Discovering the Dutch

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

23 May 2014
By

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What are you guys up to this weekend?  On Saturday we are headed over to meet my friend’s newborn baby girl who happened to be born on my birthday.  And of course, hopefully spend some time at the Amersfoort zoo, our regular haunting joint.

Here are few interesting links around the web this week:

The New Inequality for Toddlers: Less Income, More Ritalin

Need to learn a new language? Check out some useful lifehacker tips.

Googling while expecting – haven’t we’ve all been guilty at one point? 😉

And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to make some chocolate hazelnut cookie sandwiches.

Any designer purse (or expensive anything) could never survive my toddler’s curiosity but I love this mom’s take on hers.

I never really understood the use for HDR until now. Can’t wait to try out the tips.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

 

P.S. If you love the water color portrait of me and my son, it’s made with this awesome iPhone app called Waterlogue. The other option is Brushstroke.

 

What Dutch Customs Might Seem Strange for Americans

22 May 2014
By

dutch customs Inspired by the Slate article “What French Customs Might Seem Strange for Americans” and my official anniversary of becoming an expat, I thought I would impart a few Dutch customs that I found initially strange but found to be endearingly wonderful:

Three kisses.
Contrary to their other European counterparts like the French, Italians, Portuguese, Spanish and Greeks, the Dutch customarily like to give three kisses. At first awkward,  the extra kiss feels like an extra reassurance that you’re loved or at least liked enough. The current trend involves three kisses for everyone that’s more than an acquaintance and is done regardless of genders – woman-to-woman, woman-to-man and man-to-man without absolutely any sexual connotations.

Biking everywhere.
A bike is simply considered an extension of one’s body and the most convenient way to travel in the Low Countries. Regardless of weather, the Dutch can be seen biking gracefully around the cities, in the suburbs and between the countrysides.

Having chocolate for breakfasts and pancakes for dinner.
The chocolate is disguised in the form of hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) placed on bread with butter. And pancakes are the size of dinner plates. It’s not that the Dutch have chocolate for breakfast and pancakes every single day (though many might actually do). It’s simply that the Dutch CAN do this without as much as raising eyebrows or eliciting consternation that is so liberating.

Not working when the sun is out.
Due to living in a country that is historically often grey and somber, the Dutch take every opportunity they get to enjoy being out in the sun. If there is beautiful weather on a weekday, some call-in sick for a “mental health break”, or the majority of sun aficionados leave work early. Anyone who has ever been in the center of a city like Utrecht or Amsterdam will know that every Dutch person will be outside sunworshipping on the terraces, or out at the beautiful Dutch beaches.

Most stores closed on Sundays or have much later opening times. This also applies to Mondays too.
When I first arrived here (seven years ago), everything being closed on a Sunday was one of my major aggravations. Coming from a consumer-driven society, I couldn’t understand why a lot of stores weren’t open on a Sunday and how most stores, even major chains, were slow to open their doors on a Monday morning. While more and more stores are becoming open on Sunday (though opening times are usually around 12pm), I appreciate the more relaxed way of living of taking it nice and easy.

Being frugal
There is something quite refreshing about living within your own means and not having unreasonable (or non-existent) credit card debt. The Dutch, on average, may significantly have a lot less spending power than their American counterparts. But overall, they enjoy a higher standard of living for most of their citizens. Every single expense is meticulously calculated from the amount of grams of meat per person to inventing a bottle-scraper (flessenlikker) to get that last ounce out of a jar.

Congratulating someone on his/her birthday party
I still don’t really understand this custom, but if you ever attend a Dutch person’s birthday party, chances are that you will hear the birthday person being “congratulated” as well as the family members and significant others. Literally. I think it’s their way of acknowledging just how fleeting life can be and that each year a person makes it should really be something to be proud of. It’s an awesome reminder of our mortality and a sincere celebration of life.

Not Being an Armed Society
I’ve been tiptoeing around this subject for a while, but I have to finally come out and be honest. I love living in a country without having to worry about being a victim of gun violence. I’ll always be an American (God Bless ‘Merica!), but as a mom to a two year old boy, I take comfort in not having to worry about him losing his life to stray bullets, tragic accidents at a friend’s home, random acts of violence on the streets or school shootings. And somehow, living in a world without everyone and their grandmother being armed, leads to a much more peaceful and happier society.

Of course there are other Dutch customs that I may never get accustomed to – such as having to become a second-hand smoker – but that’s for another article.  Here’s to Finding Dutchland, where ever you may be.

P.S. Come connect with me on my Facebook page. We’re a friendly bunch who love getting updates about a Dutched reality and other random inspirational stuff related to parenting, travel and what not.

MidCentury Furniture Designer- Cees Braakman

21 May 2014
By

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For my 32nd birthday, my ultra romantic, thoughtful and endearingly supportive Dutch husband gave me a writing desk. This aspiring writer and lifestyle blogger finally has her own desk to scribble down her thoughts and type away her musing about living a Dutched reality and motherhood.

