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When the Body Says 'Stop': My Toughest Match Yet. And the deafening silence from the FA.

I could hardly run during the last 15 minutes of the game. I took another big risk, betting against injury—and paid the price. After two weeks of rest, I thought I could manage one more game. Big mistake. My muscle hadn’t recovered. The pain hit in the second half of the U17 game, in the usual spot. This time, it felt as if a truck had rolled over my ankle. I found myself taking awkward steps…

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The Real Santa: Saint Nicholas aka Dutch 'Sinterklaas'

Part 1 A Bit of Sinterklaas History: From Turkish Saint to Dutch Icon If you’ve wandered through Dutch shops in early November, you might have noticed shelves packed with mysterious treats like “pepernoten,” “kruidnoten,” and big chocolate letters. Yes, the Netherlands has clearly dived headfirst into “Sinterklaas season” — a holiday that’s kind of like Christmas but comes with its own quirks,…

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Eat, Celebrate, Repeat: Dutch Christmas & New Year’s Traditions Explained

Towards the end of each year, the Dutch embrace traditions that are all about indulging in seasonal foods and (to put it mildly) “chasing away the old year’s ghosts.” Christmas Treats: The Dutch “Kerststol” A holiday staple in Dutch homes, “kerststol” (often just called “stol”) is a festive sweet bread that’s offered in stores during Christmas (and again at Easter). This delicious loaf is…

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From Canals to Medals: Embracing Dutch Winter Skating

Once temperatures start to drop in the Netherlands, the Dutch feel an unmistakable “itch in their legs”—an urge to head for frozen waters and strap on their skates. Skating has been a traditional winter pastime, once serving as a means of transportation across lakes and canals in the cold season and today bringing enjoyment through both sports and recreation. Natural Ice Skating in the…

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Dutch Bridges: A Journey Through Design, History, and Connection

In the Netherlands, bridges and aquaducts are more than just ways to get from A to B—they’re architectural icons blending function with style and, in some cases, a profound historical legacy. Dutch bridges are distinct, not only in design but also in their role connecting people and places. Whether you’re in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem, Maastricht or in the province Zeeland, Dutch…

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Referee Time-Out: When the Whistle Goes Silent for Healing

After my visit to the physiotherapist last night, I’ve come to a painful but necessary decision: I’m cancelling another game this weekend. Yep, that’s two in a row now. It turns out my calf is still in ‘recovery mode’ after two weeks. The physiotherapist did her magic and found all the famous ‘knots’—you know, the ones that make you feel like your muscles have been twisted into a pretzel. She…

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Wanted on the Field, But Can My Calf Muscle Keep Up?

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to accept this game. After three weeks of recovery from my recurring ankle injury, I finally decided to take the risk—despite my physiotherapist advising against it. I told her it would be the ultimate test. No more long, drawn-out 4-6 week recoveries. This time, it’s three weeks or the final curtain. I recognized the home team. Just four weeks ago, I had reffed one of…

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GLOW Eindhoven 2024

Haven’t you heard of GLOW Eindhoven yet? We think you should join if you have time and opportunity. Let me explain why!This is what the organizers write about it themselves: GLOW is a free-to-attend light art festival in the heart of Eindhoven, illuminating the dark November nights since 2005, taking place November 9-16. GLOW EIndhoven – a city illuminated, demonstrating Eindhoven’s artistic…

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Dutch Architectural Loanwords in English

Ever wonder where English gets some of its most innovative architectural terms? Let’s dive into the Dutch influence on urban planning, design, and engineering – from Golden Age marvels to today’s icons like Rotterdam’s Boijmans Museum Depot! Dutch has had a significant influence on architecture, and some of its architectural loanwords have been adopted in various languages, particularly due to…

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Dutch Culinary Loanwords in English

Tasting the Dutch Influence: Culinary Words You Didn’t Know Came from Dutch When you think of Dutch contributions to the English language, food might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, Dutch culture has left a lasting mark on our kitchens, not just through iconic dishes but also in the words we use to describe them. From hearty comfort foods to spirited beverages, the Dutch have…

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A Perfect Game, A Familiar Injury: Balancing Wins and Setbacks on the Pitch

“Hey, let me shake hands with the best man on the pitch”, the away coach said at the finish of the 3rd division U15 game. A better compliment a ref can’t get—unless both teams were playing poorly, of course. But both U15 teams gave it their best, played very well and finished the match in a 1-1 draw. The away team should actually have scored more goals, but missed several good opportunities.…

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Discovering Innovation: Why You Should Visit Dutch Design Week 2024

If you’re living in the Netherlands as an expat and have an interest in creativity, innovation, or design, Dutch Design Week (DDW) in Eindhoven is an event you don’t want to miss. Running from October 19 to 27, 2024, this yearly event showcases cutting-edge design from the Netherlands and beyond, offering a glimpse into the future of design across industries. According to the organizers, DDW is…

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Dutch Maritime Loanwords in English

Discovering Dutch Through the Sea Dutch has had an extensive impact on global languages, thanks to its history as a seafaring nation and its colonial ventures. Loanwords from Dutch often reflect the practical, everyday life of a society deeply involved in trade, exploration, and the development of infrastructure. The Dutch you already know. If you’re an expat looking to start learning Dutch,…

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Back in the Saddle: A Referee's Journey by Bike and Whistle

In my new refereeing league, I’m now leading lower-tier teams. The games are closer to home, which makes it easier for me to get to matches and spend less time travelling. Last weekend, the Dutch FA assigned me a match just across the river from where I live. It was a short trip—20 minutes by bike, including a ferry ride, or about the same by car using the motorway bridge. I decided to make the…

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From Dissent to Discipline: A Referee's Encounter with Nr. 11

I noticed him right from the first kick-off—the tall, elegant forward, number 11 in the away team. The way he controlled the ball and directed it to either a teammate or towards the goal was remarkable. But from the start, he showed dissent. Even at minor, obvious fouls, he had something to say and always wanted to argue. I spoke to him quietly at first, asking him to stop. After the third…

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Navigating the Dutch Educational System

Moving to the Netherlands with children comes with its own set of challenges, one of the most important being the education system. While the Dutch are proud of their strong educational traditions, recent world rankings have highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly in reading. Still, the Dutch education system remains known for its focus on inclusivity, practical learning, and…

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Loanwords - The Dutch You Could Already Know

The Dutch language has significantly influenced many other languages, including English, French, and German, but also Russian, Bahasa Indonesian and Japanese. This impact isn’t surprising given the close proximity of the first mentioned countries. However, the reach of Dutch extends far beyond its borders due to the Netherlands’ historical economic and maritime power, as well as its colonial…