Having spent all 23 years of my life in South Africa — often dubbed the world’s rape capital — reading that the Leiden man who raped and assaulted students was slapped with only a four-year sentence is devastating.
Not only is Amsterdam at the forefront of international tourism with famous museums like Van Gogh and Anne Frank’s House, but it seems that this city is also the vanguard of pollution-tackling innovation. Here’s all you need to know about the world’s first rubbish barrier made of bubbles — located in an Amsterdam canal!
Having spent more time indoors in response to the coronavirus measures, the Dutch, like the rest of the world, have naturally had some extra time on their hands. It is no surprise, then, that certain Google searches, questions and trends have dominated the internet during this bizarre year.
Reading lets you travel during a time of travel bans and allows you to meet exciting new people, regardless of social distancing. Seeing as lockdown in the Netherlands has been extended to the 9th February, and a curfew will be in place as of tomorrow night, what better way to escape the pandemic than through some Dutch literature?
As the leading organisation for the performing arts, the Dutch National Opera & Ballet is an internationally appreciated institute and a true cornerstone of Dutch culture. Without being able to fill the auditorium or encourage visits to performances, it is easy to assume the institution is facing tough times. This is not the case, however.
When talking of sex — and the Dutch do that a lot! — one cannot ignore the practice of safe sex, consent and open-mindedness. It is no wonder, then, that the first speciality condom shop in the world originated in… you guessed it! Amsterdam!
While the whole world still holds its breath in the hope that 2021 will see the return to “normal” life, Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde is lighting the way to an artistic future of sustainable living.
Lockdown, winter weather, and windmills: these are the words that come to mind of late when one thinks of the Netherlands. This small country normally conjures images of tulips, Amsterdam’s cannabis scene and, of course, Dutch art masters.
As home to many Dutch Art Master’s collections, and situated in the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural district, the Rijksmuseum is once again at the forefront of the art world with its latest endeavour to display works by women artists in its central “Gallery of Honour.”
How many people does it take to steal an invaluable Van Gogh painting? Just one, apparently. A 58-year old suspect has been arrested in relation to the recent theft of two paintings, one of which being an early Van Gogh.