It really is a lovely writing desk. It’s definite eye-candy for people who can appreciate mid-century design furniture, clean lines and quality craftsmanship.

But it’s not just any writing desk. And for those who know my Dutch husband, he’s not one to simply follow current trends.

The writing desk was designed by non-other than my husband’s grandfather Cees Braakman.

Designing furniture had been a family affair for two generations. Dirk Lubertus Braakman, Opa’s Cees’ father, was a manager and head draftsman at UMS-Pastoe.  Following in his father’s footsteps, Opa (Grandfather) Cees joined his father when he was only 17 years old.

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After recognizing the younger Braakman’s potential, the owner of UMS Pastoe sent Opa Cees in 1947 to the United States to learn about American design and the basics of furniture production. During his visit to twelve different US furniture companies, Opa Cees fell in love with the work of Charles & Ray Eames at the Herman Miller Company. Upon returning to the Netherlands, Braakman introduced the innovative bent plywood techniques to Pastoe. As the head designer for Pastoe from 1945 to 1978, Opa Cees helped revolutionize the development of the first modern furniture line in the Netherlands.

According to my husband’s foggy childhood recollection, Opa Cees was simply a furniture designer who lived in Oog in Al, a historically working class neighborhood of Utrecht, and he loved to go sailing. If we were to learn something from Opa Cees, it would be to simply find something that we’re passionate about, learn from the masters and carve out our own name.

And what better way to pursue my own writing ambitions than by a desk designed by Opa Cees. I’m so glad I didn’t believe anyone when they teased me about marrying the wrong Dutch guy.

p.s. If you’re interested in following my adventures in the Netherlands, come join me on my Facebook page. Guaranteed random updates about all things Dutch and inspirational material.

 

Going Country Bumpkin

19 May 2014
By

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I have a confession to make. It’s been brewing for a couple of months now. And my heart had been bursting to share for quite a while now. But my pragmatic Dutch husband asked for my silence until everything was settled. Now that all the contracts have been signed, sealed and delivered, the world can officially know.

My family and I going country bumpkin on you folks.

 

We are moving next month to Doorn, a small Dutch village nestled in the nature forest reserve area of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug (Utrecht Hill Ridge). The Dutch who live in a country that would be about 44% submerged underwater if it wasn’t for Dutch ingenuity would refer to this area as hills.

 

After seven years in the Netherlands, this expat-that-could is going to go where very little expats have dared venture out to, deep into the heart of the Dutch sticks.

 

Okay, maybe it’s a bit of an exaggeration. This is the Netherlands we’re talking about – a country where it only takes about 2-4 hours (depending on where you to start) to drive across entirely. We will still be only half an hour drive away from Utrecht and forty-five minutes away from Amsterdam. But Doorn feels like an entirely different world.

 

I have always been a city girl at heart, but it’s not who I am anymore. Not at this moment. Right now, I am a mother to a precocious and adventurous two-year old boy who loves nothing more than to play outside. And I find myself being more at ease and being able to enjoy the experience more when he’s exploring in a natural playground setting rather than the confines of an urban jungle, or non-descript suburbia.

 

Granted, there are also lots of dangers to learn about and be aware of like ticks and snakes for example. But it’s a trade-off we’re willing to make for wanting him to grow up close to nature and as my husband and I figure out what this whole balancing of parenting and being both career-driven personalities is all about.

 

And I’m also a writer. I’m craving the time, space and quiet to be alone with my thoughts. All this writing about happiness precipitated some serious soul-searching. I want to be an authentic, genuine voice – as an Asian (Filipino)-American mother, wife and writer currently living in the Netherlands (Europe).  I have my heart set on bringing diversity to the written and blogging world. And I’m utterly convinced that moving to Doorn will be what I need to develop myself – a sort of healthy compromise between the real-world demands of my husband’s blossoming career and my need for a writing sanctity.

 

So we’ve notified our landlord, contacted the movers and are now are looking forward to a month of preparing for the big move.

 

Hope you continue following me on my adventures of making a home in the Netherlands. Here’s to Finding Dutchland, where ever you may be.

Going Dutch: Children Celebrating Freedom

5 May 2014
By

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In 1911 editor of the New York Evening Journal Arthur Brisbane advised members of the Syracuse Advertising Men’s Club to “Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words“.   His words would reverberate through time. Brisbane insightfully articulated that photographers are essentially storytellers and their photos would provide us an intimate glimpse of a moment in time. Sometimes one photograph can encompass the entirety of the story, sharing with us an intimate understanding that history (other people’s words) might fail to deliver.

As a mother, I’m particularly drawn to historical images of women and children. Children, after all, have the innate gift of wearing their hearts on their sleeves.  Women – mothers, sisters, grandmothers, nieces and daughters- carry the (untold) stories of their lives and the weight of the world on their shoulders in their eyes.

