57 connections feb2015

Connect International serves the international community in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe.

Attention Writers!Enjoy Writing?The Connections Newsletter is seeking volunteer writers who enjoy writing on a theme, informative articles, or opinions they want to share. Interested? Contact us [email protected]

2 Connections #57

Supported by an international staff and Board of Directors, we provide quality relocation services and practical information to help familiarize international residents with all aspects of living, working or studying in the Northern Netherlands, as well as organizing events and activities to make connections.

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Connect International would like to welcome the following new members: Lisa Vos,Rodrigo Soares Guimaraes,Aida Rodriguez Lopez,Mr. Tero Karstikko & Mrs. Satu Karstikko

Welcome New Members!Serv ices :

Jo in Us !You can register to become a Connect International member via our website. For a small yearly fee, you receive the Connections e-magazine newsletter delivered directly to your email inbox, you have access to the Connect International community through organized events, you can ask us any questions you may have and much more.

Visit: www.connect-int.org

● Immigration services● Home search & set-up● Social events, activities & clubs● Career services● Business events● Books & guides● Knowledge database

Connect International

Contact : Publ ica t ion Team:Connect International office:Gedemte Zuiderdiep 98, GroningenPostbus 16, 9700 AA GroningenTelephone: 050 7440087Email: [email protected]: www.connect-int.org

Publisher: Stephanie Fermor-PoortmanAssistant Editor: Margaret MetsalaContributers to this issue: Stephanie Fermor-Poortman, Alexandra van den Doel, Jennifer Bauch, Carol Nieuwland-Goss & Lori McKinney.

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Everything you need to make yourself at home in the Netherlands

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3 Connections #57 Connect International

FebruaryCalendar

February 2015


Primary Education & Secondary Education SchoolsBasisonderwijs & Voortgezet onderwijs

North Netherlands 21 Feb 2015 t/m 1 March 2015 Week 9

Mid-Netherlands 21 Feb 2015 t/m 1 March 2015 Week 9

South Netherlands 14 Feb 2015 t/m 22 Feb 2015 Week 8

School Spring Holiday Dates

FebruaryEvents

International Coffee Morning Groningen Date: 20 February 2015 @ 10:30 hrsLocation: @ La Place, V&D

Parents Coffee Time Date: 24 February 2015 @ 10:00 hrsLocation: Ebbingekeet, Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 81

Coffee in Leeuwarden Date: 27 February 2015 @ 10:30 hrsLocation: Brasserie & bar The Globe, Heliconweg 52, Leeuwarden

MarchParents Coffee Time Date: 3 March 2015 @ 10:00 hrsLocation: Ebbingekeet, Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 81

Writer's Circle Date: 4 March 2015 @ 19:30 hrs

International Coffee Morning Groningen Date: 6 March 2015 @ 10:30 hrsLocation: @ La Place, V&D

Wall Climbing Date: 8 March 2015 @ 15:30 hrsLocation: Klimcentrum Bjoeks

Upcoming Events in Groningen, Friesland & DrentheParents Coffee Time Date: 3 February 2015 @ 10:00 hrsLocation: Ebbingekeet, Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 81

Writer's Circle Date: 4 February 2015 @ 19:30 hrsLocation: @ Karen's house

Culinary Connect: Baking Crêpes with Adéline Date: 5 February 2015 @ 11:00 hrsLocation: @ Adéline's house

International Coffee Morning Groningen Date: 6 February 2015 @ 10:30 hrsLocation: @ La Place, V&D

Parents Coffee Time Date: 10 February 2015 @ 10:00 hrsLocation: Ebbingekeet, Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 81

Book Club Date: 11 February 2015 @ 19:30 hrs

Coffee in Leeuwarden Date: 13 February 2015 @ 10:30 hrsLocation: Brasserie & bar The Globe, Heliconweg 52, Leeuwarden

Parents Coffee Time Date: 17 February 2015 @ 10:00 hrsLocation: Ebbingekeet, Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 815 Connections #57 Connect International

DutchCulture

If you have been in the Netherlands for a while, you will have most likely already faced that awkward moment when a close Dutch friend or relative will try to kiss you. If it has not yet happened to you, then take this moment to prepare yourself.

