amsterdam

Joyful Tidings

31 December 2013
By

joyfultidings

Inspired by the blog post The Holiday Card No One Ever Sends, I’d love to reflect on the wonderful, albeit tumultuous year, our family had.

We didn’t send out cards this year wishing our loved ones, near and far, a wonderful Holiday Season. We were nearing another year of raising a young family on our own and by the time November rolled around, we were both too exhausted to muster the energy to have another stylized photo shoot (picturesque nature background, coordinating outfits, and a perfectly stolen moment with all of us smiling).

In the spirit of enjoying the last day of 2013, I’d love to share all the growing pains and joys that our family did experience.

This year we…

Almost moved into a beautifully restored rijksmonument (a designated national heritage site of the Netherlands). It was an authentic, historical herenhuis (gentlemen’s house) complete with original 17th century marble floors, crown moldings and a lovely rose garden. The 2nd floor drawing room was a writer’s dream come true with a picturesque view of the river Vecht and an endless source of inspiration as time stood still. It was a house that could easily be featured in Apartment Therapy.

On the day of officially signing the lease, I backed out. I wasn’t ready yet to leave our beloved apartment right in the very heart of Utrecht. Part of me was not yet confident in moving to a Dutch village inconveniently removed from the strong, social support network I’ve come to rely on. And most of all, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of living in a home that needed to be treated like a museum while chasing around a precocious toddler.

We cried at the loss of a dream and were close to running on empty. Our then 10 month old son still wasn’t sleeping through the night.

Two months later, we found the right home in Dutch suburbia. The moment we moved in, our baby slept through the night. Makes me wonder if perhaps there were actually ghosts that were haunting our son in our previous home.

Just a week shy of moving, our son turned one and was baptized. We celebrated it in Pinterest worthy fashion with about a hundred friends and family. Stay tuned for those pictures to pop up on my blog.

We soon realized that a house had a lot more responsibilities than an apartment. Our lives was inextricably linked to simply doing chores associated with Dutch suburbia- mowing the lawn, grocery shopping on Saturday (stores generally still closed on Sundays), dropping off diapers and glasses at the local drop-off site. Let’s not forget the daily grind of child rearing, cleaning, cooking, and laundry. Rinse and repeat.

We laughed through the tears from utter exhaustion of being a young family with absolutely no extended family close by (otherwise known as built-in childcare services) to lend a helping hand.

We argued and questioned our decision in regards to raising our son so far from my family. Never a day would pass when I would momentarily think about the City by the Bay.

We, did, however, regularly count our blessings.

We vacationed in Italy, first hopping over to Milan to meet our son’s fabulous godparents, jet-setting with them to their villa in Sardinia and then heading over to our regular playground, Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre) where we were greeted with open arms with our  amici.

Our son started walking. And I finally relented to the reality that no matter how many Montessori-inspired play things I would buy for him, he was more concerned with exploring the world around him. Most of all, he simply needed my undivided attention. Days would simply be spent playing a simple version of hide-and-go seek (him hiding behind his blanket or behind the curtains), reading books, cuddling and going for long, leisurely walks.

Our house became the half-way house for all the neighborhood kids- a place where we would bake cupcakes, make water balloons and spend the endless summer days in the garden. They adored our son (the only baby) and welcomed us into the neighborhood. Our house started to feel like home.

And though I wrestled with the idea of whether or not being a stay-at-home mom was the right choice, simply looking at my son erased my insecurities away.  He won’t remain small for long.

I finally acquiesced to hiring an au pair, letting go of my unrealistic expectations that I could be a supermom who do everything on my own while my husband chased his dreams of entrepreneurial success. It wasn’t fair either to our son with both parents running on empty. There should be no shame in having hired help.

I started writing, giving myself permission to use my voice. People actually liked what I had to write (Thank-you for visiting my little space on the internet).