On this 5 of May, I’d like to commemorate National Liberation Day by sharing 10 powerful images of Dutch children celebrating their freedom as World War II comes to an official end in the Spring of 1945. Hopefully these images can become part of our collective consciousness as we remember the sacrifices, heartache and lives lost due to a senseless war – if only for another day.

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 liberationday5     liberationday4 liberationday6

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liberationday8   liberationday10

Princess Juliana and Princess Margriet eturning home to the Netherlands

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(All photos (CC-BY-SA) courtesy of the Dutch National Archives)

 

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Her Death, Our Lives (Peaches Geldof)

2 May 2014
By

Peaches_Geldof_London_Crop

When I first read of Peaches Geldof’s death on my Twitter feed, my heart ached for the loss of a young mother and for her two babies. The 25 year-old-British TV presenter, model, writer and daughter of Bob Geldof was found dead in her home in Wrotham, Kent – initial postmortem cause of death ruled inconclusive.

 

Her death catching all of us by surprise would be an understatement. The death of a vibrant, youthful, beautiful woman – what society considers the image of perfect health- challenged what we believed to be the natural order of things.  Death – we all collectively fool ourselves into believing-  comes at the very end, after we’ve spent a lifetime cultivating memories, accomplishing goals and our bodies growing old and giving way.  But when does death ever really happen on our terms? We were left to speculate how this mother and media personality could have died so suddenly and unexpectedly.

 

No one ever chooses under what circumstances one’s born into. Peaches was born into rockstar royalty, bequeathed with not only the fame and fortune of her celebrity parents, but all the dysfunction that comes with sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. No amount of money in the world protected her from the scandals of drug addiction and suicide as the media perilously documented her coming of age in the limelight. Her eventual vocal resolve to chart her own way was admirable and inspirational, perfectly cultivating the image of a mama metamorphosis set on doing right by her two sons.

 

Almost a month later, we get the answer that no one wanted to believe – Peaches Geldof died of a likely heroin overdose. The same drug that killed her mother Paula Yates in 2000 when Peaches was only 11 years old. The parallel deaths of mother and daughter are disheartening, a tragic story of a reformed wild child turned into model mommy only to inherit the same untimely death of her mother and leaving behind another generation robbed of a mother’s love.  And then came the unfortunate vitriol on social media -unrestrained, judgemental and cruel – along with another outpouring of grief and calls for compassion.

 

Social media such as Twitter and Instagram gives all of us the illusion of familiarity, of having intimate access to the everyday lives of celebrities. A follow, a “like”, a “share” and a few words exchanged become the social currency of feeling connected however non-existent in the real world. Peaches invited the public into her private life, sharing glimpses of happy, fleeting moments of a gorgeous young family just starting out. Because social media has allowed many to relate to her as a friend and a familiar face, her death and the sordid details behind it becoming part of dinner time conversations.

 

If we were to learn from the recent death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, chances are that the most recent revelation of Peaches Geldof’s death will inspire another round of essays and media coverage on addiction and relapse, unfounded speculation of her mental health and unwarranted reasons as to why she relapsed.  My sneaking suspicion, however, is that she won’t be the addict that everyone would want to relate to. Who would want to identify with someone given that at the time of her death, her eleven-month old son was supposed to be under her care? While Peaches death is still fresh in our minds, chances are that she’ll become the newest poster child for a cautionary tale against drugs.

 

While I may not have known Peaches personally, her public persona was always around my periphery as a fellow mommy with relatable views about attachment parenting and having sons around the same age. But it was her story about redemption and reformation brought on by motherhood that struck a personal chord with me.  In a recent interview with Mother & Baby magazine, Peaches opened up about her feelings towards her children, confessing “I felt finally anchored in place, with lives that literally depend on me, and I am not about to let them down, not for anyone or anything.”

 

I was rooting for her. We all were.

 

Learning that Peaches died due to a heroine overdose felt like a betrayal, the universe laughing in our faces for believing in happy endings, rainbows and fairytales. The fact that she died of a heroine overdose changes everything and nothing at the same time. The world is less forgiving to someone who dies at the unscrupulous hand of an illicit drug, unable to battle her own demons and protect her children from the same ill-handed fate of growing up without a mother. Had the post-mortem results declared that she died from a fatal, unforeseen heart condition, a brain aneurysm, or cancer, she would be remembered as a wonderful mother taken cruelly away by life’s unfair hand. Now her death has become fodder for the media, the world turning away from sympathy and grief and towards disdain and apathy, an irresistible bait for trolls lurking around unwilling to let a dead woman rest in peace.

 

But…. I still mourn for her and her sons…. because I am a mom.

