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X presents the best the region has to offer. Surprising yet familiar. X puts the South-eastern Netherlands on the international map. Limitless. Its basic elements are living, working and studying. The basic themes are culture and leisure. X is a publication of Brainport International Community (BIC). Besides this magazine for International knowledge workers (IKW's) BIC is constructing www.brainporttalentregion.com. Both aimed at promoting this region world-wide as an interesting place to study, work and live for high-tech and brainy talents. Goal is to support stakeholders, employers and educators in High-tech, Automotive and Life sciences, Food and later also Design in attracting the necessary top talent and make them feel at home.
Citation preview
edition 2010.2011
in the southeast netherlands
goodinspiration!
shops food & drinks
museums
magazine for xpats
xplore eindhoven & maastrichtQuiz: are you dutchproof?3 xpats in weeks, months, years
PICK UP THE FREE CITY GUIDE AND CITY MAP ‘THIS IS EINDHOVEN’ AT THE VVV TOURIST OFFICE EINDHOVEN
VVV Tourist Office Stationsplein 17 5611 AC EINDHOVENInformation number +31 (0) 40 297 91 00www.vvveindhoven.nl WWW.40-WATT.NL
p. 3
hello!
X is a Brainport International
Community edition.
For further information:
www.brainporttalentregion.com
www.expatguideholland.com
-
This edition: 10,000 copies
Produced by: PreVision
-
All rights reserved. No part of this
work may be reproduced or
transmitted on paper or in any
form, either electronic or by
making photocopies or
recordings, or by any other
means, without the prior written
permission of the publisher.
Brainport meets xpats in x!
X. A magazine especially created for expats.
For you. X is a guide to help you explore the
Brainport region. A region that is happy to
have you here for your contribution to the
economy and to cultural life in this lively
international community.
X alternates between need to know and nice
to know and likes to share the region’s must
sees and must do’s with you. Local experts
will divulge their best kept secrets: addresses
to shop, relax, and enjoy a wonderful meal.
Experienced expats will give you a more
complete picture of life in the Southeast
Netherlands. Newcomers will explain all
about the first few months as an expat,
because they know what it is like to have to
find your way in a new set of surroundings.
X would like to welcome you to the beautiful
Brainport region. We hope you will feel at
home soon. Enjoy!
Yvonne van Hest
Program Manager Brainport International Community
x magazine
-
Brainport International
Community is co-financed
by the Ministry of Economic
Affairs, the Provinces
Noord-Brabant and
Limburg and the city region
Eindhoven (SRE).
titel xpat p. 4
indexxpat
1 2
3 4
3 6
6 2
1 8
2 3
4 4
4 8
weeks, months, years
X is happy to tell you how nice, how great and
'gezellig' things are over here. But to be honest,
we are a little prejudiced. this is why we let 3
expats do the talking. in WEEKs (all about work),
MontHs (finding my way), and YEars (loving life
the dutch way).
Xpat Vs Xpat
sweden Vs the netherlands, and vice versa.
Which is the best place to live?
i ❤ eindhoVen &
making my home
You came here for love. and then ... 2 women,
2 stories. Completely different, yet both at home.
hello goodbye!
should you fail to feel at home: you can always
leave. Forever, or for a while.
Quiz: are you dutchproof?
do you know the dutch ins and outs?
test yourself.
hollandse keuken
no culinary fireworks in the dutch kitchen?
Wait till you get a taste of some of these treats …
dressed in dutch
the dutchies like to party. read about the hows
and whys, dress appropriately, and dance along.
yes, it’s homemade
Homegrown is best. good stuff.
see, taste, and learn.
typically Dutch
titelxpatp. 5
xpert
anD more ...
xplore
1 1
2 8
4 0
5 6
5 0
6 0
0 1
0 5
0 7
home is where the heart is
How to feel at ease so far away from home …
these spots have what it takes. 5 Expat favourites.
Xplore eindhoVen
Eindhoven may not be the most authentic city in
the netherlands, but it is one of the most lively
ones. those who love technology and design are
in luck here because these are the spearheads of
Eindhoven’s local policies.
Xplore transfer
X loves Eindhoven, Maastricht, and everything in
between the two towns. How better to explore the
area than by bike? 80 kilometres, just you, the
surroundings, and your bike.
Xplore maastricht
Maastricht– or ‘Mestreech’ as the city’s inhabitants
would say – is the oldest city in the netherlands.
its central location in the European region between
the Meuse and the rhine brings a great number of
international visitors and inhabitants to Maastricht.
fashion, nature & food
Xperts in Fashion, nature & Food tell you all
about some very special places.
For your inspiration!
let’s go out
plenty of fun to be had in the region.
so much so that it can be hard to choose.
X has made a selection for you.
hello
X-team
Xtra
in short: need to know and nice to know
titel xpat p. 6
+31(0)13-5321014 +31(0)13-5358168 [email protected] www.housingXL.nl
Looking for short stay housing?
HOUSINGXL.NL is your partner
p. 7 x magazine
PuBlIsher
BRAINPoRt DEvELoPMENt
www.BRAINPoRtDEvELoPMENt.NL
ChIeF edITor
wIES vAN KAtS
arT dIreCTor
MARIEKE vAN DE GRAft
CommunICaTIons
BRAINPoRt DEvELoPMENt
TranslaTor
wENDy LuBBERDING
sales
JAN-KoENRAAD vEENStRA
Bo BAKKER
HoLCoM
WrITers
ANoEK HofKENS
CARoLINE vAN SCHuBERt
DAGMAR StEINS
IoANA StANESCu
JANE HARDJoNo
oLGA vAN StRAtEN
oLIvIA NERI
tIES vAN DE wERff
PhoTograPhers
BouDEwIJN BoLLMANN
MADELEINE SARS
MARIA RuDNAyA
MARIELLE LEENDERS
MICHIEL LANDEwEERD
ASSIStANt oLGA GANzHA
Thanks To
EStHER SCHMAL
LoRRAINE wIttEvEEN
RoB tER StEEGE
JANICKE KERNLAND
HANDAN KILIC (CovER MoDEL)
LANA MESIC (CovER ASSIStANt)
GENNEPER HoEvE (CovER)
www.GENNEPERHoEvE.NL
AND EvERyoNE wE HAvE
INtERvIEwED
x-teammadeleIne sars WIll lITerally eaT
dIrT For a good CoVer. three women
(model, assistant and photographer) in their
city shoes in a paddock near the Genneper
Hoeve. A shame that we do not have any
pictures of it. But we did get our cowgirl cover.
marIa rudnaya Was Born and
raIsed In russIa. She has been in the
Netherlands for almost three years. In ad-
dition to attending a photography course at
the fotoacademie in Amsterdam, she has
been working on her PhD at tu/e’s depart-
ment of Scientific Computing. Maria took
some photos for X, pages 28-29, 48-49.
yVonne Van hesT Is a Program
manager For BraInPorT
InTernaTIonal CommunITy, the
organisation which commissioned X.
She loves food and cooking. Her favourite
is De woenselse Markt in Eindhoven,
especially the Saturday morning market
which offers food from all over the world.
mIChIel landeWeerd Was our
PhoTograPher For dressed In
duTCh. He pulled out all the stops. In
the middle of a heat wave, Sinterklaas
was seen going from door to door,
Prince Carnaval donned his outfit,
and Johan vlemmix painted the town
orange.
TIes Van de WerFF Is a Free-
lanCe researCher, WrITer and
CuraTor. As a student, he lived in
Maastricht for eight years. ties frequently
visits his second home-town, as a
teacher at the faculty of Arts & Culture at
Maastricht university. on a good day, you
can find him reading at café falstaff.
X team credits contributors
titel xpat p. 8
MELVIN THE MACHINEa designmachine by HeyHeyHey and many others
On view during Dutch Design Week 2010 saturday October 23rd till sunday October 31st
FUNWARE_PLAYING WITH SOFTWARE ARTan interactive and international groupshow
On view from friday November 21st, 2010 till sunday January 16th, 2011
presents fall/winter 2010
MU is generously supported by:Gemeente EindhovenProvincie Noord-BrabantMinisterie van Onderwijs, Cultuur & Wetenschap
MU partners:Eindhovens DagbladBlendGreve Off setFatboy
HeyHeyHeyBrainportSTRP festival
muemmasingel 205611 az eindhoven
www.mu.nl
text olivia van den broek-nerixtrap. 9
MELVIN THE MACHINEa designmachine by HeyHeyHey and many others
On view during Dutch Design Week 2010 saturday October 23rd till sunday October 31st
FUNWARE_PLAYING WITH SOFTWARE ARTan interactive and international groupshow
On view from friday November 21st, 2010 till sunday January 16th, 2011
presents fall/winter 2010
MU is generously supported by:Gemeente EindhovenProvincie Noord-BrabantMinisterie van Onderwijs, Cultuur & Wetenschap
MU partners:Eindhovens DagbladBlendGreve Off setFatboy
HeyHeyHeyBrainportSTRP festival
muemmasingel 205611 az eindhoven
www.mu.nl
xtra
The book 'Manners in the Netherlands - Dutch Ditz' by
Reinildis van Ditzhuyzen, Lorraine T. Miller (Translator)
will help you get started. Take advantage of some of the
real life experiences and observations from expatriates,
and find out how to prevent common misunderstandings
between foreigners and the Dutch. PRICE: €13,50
Tips
funny wordsLearning Dutch can be challenging. Here are some words that native English speakers might find confusing.
frikandel (n.) a deep-fried Dutch snack, sounds like
'freak and dell'.
schoonmoeder (n.) mother-in-law, literally means
clean mother
willen (v.) want, not will
scheVeningen during World War II, the Dutch would
ask Germans to pronounce this town’s name to prove they
were not German spies!
boterham (n.) a sandwich
slim adj. not thin, but smart!
driftkikker (n.) a hothead, an extremely
temperamental or violent person
kliekje (n.) leftover, remainder
op apegapen liggen (n.) to be out of breath,
to be completely knackered
mierenneuker (n., vulgar) a nitpicker, a hair-
splitter, someone who spends hours niggling over the
tiniest of details. (But not literally molesting insects.)
need to haVe: umbrellaThe Netherlands enjoys a maritime climate. Summers are
cool with an average July temperature of 19º C and winters
are mild with an average January temperature of 2º C.