I made tons of new, fabulous friends, strengthened existing friendships and mourned the apparent loss of ones that were dear to my heart. Friends coming and going like a revolving door is a unique risk one takes living the oh-so-glamorous expat life. An optimist at heart, I’m keeping an open door for kindred spirits that I’ve lost touch with, confident that we’ll find each other again in this crazy journey called life.

We found a new church and hope to build a closer relationship to God.

Each time my father would have a Skype video chat with my toddler son, my heart would break into a million tiny pieces. My son has a grandfather who completely adores him and worships the pitter patter of his tiny feet. He would happily babysit him on a regular basis and simply love him for all that he is – there would be no pleading, no begging, no compromises for our son to simply be a regular part of my father’s life. But my father lives an ocean and an entire continent away.

For the first time in my life, I confronted the idea of death and my own mortality. Only one person I was ever close to passed away, but I never once questioned the idea of heaven. Growing up Catholic and being religiously sent to Catholic school for 14 years guaranteed a degree of obliviousness to the possibility of eternal oblivion. Moving to a very secular country and becoming a parent led me to re-examine my faith and entertain (foolishly) what happens after we take our last breath.

By the time December rolled around, right at the arrival of our fabulous au pair, I decided to finally breathe. I stopped writing. I started picking up the pieces of our home and designated a couple hours a day setting our house (and my mind) in order. I never had the chance until now. It took a month. Having an organized home (and alone time) is really great for the mind. I highly recommend it.

I worry about my husband working long days to make his company a success. I get temperamental, running short on patience as the holiday season comes around. I quickly offer my apologies, telling him how much I’m proud of him. And pray.

One of my closest friends (she’s like a sister I never had) asked me a simple question (a perfect Christmas gift in disguise, snapping me out of my neurosis about death): “Would you live your life differently?” My answer was a resounding “Yes!”.  You only live once.

Our life may have several inconveniences and far from perfect, but there’s no shortage of love in this family. And as far as I’m concerned – our love for one another and our son makes us truly blessed and immensely lucky.

I’m ready to write again.

Thank-you 2013 for a memorable year. 2014 we’re welcoming you with open arms. Wishing everyone a wonderful last day of the year and a very blessed New Year!

Dutch Universal Health Care and Obamacare

6 November 2013
By

Being a relatively new avid follower of Matt Walsh, I almost choked on my morning coffee when stumbling upon his post “The Definitive Guide to How Obamacare is Destroying American Lives“.

Walsh writes, ” This is about people. People with kids, and bills, and health problems. This is about people who can no longer afford their health coverage, their mortgages, their lifesaving medication. This is about doctors and nurses leaving medicine behind, driven away by destructive bureaucratic interference.”

Unable to digest Walsh’s tirade over Obamacare, my sleep-deprived mommy brain started trying (in vain)  to process his rhetoric.  Are the lives of American people truly being destroyed because of Obamacare?

ghentGhent, Belgium

Unbeknownst to many and probably Walsh himself, the closest foreign analogue to the Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare) is the Dutch system.

Ironically, the ideas of Stanford Health Economist Alain Enthoven , specifically the theory of managed competition, was one of the main founding principles of the Dutch health care reform, an important source of inspiration for the Heritage Foundation and considered in the development of the Affordable Health Care Act.

The two goals of any health policy according to Enthoven, should revolve around the ideas of equity and efficiency:

” By equity I mean that a just and humane society can define a minimum standard of medical care that should be available to all its members -essentially all the cost-worthy medical care that can effectively prevent or cure diseases, relieve suffering, and correct dysfunction. (By “cost-worthy” I mean that marginal benefits equal marginal costs for persons of
average incomes). ” Alain Enthoven

“An efficient allocation of health care resources is one that minimizes the social cost of illness, including its treatment. This is achieved when the marginal dollar spent on health care produces the same value to society as the marginal dollar spent on defense, education, consumption, or other uses. Relevant costs include the suffering and inconvenience of patients as well as the resources used in producing care.” Alain Enthoven