 

They say that becoming a mother changes you, that it expands your heart a million fold and opens you up to so much love that you thought you never had. As a mom, you begin to see the world differently. Or perhaps more accurately, makes you more acutely aware of the fragility of life. You realize that everyone around you was also once a baby in a mother’s arms.

 

What no one told me but I’ve come realize in my two years of being a mom is that parenthood is possibly the most unifying experience around the world. It’s a rite-of-passage to run into other parents who with just one look let’s you know that they empathize with your current struggles and gently reminds you when you’re in the thick of it, that it’ll get better.  A random stranger interviewed by Humans of New York on his reflections on becoming a parent echoed the sentiment  “Because you suddenly relate to everyone else on earth who has a child. No matter what race, class, or creed.”

 

My own disappointment and anyone else’s opinions about Peaches’ death shouldn’t deviate from the bigger picture –  the loss of a twenty-five year old mother of two young boys under the age of two. The involvement of heroin makes Peaches’ untimely death even more tragic, not less. It should illicit more compassion because doing so is what makes us human.

 

So I mourn not for a celebrity, but for a mother who’ll never get to realize dreams that all moms hold close to their hearts – to witness her sons grow up.  I mourn for a motherless mother who desperately needed the love of her own mother, falling into a loneliness that no one could ever pull her out of. But most of all, I mourn for two young boys, babies in their own right, barely old enough to remember her and who need nothing more in the world than their mother.

 

And I’ll be holding my little one tighter tonight as he falls asleep in my arms, dreaming of what dreams may come.

 

Photo source: Wikimedia 

Dutch Customs & Gifts from the USA

30 April 2014
By

An all too common experience for American expats in the Netherlands is the infamous Dutch import taxes on packages from the United States. The general scenario involves an unannounced visit from a Dutch postal worker, followed by a brief explanation that the recipient must pay import taxes and the unrealistic expectation that the recipient will have the exact amount in cash being demanded at that given moment.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the exact amount of cash lying around at home so packages are held hostage until the ransom (Dutch custom taxes + administrative costs) can be paid. For first timers, this can be a frustrating experience given that the situation often involves unsolicited gifts from well-intentioned loved ones from home. Welcome to the Netherlands.

What many people are not aware of is that gifts from individuals from the United States (or any other non-EU country) is officially exempted from import taxes up to a maximum value of €45. What can be infuriating experience is that even if the value of the gifts was actually less than €45, one may subject to still first paying the (necessary) tax to receive the package and then resolve the dispute via a formal complaint letter to the post-office.

Why would the Dutch postal service still charge me taxes and administrative costs if the official Dutch government tax office has clearly indicated that gifts under €45 would not be taxed? The secret lies in how the declaration statement (United States Postal Service – Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note -CP 72) of the package if filled out. If it is not properly filled out, the chances of being responsible for paying unnecessary  import taxes increases.

The three important lines to be aware of are:
1. Detailed Description of the Contents (enter one item per line)

Clearly put down on the beginning of the line “Gift”.

5. Check All That Apply

Mark of the word “Gift”.

8. Total Value US$
The total “value” of the gifts must be less than €45 or approximately $72 to be exempt from Dutch import taxes.

 

I’ve also included a picture below that you can send to grandma and grandpa just incase they are visual learners.

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One of the most challenging aspects of raising my son in the Netherlands is that he is thousands of miles away from his loving grandparents. Being the first and only grandchild, my parents love to send him gifts regularly to compensate for not being able to spend time with him. I hope that my tip can be helpful for other expat parents facing a similar situation.

 

Disclaimer: Dutch tax & import rules constantly change over time. Please refer to the official tax office of the Netherlands for the most current information about import taxes on gifts to individuals from individuals. This tip does not cover packages from companies and organisations which fall under a completely different set of rules and regulations. Furthermore, whether or not an import tax will be made on the package is prone to human error so this tip cannot fully guarantee that no mistakes will occur.  

7 Habits of Genuinely Happy Expats

28 April 2014
By

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As my family and I celebrated King’s Night and King’s Day, I came to the realization that I am “making it” as an expat-mom in the Netherlands. Seven years and several stumbling blocks later, I’m taking ownership of my happiness in the Low Countries. Life may not be perfect, but I finally found my happy place, one centered on gratitude, resilience, and family.

While a quarter-life crisis usually sends people to therapy, I celebrated my 25th birthday as an accidental expat in Holland. My expatriation to the Netherlands was a culmination of a love-at-first sight, whirlwind, two year transAtlantic, long distance romance with a Dutch native. If we only live once, why not take a leap of faith and be with the one that we love? After seven years of going through culture shock, homesickness and stumbling blocks learning opportunities, I’ve earned enough street credibility to impart some knowledge to expats who might currently be struggling in their host country.

 

Whether you’re about to become an expat, are a newly minted expat or a seasoned expat, here are seven essential habits that I’ve observed all genuinely happy expats possess.

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1. Embrace your natural curiosity, finding the courage to step out of your comfort zone to try new things and discover the world around you.

