GreenJoy
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August happenings around Haarlem

For anyone staying around Haarlem this August, we picked out a few events and happenings that caught our eye. Don’t forget to follow the guidance and make your reservations (where required) early. As the long summer days and nights continue,…
Sidney Waerts street art Haarlemroyalty free (author's own pic)
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Haarlem’s otherworldly street art by Sidney Waerts

What’s your favourite activity to do when you move to a new city? Mine is to get out and wander around, always opting to take the road less travelled – to not follow the crowds and instead head down the back streets and quirky small lanes…
enjoying liferoyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Lessons learnt since my last birthday

Every year, we celebrate our own birthdays – and what a good opportunity this is to look back and see what has been experienced, discovered and learnt about ourselves in the last year. A birthday is a milestone… an anniversary date…
haarlemroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Things to do around Haarlem during July

As July rolls in, more restrictions are eased and more events will hopefully start happening. From 1 July, many – but not all – places can now welcome more visitors while everyone needs to remember to keep 1.5 metre distance rule and to…
arrivalsroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Revelations of repatriation: 3-step-model to help you prepare

If you live overseas and are considering heading back home after months or years abroad, then this article is vital reading for you. Repatriation can be tough, so read on if you are curious as to why this is, what you can do to prepare and what…
summer wineroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Which wines are the best for warm summer days?

Few things are more refreshing than a perfectly chilled glass of wine on a warm summer day. If you are wondering what the best way is to enjoy wine in high temperatures, here is what you need to know. First of all, don't limit your wine list.…
intuitionroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Following Your Intuition: It Can Lead You to Surprising Places

We often drawn to a place, somewhere that you just feel that spark and you don’t know why. Did you ever land up somewhere on a whim or by accident, only to find it’s the perfect fit for you? Maybe it was an old photo that led you there,…
SUPmission Haarlemrpyalty free (reuse possble, as it is a promo shot)
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SUPmission in Haarlem for World Oceans Day

Through the efforts of five friends and a whole lot of helpers, who all happen to be stand-up paddleboarders (SUP), a clean-up mission was undertaken on the canals of Haarlem on Monday 6 June – coinciding with World Oceans Day. Karen, Kasper,…
bison in netherlandsroyalty free (photo author's own)
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Bison in Haarlem’s backyard

Did you know that there is a herd European bison roaming a stone’s throw from the centre of Haarlem? Next to the largest dune lake of the bison area Kraansvlak in Zuid-Kennermerland National Park, you might have chance to spot them – and,…
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Things to do in Haarlem and beyond during June

The start of June brings with it new possibilities for physical outings to take place. Museums and some cultural institutions have opened their doors from 1 June, keeping in mind the restrictions that come along with that. Be prepared to keep…
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Everyday eco ideas that put the planet first

Taking steps to save the planet can save you money and cost you little effort. You can go about your everyday life and start becoming more eco-focused from today. Going green is not so hard to do – you can change your life by simply making…
Rijksmuseum open 1 June
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Rijksmuseum opens on 1 June

The Rijksmuseum will re-open on 1 June. All visitors need to book a start time, including Friends of the Rijksmuseum or Museum Card holders. This way the visitor can enjoy the art again in a safe way. Daily opening hours Starting 1 June…
Haarlemmers protest for 500 refugee childrenNH Nieuws / Geja Sikma
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Haarlemmers take action for 500 refugee children from the Greek camps #WeesWelkom #500kinderen

A human chain was formed in the Grote Markt on the evening of Thursday 21 May in protest against the cabinet's decision not to take in 500 refugee children from the Greek camps. It is an initiative of two Haarlem friends who no longer want to…
Santorini wineroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Can you drink Santorini in a glass of wine?