Always carry an umbrella! There is limited sunshine and
an average rainfall of about 76.5 cm. Snow and extreme
heat are rare. For information on the weather:
tel. 0900-8003 or www.weeronline.nl
would you like to learn dutch?
there is a range of different language courses available
from certified institutes such as the roc eindhoven
www.roceindhoven.nl or the maastricht talencentrum
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/languages
Why do the Dutch what they do?
... from rob Van gijzel, chairman stichtingbrainport and mayor of eindhoVen:“Visit: www.brainporttalentregion.com. This portal will tell you everything you
need to know about Technology and Talent Opportunities in the Brainport
region. Dozens of Brainport ambassadors, international talents living in this
region, are on stand-by to answer your questions. We ‘Southerners’ are warm-
hearted people, but do not only take our word for it; ask your fellow country
(wo)men what they think of our region through the Brainport website.”
p. 10text ioana stansescu xtra
xtrastreet interViewif you say hema, you say hollanD. the Dutch love their hema. inexpensive, But gooD quality anD great fun. x magazine wants to know the ins anD outs, so went out anD askeD hema visitors.
maaike (22)Typically HEMA ...?
“Hema’s hotdog, no, no I mean their
'rookworst'. Hasn't everyone heard
of it?”
How often do you come here?
“At least twice a month.”
What do you buy at HEMA?
“Bras, make-up and all kinds of fun
little bits and bobs they sell here.”
robin (23) & heike (19)Typically HEMA ...?
“Their tasty 'rookworsten', the
children’s book heroes Jip &
Janneke, and their trademark cheerful
packaging.”
How often do you come here?
“Easily two to three times a month.”
What do you buy at HEMA?
“Nail polish, notepads, those sets to
fix a flat bicycle tyre.”
henry (60) Typically HEMA ...?
“It’s a shop for everyone, young or old,
rich or poor. Everyone can find what
they need at HEMA.”
What do you buy at HEMA?
“Painting things, film roll, and as you
can see, ice creams for my grand-
children.”
is HEMA typically Dutch?
“Oh absolutely, without a doubt.”
... from XCrossroads is an English-language web magazine aimed at the international community in
and around Maastricht. Sueli Brodin is the driving force behind Crossroads, something which
won her the title of Expat of the Year 2010. Read all about her favourite spot in Maastricht on
page 55. crossroadsmag.eu
Tips
p. 11 text olivia van den broek-nerixtra
xtra“there is a lot of support for entrepreneurs in holland”
True entrepreneurs will see new opportunities in every
country. But support is always welcome. In the Netherlands,
many other expats have preceded you. One of them is Ashish
Dharap. He moved to the Netherlands to work for Atos
Origin and started iKAnesys when he saw market potential
for his ideas (innovation and idea management). He sought
and found help from the Kamer van Koophandel (Chamber
of Commerce). According to Ashish Dharap: “The business
registration process was particularly smooth, which comes as
a surprise to many expats”. The Kamer van Koophandel has
recently released an English Starters Guide, which highlights
all aspects involved with starting a business. Request a free
guide at www.kvk.nl/startersguide. And he has another tip
for new entrepreneurs: “Always keep the key parameters of
your business at the top of your mind and always know your
numbers -- even better than your accountant.”
Tips
nice to meet you! X is the way to get to know the area. But if you prefer to meet face-to-face, you could join one of these meeting groups. A small selection:
iWC Eindhoven• / www.iwce.nl
iWC south Limburg• / www.iwc-sl.nl
Tilburg international Club•
www.tilburginternationalclub.com
MEETin EiNDHOVEN•
www.meetin.org/city/MEETinEINDHOVEN
www.meetup.com/EindhovenExpats/
MEETin • MAAsTriCHT
www.meetin.org/city/MEETinMAASTRICHT
Living with a Dutchie• / www.livingwithadutchie.nl
Mums and Toddlers in Eindhoven•
www.mumsandtoddlers.org
The Thistle Club of scottish Country Dancing•
www.thistleclub.nl
North American Women’s Club•
www.nawceindhoven.com
The Association of Chinese students and •
scholars in Eindhoven / www.acsse.nl
Amigos de la Cultura Hispano-Americana•
Tel. 040-246 50 05
Couchsurfing, international meetings in cities •
all over the world / www.couchsurfing.org
... from jasper de groot, director of pararius.comDo not take any chances when you are trying to find a
home. “Always start with a viewing day and view a
variety of five to ten rental properties. You will get a
great reading about what is available on the Dutch
market. Only then, hunt for properties that exactly
meet your requirements. Let your rental agency
arrange the best possible deal.”
titel xpat p. 12
xtraHolland has it ...
... a great website for internati onals who are looking
for a rental property.
- over 100,000 Dutch rental properti es available -
- all listi ngs in six languages -
- free access -
- extensive informati on on properti es -
- google maps -
- google streetview -
- internati onal oriented rental agencies -
- mobile website for iPhone -
brainport.indd 1 2-9-2010 16:53:33
xplorep. 13
DayDreaming among the leaves as if it were my own Back garDen-
“I grew up on the coast, in an arid, sandy
climate. This is why I simply adore the
green parks in the Netherlands. Lying in
the grass, I empty my mind and leave my
worries and stress behind. I often ride
my bicycle to the park like a real Dutch
person. Sometimes I will take a book, or
something to feed the ducks. This park
feels like my own back garden, I can easily
dream away the afternoon here.”
1 5
-
letitia fung was Born in hong
kong, raiseD in portugal anD has
liveD in the netherlanDs for four
years. she is communications
manager at De lage lanDen anD
she loVes stadswandelpark
eindhoVen
> 2/5 on page 21
home is where the heart is
text ioana stanescu photo boudewijn bollmann
xpat p. 14text anoek hofkens photo madeleine sars
weeksmonthsyears
“SABIC is an international company where everyone speaks English,
which has made it easy to fit in. I came to the Netherlands especially
for this job and I have enjoyed it so far. The atmosphere is open, we
all address each other by our first names, it is great! But in order to
create a life for myself I have to step out; go into town, meet new
people. The SABIC welcoming dinner (held three hours after my
arrival in the Netherlands) helped me establish my first contacts.
It immediately made me feel welcome.
Afterwards I went out and bought a map of Maastricht, where I live.
I am starting to find my way around here. But the thing that is going
to take some getting used to is the eating habits. In Colombia you
will have a breakfast fit for a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a
poor guy. This is the way things are in the Netherlands: you will eat
breakfast like a poor guy, lunch like a poor guy, and you will dine like
a king. Because I still prefer to eat later on in the evening, I have to
go shopping in time. If I want to buy a carton of milk at six o’clock in
the evening, the supermarket will have run out of milk and I will have
to go to a night shop where milk will fetch the price of a nice whisky.
I simply do not get it.
And another thing that has surprised me is the number of bicycles!
They are like flies: they are everywhere. Buying a bicycle is one of my
goals for this year. I want to adapt as well as I can because I would
like to stay here for a long time. I would not yet dare to say forever;
Colombia and Germany also have a special place in my heart. For now
I will concentrate on my work. I intend to become famous among my
colleagues.”
name
diego castaneda
age
29
place of Birth
medellin, colombia
employer
sabic (geleen)
position
technology
deVelopment engineer in
the plastics field
-
likes
intercity trains;
they feel
like business class
enjoys watching
cartoons to learn dutch
finDs it extraorDinary
that women ask
men to dance
-what is it like to work here? three expats tell their stories from their experience: as a newcomer, as someone who has Been here a while, anD as someone who intenDs to stay.
p. 15
“i want to make a
career for myself”
xpat p. 16text anoek hofkens photo madeleine sars
weeksmonthsyears
"My first time in The Netherlands: I remember arriving at the central
station in Eindhoven, carrying two heavy suitcases. Someone saw me
and helped me out. I did not even have to ask. Afterwards an elderly
man showed me the way to my hotel. I then realised how friendly and
helpful Dutch people are.
I had never lived abroad before coming to the Netherlands. One of my
colleagues from China was already working at the TU/e and he told
me there were more vacancies, so I took my chance and as you can
see I was lucky enough to get the position. The work itself does not
differ very much; the big difference lies in the fact that everything is
well-organised, especially the safety issue in the workplace. I notice
I am still used to the high work pressure in China, even after having
been away from that for a few months. Taking a break from work to
have a chat is not something I do very often. Back home it is impossi-
ble to take a long vacation. People in Holland can really enjoy life. So
I have been thinking a lot about life and work since I have been here.
I could not say if what I am doing now is something I will want to do
forever. Finding a job that suits me is one of my main goals. In China
people do not focus on the things they feel passionate about, they
just make random choices.
I would like to get to know Dutch people, but I am very shy. I feel as
if there is no common ground, that we will have nothing to talk about,
because of our different backgrounds. I think it would be good for me
to learn some Dutch. I will be staying for 12 months, but who knows,
perhaps I can stay longer. I would like that. Holland is very clean and
quiet, but the shops should definitely be open every Sunday. I like it
here, even though I do not feel Dutch at all. One time I bought a
herring and fried it; I think that says it all."
name
Qi wang
age
29
place of Birth
china
employer
tu/e, eindhoVen
position
postdoctoral
chemical engineering
-
has DiscovereD
that chinese food in
the netherlands is not
chinese food
is amazeD By
the dutch propensity
for interrupting
each other during
conVersations
woulD like to
find clothes that will fit.
trousers especially
as they will often
be too long
p. 17
"people in holland
can really enjoy
life"
xpat p. 18text anoek hofkens photo madeleine sars
weeksmonthsyears
"I fell in love with the Netherlands when I came to a secondary
school in Zuid Limburg for a year as an exchange student in 2000.
My Hungarian classmates did not understand why I went to Holland;
they thought I went for the drugs, or because I might be gay. But
that was not true; to me, this was the land of optimism, freedom, and
opportunity. A feeling that was only strengthened by the experience.