How Enthoven’s theories turned to real world practice is where the contention lies. Implemented in 2006, the Dutch Healthcare Act required everyone who legally lived, or worked in the Netherlands to buy health insurance from a private insurance company. Insurers are required to accept each applicant at a community-rated premium regardless of preexisting conditions. The plan is financed with individuals’ annual income-based contributions to taxes. Employers are required to compensate their employees for these contributions. In addition, all adults are required to pay premiums directly to the selected insurer, which sets its own community-rated premium. Children under the age of 18 are not required to pay any premiums. For more information regarding the Dutch health care system as it applies to ordinary residents and citizens of the Netherlands, click here.

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Obamacare appears to be a much more convoluted system under the premise that insurers offer four varieties of basic insurance packages, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum, with different deductibles and different levels of coverage. Unless you’re an expert in health care, tax policy and health economics, it’s pretty challenging to fully comprehend how all the essential parts of Obamacare fit together. In fact, even experts have difficulty comprehending it, less alone be able to explain it in simple terms. Health Policy correspondent for NPR Julie Rovner admits that  “another reason for the confusion is that both supporters and opponents of the law have exaggerated and misrepresented things about the law“. She does her best in elucidating actual truths about the affordable health care act here.

I’m not sure what Walsh’s motivations were for writing such a sensationalist piece. I admit that he’s a brilliant writer, one that is able to illicit discourse and emotions – it’s why I was drawn to him in the first place. However, his rants in the month of October about Obamacare have deeply disheartened me as a fellow American, as a parent, as a liberal and as a Christian. Does he really speak for the average American collective whose lives will be ruined from Obamacare?

I doubt that the stories that Walsh shares with his audience are fabricated. It’s part of why I find what’s happening on the other side of the pond disheartening. Universal health insurance is not supposed to inflict a heavy economic burden.  However, rather than simply join the masses in a heated debate, I had expected him to be a voice of reason.

Perhaps if Walsh spent a bit more time advocating for more simple pragmatic solutions, the United States could be one step closer to joining the rest of the world in providing universal health care. Change, from what I recall living in America, happens from discussions at home, between friends, in the classrooms, and at local town hall meetings. Americans need real-life solutions and alternatives, not more rhetoric on the dangers and evils of what universal health care can bring.

Where Walsh fails to enlighten and empower his audience, I see it as an opportunity to pick up his slack and provide a more balanced view of a feasible alternative right across the pond. I’d love to share with the rest of the world what I’ve learned living in the Netherlands. Part of it involves living in a country where my husband (a self-employed entrepreneur) and I (a stay-at-home mom) only pay 100 euros each month for what equates to a silver package under Obamacare.

While the Dutch system is far from perfect, I have to give it to the Dutch for being a just and humane society that has defined a minimum standard of medical care available to all its members that can effectively prevent or cure diseases and relieve suffering. Doesn’t that fit into Christian ideals Matt Walsh?

P.S.
Obviously I hit a landmine deciding to write about this. There’s so much to write about this topic and other related topics that cannot be covered under one blog post. Please stay tuned in the next following weeks (every Wednesday) as I share with you how the Dutch do healthcare. Maybe, just maybe, my ramblings might inspire Americans to think of another alternative, one that doesn’t create such polarizing experiences.

P.P.S.
Like what you read thus far? Come join me on my Facebook Page Finding Dutchland to connect.

Expatica Blog Competition 2013 “I Am Not A Tourist”

4 November 2013
By

” The reason why we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel. ”   -Steve Furtick

This past Sunday my family and I attended Expatica’s tenth annual “I am Not a Tourist Fair” in Amsterdam. We were also there to accept my first ever blogging award (2nd place!). Part of it, of course, entailed me having to go up the stage and read an excerpt from my blog post. Those who know me personally know that I suffer from stage fright. There’s a reason after all why I love writing rather than public speaking.