The Dutch Three Kiss Rule

In the Netherlands, it is typical for Dutch people to greet each other with three kisses on alternate cheeks and also when saying goodbye. For many expats, it can all seem a bit shocking and awkward. But if you wish to truly become integrated into the Dutch culture, this is a valuable lesson to learn, the who, when and how to implement the Dutch three kiss rule.

Who should I be kissing?This isn't always straight forward because it depends on how familiar you are with someone. Usually the three kiss greeting is reserved for close friends and family, but it also depends on your gender. Ladies can expect to kiss and be kissed by everyone, men, women and children. While men on the other hand really ever need to cheek 6 Connections #57 Connect International

by Stephanie Fermor-Poortman

kiss women, a firm handshake will do for greeting other men, with the exception of direct family.

When do I have to kiss people?Once the three kiss rule has occurred between you and a friend or family member you can expect it to continue for the rest of your life. As I mentioned before, you will often do the three kisses when you meet the person, and again when you say goodbye.Also be warned, if you are attending one of those Dutch birthday circle parties you can expect to kiss and be kissed repeatedly throughout the evening as friends and family members arrive and leave. And to make it more complicated you have to wish them 'gefeliciteerd' in between the kisses.

How do I kiss?Well I won’t be going into detail about all the ways you can kiss, but at least for the Dutch three kiss rule you have two ways: left, right, left or right, left, right. How do you know which one to do? It is hard to say. Typically it is left, right, left, but it is always good to watch body language to check you are going for the correct cheek first, else this already awkward social moment might become a whole lot more intimate. The

DutchCulture


kisses also don't need to be full on lip smooching cheek motion, you can just pass your face from one cheek to the other and make fake air kisses instead.

What to do when it all goes wrong!?!It is inevitable that at some point it will all go wrong. Either you accidentally make lip contact when going for the wrong cheek, or you miss read the signals all together and the other person was only going for a hug or handshake. The important thing to remember is to try and not get too flummoxed and laugh it off instead; even the Dutch sometimes mess up the three kiss rule.

So whether you already went through it, or are still waiting for your first Dutch three kisses, you

can now be prepared and ready for it. Good luck!

Places to go Things to see


Elburg is a small walled city in Gelderland (1 hour and 15 mins car travel from Amsterdam, 1 - 1½ hours from Assen/ Groningen, 1 hour 20 mins from Leeuwarden, plus there is ample parking right outside the city walls, by both the East Gate and the West Gate. The Nearest train station is ‘t Harde, which is a 15 minute bus ride from Elburg.

Days out: Elburg

Elburg has a beautiful 14th century church (Nicolaaskerk or Grote Kerk), several museums, including a Jewish Schul and a fish auction house and lots of historic houses to feast the eye on. However, Elburg is primarily a place for

by Alexandra van den Doel

old town ramparts and see the town from a different angle as well as enjoying the landscape, seeing the residential area and the old Jewish cemetery. Alternatively, take a stroll around the marina, with its beautiful wooden sailing boats as well as small yachts. Take a break at one of the eating/drinking establishments (prices and styles vary, so choose something that suits your palate and wallet) and watch the world go by. Do some shopping or visit a museum and if you have a car, take some time to explore the surrounding countryside.

It’s a good place to meet up with your (ex-pat) friends from around the Netherlands as it is fairly central and a lovely little experience.

people watching from the comfort of one of the many cafés and teahouses, bistros or restaurants. Or being watched, as people stride up and down the main street wearing clothes from the little boutiques that are dotted around.

Elburg is very much a town for “gezellig een dagje uit” with friends or family. Take a walk around the outside along the

InformationCenter


Upcoming Workshop


A crêpe is a type of very thin pancake made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour. Its origin is French and the word is deriving from the Latin crispa, meaning ‘curled’. The crêpe was born in Brittany, the northwest region of France and is cherished all over France. Another name for crêpe is galette (when made from buckwheat flour - meaning flat cakes). Not only France has the privilege to savour crêpes. It is also popular in Quebec, Belgium and many other parts of Europe as well as in North Africa.

Le Jour de Crêpes

Crêpes are made by pouring a thin liquid batter onto a flat circular hot plate. Once the batter is spread evenly on the hot plate and folded with an offset spatula when ready.

