As I write this blog, the finals have taken place and the Games are over. Only the closing ceremony remains this evening. How quickly those two weeks have passed. The Netherlands has won so many medals. 20 in total...
As Easter rolls around the corner again, old traditions associated with this Christian holiday surface. Think of the phenomenon of painting eggs and then hiding them somewhere. Also the Easter Bunny, the animal that is supposed...
In 2024, the Universal Postal Union turns 150. Founded in 1874, 192 countries are now members of the UPU. Time for a grand celebration of philately with a tsunami of issues for the 150th anniversary. Just like in 1949 (75...
For centuries, forts, bunkers, fortifications, and lines ensured the defense of our country. Together, they form the defense heritage of the Netherlands. On April 20 and 21, 2024, hundreds of fascinating structures will be opened to the public. A brand-new event! From Den Helder to Maastricht...
It has turned into an anniversary blog once again, and this time about our national pride: Heineken. On a terrace, I was served a Heineken coaster with the text 'EST. 1873' with my beer. But in 2014, there was already a special sheet with...
The Olympic Games of music kick off in Liverpool on May 9, 2023 (67th edition) with the semi-final. Featuring, among others, our entry by Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper with 'Burning Daylight'. Much has been said about the first performances...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Finland on May 3, 2023. He is attending an unannounced meeting of Northern European leaders there regarding the war in Ukraine. Among others, he speaks with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto about...
We discuss the King's second year in this blog. The King loves sports and is often present as a supporter during the Olympic Games and the World Cup with his wife. 2014 is the year with many highlights (Winter Games and the World Cup...
Every year on June 20, the world celebrates World Refugee Day. This year, the focus is on the right to seek safety. Every human being has the right to seek safety – whoever they are, wherever they come from...
The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) suspends Russia as a member, meaning Russia cannot participate in the 66th Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin. The Russian broadcasters VGTRK, C1R, and RDO have also been suspended by the EBU, meaning that for the time being there are no...
The invasion was launched by Russia. The armies (army, air force, navy) of Russia and Ukraine face each other, one as aggressor and the other as defender. But we are talking about the battle between David and Goliath. The armies...
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, placing the two countries at war with each other. A clear example of cross-border behavior by President Putin. The actors in this war will be discussed in a number of blogs. Ukraine is...
It is almost over, a month of EURO 2020 on television. It is a shame that the Dutch national team was eliminated early. The tournament was played in 11 countries, a first for UEFA to involve so many countries in the...
Finally, we get to participate in a major tournament again. We have had to wait seven years. The last time was the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. There we finished 3rd by beating Brazil 3-0 under coach Louis van Gaal....
Spring is almost over already (from March 20 or 21 to June 20 or 21). First the weather was too cold, and now the sun is shining brightly this week. From June 5, the Netherlands is opening up again after a long time...
The six species of birds on the Garden Birds in the 2019 Netherlands stamp sheetlet are common in the Netherlands. But no matter how "normal" they seem, thanks to illustrator Michelle Dujardin, they come to life on the stamps in...
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