there will be changes in the future. My British passport will potentially have less weight in 27 countries in the future than it does now. There will be bureaucracy and paperwork to face that I currently don't need to worry about. In the future I will have a different status than my husband and children in EU countries. Maybe.<br />
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But they are all things that will work themselves out. They are an inconvenience. Minor issues. I hope.<br />
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What I do have more of a problem with is that Nigel Farage is today the British face of victory (yes the same man who went on record this morning as saying "we won it without a bullet being fired' obviously forgetting that Jo Cox lost her life on Britain's streets last week, and withdrawing the Leave campaign claims that the money not paid into the EU would be paid into the NHS).<br />
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What I do have a problem with is the hatred and the negativity that has flooded my social media timelines over the last few months, and particularly the last week.<br />
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What I do have an issue with is the sudden increase in armchair politicians spouting their views about immigrants, public money and making Britain 'great' again. I have seen members of the British public interviewed on Dutch news programs who were asked which way they were voting and their reasons for doing so. Some of the answers made something shrivel up and die inside of me.<br />
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I have seen friends arguing on Facebook with each other over the referendum and the issues involved. I have seen ignorance and fear. I am also happy to have seen those who have read every possible thing they could to make a decision they were comfortable with. Informed decisions - whichever way their vote went. I have seen those who chose to abstain because they really don't know enough to make an informed decision.<br />
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Today the pound's value has plummeted, the Euro has declined against the dollar. Stock markets across Europe are falling. Will there be a recession in Britain? Across Europe? Will the divorce be a messy one, or a friendly civilised affair?<br />
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The British PM has resigned and there is a motion of no confidence agains the opposition leader. Immediate political turmoil. Will Boris Johnson become the future prime minister of Britain?<br />
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Will other EU countries call for a referendum on their EU membership too? Geert Wilders (yes, that man again) has already staked his claim for one. (Note that he does not have parliamentary backing so no need for alarm as yet). The far right in France is also making noise for a referendum. Far right. Europe. Is that really where we are heading? I seriously hope we have learned that lesson by now.<br />
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What is also evident is that the United Kingdom is one of divisions. Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, England and Wales voted out. I saw someone thinking aloud on social media that this may well be the beginning of the end of the United Kingdom. It's anyone's guess where it all goes from here.<br />
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<b>"For one thing, there is now a genuine question over the shape of this kingdom. Scotland (like London) voted to remain inside the European Union. Every one of its political parties (bar Ukip) urged a remain vote. Yet now Scotland is set to be dragged out of the EU, against its collective will." <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/eu-referendum-britain-different-country?CMP=fb_gu">The Guardian</a></b></blockquote>
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Sure, things will settle down. Things will balance themselves out. It will take years but there will be a road forward from here. Britain will carry on, with its stiff upper lip it will survive. Will it be better? That's a question for the future. A question we will have to ask our children. The only certain thing is that things will be different.<br />
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What won't change in the future is my sudden loss of identity. My teenage self studied European Studies at university. I opted to learn European languages. I chose to exercise my right of movement and make another EU country my home. My husband works for an EU body. I will lose my EU citizenship but my life remains in the Netherlands.<br />
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My two youngest sons are clad in their Dutch football shirts today and a Dutch friend asked if that was me making a statement. It wasn't, it was pure coincidence - they chose their tops themselves today as they do every day. But she did get goosebumps from my reaction to the Brexit result.<br />
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Today I am feeling rootless. I am feeling a lot less enthusiastic about being British than I was yesterday. I plan to give myself time for a 'period of mourning', to wrap my head around this momentous decision that my countrymen have made. Meanwhile, I am planning ahead. I know for sure I am not the only Brit in the Netherlands today looking at the option of obtaining a Dutch passport. (There's a great article about the consequences for Brits living in the Netherlands <a href="http://franssenadvocaten.nl/english/brexit-consequences-for-brits-in-the-netherlands/">here</a> if you are worried about what Brexit will mean for you in the future.)<br />
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<a href="http://lifewithadoublebuggy.blogspot.nl/2014/05/expat-life-stuck-in-middle.html">I've talked before about how I feel like I am living life in the middle</a> - not quite Dutch but no longer wholly British. Today I am being pushed out of that void. Today I realise just how European I feel.Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-91067404408630760812016-06-23T06:00:00.000+02:002016-06-23T06:00:37.419+02:0010 Things Expat Life is Not<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b></span>un, sea and white sand. Maids, nannies and cooks. Exotic and luxurious living. Do any of these words evoke an image of expat life for you? Then I have news for you. Here are ten things that expat life is absolutely not.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>1. A holiday</h3>
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Taking a vacation for a couple of weeks in a country or city is not the same as actually living there indefinitely. Not even close.</div>
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2. An Escape From Reality</h3>
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Expat life is real life. Your real life.</div>
