52 connections augsept2014

Connect International serves the international community in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe and Noord Holland.

Attention Writers!Enjoy Writing?The Connections Newsletter is seeking volunteer writers who enjoy writing on a theme, informative articles, or opinions they want to share. Interested? Contact us [email protected]

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Supported by an international staff and Board of Directors, we provide quality relocation services and practical information to help familiarize international residents with all aspects of living, working or studying in the Northern Netherlands, as well as organizing events and activities to make connections.

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Connect International would like to welcome the following new members: Janny Koetsier, Jennifer Bauch, Nella van Heuven, Rama Rao & Aarti Bangalore, Shara Monteleone, Ines Teles Alves, Ryan Jeffrey Siefers, Charlotta and J.M. Giles, Arnau Vich Vila, Katharina Mattes, Loic Marouse, Sarra Merzouk & Margot Edens.

Welcome New Members!Serv ices :

Jo in Us !You can register to become a Connect International member via our website. For a small yearly fee, you receive the Connections e-magazine newsletter delivered directly to your email inbox, you have access to the Connect International community through organized events, you can ask us any questions you may have and much more.Visit: www.connect-int.org

● Immigration services● Home search & set-up● Social events, activities & clubs● Career services● Business events● Books & guides● Information sheets● Knowledge database

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Contact : Publ ica t ion Team:Connect Head Office:Herestraat 106, Room 1.06, 9711LM GroningenTelephone: 050 7440087Email: [email protected] [email protected]: www.connect-int.org

Publisher: Stephanie PoortmanAssistant Editor: Margaret MetsalaContributers to this issue: Stephanie Poortman, Karen Prowse, Carol Nieuwland-Goss, Lori McKinney, Tomas Poortman, Milena Stanojevic & Hortense E. Thompson.

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Connect Noord Holland (Alkmaar):Telephone: 06 25394234Email: [email protected]

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AugustCalendar

August 2014

Primary Education & Secondary Education SchoolsBasisonderwijs & Voortgezet onderwijs

North Netherlands 5 July 2014 t/m 17 Aug 2014 Week 28 t/m 33

Mid-Netherlands 19 July 2014 t/m 31 Aug 2014 Week 30 t/m 35

South Netherlands 12 July 2014 t/m 24 Aug 2014 Week 29 t/m 34

School Summer Holiday Dates

28th August - Bommen Berend. Many shops and places around the city of Groningen will be closed this day.

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AugustEvents

CONNECT InternationalConnect for Coffee Date: 1 August 2014, 10:30 hrs@ La Place, V&D in Groningen

Connect Crafts Club Date: 8 August 2014, 10:30 hrs

Connect Crafts Club EveningDate: 12 August 2014, 19:00 hrs

Connect for Coffee Date: 15 August 2014, 10:30 hrs@ La Place, V&D in Groningen

Bead Weaving WorkshopDate: 17 August 2014, 14:00 hrs@ Connect International Office

Parents Coffee TimeDate: 18 August 2014, 10:30 hrs

Connect Crafts Club Date: 22 August 2014, 10:30 hrs

CONNECT Noord HollandCNH Connect for Coffee Date: 8 August 2014, 20:00 hrs@ the home of Sarah B, Alkmaar

CNH Coffee Connection Date: 11 August 2014, 9:30 hrs@ the home of Sharon, Alkmaar

Parents Coffee TimeDate: 25 August 2014, 10:30 hrs

Dutch Customs and Culture Workshop Date: 26 August 2014, 19:15 hrs@ Connect International Office

Connect for Coffee Date: 29 August 2014, 10:30 hrs@ La Place, V&D in Groningen

CNH Kids & Coffee Date: 20 August 2014, 9:00 hrs@ the home of Anna P, Alkmaar

(Groningen, Friesland & Drenthe)

(Noord Holland)

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SeptemberCalendar

September 2014

Connect for Coffee MorningEvery other Friday from 10:30.Come and join us for a cup of coffee and friendly chat. Located at V&D on the Grote Markt in Groningen, come to the La Place restaurant on the 4th floor.