After I got my Master’s degree in medicine in my home country, I
flew back to start a life here in Maastricht. I got a great deal of help
from my host family in Stein, with whom I had stayed during my
exchange year. They also helped me with the Dutch language, which
I speak fluently now. I still see them every Saturday and I love them
just as much as I love my Hungarian family. My birth mum has had
some trouble dealing with this. But I see it as something that enriches
my life here, because I want to stay. The Dutch mentality matches
my personality. The Dutch are more broad-minded, they are more
assertive, and work-wise you can get ahead if you perform well as an
individual. This works well for me. I lead a better life here than I did
in Hungary. Over there a young doctor would be working his fingers
to the bone for € 500 a month, after tax, something which I think is
just depressing. I realise I am continuing the braindrain by staying
here, but I do not feel a personal responsibility for the situation the
country is in. I need to think of my own life, and I am happy over
here. But I will always feel connected to my native country. Until I
am buried six feet under I will always be a Hungarian. My children
will be born in the Netherlands, but they will become familiar with
their father’s culture as well. As a doctor I would like to specialise as a
GI-doctor (gastrointestinal) and I would like to continue to work as a
House Officer at the Atrium Medisch Centrum in Brunssum, and as a
sports physician at sports events. Only having a girlfriend could make
me happier."
name
daniel keszthelyi
age
26
place of Birth
pécs, hungary
employer
faculty of health,
medicine and life science,
maastricht
university function
doctor of medicine
-
likes
erwtensoep (dutch pea soup
eaten in winter)
misses
offal
Believes
it is a sign of prosperity
that so many dutch people
play sports
woulD like to
Vote during
the national elections
p. 19
“the dutch mentality
matches my personality”
ARE YOU DUTCH PROOF?
text ioana stanescu illustration marieke van de graft typically dutch p. 20
p. 21
In the Netherlands you will find chips with mayonnaise, vast landscapes, canals and boats. But this is not all there is to the Netherlands. Our pop quiz will test your general knowledge, but beware: we will not go easy on you. Good luck!
❶ how many people in the world speak
dutch as their native language?
A. 16 Million.
B. 23 Million.
C. 25 Million.
D. 30 Million.
❷ when a secondary school student
passes his/her final exams after much
blood, sweat and tears, then …
A. the graduates will go away on an excursion.
B. he/she will fly the Dutch flag, with their school bag
and all the books, from their bedroom window.
C. the school teachers will cook their students a fancy meal.
D. his/her name will appear in the local newspaper.
❸ how many bicycles does an average
dutch person lose because of theft in
the course of his/her life?
A. Around 20, with a bit of bad luck.
B. One or two at most.
C. Exactly as many as he/she steals back.
D. All the bicycles are common property, so there is no
theft.
❹ how many millions of euros do the
dutch spend on 'drop' (liquorice) each year?
A. 2 Million Euros per year.
B. 10 Million Euros per year.
C. 135 Million Euros per year.
D. 300 Million Euros per year.
➎ why do some dutch people eat their
sandwiches with knife and fork?
A. It is etiquette.
B. They do not like to use their hands when they eat.
C. It makes them eat more slowly which benefits the
digestive system.
D. Because the Dutch like symmetry and order, even
on their plates.
❻ when a baby is born, the new parents
will treat their friends and family to ...
A. Dutch rusk with aniseed sprinkles.
B. apples.
C. a cheese board.
D. a glass of jenever.
❼ you are a guest at a dutch family home.
when you go to the toilet, you will find …
A. a birthday calendar.
B. a standing toilet.
C. a bowl of peppermints.
D. a bidet to rinse your behind.
❽ to what do the dutch attribute their
thrifty nature?
A. To their moods, brought on by the weather.
B. To their upbringing.
C. The Dutch are not really thrifty but they do not
actively dispute the prejudice.
D. To Calvinism.
❾ why is 'carnaval' celebrated mainly in
brabant & limburg?
A. Because Northerners are more subdued in nature.
B. Because Northerners think that 'Carnaval' is a
proletarian affair.
C. Because 'Carnaval' is originally a Catholic
celebration, and the North of the Netherlands was a
Protestant region historically.
D. Because Northerners celebrate 'Carnaval’s'
counterpart 'Luilakken'.
❿ what would a 'brabants kwartiertje'
mean?
A. A casual meeting in the lobby at the office.
B. A morning coffee.
C. When a scheduled appointment starts later.
D. Waiting for the delayed public transport in the
Brabant region.
p. 22
❶ A For the Flemish and the Surinamese, Dutch is
their native language as well.
❷ B Every year in June you will see flags and bags
flying happily in the wind all across the country.
❸ A Unfortunately, stolen bikes are a frequently
occurring phenomenon, especially in the larger
cities.
❹ C This comes down to e 8.40 euros on average
per person.
❺ D It has never been scientifically proved, but
instinctively true.
❻ A Dutch rusks with aniseed sprinkles are
popularly called ‘beschuit met muisjes’ (little
mice). During the Middle Ages, women were
served aniseed after childbirth because it was
believed to stimulate lactation.
❼ A This will remind you of people’s birthdays in
time, because in the Netherlands, birthdays
are a big thing. Remember not just to congra-
tulate the birthday girl or boy, but also their
partner, parents, and close friends.
❽ D It refers to a certain lifestyle: sober, subdued,
frugal.
❾ C Protestants abhor debauchery.
❿ C Brabanders are easygoing and therefore not
as punctual as the people living in the North
of the country.
Oops, sorry, a pathetic result! Luckily you have this
magazine full of tips and stories. Venture into the lion’s
den (not wearing wooden shoes, please, but fashionable
footwear like the rest of us) and explore. No need for
Dutch courage, simply start your day with a glass of
milk, and having a kroketje* at the snack bar for lunch
will help you get in the mood for Dutchness.
You are on your way to fathoming the down-to-earth
and subdued Dutch, but we would not exactly call you a
connoisseur. We tend to hold back on the compliments,
but you knew that already.
Bravo, our hats off to you! Our quiz is not easy, so you
have amazed us. We are even feeling a little as if so-
meone were taking us for a ride... are you sure you are
not…You’re Kees, aren’t you! Very funny!
the answers
the score
* A deep-fried snack, with a warm, beef ragout filling and a crispy breadcrumb coating.
suggested reading:
X magazine
The Undutchabels - Colin White & Laurie Boucke
www.holland.com/global
typically dutch
titelxpatp. 23
nice people anD great fooD make me feel like home-
“My wife and I would drive past this
restaurant every week, on our way to the
gym. It looked so ‘local’ that we did not
dare go in, in spite of our curiosity. We
finally ventured into the lion’s den. Since
then we have come here on a regular
basis. The service is personal; they know
us and our tastes very well. I rarely see
the wine menu these days because I like
the way they keep surprising me.”
2 5
-
yasushi kusume was Born in
japan, anD has liveD in the
netherlanDs since 1990, with a
Brief stint in vienna.
he is vice-presiDent of philips Design
anD he loVes restaurant
de cuijt, burg. termeerstr. 50
mierlo
> 3/5 on page 33
xplorep. 23
home is where the heart is
text ioana stanescu photo boudewijn bollmann
titel xpat p. 24
Living the green lifeYou do the best you can. You’re in a job that suits you and your career perfectly. Now all you need is the house that goes with the job and more importantly: your family. You’re looking for space, lots of green, real durability, expressive architecture and if at all possible all of this about 10 minutes cycling from Eindhoven City Centre. Strijp R is the answer to all your wishes. This former industrial area, is going to be developed
www.strijpr.nl
into an attractive, spacious and first and foremost, green residential area on the edge of a large park. This makes Strijp R a perfection location for a green and prosperous life. Sales will start before the end of this year. Building will start in 2011 and the first of the residences will be yielded in 2012.Please check the website for the latest information.
text franke elshout photo marielle leendersp. 25
about the creators of these recipes:
For eight years Franke Elshout and Maarten Lockefeer
have been working together on a range of unique projects
in which food and drink have always played a central role.
hollandsekeuken-Dutch cuisine is not famous for its culinary fireworks. a mistake. treat yourself to these mouth-watering ultra-Dutch sensations. tickle those tasteBuDs!
Franke was a student at Design Academy Eindhoven
and puts her heart and soul into her profession as a
Food Designer. You can check out their company
Keukenconfessies at www.keukenconfessies.nl.
a.k.a. Dutch kitchen
typically dutch
p. 26
ingredients
For the crust
200 grams flour / 200 grams butter /
150 grams sugar / 1 egg / a pinch of salt
For the filling
1.5 kilograms Elstar or Goudreinet apples /
½ teaspoon cardamom (in powdered form, or open the pods and
grind the seeds) / 1 tablespoon custard powder / a few tablespoons
of sugar, to taste / grated zest of orange or lemon if desired
For the vanilla foam
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar / a tablespoon custard powder
mixed with a splash of milk / 200 ml whipping cream
recipe
1. Prepare the crust using the butter, the
egg, and the flour.
2. Peel and dice the apples.
Mix these with the other ingredients.
Choose a few small-sized baking tins (or
small flower pots lined with baking paper, or
old tins).
3. Whip the cream with the cold custard mix
and the vanilla sugar, or ladle into a Gourmet
Whip, and pipe onto the warm apple pies.
mini speculaasjes-apple pies with carDamom anD vanilla sugar
serves 10
p. 27
This is not really 'vla', which is a runny Dutch custard, but rather a pudding.
it is typically Dutch: inexpensive but yummy. A guaranteed success thanks to the instant pudding mixes.
ingredients
2 litres whole milk /
½ packet of an assortment traditional
Dutch biscuits, for instance:
bitterkoekjes (macaroons) sprits
(buttercookies), stroopwafels
(caramel filled wafers), bokkenpootjes
(chocolate dipped log cookies) /
4 different 0.5 litre instant pudding
powders / 1 packet good red fruit jelly
or gelatine to mix with redcurrants,
fresh or frozen / redcurrant sauce
from a bottle or packet
recipe
1. Crumble the biscuits and press them down into a small cake tin,
a glass, or a recycled plastic pudding container.
2. Prepare one type of pudding after another (allow each layer to set in the
fridge before you make the next). Follow the instructions, but use 0.45 litres
of milk instead of the 0.5 indicated on the packet.
3. Start with one pudding flavour and spread a layer over the biscuit crumble.
Then continue your layers with a selection of lovely colours and tasty flavours
such as 'bitterkoekjes', semolina, custard, strawberry, mocha.
4. The last layer should be a good red fruit jelly or a layer of gelatine with
redcurrants and redcurrant juice.
5. Leave your trifles to set in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours.
6. Serve with any left-over biscuits and some redcurrant sauce.
vla-flip trifle with a crumBle of traDitional Dutch Biscuits
serves 10
typically dutch
Pure strength of interior design
The art of temptation
Dutch language training for highly skilled migrants &knowlegde workers.
