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World Cleanup Day is a civic movement, uniting 180 countries and millions of people across the world to clean up the planet. In one day. This year it takes place on 20 March 2021.
During this day people throughout the Netherlands will try to pick up as much litter and rubbish as possible in public spaces.
Will you join in?
Ouwehands Dierenpark in Rhenen is the only zoo in the Netherlands that has giant pandas. The two pandas, Wu Wen and Xing Ya, have been on loan from China since 2017. Back in January, the two pandas mated for the first time and it has been an anxious wait to find out if a baby panda was on its way.
All that waiting ended in celebration when, on May 1st 2020, Wu Wen gave birth to a baby panda cub.
Continue reading “Panda cub born in Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen”
On April 27th the Dutch celebrate King’s Day (‘Koningsdag’). It celebrates the king’s birthday and all things Dutch. Usually the streets are decked out in orange bunting, with street markets and entertainment, but this year, due to social distancing measures, we have to celebrate Kings Day from home. And how better to do it than a national sing-along!
Continue reading “Sing the Dutch national anthem this Kings Day”
Following on our series of Dutch snack bar options, today were are going to look at what you get if you order a hamburger. And also all the variations you may be able to order, so you get the burger you were hoping for.
Continue reading “Dutch Snack bar: Hamburger”
You may have heard about it from colleagues, or via the news, but here is a full break down of the new speed limit that will come into effect in March.
From mid-March 2020 new road rules will come into effect on Dutch motorways where currently the speed limit is 120 or 130 kilometres per hour. On these roads, between the hours of 6am and 7pm, a new reduced maximum speed limit of 100 kilometre per hour will be in effect.
Continue reading “Step on the brakes! Reduced speed limits!”
Connect International organises various events and activities every month to give international residents a sense of community, to help them better understand the Dutch culture, to find their way in their daily lives in the northern Netherlands and simply to have fun. So come and try out some of the Connect International clubs and events.
Continue reading “Enjoy 2020 with Connect International”
From 1 July 2019 it will be illegal in the Netherlands to hold your mobile phone in your hand while cycling, so be warned!
Calling, texting, WhatsApp, navigation, playing Pokémon Go, listening to music or just holding your phone in your hand to check the time will land you a €90 fine.
Continue reading “Don’t text and cycle!”
Following on the series, we are taking a look at another popular favourite from a Dutch snackbar, the nasischijf and bamischijf. These are two different snacks, but share many similarities.
Continue reading “Dutch Snackbar: Nasischijf and Bamischijf”
There are almost 360 species of wild bees in the Netherlands, with half of all bee species being listed as endangered. ‘Nederland Zoemt Bijentelling’ is a national action to count the number of bees on the weekend 13 – 14 April 2019.
Continue reading “National Bee Count 13 – 14 April”
When you celebrate your 50th birthday in the Netherlands, the Dutch refer to this as ‘meeting Abraham’ if you are male, or ‘meeting Sarah’ if you are female. It is a tradition that honours a person gaining wisdom through experience. It is a major birthday that many look forward to and a cause for a great party.
Continue reading “Seeing Abraham & Sarah”