Nonetheless, I was grateful for the experience of getting out of my comfort zone. I see it as an opportunity for growth. What I loved most was actually meeting the other two contestants, Jess from Aesthetic Fauna (1st place) and Stew from Invading Holland (3rd place). I was also able to quickly say hello to Renée from Profesional Parents Network,   Olga from European Mama and Ute from Expat Since Birth. Writing can be a lonely experience and I naturally gravitate towards other kindred spirits who hold a special place for blogging (writing) in their lives.

I also loved seeing my husband, my partner-in-crime, looking at me while I was on stage with so much love and adoration. It was such a craptastic week.  Six consecutive days of 16 hour work days- him chasing entrepreneurial success and me being a stay-at-home mom to our highly spirited 18 month old toddler. Our life as a young expat family is physically taxing, mentally draining and emotionally exhausting.  It’s part of the bargain we both signed up for raising our son in a foreign country with no family support. We glanced at each other from across the room and exhale -we survived and despite all the challenges, little disappoints and heartaches, we smiled counting our blessings like stars in the sky.

Second place never felt so good. It was an honest, yet surreal place to be with a blog that’s only two months old. For those who voted for my blog, thank-you. It felt like a warm hug from a dear old friend welcoming me home to the world of writing. While I am beyond the point of being tired (exhausted to be more accurate) and I have a perpetual eye-twitch due to severe sleep deprivation, I love how blogging has made me feel more connected to the outside world. I hope you continue to find my blog as a place of camaraderie and re-assurance.

Here’s to Finding Dutchland, where ever you may be.

Houten Fall 2013

P.S.  My blog is only a snapshot of my life, a fleeting momentary glimpse of my Dutched reality. Stay connected with me on Facebook if you want a closer look of my life. Guaranteed additional insight that you won’t get here.

 

P.P.S. If you like being distracted and would love irreverant, random tweets, come follow me on Twitter.

 

6 Fun Trivia about Utrecht, One of the Happiest Places in the World

31 October 2013
By

I can’t help but wonder if the universe is trying to tell me something. I not only live in one of the happiest countries in the world, surrounded by the happiest kids in the world, but the city I used to live in, Utrecht, was recently proclaimed as one of the happiest places in the world according to BBC Travel.

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However, BBC Travel isn’t the first one to sing praises of Utrecht. The Lonely Planet listed Utrecht as part of the world’s 10 Unsung Places, describing it as charming city off the beaten track despite its wondrous charms. Even New York Times, enamored by the vibrant Dutch city of Utrecht, describes it as a dutch town that nurtures its quirks.

I must confess that my love for Utrecht did not come naturally. I’m a San Francisco-Berkeley girl, and it took quite a while for this provincial Dutch city to charm me over.  My heart always flirted with the more glamorous, world renowned, international Amsterdam. I knew there was some sort of wonderful party going on, but like a deaf girl at a disco, I couldn’t hear the amazing music. 6 years of having lived in the heart of the city center, I’ve gained some privileged insight as to why Utrecht is arguably the most beloved city in the Netherlands.

Here are six fun trivia about Utrecht, one of the happiest places in the world:

1. Utrecht embodies genuine “gezelligheid“. 

Gezelligheid is one of those untranslatable words – it embodies cosiness, quaint, pleasant atmosphere, general togetherness, the feeling you get when you see a good friend after a long absence, the peace of spending quality time with loved ones. Gezelligheid, some would argue, is what is at the very core of Dutch culture. It’s not hard to let nostalgia take a hold of your senses when you’re walking around the beautifully preserved medieval streets.

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2. Utrecht is as authentic Dutch as you can get.

Although more and more tourists are braving this obscure town, the streets of Utrecht remains quintessentially inhabited and occupied by the Dutch. There are plenty of times when you would be hard pressed to find a tourist.  And unlike Amsterdam which is much more accommodating to English speakers, Dutch is the preferred lingua franca of Utrecht.  However, for non-Dutch speaking people interested in giving the city a visit, never fear.  Chances are you will run into a proud Dutchie who would love to show off his or her English speaking skills with you.