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SeptemberEvents

Parents Coffee TimeDate: 1 September 2014, 10:30 hrs

Connect Crafts Club Date: 5 September 2014, 10:30 hrs

Connect for Coffee Date: 12 September 2014, 10:30 hrs@ La Place, V&D in Groningen

CNH Book ClubDate: 10 September 2014, 8:00 pm@ the home of Jackie, Grootschermer

CNH Connect for Coffee Date: 12 September 2014, 8:00 pm@ the home of Sharon, Alkmaar

CNH Kids & Coffee Date: 17 September 2014, 9:00 am@ the home of Jo, Oudorp

Bead Weaving WorkshopDate: 14 September 2014, 14:00 hrs@ Connect International Office


Connect Crafts Club Date: 19 September 2014, 10:30 hrs


Connect for Coffee Date: 26 September 2014, 10:30 hrs@ La Place, V&D in Groningen


CONNECT International (Groningen, Friesland & Drenthe)

CONNECT Noord Holland (Noord Holland)

CNH Book Club

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Places to goThings to see

Munich and OktoberfestBy Milena Stanojevic

Munich is the third largest city in Germany and synonym for so many different things. For car lovers it is the synonym for BMW, for nature lovers it is the Alps and for more sport oriented ones, it is Olympic Games in 1972. And of course, for the beer lovers, it is the great Oktoberfest.

For me personally, Munich is a green city full of parks (including the largest European public park, Englischer Garten), impressive architecture and good food.

I have lived in Munich for 6 years and that is the reason why I skipped the Oktoberfest as my synonym. It was fun the first two years, and then it became more like something you have to visit because it takes place in your town. But as I know that most of you are really interested in this phenomenon, I cannot just skip it.

So for the ones who still do not really know what Oktoberfest is, just google it and I am sure that after five minutes of looking at the photos, you will start searching for the entrance tickets for the beer tents. Please continue reading this article, to save yourself the trouble of searching the Web for a long time. The simple fact is that there are no tickets available online; the last ones were sold out in March, if not earlier!!! But there is still hope. Probably you would not be able to book it anyway. Usually the tents require a minimum of 10 people for

Image Source: oktoberfest.de/en

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one table, you need to purchase food and drink coupons in advance, and these can be quite expensive, especially if you want to be in the tent until late in the evening. So what can you do? Of course this should not put you off; you can still go to Munich but be prepared to spend some more time on trip preparation. I am afraid that the plane tickets for the Oktoberfest period (this year 20th of September until 5th of October) will be either sold out or very expensive. My tip is to check nearby airports like Memmingem or Salzburg as alternatives.

Once you arrange your transport, you will have problems with finding accommodation. The city’s hotels and hostels will be sold out for sure, but you can still search in the surrounding area. Do not despair if the closest available room is 40 to 50 km away from Munich; the local transport network is very good. You can buy the Bayern-Ticket, which allows you to travel within

Bavaria in all regional trains 2nd class from 9am until 3am next day. For one person the price is 23 euro, and for a group of 5 people you pay 39 euro.

The last thing to arrange is the beer drinking. The best would be to avoid weekends. Try to get there as soon as possible, as most tents just close their doors if they get full, and they do not open it the whole day. Normally, on a weekday you are not able to enter before 2pm; in the weekends you should be there as soon as they open. Do not stay in a tent if you cannot find a place at the table. You will not be served unless you sit down.

These tips are for the real beer drinkers and people who want to experience the “Wiesn” party atmosphere. The easier option, if you just want beer and good food, is to try to find a seat in one of the beer gardens surrounding the tents, or in one of the smaller tents. Image Source: oktoberfest.de/en

Image Source: oktoberfest.de/en


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You can also choose to visit Munich in “non-Oktoberfest” season. There are a few breweries that offer Oktoberfest atmosphere every evening. And this way you will save some money to enjoy other city attractions.