You can make very plain crêpes for example with only sugar/syrup/ chocolate sauce or fancy ones with toppings like fruit or vegetables, just let your imagination run wild.

by Jennifer Bauch

On Candlemas Day (La Chandeleur), 2nd February, crêpes are traditionally served in France. This day is the virgin Mary’s blessing day and now also known as “Le Jour de Crêpes” (the day of the crêpes). There is also the belief that if you could catch the crêpe with a frying pan after you flipped it in the air with one hand and while holding a gold coin in your other hand, you would make a fortune that year.

In the U.K. there is a saying that “If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, the winter will have another bite. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter is gone and will not come again.”

In America Candlemas Day coincides with Groundhog Day. When the Groundhog crawls out of his winter quarters and sees his shadow he retreats for another 6 weeks. If the sky is cloudy, the Groundhog remains out and enjoys the moderate weather. In the USA the crepe is named ‘griddlecakes or ‘johnnycakes’, which were served by the Native Americans to the early settlers.

The Italians consider “La Candelora” (Candlemas Day) as the last cold day of the winter. The crêpe is refered to as

Upcoming Workshop


‘crespelle’.

Other countries have also created their personalized version of the crêpe. In the Netherlands you will find ‘pannenkoeken’, Hungarians call it ‘palacsintas’. While the Jewish have ‘blintzes’, Scandinavian refer to it as ‘plattars’, the Russian use ‘blini’, and the Greek have ‘kreps’. In South India a crêpe is made of fermented rice batter and then it turns into a ‘dosa’. Many varieties to taste!!!!

To learn how to make traditional sweet and savoury Crêpes come along to the Connect Workshop in February, hosted by our french member, Adéline Chipaux.

Information Center


In the Netherlands there are various forms of toeslagen: zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag, kinderopvangtoeslag and kindgebonden budget. Basically, any toeslag is an allowance you can apply for from the Dutch government to help cover living costs such as rent, health insurance, childcare etc. How much you are entitled to depends on your income and living arrangements. Many expats are not aware they can apply for toeslagen; for a long time I wasn't either.

Toeslagen – What is it?by Stephanie Fermor-Poortman

My StoryI came to the Netherlands without a job lined up, I was living month to month, struggling to pay my rent, health insurance payments etc. I was unfortunately under the impression that, because I wasn't Dutch, I was not entitled to any help from the Dutch government. This thought was reinforced after I contacted the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office) and had been told that because I did not have a Dutch residence permit (something not required of me since I am from the UK) I could not apply for any help. It was not until a few years later that, through Connect, I learnt the truth: that I was entitled to some financial help.

Information Center


With the help of a friend I was able to apply for zorgtoeslag (health insurance allowance) and huurtoeslag (rent allowance). I was on a low income so received the full amount, which at the time was around €400 a month, and that payment took a huge strain off my monthly finances. I was also able to apply for toeslag from previous years, retroactively.

What can you apply for?There are four types of toeslag: - Zorgtoeslag (health allowance) - Huurtoeslag (rent allowance) - Kinderopvangtoeslag (child care allowance) - Kindgebonden budget (child allowance) What are you entitled to?The requirements for each toeslag vary and change from year to year, so for an accurate estimate I would advise visiting the Belastingdienst website, www.toeslagen.nl. Here they have a form you can fill in for an estimate of what you would be entitled to. The form is in Dutch, and if you find it difficult you can contact Connect International and we can try to help you fill it in.

Generally however, you can apply for toeslag if you are a Dutch national, from a EU country or have a residence permit. The amount you are entitled to depends on your income and assets, and is different

if you are single or if you have an allowance partner (note: just because you are not married, does not mean your partner will not count as your allowance partner, check the Belastingdienst website for more info).

Toeslagen is paid out in advance. At the end of the year (once you have submitted your inkomstbelasting) the belastingdienst will check how much toeslagen you were entitled to. If your estimated income was lower than your actual income you will receive a bill to pay back the over paid toeslagen, and if you over estimated your income you will receive an extra payment.



There is a quote from Mark Twain that says, “The clothes make the man.” I would tend to agree. After all, don’t you tend to stand a little taller and a little more fabulous when you’re dressed up and ready to seize the day you’ve been given?

Bunzlau Castle Polish Potteryby Lori McKinney

If we apply that same logic to great food- then the ‘clothes’, or in this case the container in which it is baked and served in, definitely adds a little extra spark of flavor and beauty to the dish. I’ll be the first to admit- I have a love for beautiful baking and serving dishes. Combine that with delicious food, made with love, plus fantastic company, and you’ve got yourself a party in the making.

