to be continuedroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Funny language flops of an expat

The best way to master a foreign language is to jump in and start interacting with the locals. Sure, you will make mistakes – such as signing off an email with 'friendly vegetables' instead of 'kind regards' (writing groenten instead of groeten),…
Beverwijk Bazaar open or partly closed?falco via Pixabay
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Concerns about coronavirus measures at Beverwijk Bazaar

The Veiligheidsregio Kennemerland (Kennemerland Region Security Organisation) has decided to close three halls that are part of the Beverwijk Bazaar, Hall 30 to Hall 33, for two weeks. However, Bazaar Beverwijk entrepreneurs refuse to close…
No ice skating in the summer in Haarlem anymoreIjsbaan Haarlem
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Summer ice skating causes environmental concerns

Friends of the Earth Netherlands called on the municipality of Haarlem to close the rink as soon as possible and let the ice melt. It sounded like a charming idea. Enjoy skating in the summer, on the semi-covered ice rink in Haarlem. However,…
You don't believe it: the rent in Haarlem drops
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You won't believe it: the rent in Haarlem drops

It is hard to believe, but it is true: the rent per square metre in the free sector fell in Haarlem in the second quarter of this year, according to figures from NVM Makelaars. Earlier this year, all the way back in February, the average…
Thermometers, hand gel, ordering by phone and long rows of chairs: this is what the sit down edition of Haarlem Jazz & More looks like this year.
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Haarlem Jazz Sit-Down Edition: thermometers, hand gel and long rows of chairs

Thermometers, hand gel, ordering by phone and long rows of chairs: this is what the sit-down edition of Haarlem Jazz & More looks like this year. Haarlem Jazz & More is a unique multi-day event in the old town of Haarlem. Due…
Haarlem wine storeroyalty free (image provided by the store owner; can use without attribution)
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New store in Haarlem gives a ‘sense of place’ to great tasting wine!

After Markus Praat spent 6 months managing a wine store in Brooklyn, he decided to bring some Brooklyn air back to Haarlem. Now, he has opened a new, truly cosy and welcoming wine store that does things differently: selling honest products in…
Schools start again in North HollandVeilig Verkeer Nederland
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Schools start again in North Holland

The primary schools will start again on Monday 17 August. This means that many children go to school by bicycle and on foot. Coinciding with the opening of primary schools after the summer break, the Veilig Verkeer Nederland (VVN) (National…
Testing centre at Schiphol Airport open from this week
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Testing centre at Schiphol Airport open from this week

A testing centre at Schiphol Airport opened on Friday 14 August. This is where travellers returning from high-risk areas can get themselves tested. Read about what that involves. By getting yourself tested for COVID-19 at Schiphol,…
Info face masks mandatory in parts of AmsterdamCity of Amsterdam
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Face masks mandatory in parts of Amsterdam

Since Wednesday 5 August, it has been mandatory for anyone the age of 13 and above to wear a non-medical face mask in parts of Amsterdam city centre. These designated areas have been selected due to there being limited space and where it…
broken heart stroopwaffelroyalty free (reuse possible wihtout attribution)
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Saying bye to love: tips for the broken hearted

Coming out of a relationship through a difficult break-up can be tough – especially if you lose love while you are living overseas, many miles away from home. This article has tips to help you deal with the heartache and start the process…
Haarlem porn house unsaleableFunda
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Haarlem porn house unsaleable

The kinky apartment on Gedempte Raamgracht in Haarlem, where artist Willemijn de Lint took care of the interior, turns out to be unsaleable. So she decided to paint everything white. The apartment, with jacuzzi, triple bed and hooks in…
End of heat in sight: showers and thunderstorms and cooler weekendKNMI
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End of heat in sight: showers and thunderstorms and cooler weekend

In a few days, the heatwave that the whole country has been dealing with for a week will end. According to KNMI, after some thunderstorms and rain showers, it will be 'only' 25-28 degrees from Friday.  Today was another hot day in the…
Refilling water bottle more dirty than licking toilet seatPhoto by Kate Joie on Unsplash
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Refilling water bottle more dirty than licking toilet seat

While reusing water bottles is good for the environment, it may not be as good for us. Research has shown that recycled water bottles can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat. For the study, water bottles of athletes were tested to…
wild swimmingroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Lake swimming: Haarlem’s natural watering holes