Your guidebook will definitely mention the highlights of the city: parks, castles, museums, breweries and places where you can have a good Weisswurst and Weissbier. My tip would be to visit Westpark, smaller than Englischer Garten but full of beautiful small hidden areas in different gardening styles. Go to the Glockenbachviertel for

interesting bars, cafés and shops. Be sure to rent a bike and check the riverbanks of Isar. If you follow the river, after getting out of the city center, you will find nice, more quiet beer gardens.

In any case, Munich is the city full of old and new attractions, very good traditional food but also some of the top international restaurants. Book at least a week for Munich, and if you get sick of the city (which I doubt), there are more than enough small beautiful villages, lakes and mountains in Bavaria to complete your visit.

Food forThought


Easy Food on The GoBy Carol Nieuwland-Goss & Lori McKinney

Hello foodie friends! Last issue we promised that this issue would feature “Those funny looking veggies- what are they and what do we do with them?” Instead, since we all find ourselves enjoying the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, the flavor of the month, at least for us, seems to be “easy food for on the go”. Don't worry, we promise a guide into the oddest of edibles in the veggie world with the next issue.

As we write this on a sunny, summer, 33 degree day, we find ourselves asking what comes to mind this time of the year, aside from beaches and vacation? For us it’s easy meals: quick snacks that don't require a lot of time in the kitchen. And that equals more time for fun! We are here to share exactly that with you!

The one thing we've found is that: Prep work is the key to success to keep things quick and easy.

Invest a few hours on the weekend (or early on a weekday morning) to:

- Cut up veggies & fruits; make a big batch of quinoa, bulgur, pasta shells/bows; DO store prepped ingredients separately in containers in the fridge. Easy grab & eat at the table or on-the-go!

- Quick & easy muffins - savory & sweet; cheese sticks; pancakes (make big batch ahead & freeze)

- Dips and spreads: hummus, egg salad, avocado-tahini, bleu cheese, peanut butter, mashed beans with crushed garlic, twist of lemon, sprinkle

of salt (pair with a loaf of French bread or Wasa crackers and you're ready to go).

- Skewers - get those kabobs-a-bobbin! Add your favorite fruits to a skewer (freeze them to make a healthy frozen treat), your favorite meats and cheeses, favorite vegetables, or whatever you love. Store in an oblong container, and if you want a snack, it's easy to grab one and go.

Food forThought


We recently made these Baked Blueberry Almond Oatmeal bars and they were not only simple to toss together, but they are also delicious. Think - blueberry muffin meets granola bar and, bonus: they're healthy! These bars are made using dried blueberries, but you can substitute fresh if that's all you have, just make sure to add a little extra cooking time.

We also tested a variation by using dried cherries and cacao nibs. Huge hit! Definitely a bar that can be made using your favorite fruits and nuts. You can find the recipe here: http://goo.gl/N1aVbl

And not far from North Holland in Ermelo, you will find 'Pollekamp' http://www.pollekamp.nl

(Most places suggest you call before making the trip to assure there are enough berries on the day you plan to visit.)

One of our favorite things to enjoy on warm summer days, and evenings are refreshing beverages. On the next page you will find a Berry Freeze that is not only simple to put together, but also delicious.

While we are on the subject of fresh blueberries, did you know that you don't have to pay the expensive supermarket prices for blueberries, but instead can visit a 'pick your own' farm and pay a fraction of the price? It's a fun outing for kids & adults alike, and great to know exactly where your berries are coming from, right down to the bush. We find ourselves practicing more and more the approach of 'from farm to table', whenever possible.

In the Groningen / Drenthe area there is the 'Blauwebessen Bedrijf' http://www.blauwebessenbedrijf.nl

Food forThought


Tip of the Month: Before tossing the remnants of fruits that aren't commonly eaten, use them to infuse in a pitcher of water for a bit of flavor! If you have an infuser pitcher, all the easier: simply toss remnants into the infusion section, add water & place in refrigerator to keep cool. Otherwise, cut a piece of cheesecloth of the size you need to wrap the remnants together & tie, then place in a pitcher of water (think - bouquet garnier). What remnants are we talking about? Strawberry tops, pineapple rinds, lemon & lime rinds, watermelon rinds, etc. Enjoy!