Small groupsEvening classesEmphasis on speakingEffective and affordableIncluding intake and testing
Roelofspad 10 / 5645 JG EindhovenT. +31 (0) 40 211 31 01
[email protected] / www.easynl.nl
p. 30
09.00am starting tHE daY
Start your day with a good breakfast
at Bagel & Juice, the place to find
freshly baked bagels and healthy
juices. You will find the café in the
cosiest little street (Kleine Berg) in
Eindhoven. It is a favourite haunt for
Design Academy students.
10.00am sHopping
Shopping for the mainstream brands
can be done in the Rechtestraat and
Piazza. But if you want something
special, then lose yourself in one of
the cute little shops in the Bergen.
Do not skip Magda (young women’s
fashion with a twist) on the Berg-
straat, Heijmans Delicatessen (Spa-
nish, French, and Italian delicacies)
on the Kleine Berg, or Motta (art and
design bookshop) on the Grote Berg.
12.00pm a dasH oF art
Bang in the middle of the city
centre is the Witte Dame. This white
building used to be a Philips factory,
but today it is home to a range of
different institutions. In addition to
the library and Design Academy, you
will find MU here, where you can
see contemporary art mixed with fa-
shion, architecture, and new media.
At the Krabbedans (on the left side
of the building) you can look at as
well as buy or borrow art.
13.00pm LunCH in tHE CitY
To the right of the Witte Dame
building you will find another icon
of the city: the light tower. On the
ground floor you will find Grand
Café Usine where you can tuck into
a tasty lunch. Usine is well-known
for its urban and international
outlook. Do not miss the beautiful
bathrooms!
14.00pm MuLtiCuLturaLisM
In Eindhoven’s best-known market
square (Woenselse Markt- Kruis-
straat) you would think you were
somewhere abroad. With more than
500 market stalls you will find a
host of exotic foodstuffs, in addition
to the more standard market fare.
Feeling peckish after this? Then have
lunch at one of the international
eateries in the neighbourhood. We
recommend Sang Lee Rotishop at
number 206, Kruisstraat, for Eastern
and Surinamese delicacies.
The market is held Saturdays from
10.00am - 5.00pm.
xploreeindhoven-einDhoven has lots of great shops, fashionaBle cafés, anD places to eat. anD shoulD you grow tireD of the urBan Bustle, this southern Dutch town offers plenty of Beautiful places to escape to. check these out!
p. 31 xplore text olga van straten photo maria rudnaya / olga ganzha
15.00pm rELaXing
After all the hustle and bustle in the
city you can find peace and quiet by
taking a walk in the municipal park,
Stadswandelpark. Take a look at the
thirty sculptures scattered among
the trees. Adjacent to the park you
will find the Genneper Parken.
A natural area offering a range of
indigenous plants. Take a look
around the eco-farm de Genneper
Hoeve. Do sit down for a drink at
Paviljoen Genneper Parken! You can
also rent a bike in the Rijwielshop.
17.00pm LazY aFtErnoon
Ons has a unique dining balcony
and its lovely sidewalk terrace looks
out onto the city’s largest church,
the Catharinakerk. In this snug little
eatery you can spend a lazy, relaxed
afternoon. A varied menu for vegeta-
rians and meat eaters. Plus delicious
desserts like the home-made ‘Death
by chocolate’-cake, which has not
been named that way for nothing …
18.00pm sigHtsEEing strijp
Strijp-S, the former Philips indus-
trial area is fast becoming the city’s
creative heartbeat. Check out the
beautiful old industrial buildings
where today’s designers and artists
have found a place to work. Strijp-S
is also revealing itself as a Valhalla
for Urban Sports. This is where Monk
is situated (the Netherlands’ first
bouldering accommodation) and
Area 51 as well (a 3000 sqm skating
park).
19.00pm WinE & dinE in stYLE
KB 23 is a modern restaurant in an
old setting. You can look down into
the wine cellar through the glass
plates in the floor. And do not forget
to look up as well, where you will see
the old beams way up into the top
of the roof. Restaurant/winebar
JIU.NU offers an international menu
with an Asian touch, and where you
can taste as well as buy a wide range
of fine wines. Key words: exclusive,
modern, professional. "Life's too
short to drink bad wine!" is their
fitting motto. The place to go to for
a good wine recommendation.
21.30pm puB CraWL
O'Sheas Irish Pub: loud and rough,
as a real pub should be. Order a pint
of lager, assume your fake Irish ac-
cent, and join in the fun. The pub is
a favourite hang-out for tourists, but
you will also run into fellow expats
regularly. Cheers!
22.30pm LEt tHE nigHt BEgin
There are not many clubs in Eind-
hoven, because here, the mentality
of ‘let’s get these tables out of the
way so we can dance' reigns. So this
is what they do at cafés Berlage and
Hoogste Tijd. During the summer
months the parties run on into the
streets, creating a warm and fun
atmosphere outside.
… good nigHt, sLEEp tigHt…
Best Western Premier Art Hotel is
situated in the Lichttoren, an old
industrial building formerly owned
by Philips. Perfectly located in the
heart of the city and with its own
restaurant and world bar. Easily
the trendiest place to sleep in all of
Eindhoven. And the safest one: right
across the street from the police
station ...
p. 32xplore
09.00am
➊ Bagel & Juice / Kleine Berg 19
open from 08.00 am.
10.00am
➊ kleine Berg, ➋ grote Berg &
➌ Bergstraat
Some shops on the Bergen are closed
on Mondays.
12.00pm
➍ Witte dame / Emmasingel
➍ mu / Monday-friday 10.00am-5.00pm.
Admission 2 Euros, free on wednesday
afternoons.
➍ krabbedans tuesday- Sunday
12.00-5.00pm, fridays until 9.00pm.
Admission free.
13.00pm
➎ usine / Lichttoren 6
open from 9.00am. Saturday and
Sunday from 10.00am.
MARCONILAAN
BOSC
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KR
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STR
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BOSC
HD
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ZWA
AN
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NOORD BRABANTLAAN
HASTELWEGHASTELWEG
STRIJPSESTRAAT
CEDERLAAN
KASTANJELAAN
GLASL
AAN
FREDRIKLAANMATHILDELAAN
EMM
ASI
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WILLEMSTRAAT
DIL
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KAREL D
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KAREL D
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EDENSTRAAT
VESTDIJK
MARKT
KEIZERSGRACHT
KLEIN
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GROTE BERG
BERGSTRAAT
WAL
KERKSTRAAT
DR. SCHAEPMANLAANBOUTENSLAAN
LEOSTRAAT
AA
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HEEZERWEG PIUSLA
AN
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FUUTLAAN
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. KEN
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EUROPALAAN
TILBURGSEWEG ONZE LIEVE VROUWSTRAAT
VAN OLDENBARNEVELTLAAN
EISENHOWERLAAN
STATIONSWEG
TONGELRESESTRAAT
PARKLAAN
INSULINDELAAN
LEEND
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ST. JORISLAAN
PhilipsComplex R
RichtingValkenswaard
Richting Weert,Maastricht en Venlo
Richting Weert,Maastricht, Venlo
en Antwerpen
RichtingGeldrop
RichtingHelmond
Richting‘s-Hertogenbosch,
Amsterdam en Nijmegen
Richting‘s-Hertogenbosch,
Amsterdam, Nijmegenen Tilburg
PhilipsComplex S
14.00pm
➏ Woenselse markt / Kruisstraat
➏ sang lee rotishop / Kruisstraat 206
15.00pm
➐ stadswandelpark, ➐ genneper
Parken, ➐ genneper hoeve
Tongelreeppad 1 / www.genneperhoeve.nl
➐ Paviljoen genneper Parken
Antoon Coolenlaan 2a
www.paviljoengenneperparken.nl
Closed 20 December-28 february 2011
➑ rijwielshop / Stationsplein 22
Rental € 6.50 per day, deposit € 50.00.
17.00pm
➒ ons / Kerkstraat 16
18.00pm
➓ strijp-s, monk bouldergym
Strijp S, Entrance 3 Glaslaan,
Building SBX. www.monkbouldergym.nl
area 51 / Klokgebouw 51
www.area51skatepark.nl
19.00pm
➊ kB 23 / Kleine Berg 23
Closed Mondays.
JIu. nu / Willemstraat 9
Closed tuesdays.
21.30pm
o’sheas Irish Pub
Jan van Lieshoutstraat 9
7 days a week: 12:00pm till 02:00am
(Saturday and Sunday till 04.00am).
22.30pm
hoogste Tijd / Vrijstraat 38
During weekends, doors close at
4.00 am.
➊ Berlage / Kleine Berg 16
11.30am-02.00am.
oct-May closed for Sunday lunch
Best Western Premier art hotel
Lichttoren 22, www.arthoteleindhoven.com
➊➋
➌
➍
➎
➏
➑
➒
➓
➐
In the city is where it all happens. There you fi nd the thrill in the air inviting you to enjoy the good things in life. That’s the place to be. You’ll experience this in Hartje Eindhoven where living in the city will be raised to a higher level. Large and small. Luxurious and upbeat. To rent and to buy. In all different atmospheres the world has to offer. Building work has already started and sales begin in February 2011. So for all you people out there who want to come and live in Eindhoven for a short or longer period, Hartje Eindhoven is yours for the taking!
WHAT’S
THAT’S
9.30 till 18.309.30 till 21.009.30 till 17.00
POP kapperCosmopolitic hair fashion, professional stylists and colourists.
Our products:Sebastian, Sassoon, Redken, Label M& our own POP haircare!
Open: mon-thur fri sat
de
sign
ww
w.k
oke
tt.nl
EindhovenCatharinaplein 255611 DE Eindhoven040 - 283 26 20
www.cecilevaneeden.nl
MaastrichtRechtstraat 806221 EL Maastricht043 - 325 10 20
International jewellery-design and craftsmanship
water Brings me Back to the coast where i grew up-
“Water always reminds me of my own
country. I grew up near the sea where
I could hear the seagulls every day.
That is why I love this café so much. It’s
nothing like a typical Dutch place. This
bar is really open and light. Sitting on the
terrace I can not only see the water, but
also the new city and the old one. In the
summertime you can get a chaise longue.
I like to bring a book and relax. It gives me
that real Southern European feeling I love
so much.”
