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…
New wine bar Zuid Noord
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A new gezellig wine bar and bistro in the centre of Haarlem!

Pavle Jovanović from Serbia, has taken a brave step and opened a new Natuurwijnbar & Bistro, at Kleine Houtstraat 105zw in Haarlem, immediately after the loosening of the coronavirus restrictions. Zuid Noord offers a delicious list of Natural…
haarlemroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Things to do around Haarlem during July

As July rolls in, more restrictions are eased and more events will hopefully start happening. From 1 July, many – but not all – places can now welcome more visitors while everyone needs to remember to keep 1.5 metre distance rule and to…
Rachel Smetsroyalty free (author's own pic)
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Overcome self-doubt and stop your inner critic

How to stop the negative self-talk. Learn how to stop your inner critic. Your thoughts create your reality. We need to stop telling ourselves: I'm not good enough. I will never succeed. Self-doubt and self-talk will hold you…
cyclingroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Get on Your Bike for Rondje Haarlem: The Most Stunning Cycle Route

Hey you! Are you, like me, feeling the wanderlust growing as days pass by? Have you, too, reached that uncomfortable point, where you really need to get out and about for some kind of adventure, even if just for an afternoon, but don’t quite…
News: Swimming in Spaarne dangerous & forbidden
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Police warns against swimming in the Spaarne: fine €140

With such a good weather, the police has seen people swimming in the Spaarne. This is dangerous and forbidden. The following days will still be nice and warm and the Haarlem police announced that they will constantly patrol the Spaarne with…
wind farmroyalty free (resuse possible withput attribution)
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Dutch renewable energy consumption is increasing – but is it fast enough?

According to a recent report released in early June by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the usage of green energy increased by 16% in 2019 relative to the previous year across all renewable sources. However, this only accounted for 8.6% of the…
arrivalsroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Revelations of repatriation: 3-step-model to help you prepare

If you live overseas and are considering heading back home after months or years abroad, then this article is vital reading for you. Repatriation can be tough, so read on if you are curious as to why this is, what you can do to prepare and what…
summer wineroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Which wines are the best for warm summer days?

Few things are more refreshing than a perfectly chilled glass of wine on a warm summer day. If you are wondering what the best way is to enjoy wine in high temperatures, here is what you need to know. First of all, don't limit your wine list.…
intuitionroyalty free (reuse possible without attribution)
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Following Your Intuition: It Can Lead You to Surprising Places

We often drawn to a place, somewhere that you just feel that spark and you don’t know why. Did you ever land up somewhere on a whim or by accident, only to find it’s the perfect fit for you? Maybe it was an old photo that led you there,…
SUPmission Haarlemrpyalty free (reuse possble, as it is a promo shot)
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SUPmission in Haarlem for World Oceans Day

Through the efforts of five friends and a whole lot of helpers, who all happen to be stand-up paddleboarders (SUP), a clean-up mission was undertaken on the canals of Haarlem on Monday 6 June – coinciding with World Oceans Day. Karen, Kasper,…
bison in netherlandsroyalty free (photo author's own)
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Bison in Haarlem’s backyard

Did you know that there is a herd European bison roaming a stone’s throw from the centre of Haarlem? Next to the largest dune lake of the bison area Kraansvlak in Zuid-Kennermerland National Park, you might have chance to spot them – and,…