My love affair with Bunzlau Castle Polish pottery began around two years ago when I friend gave me a piece as a gift. I had admired her pieces over the years, but I had never ‘owned’ any until then. The quality and beauty was unlike anything I owned, and our budding relationship began.

Bunzlau Castle pottery has been around in Poland for centuries, and has been used throughout the years by Kings and Queens throughout Europe. The colorful patterns are hand painted by brushes or sponges, and then after the second glazing are fired in an oven with temperatures above 1300 degrees Celsius. This results in very strong and durable pieces, which are conventional oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.



The generous people at Bunzlau Castle open their doors in Nijkerk on specific dates for expats. This offers us the opportunity to visit and shop for beautiful pieces of pottery for our homes, or even as gifts. I had the opportunity to go last year for the first time, and found some gorgeous pieces to add to my collection, plus purchased a few gifts as well.

Below are the open dates for 2015, and also the address and website information for Bunzlau Castle.

Contact Details:http://en.bunzlaucastle.com/Ohmstraat 18a, 3861 NB NijkerkTel.: 033 253 35 90

Hope to bump into some of you when I’m there. If I do- I’ll be sure to say Hi. Enjoy!

Open days 2015Feb – 6 & 27 March – 6, 13 & 27April – 10 & 24 May – 8, 22 & 29June – 5 & 19 July – 3, 17 & 31

There is also about 200 retail outlets where you can also purchase the pottery at in the Netherlands.

Food for Thought

What’s Red Got To Do With It?

Do you sometimes find yourself thinking in colors? Well, you’re not alone, we do too. There is something very logical, comforting and creative when a color-scheme can pull things together with a flourish. February, with a nod to Valentine’s Day, favors red for all obvious reasons: warmth through the cold winter days, a happy burst of color when skies are grey and rainy, and of course, keeping one’s heart healthy with great food & a love for life.

Follow your heart! Trust your intuition, when something calls, pay attention and listen. It may be something you least expect, you may have been waiting for it for a long time. No matter what, follow your heart as it will never steer you wrong.

Tip of the Month

As winter ambles along through the season, it can become challenging to spruce up our meals colorfully and healthfully. We’re also aware of eating lighter meals post-holidays while taking care to include the vitamins and nutrients that our bodies need to stay warm and energized. We’ve compiled a list of heart-healthy red foods for you all to add to your menus and spark up the table. Do note that these are not only intended for February but for year-round pleasure for the happy

palate! Buying seasonal is not only being financially savvy, it is also the best way to enjoy foods at their prime. If you have time and desire, give thought to ways of stretching a favorite fruit or vegetable to enjoy during another season. For example, canning summer fruits means you’ll be enjoying your summer harvest on a snowy day in winter. Simply bagging up fresh summer blueberries in small plastic bags and tucking into the freezer will put a huge smile on your face when you go to make a banana-blueberry smoothie on another wintry day. Think outside the season and creatively stretch your favorites through the year. Here are our favorite heart-healthy red foods we want to share with you: rhubarb, beets, tomatoes, red onions, raspberries, strawberries, cherries,


by Carol Nieuwland-Goss & Lori McKinney

Food for Thought

watermelon, pomegranates, red apples, cranberries, red-skinned potatoes and red paprika. And oh yes, while it may not be the color red – we can attest that eating dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) is very healthy for the heart!

We’re including a fun and easy recipe for frozen strawberry yoghurt pops on a cold day: - 2 cups frozen strawberries; - One-quarter cup greek yoghurt; - 1 ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice; - 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla. Combine all ingredients in a blender, puree till smooth. Pour into pop molds and freeze until solid. Feel free to use other frozen fruits as well, whatever tickles your fancy and enjoy!

Extra special perk this time, a snapshot of some beautiful mason jars that can be used in so many wonderful ways! Check out the website & get inspired: www.MasonMadness.com


together, something we started thinking about a year ago, but didn’t leap with the idea at that time. We’ll keep you posted so you know where to find us. We have very much enjoyed creating the Foodie Column for you all, and wish you all much fun and joy as you continue on your own foodie adventures! As the photo suggests, treat yourself to a slice of cake while enjoying an afternoon break most deliciously! Until we meet again,

And on that note, this is our last Foodie Column for Connect International. Following our own hearts, we are plotting *something new* to create

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57 connections feb2015

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