3 5
p. 35
-
cláudia Vaz was Born anD raiseD
in portugal anD has liveD in
the netherlanDs for 13 years.
she is a Business Development
manager at Dsm anD she loVes
café zuid, plein 1992 15,
maastricht
> 4/5 on page 43
home is where the heart is
xplore text dagmar steins photo boudewijn bollmann
p. 36
harry de Vos (54, dutch)
senior vice presiDent human resources
at asml, workeD anD liveD in sweDen for
three years
-
Why sweden?
I got a great job at the Swedish company Elektrolux.
What did you like about sweden?
The ambiance in the summer, which is very lively.
People are happy: they play, have barbecues and
have fun in the park.
What did you dislike?
The dark winters, the retreat indoors. The lack of
light has a big impact on everything, especially your
mood.
Biggest difference with the Netherlands:
The light. And the flexible working hours. In Sweden,
there are more arrangements for employees with
children. I had to get used to people leaving at three
in the afternoon to pick up their kids from school,
and then to continue their work at home at eight in
the evening.
Best experience as an expat?
My 50th birthday, which turned out to be a real cele-
bration in Sweden. My colleagues had organised a big
reception with speeches and gifts. It was quite special.
What did you miss?
A social life. As a commuter, travelling home every
weekend, I was often alone during the week.
Typically swedish?
Snus. Horrible. Even during meetings, people will put
those little tobacco-bags in their mouths. It smells like
cat litter.
Who has the coolest attitude?
The Swedes. They may not always be cheerful, and
they can be quite distant. But they are great to have
drinks with, once they get to know you. Swedes really
love to get drunk, especially during Midsummer´s Eve.
Then they all party as if they had not properly lived
for seven months.
xpat vs xpat
“the swedes really
liVe only fiVe months
a year”
p. 37 text ties van de werff photo madeleine sarsxpat
pär broman (29, swedish)
a Design engineer at asml, has workeD anD
liveD in the netherlanDs for five years
-
Why the Netherlands?
I was an exchange-student and met a girl here. Since
we both have great jobs, we decided to stay.
What do you like about the Netherlands?
Life is very efficient. There is a lot to see and do within a
short distance. And you can ride your bike everywhere.
What do you dislike?
People here are impatient in conversations. If you do
not start speaking immediately, someone else will pick
up and you will never get your say in meetings. This
has taken some getting used to.
Biggest difference with sweden:
The space, and the amount of people living in it. Even
the distance between the shelves in the supermarket
is smaller here.
strangest experience as an expat?
'Carnaval'. I tried to join in, but I really did not under-
stand it. And getting my contract. For my contract,
I needed health insurance. For that, I needed a bank
account. But in order to get a bank account, I needed
a contract. Weird.
What do you miss?
It is difficult to buy an affordable, good-size piece
of fish. Then again, we Swedes can always go to the
IKEA-food shop.
Typically Dutch?
Family days. In Sweden, we do not organise family
days, apart from Christmas and Midsummer´s Eve.
Who has the coolest attitude?
The Dutch are more open and easier to approach.
We are more reserved. But we do stop and think
about what we are going to say, instead of just saying
something.
Home sweet home, or, is the grass really
greener on the other side? X put the question to the test:
Harry de Vos and Pär Broman compare and
contrast their homeland and expat-country.
The Netherlands VS Sweden. And vice versa.
“the dutch are
not patient enough”
text jane hardjono photo mike roelofs xpat p. 38
a nightmare for some
I had been asked many times why I wanted to leave
Melbourne. Why would I want to leave my job and
the whole career I had built there? And what about
my brilliant friends and awesome family? When
I decided to leave Australia four years ago, I was
ready to say a permanent goodbye to the advertising
industry and do something completely different.
I wanted to know whether, as a single girl, I could
be really independent. I wanted to stop working for
'the man', be my own boss and become a freelance
writer. My destination was Amsterdam. On the way
I met a lovely young Dutchman and took a detour
via Eindhoven. I never left.
dreamers: my kind of people
In Australia, I never belonged to a tribe as such.
I was more of a friend collector. From the minute I
arrived in Eindhoven I knew I would not take on an
instant friendship group. It was going to take effort
to continue my careful curation of friendships. Five
months after arriving, I married the lovely young
Dutchman. Beyond his friends and family, I met some
inter-national people through my work. When I took
up some volunteer work at the Temporary Art Centre
(TAC) I started to meet locals interested in the arts
and culture; people actively exploring their personal
philosophies. I formed a network made up of bona fide
Eindhovenaars and other Dutchies, as well as some
English, Germans and South Africans.
a dream come true
A couple of years ago I was out with two very good
friends – Dutch girls I had befriended via TAC. Over
dinner we all said we would like to do something
entrepreneurial, or maybe try some individual projects.
We all joked that we should stop dreaming and just do
our own things, leave our jobs. Hey, we could share an
office!
Since April this year I have been sharing an office in
Eindhoven with these very two girls. And I am a free-
lance writer. I saw one of my office-mates get married
and she will soon become a mother. I feel so privileged
to be a witness to such important milestones in her life.
What is interesting to me is when you get to a certain
age, people do not want more friends. But these Dutch
girls chose me; now they form part of my immediate
community and they encourage me to be my best self,
the way any other friend would do – whether I would
be in Melbourne, Paris or even New York. However, in
this version of girl-meets-boy-and-they-live-happily-
ever-after, all the girl’s dreams come true … in
Eindhoven.
-city of Dreams: a true story in iii partsBy jane harDjono
i eindhoven
p. 39
Jane hardjono (35) said goodbye to
Australia to become a writer.
while travelling she met her husband
and stayed in Eindhoven where she
started the Dossier, documenting the
pursuit of culture and the creative sector
in Eindhoven. Jane’s motto is: “Embrace
wherever you are.”
Check www.thedossier.nl
p. 40
olivia van den Broek- neri (31) is
a native Californian who earned a
B.A. in Journalism from Pepperdine
university, and moved to the
Netherlands after marrying her
Dutch husband. She is a regular
contributor to publications for
expats living in the Netherlands,
including ACCESS Magazine and
ExpatGuideHolland.com.
text olivia van den broek-neri photo michiel landeweerd xpatp. 41
Once the initial excitement of moving to a new coun-
try wore off, I found myself yearning for friendships
like those I had left behind in my native California.
Over time I met people, but even my extroverted self
found it difficult to form friendships. As understan-
ding as my husband was, there were times when I
needed to have someone with whom I could just talk;
I needed friends.
hello, my name is…
I did not know where to begin. The last time I was
forced to make new friends was when I went off to
college; but everyone was in the same situation and
was eager to make new friends. Luckily, I disco-
vered the International Women’s Club of Eindhoven
(IWCE). Finally, a solution!
Upon entering my first IWCE general meeting at
Thermae Son, my 'Visitor' name tag attracted a
swarm of friendly faces asking lots of questions.
“Where are you from? How long have you lived here?
Do you like living here? Don’t you miss California?”
These women seemed genuinely interested in lear-
ning my story and interested in forming friendships
with me. I was in the right place!
i was busy in no time
The IWCE offers many activities, which can easily fill
anyone’s social calendar. At my first meeting, I eagerly
picked from the 13 special interest groups and before
long was participating in the bi-weekly Dutch and
Spanish Conversation groups, and attending Gourmet
Club gatherings. I also became the editor of the club’s
newsletter.
But there are also informal gatherings. Over lunch and
coffee dates, my new friends and I catch up on recent
travels and upcoming dinner parties. We also take day
trips to must-see attractions such as Keukenhof, and
stores that sell American and British food items. In
the process, friendships are formed. Even though we
come from different backgrounds – and 34 different
countries – we all face the same problems, such as the
hard 'g' in Dutch and the seemingly constant rain. But
we deal with it together and we bond.
one year later
A lot has changed since that first meeting I atten-
ded one year ago. Frequent lunch dates, barbecues,
potlucks, and outings have resulted in long-lasting
friendships. My husband often asks, “How do you find
so much to talk about?” I respond: “Oh, there’s always
something to talk about.” And lucky for me, there is
always someone who will listen!
-moving is one thing; making a home is another. By olivia van Den Broek-neri
making my home
p. 42
xploretransfer-x loves einDhoven, maastricht, anD everything in Between the two towns. how Better to explore the area than By Bike? 80 kilometres, just you, the surrounDings, anD your Bike.
maastricht.
p. 43 xplore text wies van kats photo madeleine sars
eindhoven.
This route largely follows the Zuid Willems-
vaart canal. No hills, no traffic lights, and no
traffic! The only things you will pass are the
odd fisherman and other cyclists or hikers.
Sometimes you will have to leave the canal
behind you for a bit, but if you ride back and
keep the canal to your side, you cannot go
wrong.
Starting in Eindhoven, leave the city by the
Aalsterweg, which turns into the Maastrichter-
weg at a certain point. When you cross the
Dutch-Belgian border you will be on the
Sint-Odillialaan (N748). Keep following the
N748 until you cross the railway tracks. You
will get to the Venderstraat where you cross
a bridge across the Zuid Willemsvaart. There
you can turn onto the cycle path alongside
the canal. Keep the canal to your left until
you pass through Bocholt where you can
cross the canal. Stay as close as you can to
the canal and keep it to your right.
Near Neeroeteren you will pass ‘t Eilandje
(www.het-eilandje.be). time for a hearty
lunch with a great view! Then continue
to follow the canal. You will find signs and
markers that will direct you to Maastricht
alongside the cycle path here.
titel xpat p. 44
Call the Rabobank Expat Desk at (40) 293 64 93.e-mail: [email protected]
Rabobank.
Working abroad without financial worries.
Rabobank... expat the best, get the best.Arranging all your financial needs in a new country can be overwhelming and stressful.
A new environment, a new culture and different habits.
In order to help expatriates in the Netherlands with their specific questions and needs the Rabobank has
set up a specialized expatriate service, the Rabobank Expat Desk.
Specialized staff are on hand to make the transition to the monetary system in the Netherlands smooth
and efficient.
170x240 advertentie Rabobank ENG.ps:advertentie 06-08-2010 11:13 Pagina 1
p. 45
no worries aBout work in my secret garDen-
“Being a big fan of contemporary art,
the Van Abbe museum is definitively my
‘secret garden.’ I first visited the museum
when I was in Eindhoven for a conference.