Berry Freeze Serves 4

2 cups sparkling water, chilled1 cup lemon sorbet 1/2 cup each of: raspberries, blueberries, blackberries (fresh or frozen)1 Tablespoon honey

In a blender add the sparkling water and lemon sorbet and blend well; add the fruits and honey, blend up again untill smooth.(If you'd like a little extra sparkle, substitute chilled Prosecco for the sparkling water.)

As we wrap up this issue, we would love to hear from you with any questions, thoughts, or suggestions that you may have. We love being able to share our foodie passion with you, and hopefully ignite a spark of inspiration in your kitchen. You can email us at [email protected]


Crafts ClubFeature

Are two holes better than one?By Hortense E. Thompson

In recent years a number of new two-holed beads has hit the market. Beadwork designers and hobbyists alike were in bead heaven. These new beads which are available in a unique variety of shapes and sizes are also available in colours that are as unique as the beads themselves. These beads have led to the creation of rather interesting and intriguing new designs. In addition the two-holed system has on one hand resulted in simplifying some stitches such as right angle weave and on the other hand has added a new dimension to stringing.

Two-holed beads include the Tila® range by Miyuki, the Twin® by Preciosa Ornela, RULLO® by designer Sabine Lippert and the CzechMates® range by Starman Inc. The CzechMates range includes super duo, tile, triangle, brick and lentils. CzechMates® is by far the most popular brand and a quick search on the internet will reveal hundreds of eye-catching designs made using these beads.

Has your curiosity been piqued? Would you like to learn more about these and other types of beads? If your answer to both questions is a resounding yes, join us at the Connect Crafts Club or register for one of the Connect Bead Workshops in August and Septemberhttp://www.connect-int.org/agenda.php

This project serves as an introduction to the Super duo bead. Super duos and twin beads look alike but they are not quite the same. Super duos have a more consistent shape and size while the twin bead is a bit smaller and is often irregular. Though they can sometimes be switched in a design, they should not be mixed within the


Crafts ClubFeature

Super Duo Herringbone BraceletBy Hortense E. Thompson

Material:10 gr super duos5 gr 9/0 rocailles2x (split) ring1x claspFireline 0,15 mmbeading needle

General instructions(1) Leave enough spare room for the clasp.(2) In the diagrams the grey beads indicate beads which are already woven.(3) The red star indicates the starting point for the step on which you are working.(4) You can also use 11/0 rocailles and twin beads.(5) Before stringing the duo beads, verify that neither of the holes in the duo beads is blocked.


Crafts ClubFeature

Step by Step(1) Thread the needle with about 150 cm of Fireline. String 2 duo beads, 8 rocailles and the ring. Position the beads about 15 cm from the end of the thread. Sew into the first duo bead to form a ring. Pass further through the other duo bead, 8 rocailles and once more through the 2 duo beads. (Figure 1)

(2) Pick up 3 rocailles; sew into the second hole on the duo bead from which the thread is hanging. (Figure 2)

(3) Pick up 2 duo beads; sew into the top hole on the other duo bead. (Figure 3)

(4) Pick up 3 rocailles; sew into the top hole of the last duo added in the previous step. (Figure 4)

(5) Pick up 2 duo beads; sew into the top hole of the next duo bead. (Figure 5)

(6) Pick up 3 rocailles; sew into the top hole of the last duo added in the previous step. (Figure 6)

Repeat steps 5 and 6 till the desired length; leaving enough room for the clasp.