3.Utrecht embraces art with reverence to the past, passion for the present and a special nod to the future.

Utrecht’s historical and cultural legacy boasts the largest density of treasures in the Netherlands with over 9 museums and a plethora of historical monuments. It a thriving city where “new ideas are taking shape in old buildings resting on ancient foundations.” Utrecht is home to Netherlands’ beloved children’s author Dick Bruna, offers Cultural Sundays,  and even has a living poem etched in stone.

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4. Utrecht is the center of Utrecht province, the most competitive region in the entire European Union.

While this trivia is quite surprising given other European powerhouses such as London and Berlin, Utrecht Dutchies can give themselves a pat in the back for doing something right. The ranking of 73 European regions was based on evaluations of the area’s institutions, infrastructure, macro-economic stability, health and school education. Money makes the world go round and Utrecht province has figured out a way to keep it going. The full report can be read here.

5.Utrecht is home to Utrecht University, the largest university in the Netherlands.

There’s no doubt that the creative and entrepreneurial spirit endemic to academia (Utrecht University) filters over to the city of Utrecht. Students, professors, researchers, and their families from all over the world bring a microcosm of the world right at Utrecht’s doorstep. The energy of college age kids also makes Utrecht city center one of the best places to party starting from Thursday evening.

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6. At the very heart of Utrecht is the Domtoren, the tallest church tower in the entire country.

It’s not too hard to catch a glimpse of the 112m high Domtoren when walking around the center of Utrecht. After taking almost 300 years to complete, the cathedral (Dom) and its tower was completed in the 14th century. An infamous hurricane-like storm in 1674 blew down the cathedral’s main nave, forever separating the tower and the cathedral. The Domtoren, an enduring symbol of Utrecht, resonates tenacity against all odds, an undefeatable spirit and sincere love for the people who call it home.

Correction: A reader kindly informed me that the Dom tower is the highest climbable tower in the Netherlands. The tallest tower in the Low Countries is the Gebrandy Tower.

 

Bonus 7

My husband and son were both born in Utrecht. That is reason enough to make Utrecht one of the happiest places in the world.

Important Insider Tip when Visiting Utrecht

If you’re not a fan of hoards of endless crowds, do not visit Utrecht on a Saturday. Being the most loved city in the entire Netherlands, it’s no wonder that the Dutchies would flock to it on their day off!

 

P.S. Want to read one more article? Check out my most recent post called “How To Piss Off The Dutch“, or more accurately,  “How Not To Make Friends With the Dutch and Alienate Dutch People”.

P.P.S. Want to waste more time? Come join me on my Facebook page to get regular updates of my adventures in the Low Countries and random but guaranteed interesting (parenting) articles circulating around the web.

Monday Morning Coffee

14 October 2013
By

This weekend was quite an unforgettable one with many firsts, especially since it was basically a three day celebration of Junior’s 18 months of life!

Here’s our weekend round-up:

Friday  A new, but dear blogger friend of mine just awarded me my first “blogger award” ever – the Liebster award.

On Friday evening, We enjoyed homemade Cubuano style Lechon (roasted pig) courtesy of Junior’s Ninang Rhea. We also made Leche flan (Filipino custard).

Saturday  We went to Dusseldorf (1.5 hour drive away) just to eat ramen noodles. These aren’t just any noodles of course. Thanks to modern day globalization, we’re able to enjoy to our heart’s content authentic ramen noodles flown in from Sapporo, Japan.  It was a pure delight seeing Junior have his first taste of ramen noodles from non-other than from a Japanese city renowned and revered for it’s authentic miso ramen noodles. And of course, as a nod to our Asian roots, we ate noodles to wish Junior a long and prosperous life.

dusseldorf ramen

We also took Junior to his first ever toy shopping spree. Now that he’s 18 months, he’s reached a new developmental milestone and in need of more toys to keep him entertained. At least, to keep distracted for three to five minute intervals.

