by Rachel Perry | Children, Children's Activities, Education, Health, Life in Amsterdam, New to Amsterdam
In this country of canals and open water, learning to swim is a necessity. A national swimming programme called Zwem-ABC ensures that children develop sound swimming and water survival skills and covers everything from freestyle to what to do if you fall through the...
by Nicoleta Bridinel | Featured, Home Sweet Home, Neighbourhood Series, New to Amsterdam, Quick Start
A short distance away from the centre of Amsterdam, on the other side of the Ij lies the northern district of the city: Amsterdam Noord, a perfect blend of new and old. Nowadays this part of the city is well connected to the city centre. Depending on where you are...
by Lydia Unsworth | Children, Legal
What’s in a name? While a rose by any other name may smell as sweet, feelings can run deep around surnames and laws can sometimes be surprising. Fortunately, Lydia Unsworth is here to share her experience navigating the somewhat tricky process of...
by Ruth Oei-Abraham | Bicycling, Book Reviews, Life in Amsterdam, New to Amsterdam
Ruth Oei-Abraham shares her review of the book Learn to Cycle in Amsterdam, a guide to the most practised activity in The Netherlands. Neuroscientist and author Xing Chen (pictured at left) grew up in Singapore and lived in the US and the UK before moving...
by Lana Huf-Germain | Bicycling, Life in Amsterdam, New to Amsterdam
If you’re a parent in Amsterdam, you’re going to want to do what the locals do and transport your children by bike. Whether you’re a mama or a papa you’re going to need what is known in this country as a moederfiets, or...