Crafts ClubFeature

(7) At the end of the bracelet, pick up 8 rocailles and a ring. Sew into the top hole of the next duo bead. (Figure 7)

(8) Pick up 2 rocailles; sew into the closest single rocaille immediately under the last duo bead. Pass further through the top hole of the duo bead (Figure 8-A). Pass through the bottom holes of the last two duo beads and through the top hole of the duo underneath (Figure 8-B). Pass on through 3 rocailles (Figure 8-C), the top hole of the duo bead, 8 rocailles and into the last duo bead (Figure 8-D).

(9) Reposition the thread to start adding the last set of beads. You will add 1 rocaille between two groups of 3 rocailles. Follow carefully the thread path in the diagram. Starting at the last duo bead, pass through 3 rocailles, the top hole of the next duo bead (Figure 9-A), the bottom holes of the last two duo beads, the top hole of the next duo and 1 rocaille (Figure 9-B).

* Pick up 1 rocaille, sew into the first rocaille in the next group of 3 rocailles (Figure 9-C). Pass through the top hole of the duo bead, the bottom holes of the next 2 duos (Figure 9-D); pass further through the top hole of the next duo (Figure 9-E) and exit through 1 rocaille.**Repeat from * to ** until the end of the bracelet.

Weave the remaining thread into the body of the bracelet, tying a few knots along the way. Hide the knots between the beads. Trim any excess thread. Attach the clasp to the rings. Congratulations your bracelet is now ready to wear!


Food forThought


An education on the Dutch school systemBy Tomas Poortman

The Dutch school system is quite a special school system that is not seen in many countries. Therefore most expats will not be familiar with it. It already starts at primary school, and it continues all the way up until the start of university (after that it’s the same!). Have you been wondering about the Dutch school system before because the stories of your Dutch friends sometimes confuse you, or do you maybe have kids of your own that need to enter the Dutch school system sooner or later? Then keep reading. On second thought, keep reading regardless.

InformationCenter

Primary school is free in The Netherlands. School becomes mandatory from the age of five, by law. However, most children start going to primary school when they are four. At that point they usually go to school for only a day or two each week, to get used to having to go to school. Whether they’re four or five, they start in

quite important. It is in this year that the pupils in most schools in The Netherlands (there are exceptions) take their final Cito-toets. There will have been more of them they had to take throughout primary school, but this final one carries more weight, in practice. This Cito-toets gives as a result a final score, ranging from 500 to 550. That score is paired with an advice on the type of secondary education (= high school) the pupils should follow, based on the score. Because basically, in The Netherlands, pupils are split up into different levels of education, depending

‘groep 1’, which means group 1. Then, depending on observation systems that are in place in the school as well as tests, it will be assessed whether the next school year (starts in August / September) they start in the next group, ‘groep 2’, or stay another year in groep 1. This procedure is repeated each year (each ‘groep’). It is also possible that schools decide to let a pupil skip a groep, and go from groep 1 to groep 3, for example.

In total there are eight years of primary school, and the eighth year, groep 8, is


Information Center

on their intelligence / learning ability. This ensures that the variation between pupils in classes, in terms of intelligence / learning ability level, is limited. The level the pupils end up in has a direct relation to how their education will continue after high school. For instance, only the highest level gives access to a research university education.

The three levels in high school or ‘middelbare school’ are VMBO, HAVO and VWO. They respectively prepare the student for (freely translated): average vocational education, higher vocational education and university education. The VMBO-path lasts four

years, the HAVO-path five and the VWO-path six.

The first two (VMBO) or three (HAVO & VWO) years consist of general education, involving a wide range of subjects for all students to follow. After that the students decide on the subjects they will be studying from there on, which are categorized into science and technology, science and health, economics and society and culture and society. Each category has a specific set of subjects, with a few subjects the students can fill in themselves. At the end of high school the students all have to do the ‘eindexamens’, the final examinations,


InformationCenter

obtain a so-called professionally aimed bachelor’s degree. This is a bachelor’s degree that aims for the holder of the degree to start in a profession connected to the degree. This is different from the bachelor’s degree one can get at university, which is an academically aimed bachelor’s degree. The latter is usually followed up by a master’s study, rather than using it to find a job.