Sunday We went to Hillsong Church in Amsterdam. Junior also went to a “creche” (child day care) during the service for the very first time. He was, of course, supervised the whole time with his dad. One of the most challenging aspects of moving to the Netherlands for me was leaving behind my community of faith. I’m still on a journey (which includes my husband and son) on finding a place of worship in Holland that speaks to our hearts and our souls. We’re a Roman Catholic family, but most importantly, we’re Christians who believe in having a personal relationship with God.

juniordusseldorf
As you can probably guess, Junior and I have a whole lot to process. It took him about an hour to fall asleep, sweetly babbling away on Sunday evening. He may not be talking yet, but I have a sneaking suspicion that my little man of few words is going to be one chatter box very soon.

Here are some fascinating links from last week:

The most fabulous IKEA hack EVER. Hands down uh-mazing toy to fill a toddler’s heart with glee.

Let’s all stop trying to live up to the Jones’. We’ll all be happier for it and a lot more financially secure.

Insightful love letter from a mom to her children -she’s on a mission to raise giants.

How big is your house?

And on that note, for a lot of people in the Netherlands where space is limited, here are some great ideas for shared children’s bedrooms.

There’s nothing like pumkin recipes to cozy down and embrace the beautiful, cold Dutch fall.

Happy Monday everyone!

Halloween Costumes and the Man of Steel

9 October 2013
By

 
 

junior10months(Junior at 10 months old wearing a Superman romper)

 

When I asked my dad what he thinks Junior should be for Halloween, my dad excitedly said “Superman!”.

 

That’s how it was decided that for Junior’s 2nd Halloween, he would dress up as the Man of Steel. The costume of course would be purchased by my father and mailed to us.

 

And like me, always trying to find some kind meaning behind everything, I realized how ironic it was that my half-Dutch son would dress up as the most iconic American superhero in American history.

 
Since his introduction to the public in the 1930’s, the Man of Steel’s core narrative continues to be a reflection of America’s core beliefs and values. Superman is also considered to be the ultimate American immigrant story (after all, he came from space to be raised by adoptive parents in Kansas), the embodiment of the American dream.

 

What better way to teach him about his American heritage then to dress him up as Superman?

 

Even though Halloween is not celebrated in the Netherlands, I am still making an effort to share this tradition with my son. Halloween is the embodiment of American childhood nostalgia, sweetened by memories of everyone (including adults) playing dress up and getting tons of free candy. It’s also when the Castro district of San Francisco throws an amazing party for grownups. What’s not to love about that?

 
 
For my expat mommy friends living in the Netherlands, are you celebrating Halloween this year?  Are you going to dress up your little one’s too? If yes, what are your plans?

 

Seven Things I Want My Son To Know By His Seventh Birthday

8 October 2013
By

In less than three days, my baby boy is officially going to be 18 months old. Never has the quote “The days are long, but the years are short” resonate so profoundly in me the moment I became a mother. My son will officially be known in Dutch culture as “anderhalf” (One and a half years old), just six months shy of being categorized as a “Peuter” (name for two to four year olds). Six months away from the terrible two’s (though in all honesty, I’ve been right in the middle of eccentric, strong-willed, classical two year old antics).

Thinking of his impending half-birthday made my mind wander to the next culturally significant milestone (for my Filipino parents) – his seventh birthday.  According to Filipino tradition, the 7th birthday is considered an important milestone.  Curiosity got the better of me so I decided to do my own research on exactly why is this particular birthday so special. I was actually quite disappointed to find out there there is no reliable source of information, or actual consensus as to why this age is so important to merit such pomp and circumstance. Perhaps it’s just another excuse to throw a celebration for party-loving Filipinos?