Being curious is one of the best assets you can have as an expat.  According research conducted by psychologist Dr. Todd Kashdan and Dr. Michael Steger, people who regularly felt curious “experienced the most satisfaction with their life – and engaged in the highest number of happiness-inducing activities, such as expressing gratitude to a colleague or volunteering to help others.” Arguably the best aspect of being an expat is the opportunity to harness one’s innate curiosity when immersing one’s self in a new culture and a different way of life. Learning about the culture goes deeper than simply wandering around and visiting various places – familiarize yourself with the history, try out the different foods, take part in local festivities and experience local customs. Life will surprise you when you are open to experiences, letting your curiosity take center-stage.  

 

2. Being able to say, “I am not comfortable with that.”

While it is important to be open to new experiences, it is also crucial to stay true to yourself. As an expat, you need to define your boundaries and vocalize them. Dr. Susan Biali suggests that “When our efforts to be excessively agreeable and accommodating backfire, we are often left feeling resentful and generally disappointed with life.”

Chances are that as an expat living in a foreign country, you will find yourself in uncomfortable situations. Know where to draw the line. It’s only natural to hesitate, question yourself and doubt whether or not to let the word’s come out. Once you’ve mustered the courage and declare, “I am not comfortable with that,” you’ll find yourself living a more authentic expat life and your overall-well being will thrive.

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3. Acknowledging and accepting that you are no longer in your home country.

This might sound painfully obvious, but the first step of finding happiness in a foreign country is to acknowledge and accept that you are no longer in your home country. Many expats fall into the trap of comparing everything to their home country, failing to appreciate what their host country has to offer. Constantly comparing one’s current situation with that of another place and time will definitely lead to unhappiness.

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I had come to unrealistically expect a certain lifestyle and standard of living when moving to the Netherlands. After all, my then Dutch husband made the innocent mistake of informing me that American culture and Dutch culture were inherently very similar. They are not. And I soon discovered that sunlight, an appreciation for food, multiculturalism, (American) political correctness and general pleasantries are not universal aspects shared throughout the world. Once I got over these first-world problems and simply opened my eyes to all the positive attributes of life in the Netherlands, I realized just how wonderful it is to be an expat mom in the Netherlands.

4. Learn the language.

It’s actually quite disrespectful to the locals and a disservice to yourself if you decide to live in a foreign country for several years and never make an honest attempt at learning the native language. Lamenting on how hard learning the language is will get you utterly no where. Enroll yourself in a class and take the time to learn the language.

Contrary to popular expat belief, the official language spoken in the Netherlands is Dutch, not English. Speaking Dutch to locals (no matter how bad you feel you are at it) is the fastest way to melt the usually stoic Dutch hearts and one of the most empowering experiences I’ve ever had. As my father’s voice echoes “No one can ever take away your education.“, no one can ever take away my NT2 niveau 2 diploma, granting me not only access to studying at a Dutch university or applying for a professional job, but also really be a part of Dutch culture.

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5. Be selective on your friendships, especially with other expats. 

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said “We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.” Or in other words, as my lovely, wise friend Rachel shared with me, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”Whether we like to admit it or not, research and experience has shown that we are all influenced by the people we surround ourselves with. Regardless of our own intelligence, our age, our natural talents, and where we come from, who we surround ourselves regularly will has a disproportionate influence on our own successes. After all, craving connection with others is what makes us human. And that connection – emotional, mental, spiritual and physical – has a profound impact on our overall well-being, happiness and ability to accomplish personal goals.

Being in a foreign country, it’s only natural to gravitate towards other expats who speak the same language and come from the same country to establish familiarity and shared camaraderie. It’s often recommended and a healthy practice to reach out to other expats to build a supportive community, to create a safe space to vent frustrations and air out personal grievances. However, be mindful of toxic expats who will simply rain on your parade and prevent you from growing as a person. If you are determined to find happiness as an expat, seek out those who inspire and encourage you to be a better person.

6. And don’t forget how essential it is to befriend a local or two.

Try to make friends with the locals and don’t fall trap to living life exclusively in the convenient expat bubble. Your understanding of the country and culture will only get you so far unless you can get insight from a native. Plus, the more open you are to other people, the greater the likelihood of you establishing your own tribe.

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 7.  Self-Acceptance

Arguably one of the most essential habits of happy (expat) people is self-acceptance. Unfortunately, it is the one crucial habit that is often practiced the least. Many expats, especially trailing spouses, were once overachievers whose self-worth was inextricably tied to their visible accomplishments. Moving to a foreign country can easily leave one feeling naked and vulnerable, starting fresh all over again in a world that may not readily acknowledge one’s previous achievements attained abroad. Hence, for many, including me, expat life is not always a smooth ride. As an expat, it’s absolutely crucial to extend the same kindness to yourself as you give to others.  We need to consider our mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than absolute failures. And we must be patient enough to understand that there will be many learning opportunities along the way. Take not only the time to learn about your new environment, but also find some quiet time for yourself to tune into your feelings. Expat life will forever change who you are and it’s only right to also get acquainted with your new self.