Lastly, it may seem that from the end of primary school on a child’s path is set in stone. This is not quite true, as in the end anyone can end up at university (in theory), the road to get there is simply longer. Below is an overview of the different educational paths mentioned in this article, with possible transitions.

in all their chosen subjects. They have to pass them in order to obtain their high school diploma in either VMBO, HAVO or VWO.

Then, after high school, the paths continue. The VMBO path continues at MBO-schools (average vocational education schools), the HAVO path continues at ‘hoge scholen’ or university colleges (basically any institution that offers higher education without having a full university status) and the VWO path continues at University. At MBO-schools, participants are educated in a specific branch of professions, for example building, nursing or administrative professions. At hoge scholen students study a specific subject in order to


YourStories

The Challenge: Alpe d’HuZes – I DID IT! By Carol Nieuwland-Goss

What an amazing experience to have been a part of. I did it! We did it! How to describe our week there, on the Alp, watching an energetic abundance of volunteers work in shifts around the clock putting together the venue, the scheduled events, transportation support, food hall, entertainment, services, and above all, putting out the welcome mat for all 5000 participants, their families and friends soon to descend upon the area? Incredible. Powerful. Emotional. Positive. Collaborative. Passionate.

Ours was a group of 11 good close friends staying together at a rented chalet overlooking the finish line for the week. We have traveled together for winter sports over the years, so we’re well-acquainted with sharing living space and having fun. We have spent the better part of the past 7 months training together whenever possible, spurring

no symptoms, no reason to see his house doctor, and most likely would be unaware today if that physical were not a requirement. In the end, he was not allowed to participate, but his son was motivated more than ever to cycle the mountain the maximum 6 times for his dad. He did. Uplifting.

We had arrived on Saturday, the weekend prior to the 5th, which gave us several days to get acquainted with the mountain and all it offers. On Sunday, I walked halfway down the mountain from our chalet, my turnaround point was at Bend 16 and I

one another on with encouragement and emotional support. Within our own little group we found ourselves on a roller coaster ride toward the start line. One of the requirements for participation is to pass a physical. Sport Physicians were arranged by the AD6 organization. One only had to find a location most convenient, make an appointment and go. It was during one of our friends’ appointment that the discovery was made that our friend has chronic leukemia. The news shocked us all, but, thankfully instead of setting us back, our commitment intensified. A blessing in disguise? Probably. He had


walked back up to the finish. On Tuesday, I caught a ride down the mountain to Bend 7 and walked back up from there. Both days I felt great, as not only were the views absolutely breathtaking, but the camaraderie and atmosphere on the mountain between others who were riding, running, and walking as well was so heartwarming and inspiring. On Wednesday, I twisted my left knee. Damn. Immediately the motto, ‘opgeven is geen optie’ became my grit. In the wee hours of Thursday morning, The Day, we were all up at 3:00 in the morning to see the guys off as they cycled down to the start line in the little village of Bourg d’Oisans. At 6:00, I walked over to the first of two ski lifts that I would ride down to reach the start line and begin my challenge in earnest. Overall, I felt great and I was mindful of

finish line, I dissolved into tears, shed for the family and friends who are not with us anymore, shed for those still fighting so strongly, shed from the emotional climax of success. I walked that one time up the mountain, as I would have done more damage to my knee if I attempted a second time. I am so proud of myself. I am so proud of my husband, who cycled up twice. We rocked that mountain in our own ways. Already talk among our group has begun about returning next year. Everyone in the village and on that mountain that week shares a common thread: cancer. Everyone has a story. Everyone understands. To feel that energy is simultaneously energizing and numbing.

At this writing, 12.351.027 euros has been raised. What will we be able to achieve next year?

my knee. Before crossing the start line, I fueled up on the bouillon and sandwich provided by volunteers, hit up the loo, and was good to go. My walk up to the top was exhilarating, humbling, empowering, and every step of the way I felt like I was doing “something” to help make a difference with cancer. As I neared the

YourStories

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52 connections augsept2014