Junior 1st Birthday(Junior on his 1st birthday celebration: photo courtesy of Melody Rae)

 

Nonetheless, we will be throwing Junior a very special seventh birthday celebration. Writer Nell Minow eloquently articulates the importance of celebrations (such as family weddings), stating “Life does not give you a choice about the sad and the scary. They seek you out and track you down. Happy occasions hide behind the illusion that there will be a better time and another chance. But there will never be another moment to share this experience with these people.”

In the spirit of his future seventh birthday, I decided to make a list of seven things I want him to know by the time he turns seven.

1. Play is important
Please don’t be in a rush to grow up. If me and/or our dad seem to forget your need to play and explore, kindly remind us that childhood only happens once. Play with all your heart child. It’s our responsibility as your parents to make sure you have a happy one. And yes, childhood and play is synonymous in our humble opinion.

2. You are American and Dutch. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. More accurately, you are a citizen of the world. Your grandparents are Filipino, your godfather is Italian, and your godmother is South African. Some of your parents dearest friends (near and far) are Singaporean, Australian, Russian, Portuguese, Indonesian, Irish and Pakistani. Back in the U.S., your mom’s friends are African-American, Mexican-American, Nicaraguan-American, Chinese-American, Peruvian-American and White-American. The world is a beautiful place my child and embrace the gift of having so many cultures welcomed into our home.

3. Always have a kind heart. In comparison to the rest of the world, you were born with a silver spoon. Some would argue that because you’re born half-Dutch, you’re possibly one of the luckiest kids in the world because you’ll have your life pretty much set for you. However, that doesn’t make you entitled to feeling better than everyone else. Be kind. [ On that note, you should also know that you’re not entitled to anything (except your parents love). The world doesn’t owe you anything son and you have to work to make the world a better place.]

4. Know your manners. Saying please, thank-you, excuse-me and you’re welcome will be part of your daily vernacular.  You will greet older adults as “auntie” and “uncle” regardless of whether or not they are actually blood relatives because it is a sign of reverence.  Respect, on the other hand, is something that is earned and not freely given. However, that is also not an excuse to ever be rude.

5. Ask questions. I already know you’re such a curious little fellow. It’s my responsibility as a parent to nurture your curiosity. While at times your strong-will and eagerness to explore the world and discover new things may seem a bit exhausting for your mother, it’s essential for you to continue asking questions. If I don’t know the answer to your question, we can both sit down in front of a computer and google the answers.

6. You can always talk to me and your dad. No matter how busy or hectic our life may seem, know that we will always make the time to talk. You can tell me and your father absolutely anything and nothing you can ever tell us will make us love you or think of you any differently. We’re here to listen. You have a voice.

7. You will always be loved. Always. Never question that. You will always be loved by me whether I’m around or not. I’m a part of your heart (and you’re a part of mine) -my love for you will always be there no matter what.

Lola’s Sint

7 October 2013
By

Once a year, something truly magical happens in the Netherlands. The beginning of September marks the start of this long awaited 163 year old Dutch tradition. All over the Low Countries,  speculaas (spiced cookies), kruidnoten (mini spiced cookies), pepernoten (small aniseed flavored honey cookies), marzipan, almond filled pastries and chocolate letters start appearing on supermarket shelves in anticipation of this beloved event.

Can anyone guess what this tradition could be? Sinterklaas!

Anticipation builds up with the first appearance of theses Dutch Sinterklaas treats, followed by the official nationally televised arrival of Sinterklass and his Pieten. Director of the Dutch Center for Folk Culture Ineke Strouken’s “Dit Zijn Wij” (This Is Who We Are) recognizes the celebration of Sinterklaas as the most important tradition of modern day Dutch culture. The once reserved, pragmatic Dutch become sentimental fools, preparing months in advance for this special night when Sinterklaas and all his helpers, the Pieten, bring gifts to children and adults.