When the temperatures soar, what a better way to keep cool than going for a swim surrounded by nature? Haarlem has lots of natural swimming spots nearby where you can take a dip. with Which lakes are you permitted to swim in though? We share…
There is recurrent car vandalism in the Vijfhoek in Haarlem. Local Municipality and Police are aware of the situation but do nothing. The citizens pay the fee of this uncontrolled vandalism.
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Car vandalism in the Vijfhoek

Last Friday morning my car was damaged in de Vijfhoek. The perpetrator has fled. Local residents say that trucks very regularly do not easily make the bend in the Gedempte Raamgracht, damage a car and flee. The Municipality of Haarlem and the…
The Netherlands officially has the first national heat wave of the yearGerd Altmann via Pixabay
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First official national heat wave of the year

The Netherlands officially has the first national heat wave of the year. Around 10 a.m. a temperature of 25 degrees was measured in De Bilt. To be classed as a nationwide heatwave, the De Bilt weather station must record a five-day period…
windmill reflectionroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Reflecting on my first year in the Netherlands

The first year as an expat in the Netherlands brings a roller coaster of emotions. Throw in a global pandemic and family issues and you have quite a year to reflect on. One year ago, my family landed in Amsterdam from America to start…
Million building in Droste factory for saleAfbeelding van Jori Samonen via Pixabay
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Million building in Droste factory for sale

In the old Haarlem Droste factory, there is an apartment is for sale for 2.1 million euros. Although such amounts are more common in a city such as Amsterdam, they are quite unusual in Haarlem. In this case the price could be explained…
Docked Greenjoy Alkmaar boats
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An evening on the water in Alkmaar with Greenjoy

The last Thursday in July was a beautifully sunny summer evening and the perfect time to cruise the canals of Alkmaar on an electric Greenjoy boat. The process for hiring your boat is quick and easy – and as an added bonus for COVID-19 times,…
Connexxion: This weekend extra buses from Haarlem to Zandvoort beachCreative Commons CC0 1.0 Universele Public Domain Dedication
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Connexxion: This weekend extra buses from Haarlem to Zandvoort beach

Connexxion will run more buses this weekend from Haarlem to the beach at Zandvoort. The transport company says that they learned a lesson from last Friday, when it was overcrowded in the buses on the way to the sea. This weekend there…
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,…
covid-19 rise
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We have a rise in COVID-19 infections in the Netherlands, please remember to stay safe

As COVID-19 cases rise, people in the Netherlands seem to act like the virus doesn't exist. Please remember that the first wave of the pandemic has never ended in the Netherlands. Let's make sure we, our families and the people around us are…
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…
Rachel Smets, gain confidenceroyalty free (author's own pic)
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Three secrets to self-confidence

Discover how to boost your confidence to achieve what you want. You can be confident – you just need to know the secrets for how to gain that confidence. Here, we let you in on those secrets. You have no doubt seen it yourself: …
kids timeroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution(
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Spending time with your baby: setting the balance

Motherhood is a juggling act for sure. Best not to get stuck in the ‘mum guilt’ loop or spend too much time asking yourself: how much time should I be spending with my child to be a good mum? You know this nagging feeling when you are spending…
zwembad de houtvaartroyalty free (reuse possible WITH attribution and link)
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Haarlem’s outdoor swimming pool that’s also a national monument

Zwembad de Houtvaart is a treat for swimmers on many levels, thanks to its architecture, history and the fact you can splash around in the open air, come rain or ’shine! During the summer days, what a better treat than to go for a dip…
Greenjoy Boat Renting Summer 2020: Special € 20 Discount for expatsHaarlem readers
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Greenjoy Boat Renting Summer 2020: Special € 20 Discount for expatsHaarlem readers

Wow, it’s amazing.. SUNNY WEATHER IN THE NETHERLANDS! Can you believe it? Why not making the most of it then? The weather forecast seems to be pretty awesome for the coming week! Let's hope even weeks! Are you – like many others – eager…
solar energyroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Haarlemmers to harness the power of the sun with KweekZon

It was announced on 4 July that there will be 700 solar panels installed on the greenhouses of the Haarlemmer Kweektuin. Harlemmers from eligible postcode areas, who don't have space for solar panels on their own homes, can apply to join the…
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…
Dutch safari girafferoyalty free (author's own pic)
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Go on safari 1.5 hours’ drive away from Haarlem

If you opted for a 'staycation' and are looking for ideas of what to do, why not head to Tilburg for an educational outdoor adventure? Go on safari right here in the Netherlands, exploring nature, getting some fresh air and coming face-to-face…