 

Being an expat is not for the faint of heart. It’s for those adventurous enough to pack their entire life’s possessions into a couple checked bags. It allows you to take only what’s the most essential, leaving behind all the extra unnecessary baggage and forcing you to re-define what’s actually important. It takes tons of courage, a hint of craziness, and relentless faith in one’s self to create a home in a foreign land.

But for the few who dare travel the road less traveled, I can guarantee you that they won’t look back with regret for having lived a life less ordinary. Rather, being an expat changes you forever, allowing you to feel more connected to the rest of the world and helping you to live a life well lived. Just like the joys of parenthood, while nothing can really prepare you 100% for life as an expat, hopefully these seven tips will get you to a place of genuine happiness as you seek out your new adventure.

Here’s to Finding Dutchland, wherever you may be.

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How To Celebrate King’s Day Like A (Dutch) Rock Star

24 April 2014
By

Arguably the best time to visit the Netherlands is in the end of April just in time to celebrate King’s Day (formerly known as Queens Day). Not only are the famous Dutch tulip fields in full bloom, but you’re going to be part of the world’s biggest street party. What makes this year particularly special is that for the first time in Dutch history, we will be celebrating King’s Day in honor of King Willem-Alexander.

 

In order to genuinely appreciate King’s Day, it’s crucial to have an understanding of the significance of this day. The United Kingdom of the Netherlands with a hereditary monarchy was only established a mere 195 years ago on the 16th of March 1815. Members of the House of Orange-Nassau, starting with William of Orange, have been in rule since 1559 as stadhouder (place-keeper). Interestingly, the first country in modern European history to establish a republic would become a hereditary monarchy in hopes of securing domestic stability.   There’s something quite endearing about a country renowned for its liberal, progressive ideas and tolerance to hold such an antiquated idea of being loyal servants to a monarchy. The Dutch taxpayers happily contribute approximately € 39,405,000 annually to the Dutch royal family (not including security costs). According to research conducted by Belgium professor Herman Matthijs, the Dutch royal family is the most expensive in Western Europe (more than the media’s all time favorite – the  British Royal family) and the taxpayers in the country proportionately pay the heaviest tax burden due to its relatively small population of almost 17 million people. To be completely fair, almost everyone, regardless of income, in Holland receives some form of subsidy anyway so it’s only right that our beloved royal family gets support too.

 

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King’s Day serves as a testament to how tradition and progressive ideas can peacefully co-exist, a national celebration of Dutch cultural identity and heritage in the context of modern life, liberties and entitlements.

 

Here are my insider tips on how to celebrate Kings Day like a Dutch rock-star:

 

1. We’re Gonna Party Like It’s Your Birthday.
The national holiday commemorating the Dutch crown is actually an annual birthday celebration. The first official Queen’s day (originally known as Prinsessedag) was celebrated on 31 August 1885, the birthday of then- princess heir apparent  Wilhelmina.  When her daughter, Queen Juliana took the throne in 1948, the celebrations were moved to the 30th of April to celebrate Queen Juliana’s birthday. Since April generally had more favorable weather conditions compared to January 30th, Juliana’s daughter Queen Beatrix choose to keep the day to celebrate her own special day. Like any awesome birthday party, timing has to be taken into consideration and King Willem-Alexander has graciously allowed the festivities to happen on the 26th of April which falls on a Saturday. For future reference, King’s Day will be celebrated on the 27th of April on the actual birthday of King Willem – 27th of April. MTV’s My Sweet 16 Birthday parties can’t hold a candle to how the Dutch royal family celebrates their birthday every year with their guest list of 16,850, 506 people plus tourists. Contrary to misguided belief, Amsterdam is not the only place where King’s Day is celebrated. The entire country turns into one giant birthday party scene, hence appropriately being called the biggest street party in the world.

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2. Bleed Orange.
Orange is the national color of the Netherlands as a special nod to the royal House of Orange-Nassau. Not only is it customary to don on your Orange best, but the latest trend is how creative and crazy you can get. The more ridiculous the outfit, the better. Think of it like Halloween with “orange” as the central theme. Let your imagination guide the way. For costumes, check out Kruidvat, Blokker, Albert Heijn and Action.

 

3. Head Over to Utrecht on King’s Night To Sell Your Junk and Buy Some Treasures.
 Perhaps the most endearing attribute to all this Dutch pomp and circumstance over royalty is the nationwide flea market, the Vrijmarkt. It is the one time in the year where anyone and everyone can freely sell their stuff. And in true Dutch fashion, most of the stuff are at bottom low prices, encouraging camaraderie and brightening up the spirits of the traditionally frugal, stoic Dutch. Utrecht holds the coveted title of being the largest Vrijmarkt in the Low Countries. The Utrecht Vrijmarkt is a 24 hour extravaganza, beginning on Friday evening at 6:00pm (25 April 2014) and ends the following day at 6:00 pm on Saturday (26 April 2014).

