As of 25 September, we no longer have to stay 1.5 metres from others. The coronavirus entry pass system is being introduced
, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Netherlands to reopen further with coronavirus entry pass

As of 25 September, we no longer have to stay 1.5 metres from others. The coronavirus entry pass system is being introduced for locations that will get busier when the 1.5 metre distancing rule is lifted. You can get a coronavirus entry…
Back to school!Deleece Cook
, , , , , ,

Back to school!

If you’re a parent, you’ll be more than aware that children in Noord-Holland go back to school on Monday 22 August. Maybe you’re even scratching off the days on your calendar ;-) . Change can be difficult for kids and starting at a…
free COVID self-testsDimitri Karastelev
, , , , , , , , , ,

Ordering free COVID self-tests

The Dutch government has announced that between 10 August and 1 September, you can order two free COVID-19 self-tests. Self-testing is an important means of detecting asymptomatic infections. So before going back to work or university after…
Coronavirus vaccinations without appointmentUnsplash
, , , , , , , , , , ,

Coronavirus vaccinations without appointment

Have you not been vaccinated against COVID-19 yet but do you want to? From 17 August 2021, it is possible to go to the vaccination locations in Haarlem and Haarlemmermeer without an appointment for your first corona vaccine dose. As things…
No restrictions for on-site learning but other measures against COVID-19 extendedDaniel Schludi
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No restrictions for on-site learning but other measures against COVID-19 extended

This week saw the 22 millionth dose of vaccine administered. The Netherlands now has high vaccination coverage and the figure is continuing to rise on a daily basis. Nevertheless, a greater increase is still needed. There are still an estimated…
https://unsplash.com/@lukassouza
, , , , , , , ,

Checklist entering or returning to the Netherlands from abroad - August 2021

Good preparation is important for your return trip to the Netherlands. Are you returning to the Netherlands from a yellow EU country on 8 August? Then you need a corona certificate (vaccination, recovery or test proof). Here's the Governments'…
butterfly parks in the netherlands
, , , ,

The butterfly effect: A butterfly can flap its wings in a park in the Netherlands, and you get people visiting it.

The Netherlands with many picturesque cities around its canals and some very beautiful nature destinations, can enchant its travelers with its many different colors. These can come not only from the tulips, but also from the butterflies that…
Organizing Your Wedding In HaarlemPexels
, , , , , , ,

Organizing Your Wedding In Haarlem

Every year, 130,000 people get married in the Netherlands. Haarlem is the perfect place to organize your big day, as you can find everything from the venue to the beautiful flowers right here. You could even get married in the Grote Kerk if…
, ,

A free virtual vacation game. Enjoy!

I just discovered a way to go on virtual vacation and gain some useful knowledge at the same time!
Since June 5th the Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam presents an interactive TikTok-Museum.Solen Feyissa
, , , , , , , , ,

First Tik-Tok-Museum in The Netherlands

Since June 5th the Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam presents an interactive TikTok-Museum. In the museum users of the app can record their videos with about 25 different installations. After the success of the Instagram Experience…
Ikea SYMFONISKIkea
, , , , , , ,

What's that noise coming from the painting?

Imagine you are lying on the couch, thinking about the beauty of life and looking at the beautiful paintings you have in your home. While thinking you dream away in the art, in the colors and in the brushstrokes that are smoothly spread over…
Pentecost 2021 is on the 23th and 24th of June. Here a couple of tips to spend your long weekend.Pexels
, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pentecost 2021 in Holland

Something that intrigued me ever since I first arrived in Holland is the number of Dutch public holidays specifically related to events on the Roman Catholic calendar. It struck me and still does that a fairly non-religious country like the…
summer holiday parks
, ,

Best holiday parks in the Netherlands for an unforgettable summer

Summer holidays are around the corner! If you are already thinking about where to spend the summer break this year, you are going to love these 7 getaways in the Netherlands. There are different accommodations for families in the Netherlands…
Buying a property in today’s housing marketTierra Mallorca
, , , , , , ,

Buying a property in today’s housing market

If you are, or have recently talked to anyone who is, a prospective property buyer, you will know that today’s Dutch housing market really is a sellers’ market. You will then also know that properties are often being sold (well) above the…
This course is meant for children in the age between 8 and 12 to expand their knowledge of Dutch. Both online and face-to-face in Haarlem, starting May 10th.
, , , , , , , , ,

Dutch for Children

This Monday afternoon course is meant for children in the age between 8 and 12 who want to expand their knowledge of Dutch. The interactive course consists of 8 fun and meaningful lessons for children who wish to learn Dutch and communicate…
expatNest social distancing weekend
, ,

So, any plans for this another-social-distancing weekend?