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The Dutch celebration of Sinterklaas and all the pure enchantment surrounding it is simply unbelievable until you witness it yourself.  Everyone is in on it -the government, the local municipality, cities, towns, villages, local businesses, offices, schools, parents and even children old enough to know the ruse. Utmost care and attention to detail is taken so that children (usually those 6 and under) wholeheartedly believe that on the eve of the 5th of December, Sinterklaas and his Pieten are going to leave each and every one of them a present.

Naughty children were once warned that they would be sent to Spain (where Sinterklaas and the Pieten live). However, children these days quickly caught on about the glorious Mediterranean hotspot promising sunnier horizons and delicious food. Thus, warning them that their misbehavior might lead them to a free trip to Spain isn’t usually recommended.

Inspired by this beloved Dutch tradition, Spanish Basque author and expat mother Kristina G. Langarika wrote a special Sinterklaas story called “Lola’s Sint” for her half-African daughter. Without giving too much away, Lola’s Sint is about a little girl named Lola who has an unforgettable adventure with the Pieten. For one wondrous night, Lola gets to join the Pieten and experiences first hand what goes behind the scenes on that special night.

lolasintauthor(Author Kristina G. Langarika and her daughter making Lola’s Sint)

My heart also jumped for joy when I found out that the story is also written in both Dutch and English. I was ecstatic to find a story that fosters the “one parent one language” (OPOL) system. Children’s books that cater towards the OPOL system are very few and are such a treasure to find.

What’s also amazing is that Langarika also illustrated the book herself along with her daughter’s help!  See the video below:

I highly recommend the book for children three years of age and older. My 17th month old son loved the vibrant, colorful illustrations but was not yet mature enough to follow the special tale.

For more information or if you’d like to order yourself a copy for your loved one, please go to www.lolassint.nl.

You can also grab yourself your very own copy of Lola’s Sint from these following bookstores:

Lauriergracht 71
1016 RH Amsterdam
tel: +31 (020) 626 42 3

 

Kalverstraat 152,
1012 XE Amsterdam
tel: +31 (020) 638 3821

 

Spui 12
1012 XA Amsterdam
The Netherlands
tel: +31( 020) 625 5537

The 1st reading of Lola’s Sint will be at The English Bookshop next Saturday (12 October 2013) at 10:30am. It is a free event but people should book in advance at: information@englishbookshop.nl

Disclaimer: Author Kristina G. Langarika has generously gifted my son his very own copy of Lola’s Sint. Please note, however, that my first responsibility is to my readers and I am committed to writing only honest reviews. As you can understand, being transparent, genuine and open with my readers is of utmost importance to me so opinions presented on Finding Dutchland will always be my own, and will not be influenced by compensation.

Monday Morning Coffee

7 October 2013
By

Hello everyone! Thanks for joining me for another round of Monday Morning Coffee. How was your weekend?

junioroct62013

For the first time in quite a while, we actually had a very relaxing weekend. No appointments, no agenda – simply relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous fall sunshine in the Low Countries. As much as I love catching up with friends and discovering new things in the Netherlands, I appreciate low-key, family bonding time any time. I also got much needed “me-time” to re-calibrate and process everything that happened since the start of my blog.

Here are a few interesting and fun posts around the web:

Learn the science of cooking from this free Harvard course. Fascinating.

A friendly reminder that childhood only happens once. 

Do time-outs really work?

Google+ authorship and blogging. Blogger solidarity, fight against plagiarism, increase traffic.

For those who can read Dutch, it’s time for a revolution at school.

Remembering the 80/20 rule when nurturing and making new connections.

Living in a houseboat, Amsterdam style.

53 quotes to get you thinking.

Eye-candy for your inner artistic self.

This 11 year old definitely danced his way into my heart (and everyone else’s).

Sweet Child of Mine

rina&junior

I can’t help but share one of my all time favorite posts that speaks to me as a mother who feels like a hot mess a lot of the time – The Mom Stays in the Picture.

Happy Monday everyone!