 

4. Party on a boat in the canals of Amsterdam or Utrecht.
An absolute must to check-off your bucket list is to get on a party boat in the canals of Amsterdam. Reservations need to be made in advance (unless you have direct access to a boat yourself), but your careful, meticulous planning will pay off. Amsterdam canals are one of the most enchanting canals in the world and what better way than to celebrate King’s day on a boat with your friends? Come to think of it, wouldn’t it also be a memorable experience to get on a boat in Utrecht which was recently crowned as having the most beautiful canals in all of Europe? Which ever city you choose, Amsterdam or Utrecht, you can’t go wrong. Why choose? Try both.

 

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5. Start drinking beer (or champagne) at 11:00 am.
One of the most surprising and liberating aspects of living in the Netherlands as an American is how socially acceptable it is to start drinking before lunch on this national Dutch holiday. After seven years, I still can’t get over the state-sponsored public inebriation, complete with bars set-up on the streets. All the drinking of course leads to the infamous public urination stalls. Simply watch where you step and enjoy good old fashion drinking with your best buddies and random strangers – all for the gezelligheid of course. And if you have more discerning tastes, bottles of champagne are also sold for your drinking pleasure.

 

6. Enjoy Dutch delicacies such as herring sandwiches, kibbeling, poffertjes and Dutch fries.
 Forget eating at fine dining establishments and head over to the stands offering Dutch delicacies such as herring sandwiches, kibbeling, Dutch fries and bitterballen. Don’t forget to wash the salty treats with some more Dutch beer.

 

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7. Celebrate in mind that it’s a family affair.
King’s Day doesn’t discriminate against age. You’ll find everyone of all ages, from newborns to pensioners, all partying for the King’s birthday.  There will be face-painting, performances, games and sport events directed especially for children. There’s something admirable about the Dutch introducing responsible partying starting from the cradle, instilling the important cultural attribute of celebrating life till the grave. Is it a wonder then that the happiest kids in the world happen to reside in the Netherlands?

Wishing everyone a wonderful King’s Day festivities! P.S. If you’d like to waste more time, come connect with me on Facebook for updates about my life in the Netherlands as a mommy and other random stuff that I find interesting. Here’s to Finding Dutchland, wherever you may be.

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7 Reasons Why Utrecht Is Awesome (Most Beautiful European Canal City)

16 April 2014
By

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Contrary to popular belief, the most beautiful canal city in all of Europe is not Venice, Amsterdam, Saint Petersburg, Annecy, Hamburg or Bruges. Rather, according to Berlin-based travel search engine GoEuro, the honor is bestowed upon our very own city of Utrecht.

 

In what appears to be a democratic process of voting, the canals of Utrecht have won the hearts of voters around the world. This is an incredible honor for a Dutch city that has remained virtually obscure, especially in comparison to mesmerizing, world-renowned Venice and the more internationally acclaimed sister, Amsterdam. 

 

I’ve often been snubbed (on more than one occasion) by other expats (mainly from Amsterdam and Americans) when they learned that I lived in Utrecht. I don’t blame them. After all, it takes a certain je ne sais quoi to recognize the gem of a city that Utrecht is. To be able to appreciate Utrecht, arguably a genuine hipster’s paradise, you need to embrace independent thinking, creativity, progressive politics, and hundreds of years of history – preferably with a Dutched state of mind. Most importantly, Utrecht attracts only those who yearn to go off-the-beaten path.

 

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For the culturally-sheltered mainstream tourist, Utrecht will appear a bit too far (35 kilometers away from Amsterdam) and too unknown (who’s ever heard of Utrecht?). And with all the accolades that Utrecht has been receiving through the years and yet still remains in the limelight, I have a sneaking suspicion that the locals would actually prefer to keep tourists away. After all, part of Utrecht’s charm is that it’s the best kept secret of the Netherlands. Utrecht for the Utrechters some might say.

So please forgive me for joining the bandwagon of publicly recognizing Utrecht as a wonderful place on my little space on the internet. Since I’m a firm believer in appreciating not only the aesthetic beauty of the canals of Utrecht and yearning beyond the superficial, I would like to further elaborate why Utrecht is awesome:

 

1. Utrecht is awesome because it is the only inner-city canal in the world to have wharfs.

As mentioned by GoEuro and my Dutch husband (as local as you can get), Utrecht’s canals are one of a kind in the world with its wharfs and wharf cellars. Back in the Middle Ages (circa 12th century) when the main flow of the river Rhine moved south, parts of the old river bed were dug out to create the Old Canal (De Oudegracht) and wharfs were added to create an inner city harbour system. Clearly a direct example of Dutch ingenuity, boats were able to directly dock and unload their cargo onto the wharfs lining the canal. The wharf cellars had pedestrian walkways and provided storage at water level, hence creating a unique two-level street system along the canals.  While Utrecht may no longer be an important trade center, the unique wharfs of Utrecht now dotted with restaurants, craft shops, cafés and boutique still hold tribute to its former glory and significance.