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3. A Relocation to Paradise</h3>
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No matter how wonderful a location looks on paper (or in a travel brochure) you, as an expat, have to carve a life out for yourself there. You don't just walk into paradise and take up residence there - that only happens in movies, and even then it rarely ends well.</div>
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4. An Easy Option</h3>
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Expats often hear 'oh lucky you' as they traipse off to what seems like an exotic location. However, the move is never easy. Culture shock always rears its head, it takes time to find your feet and loneliness will likely be your best friend for a little while when you first relocate. Expat life is not the easy option. Ever.</div>
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5. The Best Way to Start Again</h3>
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Expat life is one way to start start over, but it doesn't mean it's the best way. You're carrying the same personal baggage with you whichever country you call home. Your demons will likely follow you when you move. True, a move may distract you for a while but dealing with your problems and then relocating to a new country is probably a better prescription for moving forward in life.</div>
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6. A Sure Fire Way to Find Happiness</h3>
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You are still you, no matter where you live. A new place might give you the opportunity to look for the things you want in life that you currently don't have (like a challenge) but moving to a new country isn't a recipe for instant happiness. </div>
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7. Glamorous</h3>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00XND0Z6A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00XND0Z6A&linkCode=as2&tag=thewriwel-21" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00XND0Z6A&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thewriwel-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thewriwel-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00XND0Z6A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Ever stood in a never ending queue in an immigration control office waiting to get a stamp on a document that may or may not end up with you being granted a resident's or work permit? It's not pretty. Waiting for a faceless stranger somewhere in the higher realms of a country's bureaucracy chain to make a decision about your career is anything but fun. Things may seem glamourous on the outside (read <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00XND0Z6A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00XND0Z6A&linkCode=as2&tag=thewriwel-21" rel="nofollow">Xamnesia: Everything I Forgot in my Search for an Unreal Life</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thewriwel-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00XND0Z6A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
to see what I mean) but real life carries on where ever you make a home for yourself.<br />
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<b>8. One Long Adventure</b></h3>
Once you have to earn a living, navigate your way around a foreign health system, sort out the documentation that makes your stay in a country legal, talk to the local tax office, understand a new school system and go searching for meat that actually looks familiar in the local marketplace the sense of living an adventure has well and truly worn off.<br />
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9. A Get Rich Quick Scheme</h3>
It may seem that expats are rolling in money, wallpapering their house with bank notes and filling their pension schemes with the promise of a care free life once they hit their 60's. But if you are moving overseas to get rich quickly you may want to rethink your reasons for moving. Expat assignments may be well paid, but often they come at a cost. It's a rare expat that repatriates a happy millionaire.<br />
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10. A Waste of Time</h3>
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As an expat you learn a new language, a different way of living; you bathe yourself in a new culture. You learn heaps about yourself as you navigate unexpected hurdles and unimaginable experiences abroad, all without your trusted support network to lean on. You change irreversibly because of your life lived abroad. Expat life is never a waste of time.<br />
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-53243828897646206292016-06-16T14:39:00.000+02:002016-06-16T14:39:00.410+02:00Bruce Springsteen Makes Magic on the Malieveld<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>F</b></span>rom the second that the first note of 'Badlands' echoed around the Malieveld Bruce Springsteen had 67,500 people under his spell, and he kept them there for three-and-a-half hours. </div>
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The weather men had threatened rain. There was even talk of a thunderstorm. So stocked up with ponchos, plastic bin bags and rain coats thousands made their way to The Hague. In the end the weather gods smiled down on us and the only thing that dropped from the sky was beer; Springsteen even has the weather gods under his spell it would seem. Blue skies, sunshine, and even a little bit of pre-summer warmth as the Malieveld filled up with excited Springsteen fans. </div>
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The Stereophonics warmed the crowd up further before heading off thirty or fourty minutes before Bruce was due on stage. The Welsh band apparently left a bit of a mess on stage, which took 30 minutes of vacuuming to clean up: or perhaps Springsteen is partial to a spotless stage... either way the stage was clean and set for a fantastic evening.</div>
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Just one minute after the scheduled time (<i>afspraak</i> is <i>afspraak</i> if you are in the Netherlands!), the E Street Band made their way onto the stage and Springsteen bounded on after them, with his trademark powerful start of "1,2,3,4"as Badlands blasted out of the (at times dodgy) sound system. And Bruce kept bounding - for hours on end, without interruption, in a way no other 66 year old music star could do. </div>
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He got in amongst the crowd, he used the full width of the stage and, as he always does, he pulled surprises out of the hat to delight the crowd, to make sure his audience knows that every show he does is unique. There are no two Springsteen concerts the same. </div>