You have a piece of stone in the middle of the Aegean sea. Hot, barren, dry and windswept. And you can imagine that there is no way that this stone can give birth to any kind of life. And then you try the wine that its vineyards produce. And…
Keukenhof CastleKeukenhof Gardens
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Keukenhof Castle ready for summer

Now that government measures have been eased somewhat, the Keukenhof Castle estate is accessible again. With the beautiful spring weather and nature in full bloom, everyone can take a lovely walk in the gardens and the forest around Keukenhof…
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10 intriguing ways to stay connected with loved ones abroad

As expats, we are accustomed to finding ways to stay in touch with our friends and family abroad. Here, we share 10 creative and unique ways to stay connected with your loved ones – virtually (online) as well as emotionally (offline). Whoever…
marlou montageroyalty free (interviewee's own pic)
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Creative chats: Q&A with Marlou on seeing the beauty in everyday things

Welcome to our new series of informal chats with creative types! Seeking inspiration and a pop of vibrancy? Then, look no further. Today, we chat to writer, translator and all-round documenter Marlou about how she’s coping during lockdown. It…
drone heartroyalty free
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Beating Heart: drone light show celebrating Dutch freedom

More than 300 drones illuminated the sky in a spectacular light show above Rotterdam on the evening of 5 May, the 75th anniversary of Liberation Day. Watch a video of the show below. Studio Drift created the aerial display as a special…
Liberation
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Liberation Day 2020

Following directly on from Remembrance Day, 5 May is a national day of celebration known as Liberation Day, celebrating the end of Nazi Germany’s occupation during World War II.  Liberation Day is usually celebrated with festivals and events…
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Online creative pursuits for May

People are dealing with our current episode of dormancy in different ways. Some are trying out new activities at home, others just like to watch those people who are being creative and providing the entertainment. Whichever category you fall…
Remembrance
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Remembrance Day without an audience in Haarlem live on NH Nieuws

Remembrance Day on 4 May in Haarlem will be this year be held in an adapted form due to the corona crisis, without any members of the public in attendance. The special commemoration ceremony can be seen live at 16:30 on TV news channel NH Nieuws. Mayor…
Haarlem historyroyalty free (public domain), no attribution required
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10 interesting little factoids about Haarlem’s history

Hello, my fellow quarantined friends! Are you looking for something new to do to occupy yourself in these somewhat dull times? How about some fun reading, to brush up on your history of our beautiful city? As an incorrigible trivia addict,…
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Movie tips where wine is the star of the show

Open your favourite bottle of wine, choose a wine movie from our list, press play and relax. In these weird times we are living, self-isolation does not mean you stop enjoying good food or good wine. Parties have been postponed, restaurants…
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Celebrating King’s Day from Home

It is officially the day the Netherlands turns orange. Flags fly high and everyone adorns orange items of clothing in preparation to honour the King’s birthday. This year all that will still be possible but without the partying on the streets.…
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Classic locked-room mysteries to read during the lockdown

I have always loved locked-room mysteries and since we all seem to be in a locked-room life these days, I thought it might be timely to recommend a few ‘impossible crime’ reads that might help to pass the time. According to Wikipedia,…
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Binge-worthy Netflix shows to discover

During your time of social distancing, why not escape with some of our top picks of binge-worthy Netflix shows? In this time of social distancing, I will also admit that my grand plans of organising the house, learning Dutch and catching…
Taalthuis How to learn Dutch online
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Learn Dutch in the time of corona

In these weird coronavirus-times we are going through, we all have to self-isolate in order to help ourselves and our community. Staying at home might be a good opportunity to brush up your Dutch. Nowadays, there is an increased demand for Dutch…
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Online excursions for April

Yes, we are staying at home for the foreseeable future. Though, we can still remain in touch with the outside world via various channels and take some digital tours thanks to the latest technology. During April, why not schedule time for some…
Van Gogh
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Vincent van Gogh painting stolen from Singer Laren museum

A Van Gogh masterpiece was stolen during a break-in at the Singer Laren museum, in Laren near Hilversum, said museum officials this Monday afternoon. The Singer Laren museum located to the east of Amsterdam had closed its doors earlier in March…
Singer Laren
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Burglary in Singer Laren museum

There was a break-in last night at the Dutch art museum Singer Laren, that is currently closed because of restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. The police cannot say whether the burglars have stolen anything. It…