 

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2. Utrecht is awesome because it embodies the European café and restaurant terrace culture.

If you want to experience an authentic, genuine Dutch city, head over to Utrecht. Thanks to its canal wharfs and various squares serving as restaurants, bars and cafés, Utrecht has arguably one of the largest outdoor terraces in Europe. An added bonus is that it’s a car free pedestrian zone albeit everyone should be on the lookout for cyclists.

 

3. Utrecht is awesome because it is quintessentially Dutch. 

If you want to get a genuine, unadulterated impression of the Netherlands, you’re seriously wasting your time in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is an enchanting, international city, complete with a strong expat bubble community, but it fails to represent what the Netherlands is all about. Utrecht will definitely show you what it is like to live in a bustling Dutch city, complete with a lasting accurate impression of the Dutch culinary scene, how the Dutch translate customer service and hospitality, and other Dutch pleasantries. Guaranteed you’re in for an experience, especially if you take advantage of the wharf terraces that can’t be found anywhere else in the world (not even Amsterdam).

 

4. Utrecht is awesome because it is one of the happiest places in the world.

According to BBC travel, Utrecht is the fourth happiest place in the world.  Utrecht provides all the big city amenities while still maintaining a provincial, small town vibe. For happy-obsessed Americans, it might be worth visiting Utrecht to see what true happiness looks like.

 

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5. Utrecht is awesome because it has Hoog Catharijne.

One of the largest indoor malls in The Netherlands, Hoog Catharijne houses over 150 stores. It is connected to Utrecht Central Station, making the city easily accessible to the rest of the country, Europe and the rest of the world via Schiphol. And it is usually the first impression a tourist  gets when they venture into Utrecht. Whether or not that is a positive first impression depends on who you ask.

 

Hoog Catharijne serves as a litmus test as to whether or not you are a genuine Utrechtser. If you loathe Hoog Catharijne, than welcome to the club of Utrechters who vehemently despise the monstrosity. If you actually enjoy visiting the mall, then chances are you might be a foreigner and/or an outsider. On the positive note, Hoog Catherijne works to filter out the nearby villagers and foot traffic streaming into the city. It also provides a welcomed, consumer-driven distraction for those who are less inclined to appreciate the cultural aspects of Utrecht.

 

6. Utrecht is awesome because you just need one day to navigate the city center by foot with your eyes towards the Dom tower.

Part of Utrecht’s charm is that the city center is actually quaint, especially in comparison to other world cities. Initially designed and preserved as a Medieval fortified city, the heart of the Utrecht is enclosed by an inner canal ring that is a little less than 6 kilometers around. You’ll naturally gravitate towards the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and the reigning symbol of Utrecht.

 

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7. Utrecht is awesome because it masterfully relishes in the old world beauty that inspired the Dutch masters while gently embracing the beauty of its present.

Utrecht thrives not only in the aesthetic beauty of its canals and stately buildings, but also in her artists, poets, musicians, writers and anyone else who possess an artistic spirit. Utrecht is a slice of bohemia, a haven for everyone and anyone that wants to call her home- free thinkers, philosophers, wanderers, conservatives, and entrepreneurs.

To fall in love with Utrecht is to fall in love with life, its possibilities and all the different hidden and unexpected treasures that await you.  I hope you’ll consider visiting Utrecht, one of the world’s unsung heroes.

 

Insider tips when visiting Utrecht:

1. Visit Utrecht on a Sunday morning, preferably before 9:00am.
Since the Netherlands is the part-time work champion of Europe, visiting Utrecht during a weekday may not guarantee avoiding the crowds. After all, since a lot of people work part-time chances are that the terraces will be filled with people, especially if there is a remote possibility of sunshine. The most ideal time of visiting the canals of Utrecht would be on a Sunday morning before 9:00 am when the rest of the city is still sleeping in from a night out. Once you’re done strolling around the canals and taken the requisite photos,  terrace cafés will be opened.

 

2. Contrary to popular belief, the best place to get a panoramic view of Utrecht is not climbing the Dom Tower but at the V&D Department store in the East side of Hoog Catharijne. Located at the top floor of V&D is La Place café, a glass covered cafeteria style eating establishment offering sweeping views of the city. Plus, it saves those who are less physically inclined a trip up the 465 steps of the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Out of politeness, grab yourself a cup of coffee and take in the views.
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p.p.s. You can also follow me on Instagram, capturing random moments of my Dutched reality.