Now I come here twice a year and every
time I discover something new. What I like
about coming here is that it gives me time
to discover myself … and to not worry
about work. I get to think about what this
painting means to me ... and I don’t have
to explain why I do or do not like it. It’s
a time slot for me and not for others. It
makes me feel somewhat at home.”
4 5
-
mahdi triki was Born in tunisia
anD has liveD in the netherlanDs
for 3 years. he is a senior scientist
at philips research laBoratories anD
loVes the Van abbe museum,
bilderdijklaan 10, eindhoVen
> 5/5 on page 55
home is where the heart is
xplore text olivia van den broek-neri photo boudewijn bollmann
p. 46typically dutch
Queen's day celebratons
"long liVe the Queen"
p. 47
dressedin dutch
Queen’s day
30 april
orangE
The best-known Dutch fan
of the House of Orange
is Johan Vlemmix: “On
Queen’s Day we celebrate
the birthday of the queen.
It is a celebration of
solidarity. Everyone will
dress up in orange, the
colour that symbolises the
Royal Family. The country
will be teeming with
festivities. Parties. Fairs.
You name it. There’s no
escaping from it. People
who do not celebrate
Queen’s Day simply do not
appreciate the fun things
in life.”
football madness
Very often
rEd, WHitE, BLaCK
Rick Vijfwinkel: “Being a
supporter of PSV has been
part of my upbringing. The
PSV slogan is “Eendracht
maakt macht”, united we
stand, something which is
certainly true. When eve-
ryone is wearing their PSV
shirts, it increases your
sense of unity. You will
recognise each other on
your way to the stadium.
When I wear the shirt
I feel like a proud Eind-
hovenaar. And when PSV
wins, it’s simply the best.”
prince carnaVal
6-8 march 2011*
tradition
Marcel Zeegers - Prince
Carnaval St.Pieter, Maas-
tricht: “The 'Carnaval' is
a three-day Catholic cele-
bration right before Lent;
time to let your hair down
once more. As a Prince you
lead the celebrations and
you have the most intense
experience. Because you
have to get everyone in-
volved in the partying. You
are elected Prince and it is
a one-off experience. The
traditional outfit reflects
the nature of the celebrati-
ons: it is exuberant.”
* dates vary every year
sinterklaas
5 december
MagiC
Lex Coolen - 'Sinterklaas'
Helmond (born to play
Sint): “I simply love the
magic of the 'Sinterklaas'
celebrations. On 5
December, 'Sinterklaas'
celebrates his birthday
in the Netherlands by
pampering all the children
with presents. It is a fairy-
tale, a tradition in which
everyone is involved.
'Sinterklaas' is a catholic
bishop, which is why he
wears these clothes. Even
though my 'Sinterklaas'
role is an act, this is pre-
cisely the time when I feel
more myself than ever.”
text caroline van schubert / ioana stanescu / anoek hofkens photo michiel landeweerd
p. 48
football madness
"united we stand"
prince carnaVal
"alaaf!"
p. 49
"hoor wie klopt daar, kinderen?"
(traditional welcoming song
for 'sinterklaas')
typically dutch
p. 50
yes, it'shomemade!
Did you know that DSM develops
and produces many products
that improve our way of living?
Its end markets include human
and animal nutrition and health,
personal care, pharmaceuticals,
automotive, coatings and paint,
electrical and electronics, life
protection and housing.
A 'vlaai' is not a pie or a tart.
Do not dare to call the pride of
Limburg by the wrong name.
Before you know it, they will
be hurling one at you. And that
would be a waste because they
are unbelievably tasty. Even
though these days you can buy
them anywhere, the genuine
one and only 'vlaai' you buy in
Limburg is still the best.
Brand, the oldest beer brewery in
the Netherlands, was a purveyor
to the Royal Household by order
of her majesty the Queen during
the 1960s. So we can safely
assume that even Queen Beatrix
has tasted it. Our conclusion
therefore: this Limburg beer
must be fit for a queen. Sound
appetising? Grab one! Cheers.
dsm, connecting life anD material sciences
tuck into a limburg tart(vlaai)
brand beer, the Beer limBurg is prouD to Brew
Origin: Limburg
price: € 10,00; Luxury varieties such as
the tiramisu 'vLaai': € 18,00
Origin: WijLre, 1871
prices range frOm € 0,60 in shOps
tO € 2,00 in the pub
Origin: sOuth Limburg 1902
price: divers
typically dutch
DS
M B
IoM
ED
ICA
L
p. 51
-'gezellig', tasty, Beautiful anD innovative; BraBant anD limBurg are all of these. six top quality homegrown items.
Not many people know it, but
thanks to ASML our lives have
become a lot more comfortable.
Because the chips in our compu-
ters, telephones (iPhones), tele-
visions, and other gadgets such
as the iPod and the iPad can only
be produced by the ASML chip
machines. It is all very technical
and it is not something we need
to fully understand, but what it
boils down to is this: we should
thank ASML for their ingenuity.
Gerard Philips set up the first
light bulb factory in Eindhoven
only to develop into one of the
world’s biggest multinationals.
This ‘home and garden’ product
is not just a symbol of Eindhoven,
but thanks to the rise and rise of
LED lights it will be a museum
piece soon. Keep them some-
where safe. The little factory still
exists, located at Emmasingel 31.
Design duos are often ‘winning
teams.’ How they do it, no-one
knows, but it is a fact that they
do exceptionally well. The same
goes for Miriam and Niels; their
designs are exhibited in New
York, London, and Korea for good
reasons. Worldwide fame thanks
to some unique pieces that will
make people think. Design with a
message, and a price tag.
asml chip machine, making our lives easier
Bright lights: the philips light bulb
Dutch Design By studio van eijk van der lubbe
Origin: veLdhOven, 1984
estimated price: 25-35 miLLiOn eurOs
Origin: eindhOven, 1891
prices in 2010: 40 W € 0,40; 200 W € 1,60
future price: museum WOrthy
Origin: geLdrOp / prOduct: cOW chair
estimated price: € 1680
handmade tO Order: WWW.Ons-adres.nL
text ioana stanescu photo maria rudnaya / olga ganzha
AS
ML
HA
NS
vA
N D
ER
MA
RS
p. 52
The designers Nawie Kuiper (27), Branko popovic
(27), and Laurens Hamacher (26) set up their
shop fashionclash in maastricht in 2009 to sell their
own creations and to offer other young designers a
platform as well. the requirements: art, fashion, and
design should ‘clash’. as a non-profit foundation they
have made a name for themselves in the region, with
their own magazine, but an annual fashion event as
well, where top class fashion and product designers
from different countries come and present their
work. their fashion and design top 5 in the southeast
netherlands:
xperts
1. dutch design week eindhoVen
Laurens: "The presentation of The Best of Graduates
during this event is what makes it inspiring ; we come
here to scout for new fashion and design talents."
2. yksi stadhuisplein 3, eindhoVen
Laurens: "Incredibly diverse because they sell furni-
ture, accessories, ceramics and books; mainly work by
Dutch designers – and from Eindhoven."
3. traders pop
heggenstraat 16, maastricht
Nawie: "Their mix of vintage and new clothing with
(fashion) books is what makes this an alternative and
one of a kind place."
4. kiki niesten
stokstraat 28-32, maastricht
Branko: "Prada, Chanel, Victor & Rolf, but also young
Dutch top-class designers such as Spijkers en Spijkers
sell their things here; it is the place to come to when
you can really splash out on clothes."
5. fee concept store
putstraat 18, sittard
Branko: “New in Sittard. The store showcases
products made by young designers and artists as well
as vintage clothing and items from commercial labels.
A real mixture that is actually quite similar to our
concept, but then in Sittard. Really great!"
fashion& dEsign
p. 53 xpert text anoek hofkens / wies van kats photo madeleine sars / ruud balk
-who woulD know Better what to see anD where to go in the region than the people for whom this knowleDge is part of their Daily routine? x has askeD xperts on fooD, nature, anD fashion for their top 5.
Eduard Habets works as a manager for
Natuurmonumenten. natuurmonumenten is a
society with a common goal: taking care of nature in
the netherlands. to do so, natuurmonumenten
obtains and manages areas of natural beauty. as
a manager eduard knows better than anyone else
where to find the greenest places in the region. he
has made a list of his favourite areas for x magazine:
1. the sint-pietersberg hill
maastricht (starting point at Chalet Bergrust)
"A magnificent and varied area of natural beauty with
hillside forests, stretches of limestone grasslands
and fields close to the city. You will find many places
of historical interest here including the Sint-Pieter
Fort and the extensive underground network of cor-
ridors. In addition, the Sint-Pietersberg is a butterfly
Eldorado."
2. the brunssummerheide heathlands
heerlen
"A unique heathland area offering plenty of recre-
ational options. Do not be surprised if you run into
a family of roe deer. The heights offer magnificent
panoramas, and the shepherd will often be roaming
the hills with his flock. The area consists of heathland,
forests, and fens. The Schrieversheide pancake house
serves the best pancakes."
3. the geuldal Valley
"The typical South Limburg hills offer extraordinary
natural beauty and some wonderful historical villages
with half-timber farms, hollow roads, and standard
fruit orchards. The little Geul river meanders through
the valley. Enjoy hours of walking and the magnificent
vistas."
4. loonse en drunense duinen
national park
"The biggest area of inland sand dunes in Western
Europe. Prepare for a real desert experience in the
Brabant Sahara. Explore the area on foot, on horse-
back, or by bicycle. Starting point: Landgoed Bosch
en Duin in Udenhout."
5.oisterwijkse forests and fens
"Magical forests speckled with dozens of fens. You can
walk for hours here and discover new views behind
every tree. Follow one of the marked walks. Starting
point: Oisterwijk visitor centre."
forests& parKs
p. 54
With his wife Moniek, Bas strijbosch runs
restaurant 1910. the name of the place was
inspired by the year in which the grand townhouse
was built. the picturesque wilhelminaplein adds to
its atmosphere of authenticity. at 1910 you can expe-
rience a pleasantly surprising night out in a relaxed
ambiance. the menu offers mediterranean food with
a modern twist from all over the world.
1. eat drink design
www.eatdrinkdesign.nl
“Once every year, in october, during the Dutch
Design Week in Eindhoven, a pop-up restaurant with
exhibition space will be set up somewhere in the city
centre where Edwin Severijn, a freelance top chef,
presents his wonderful cuisine. Eat Drink Design is
a collaborative project to turn food, drink and design
into a true experience. You can find more information
on the website.”