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For the European leg of this tour he has abandoned sticking rigidly to his The River set list and he's thrown in something new everywhere he's played. In Manchester he played Santa Claus is Coming to Town, at the request of a Santa Claus clad fan. He took requests on the Malieveld too and The Hague was treated to a very special performance of Tom Waits' song 'Jersey Girl' on the request from a fan from Jersey (that's Jersey and not New Jersey) and From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come) - both songs a first on this River tour. And special it was indeed. </div>
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Springsteen handed the reins over to the 67, 500 strong crowd to belt out 'Hungry Heart'. From 'Death to My Hometown' Springsteen launched into 'The River' with his harmonica, causing a few goosebumps in the audience, and tears in the eyes of at least one grown man around me. 'The River' is my favourite Springsteen song, so this was the absolute highlight of the concert for me - I would have gone home contented at that point. But there was much, much more to come. </div>
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From 'The River' Springsteen and the E Street Band moved to 'Racing in the Street', another 'The River tour' first. We listened to 'Waiting on a Sunny Day' (one young girl was invited up on stage to sing with Bruce, much to the crowd's delight - and for her trouble she got the gift of Bruce's plectrum), I'm on Fire, Because the Night, The Rising, Thunder Road and Land of Hope and Dreams.</div>
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And then the encore. Bruce rocked. The E Street Band rocked. There were girls plucked from the crowd who rocked. The crowd rocked. The Malieveld rocked. </div>
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I'm sure the whole of The Hague could hear nearly 70,000 people telling the world they were 'Born to Run'. </div>
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Tenth Avenue Freeze Out was played with a wonderful tribute to the 'Big Man' Clarence Clemons and The Isley Brother's 'Shout' closed the evening out. Almost. The E Street Band left the stage to rapturous applause but Mr Springsteen came back for one last song: an acoustic version of This Hard Land. It was an impressive end to an amazing show. </div>
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Every time Springsteen gets on a stage it genuinely looks like there is no other place in the world he would rather be than on that stage, right at that moment. When Springsteen gets on a stage there's no party like it.<br />
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This wasn't my first Springsteen concert (and hopefully it wasn't my last either; I don't believe the rumours). I was 15 years old when I saw Bruce live for the first time in Sheffield in 1988. I went with my parents, then not a particularly huge Springsteen fan, but my brother and I had been subjected to a lot of his music at home and my parents had bought two extra tickets so we could tag along. From that concert on I was hooked too.<br />
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I have seen him a number of times since, here in the Netherlands and back in England. When we heard he was coming to The Hague my husband and I were one of the many thousands and thousands who waited in online ticket queues to be able to be there last Tuesday night. My husband got two tickets, and then had the option to get more - so he got an extra ticket. That ticket was for my dad, the one who nearly thirty years ago bought me my first Springsteen show ticket. Favour returned. He flew over from England to stand on the Malieveld with us.<br />
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Thanks Dad for introducing me to the only man I would happily stand 6 hours on a muddy field for at the ripe old age of 43........... I hope I get to pass Springsteen on to my children. I hope that they one day share the idea that if real life was one long Springsteen concert the world would be one damn happy place to live in.<br />
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The Boss left his mark on The Hague. He closed the phenomenal show out with calls of '<i>dank je wel</i>'. <span style="font-size: large;">"<i>Nou Bruce, jij ook bedankt hoor</i>!"</span></div>
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798372697599428727.post-54787564494007871612016-06-13T06:30:00.000+02:002016-06-13T06:30:10.981+02:00Long Hat - My First Dutch Children's Book Translation<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span> am thrilled to introduce you all to Long Hat, who up until very recently only existed in the form of a Dutch <i>kabouter </i>called Langmuts. I worked on the translation of 'Langmuts is een held' for Scrivo Media and I'm so proud that the 'Long Hat is a Hero' book has been released.</div>
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This is just one of a long list of things I would never have ended up doing had I not moved to the Netherlands, not opted for an expat life and not learnt Dutch. We are all on our own path, sometimes that path is chosen for us (like when we meet a Dutch man and fall in love), sometimes we consciously choose a direction ourselves and whilst none of us can see what is around the corner expat life generally manages to throw up surprises, challenges and opportunities. Long Hat falls quite easily in the first and last of those categories.<br />
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I was contacted last year about translating Langmuts because of my <a href="https://happysensitivekids.wordpress.com/">Happy Sensitive Kids blog</a> and I didn't hesitate to say yes. Langmuts was a part of my family's life before I was contacted about turning him into an English gnome. The Langmuts series is written with highly sensitive children in mind (though they are fantastic stories for any children) and so we had the complete series on our bookshelf long before I became personally involved. My sons relate to Langmuts. My eldest son had his first - 'Wow, that's just like me" moment reading 'Langmuts is een held' so you can understand that there was no hesitation to get involved in the Long Hat series. (<a href="https://happysensitivekids.wordpress.com/2016/05/18/langmuts-has-become-long-hat/">You can read more about this on the Happy Sensitive Kids blog.</a>)</div>
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And so, my first Dutch children's book translation is available now. Right now. From <a href="http://amzn.to/1sqZEoo">Amazon UK</a> (it is not currently available in the USA - lots of people have already asked so I wanted to pre-empt those questions!) and for those of you in the Netherlands you can get the book from <a href="http://www.scrivomedia.nl/a-44362198/boeken-met-gevoel/long-hat-is-a-hero/">Scrivo Media</a>, with no delivery costs.<br />
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Amanda van Mulligenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328016562973171711noreply@blogger.com0