Although it's been a year that we’re practising social distancing, weekends remain important. Yes, the restaurants and bars are closed and we should keep at least 1,5 meters distance from people that don't live in our house, but this doesn't…
kid tantrum cryingroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
, ,

Unruly kids: is it time to embrace the ‘time out’?

Time out is often used to calm children down. It is a controversial method, with both supporters and opponents. This article includes a description of what the ‘time out’ method entails and the advantages and disadvantages that go along…
baby feetroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
, ,

Freebies for newborns in the Netherlands

When your new baby is delivered, this will undoubtedly be the best present ever. Though, did you know that you can get other deliveries – for free – for when you bring your newborn home, if you know where to look? Read on to know what surprises…
Oliebollen, a Dutch New Year's tradition
, , , , ,

Oliebollen, a Dutch New Year's tradition

It is a Dutch tradition to eat 'oliebollen' on New Year's Day. What's that, what's their origin, where to buy the best ones and how to bake them? Here we go... Oliebollen? Oliebollen are a traditional Dutch delicacy eaten during winter.…
candles in the windowroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
, , ,

Christmas from home in Haarlem: shining light on an Irish tradition

Making sure there is a candle flickering in the window is one tradition from home that will be lighting up my festive time in Haarlem this year. It is an Irish tradition, now brought to the Netherlands. Not travelling home for Christmas is…
Ukraine trees with snowroyalty free (reuse possible without attribition, but attribute at the end of the article anyway)
, , ,

Festive Traditions: Ukraine vs the Netherlands

Many expats celebrating the festive season in the Netherlands will also incorporate traditions from home. Sometimes it can be an overwhelming time, especially for kids, and parents need to decide what to celebrate and when, how to accommodate…
Simpel Award Website of the year 2020!Simple
, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Simpel voted Website of the Year 2020

On 26 November, 2020, Simpel was voted the 'Website of the Year 2020' by the Dutch public, making it the overall winner of the 20th edition of this exciting election. The Website of the Year election* is the largest online public award…
booksroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
, , ,

Family sagas my grandmother would have loved to read

The recent passing of my grandmother has made me think of how some of my favourite books depict grandparents and family relations. My grandmother passed away on 6 October 2020. Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, I was not able to go…
primary school abacusroyalty free (re-use possible without attribution)
, , , ,

Choosing a primary school in Haarlem

The process of picking the perfect primary school starts a long time before your child actually heads off for their first day. In the Netherlands, kids start school shortly after turning 4-years old and the application deadline will be 12 months…
coronavirus masksroyalty free (reuse possible with accreditation)
, , , , , ,

Dutch coronavirus response: survey for internationals

A new survey aimed at internationals living in the Netherlands about how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting their daily lives has been issued by ICAP, the International Community Advisory Panel – which is an initiative put together by four…
feeling grateful, giving thanksroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
, , ,

Experiencing gratitude even in tough times

It is mid-November and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. With the trials that 2020 has brought us so far, it has been a tough year – though, maybe we can still take a moment and find something to be grateful for. If you wish to welcome…
Sint Maarten 2020 in HaarlemSven Brandsma
, , , , , , ,

Sint Maarten 2020 in Haarlem

Every year, children sing songs at the door during Sint Maarten on 11 November. This could increase the chance of coronavirus spreading, though the chances are reduced when everyone is careful and follows the guidelines. The celebration can…
helping handsroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
, , , , , ,

Kids who give a helping hand to be honoured: call for nominations!

Haarlem’s very own children’s mayor, Quinten de Lange, is calling for nominations from the city’s residents to nominate Haarlemmers aged between 4 and 12 years for the chance to be rewarded for acts of kindness or dedication they have…
kids jumpingroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
, , , ,

The Netherlands ranked best place to grow up by UNICEF report

According to a recent UNICEF report, Dutch kids come out top in a league table of well-being outcomes across 41 of the world’s richest countries. Though, there is always room for improvement. UNICEF’s Innocenti Report Card 16 – ‘Worlds…