5. chateau neercanne
cannerweg 800, maastricht
“A narrow little lane up the hill leads to this magni-
ficent chateau. Enjoy the aperitif on the beautifully
laid out terrace with a view of the garden. Follow it up
with a dinner or a lunch in a historic atmosphere or
in one of the marl quarry caves with a modern decor.
Top it off with a tour of the Apostelhoeve, one of the
best winemakers in the Netherlands. A little bit of
France in the Netherlands.”
4. restaurant boreas
jan deckerstraat 7, heeze
“In Heeze you will find, in my opinion, the best chef in
Brabant, Nico Boreas. Boreas recently received their
second Michelin star, a mark of top quality. Boreas
is housed in an old townhouse. Let the chef surprise
you with his culinary artistry and enjoy the perfect
preparations of his range of fresh ingredients.”
3. luyterVelde
jo goudkuil 11, eindhoVen
“The classic Luytervelde restaurant is housed in an
old farmhouse. I recommend the 10-course amuse
menu. I had one of my very best food experiences
here myself. It also offers a wonderful garden where
you can have your meal in summer. It is best to make
a reservation. Luijtervelde is closed on Saturdays and
Sundays. A luxury position for a restaurant, but
I think it says enough about the remaining days.”
2. kruisherenhotel
kruisherengang19-23, maastricht
“The fifteenth-century Kruisheren monastery and its
monumental gothic church have been given a new
lease of life as a design hotel. An extraordinary place
where history meets design to form an exciting new
unity. In the rooms, but on the plates as well.”
food& drinKs
xpert
titelxpatp. 55
CAMPAGNIE ZIC ZAZOU Brocante SonoreMusic/show (France) October 5, 2010
CARIBBEAN COCKTAILExotic show, October 8, 2010
HABIB DEMBELE A vous la NuitMusic (Mali) October 15, 2010
BALLET THEATRE OF UKRAINE Snow WhiteBallet (Ukraine) October 24, 2010
MOMIX 100% The best of MomixAcrobatic dance (USA) October 28, 2010
DIRTY BROTHERS The Dark Party Freakshow (Great Britain) October 30, 2010
BLAZE The Streetdance SensationStreetdance (Great Britain) November 11, 2010
DRUM CATShow (Korea) November 12, 2010
MARIA JUNCAL Y COMPANIALa Tercera Llamada Flamencoshow (Spain) November 16, 2010
SOWETO SPIRITUAL SINGERS JoyMusic (Africa) November 17, 2010
HANANE FADILI Cabaret (Morocco) November 17, 2010
VIA KATLEHONG WozaDance/music ( South-Africa) November 20, 2010
AMANDA STRYDOM Vuur in glasMusic (South-Africa) December 1, 2010
KIEV BALLET The Nutcracker Ballet (Ukraine) December 15, 2010
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS CIRCUS 40 yearsFamilycircus (International) December 25 - January 2
And also in 2011: Cho-in Theatre (South-Korea), International Cabaret &
Comedyweekend, Bollywood the show (India), Carmen(opera in French), The Reduced Shakespeare Company
(Great Britain), Peter Corry – Celtic Rythms (Ireland),Nabucco (opera in Italian), Pip Utton (Great Britain).
And many more...
Parktheater EindhovenYour home away from home
Parktheater Eindhoven is one of the largest theatres in the country, presenting over 500 shows each year, including 50 international productions.
Program, information, tickets, photos and filmclips:
WWW.PARKTHEATER.NL
PTE adv Expats:Layout 1 17-09-2010 09:53 Pagina 1
titel xpat p. 56
Tomelweg 17, 6132 BS Sittard
The Netherlands
Tel. +31 (0)6 546 77 446Fax. +31 (0)46 411 12 07
E-mail. [email protected]. www.jansen-es.nl
Y.M.M. Jansen Expatriate Services is an
independent relocation company founded in 2000.
It is based in Sittard and covers the Limburg region.
This small, high quality relocation company is run by
Yvonne Jansen. Having the experience of being
an“expat” herself, two of her children were born
abroad, and knowing the needs of a family on the
move, her company has gathered an enormous
experience in relocation. With her expertise she is
the best advisor for families “on the move”.
Since the start over 200 families of more than 20
nationalities were successfully relocated in Limburg.
Her clients are the big Petrochemical Industries in
Sittard, Geleen and Heerlen, Telephone Companies,
the University of Maastricht and she is the
representative of several international operating
relocation companies based abroad or in the west of
The Netherlands.
Preview / area tour
Registration with IND (Immigration and
Naturalization Services) for a residence permit
Town Hall registration
Application of BSN number; Burger Service
Number (Social Security Number)
Opening bank account / credit card
Insurances
Exchange of foreign driver’s license
Home finding
Finding the right school / day care
Connecting utilities, telephone,
internet, television
Finding a doctor / dentist etc.
Car import assistance
Social contacts
And much more...
xplorep. 57
i always lose myself in Books here-
“Books are such wonderful things to hold.
In the years I have spent in the Nether-
lands I have learnt the language. You can
find French and English books as well in
this bookshop, but I like to read Dutch
books about the Limburg culture. And so
reading has taught me about the richness
of the local history. This bookshop is a
good example. It used to be a church.”
5 5
-
sueli brodin was Born in rio De
janeiro, raiseD in pakistan, france
anD japan anD has liveD in the
netherlanDs for 19 years.
she is expat of the year, writes
for crossroaDs anD she loVes
boekhandel seleXyz,
dominicanerkerkstraat 1,
maastricht
home is where the heart is
text dagmar steins photo boudewijn bollmann
p. 58
9.00am BroWsing
If you walk in the direction of
the Meuse starting from the train
station, you will walk into one of the
oldest and best shopping streets in
Maastricht. The Rechtstraat offers
shoppers a leisurely stroll along a
string of fashionable clothes shops,
art galleries, antiquarian book sellers
and welcoming little restaurants.
Note the beautiful facades and the
extraordinary black statue of Christ.
11.00am CuLturaL Lounging
The Centre Céramique is a cultural
hangout located inside a striking
building designed by the Limburg
architect Jo Coenen. It regularly
hosts exhibitions, lectures and art
shows. And it always offers free
internet access! Around the corner
you will find a great place to lounge:
Coffee Lovers.
12.00pm a tastE oF art
Bonnefantenmuseum: old paintings
and sculptures alongside contem-
porary art and installations. Some
people in Maastricht refer to the
extraordinary building (designed
by Aldo Rossi) as ‘the Maastricht
tampon’. Only a fifteen-minute walk
from the Rechtstraat.
13.00am putting Your FEEt up
Enjoying the good things in life
means sitting down in one of the
sidewalk cafés once in a while.
Maastricht is famous for its many
sidewalk cafés, such as the ones in
the Vrijthof square. But you will find
the best ones in this square, at the
foot of the monumental Medieval
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe basilica. Cross
the Hoge Brug at Plein 1992 and you
cannot miss it.
2.30pm undErground
Kazematten: beneath Maastricht
there is a labyrinth of caves cut out
in the marl stone. In this under-
ground network you can walk
around, ride your bike, but you can
easily get lost as well. So follow one
of the guided tours! Ask the guide
to tell you his stories in English or
German.
3.30pm taKing in tHE ViEWs
There is only one mountain in the
whole of the Netherlands: the Sint
Pieter. Walk or ride a bike to the
top and enjoy the rolling Limburg
xploremaastricht-maastricht– or ‘mestreech’– is the olDest city in the netherlanDs. with its meDieval squares, siDewalk cafés, anD wonDerful Boutiques maastricht is a great town for a Day of walking, shopping, anD enjoying an exuBerant meal. check it out!
p. 59 xplore text ties van de werff photo madeleine sars / boudewijn bollmann
countryside and the views over the
City on the Meuse. Along the way
you will find a pancake restaurant, a
beautiful old cemetery, and the villa
owned by the famous Maastricht
musician André Rieu.
4.30pm BooK Hunting
On your way back, be sure to step
into De Tribune. This is the best
bookshop in the Netherlands with
a considerable stock of remainders
in the basement and an extensive
collection of (English-language)
literature, philosophy, poetry and
art books.
5.30pm HappY Hour
After this it will be time for another
drink at a sidewalk café. In the
Medieval Jekerkwartier you will find
two archetypal Mestreech cafés. At
Café de Pieter you can enjoy a drink
or two outside by the city wall. In
the down-to-earth café Tribunal you
can practice the local dialect. Sjiek
and sjoen!
6.30pm Food and drinKs
Eetcafé Sjiek boasts a great outdoor
terrace bordering on the town park
where you can enjoy a fantastic
meal. We recommend the Mestreech
specialty dish ‘zoervleis’ (which is
a type of meat stew). For a more
fashionable and younger atmosphere
you can go to Barsserie Appart. Very
special dishes and lovely cocktails.
8.00pm sit BaCK & rELaX
With six auditoriums and a varied
international programme, Lumière
Cinema is one of the best cinemas,
screening unusual art house films,
themed performances and special
film festivals. An ideal way to end a
relaxed day in Maastricht. You can
check out the website for English
language films or films with English
subtitles.
10.00pm puB CraWL
Maastricht night life strongly
resembles the daytime: relaxed. No
clubs or discotheques, but lots of
great pubs and bars. Take Five is a
bar with crisply designed interiors
where many of the trendy locals and
international students like to hang
around. Good coffee and a jazzy, bo-
hemian atmosphere. Café Zondag is
a little bit more relaxed. Its friendly
staff and great (live) music make
this the perfect relaxed hangout.
… bed and breakfast
In the Jekerkwartier you will find a
small but very romantic hotel. Break-
fast is served in an old beer brewery.
There is a gallery with contemporary
art on the ground floor. Be sure to
make a reservation in time. For those
in search of ‘gezelligheid’ combined
with design, we recommend hotel
Townhouse. Here they serve bread
and bubbly for breakfast.
p. 60xplore
9.00am
➊ rechtstraat
11.00am
➋ Centre Céramique / Plein 1992
from December 2010, the Netherlands
Architecture Institute will once again
be open to the public (currently being
renovated).
12.00pm
➌ Bonnefantenmuseum
Avenue Céramique 250
open tuesdays - Sundays
from 11.00am - 5.00pm.
Admission € 8.00
13.00pm
➍ Vrijthof
2.30pm
➎ kazematten / Waldeckbastion
Guided tours leave daily at 2.30pm from
the waldeckbastion at the end of the
park (advance reservations through the
tourist office via 043-3252121).
Admission € 4.50
3.30pm
➏ sint-Pietersberg hill
Pancake restaurant (on the Luikerweg),
cemetery, and the villa owned by the
famous Maastricht musician André Rieu
(both on the ursulinenweg).
4.30pm
➐ de Tribune / Kapoenstraat 8-10
5.30pm
➑ Café de Pieter / Sint Pieterstraat 22
➒ Café Tribunal / Tongersestraat 1
6.30pm
➑ Café sjiek / Sint Pieterstraat 13
➓ Barsserie appart
Achter de molens 15
8.00pm
lumière Cinema
Bogaardenstraat 40
Check www.lumiere.nl for today’s films.
10.00pm
Take Five / Bredestraat 14
Café Zondag / Wijcker Brugstraat 42
… bed and breakfast
dis hotel / Tafelstraat 28
+31 (0)43 321 54 79
Townhouse / St. Maartenslaan 5
+31 (0)43 321 1111
AINSI
➊
➋
➌
➍
➎
➏
➑
➒➓
➐
KA
Rto
- P
LAN
MA
AS
tRIC
Ht
titelxpatp. 61
Maastricht University Language Centre
Get ahead with languages!the advantage of multilingual skillsDo you speak your client’s language?At the Maastricht University Language Centre, we understand the power of communication. Expressing yourself effectively is crucial when negotiating with your business partners and customers and helps you achieve your goals. In today’s international and rapidly changing environment, language profi ciency is the key to professional and personal success.
For language courses from Arabic to Turkish, Dutch and English at all levels, and all your translation and editing jobs, visit: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/languages
TALENCENTRUM | adv 170x240 X Magazine 2010.indd 1 02-09-10 10:08
let’s go out-an overview of annual events 2010-2011
JANUARY-
new year’s swim
www.nieuwjaarsduikhelmond.nl
Location: anywhere where
there is water, but in any case at
Recreatieplas Berkendonk on the
Raktweg, Helmond.
Date: 1 January 2011.
Description: a splash in the
ice-cold water to launch the
New Year.
Dress code: swimwear.
FEBRUARY-
Valentine’s day
Location: mainly in restaurants,
for instance at Michelin star res-
taurant Bretelli in Weert.
(www.bretelli.nl)
Date: 14 February.
Description: the international
celebration of love. Oysters and
strawberries for couples, and
exciting parties for singles.
Dress code: red.
MARCH-
tefaf (The European Fine Art
Fair)
www.tefaf.com
Location: Maastricht Exhibition
& Congress Centre.
Dates: 18-27 March 2011.
Description: the most important
international arts and antiques
fair in the world. Browsing is an
option, but people come here to
buy priceless works of art.
Dress code: black sunglasses &
MasterCard.
carnaVal
Location: in the town centres
and villages of Noord-Brabant and
Limburg, in the streets and in the
pubs and bars.
Dates: 6-8 March 2011.
Description: originally a Catholic
celebration. Three days of drinking
without worrying about tomorrow,
before the start of Lent.
Dress code: over the top, from
glamour pirates to nuns and pixies.
APRIL-
Queen’s day
Location: lots of activities for
children in the streets and jumble
sales in the Dutch town centres.
Date: 30 April 2011.
Description: bargain hunting at
the flea market and checking out
bands with a drink in your hand in
the afternoon.
Dress code: orange.
MAY -
maastricht theatre city
festiVal
www.maastrichttoneelstad.nl
Location: Vrijthof, Maastricht.
Dates: 7-11 May 2011 in the
evenings.
Description: for those who love
the theatre and for those with a
penchant for drama.
Dress code: smart.
JUNE-
street festiVal
Via Ventosa
www.viaventosa.nl
Location: Vonderweg 1, TAC,
Eindhoven.
Dates: the last week of June.
Description: a free street festival
with surprise performances, art,
and long wooden tables where you
can socialise.
Dress code: flip-flops &
sunglasses.
text ioana stanescu xpert p. 62
Netherlands with countless exhibi-
tions, lectures, and parties.
Dress code: wear black.
NOVEMBER-
glow
www.gloweindhoven.nl
Location: Eindhoven.
Dates: 6-13 November 2010.
Description: a nighttime festival
themed around light, offering a
series of installations at a range of
locations across ‘Lighttown’.
Dress code: single-lens reflex
camera.
strp festiVal
www.strp.nl
Location: Het Klokgebouw,
Eindhoven.
Dates: 18-28 November 2010.
Description: one of the biggest
music, art & technology festivals
in Europe where you can test-
drive the interactive art works on
display.
Dress code: dancing shoes.
DECEMBER-
torchlight procession
www.fakkeltochteindhoven.nl
Location: Wilhelminaplein,
Eindhoven.
Date: 24 December 2010.
Description: a torchlight proces-
sion for tolerance.
Dress code: mittens and a
woollen scarf.
JULY-
fiesta del sol
www.fiesta-del-sol.nl
Location: Eindhoven.
Date: the last weekend of July.
Description: the ultimate street
theatre festival to celebrate sum-
mer and to dance to salsa, Latin,
eighties and jazz music.
Dress code: summer romance.
eXtrema outdoor
www.extrema-outdoor.nl
Location: Aquabest.
Date: the second or third week-
end in July.
Description: dancing on the
beach where the best dance DJ’s
will be laying down their hottest
grooves.
Dress code: rubber boots if the
weather lets you down.
AUGUST-
solar
www.solarweekend.com
Location: Maasplassen,
Roermond.
Date: the first or second weekend
in August.
Description: lying around in the
grass enjoying the bands by the
water for a whole weekend,
splashing along in a boat, or
singing along off key if the fancy
takes you.
Dress code: rubber boots, fanny
pack & sleeping bag.
preuVenemint
www.preuvenemint.nl
Location: Vrijthof, Maastricht.
Date: the last weekend in August.
Description: a four-day upclass
culinary event with beautiful food,
wine and live music.
Dress code: tasteful.
SEPTEMBER-
fluX-s art eVent
www.flux-s.nl
Location: Strijp-S, Eindhoven.
Dates: September 2011.
Description: an international
arts festival in the former Philips
grounds that offers visual art,
new media, music, architecture,
poetry and literature.
Dress code: nonchalant.
flower parade
www.bloemencorso-valkenswaard.nl
Location: market square,
Valkenswaard.
Date: the second Sunday in
September.
Description: cultural entertain-
ment and a parade of floats decked
in flowers (dahlias).
Dress code: flowery.
OCTOBER-
dutch design week
www.dutchdesignweek.nl
Location: Eindhoven.
Dates: 23-31 October 2010.
Description: the biggest and
best-known design event in the
p. 63
xpat p. 64text caroline van schubert photo michiel landeweerd
hello?goodbye!
After a 4-year stay Yedendra Shrinivasan will be leaving the
Netherlands to return to his native India. He has worked at the
University of Technology Eindhoven (TU/e), where he got his PhD in
June. In India Yedendra will go to work for IBM Research. An interes-
ting job, but that is not the only thing he will be looking forward to.
“I will finally be able to enjoy some good food again. The good food
is one of the things I have really missed about India. In 2003 I came
to the Netherlands for the first time to follow a Master’s course at
the University of Twente. I arrived on a Sunday and I still remember
my surprise at seeing absolutely no-one in the streets. The place was
deserted. After 18 months I got my Master’s degree and returned to
India for a year. When I returned to the Netherlands in 2006 to do
my PhD-research I was struck by the same thing. This is something
that is characteristic of the Dutch, this 9-to-5 mentality. It seems as if
public life comes to a halt at five o’clock in the afternoon. The shops
will close; everyone will be leaving for home. I have no idea of what
my colleagues do after five.
I think the pressure of work is quite high in the Netherlands. But the
Dutch can party like no one else. It seems as if they do everything in
the extreme; the whole city will be turned on its head when there is a
party, such as with the Queens’ Day celebrations.
I will miss being able to hop over to other European countries. I have
travelled extensively around Europe. One thing I will certainly not
miss is the food. I have tried everything; from the Indian restaurants
in town to the candy machines. The food over here is not what I was
used to. Still, I will look back fondly on my years over here. The
Netherlands is small, but it is open to many different cultures. Almost
every culture is represented over here. It makes it easier for expats
like me to feel at home.”
name
yedendra b. shriniVasan
age
28
place of Birth
tiruVallur, india
expat experience
phd-research at tu/e
place of resiDence
eindhoVen
future employer
ibm research in india
Duration of stay
18 months + 4 years
p. 65
"the netherlands
is open to
many cultures"
p. 66xpat
Las Palmas
FaroSevilla
Malaga
Alicante
Alghero
Pisa
Rome
Corfu
Malta
SofiaMadrid
Mallorca
Barcelona Pescara
Trapani
Brindisi
Rhodos
Bodrum Antalya
Dalaman
Marseille
Innsbruck
SalzburgBudapest
Belgrado
Katowice
Wroclaw
Warschau
Gdansk
Milan
Porto
Dublin
London
Stockholm
Oslo
Praag
The South of the Netherlands has a great deal to offer, as a region,
but also as a starting point for some great trips. You can reach most
European destinations within just a few hours from the regional
airports. As you can see, they offer plenty of options for a nice
weekend break. For accurate information visit the websites
www.eindhovenairport.nl and www.maa.nl.
fly away -(anD come Back)
ALGHERO ALICANTE ANTALYA BARCELONA GIRONA BARCELONA REUS BUDAPEST DUBLIN FARO GDANSK INNSBRUCK KATOWICE LAS PALMAS LONDON CITY LONDON STANSTED MADRID MALAGA MALTA MARSEILLE MILAN PISA PORTO PRAGUE ROME SALZBURG SEVILLE
SOFIA STOCKHOLM TENERIFE TRAPANI
WARSAW WROCLAW
Destination Europe?
Good accessibilityNearby parkingQuick check-in
eindhovenairport.nl
(Winter 2010/2011)
titel xpat p. 68
Your next jobopportunity in the Brainport region
Find out more: www.brainporttalentregion.com
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