Almere: Poprondo Musical Caravan Visits City October 5 - Mark your calender

Almere will be shaking on its foundations once again on Saturday October 5, when the  Musical Caravan stops in the City for the fourth year in a row. The caravan also visits 31 other Dutch cities including, Nijmegen, Zwolle, Oss and Haarlem.

In Almere the artists will perform at sixteen different locations downtown, among those locations De Meester, Kinki Kappers, Bagel and Beans, and even at the Editorial Office of the Almere Vandaag newspaper.

There will be something for every music lover. A total of 26 groups will be performing throughout the day. From pop to rock, soul to folk. Among the performing bands: When We Are Wild, Wolf in Loveland, Herrek, Adam and the Relevants and Hompfdinga.

So mark your calender for October 5 and come to Almere, Europe's most modern and swinging city.

Almere-Digest

Dementia - the Netherlands: Dementia on the rise in Almere as population ages

Dementia in the Netherlands newest and most modern city of Almere is on the rise reports the local newspaper Almere Vandaag.

With the average population age increasing, the number of dementia patients has also increased dramatically in this city of 195.771 inhabitants. There were some 1411 new cases reported for 2013. The number is expected to rise to 5440 by 2030.

Almere-Digest

Architecture - The Netherlands - Almere: The Green Cathedral A Touristic Gem - by RM

The Green Cathedral seen from the outside

There is a local architectural curiosity called the Green Cathedral in Almere which is a replica of the Rheims Cathedral in France and worth your visit if you are in the neighborhood..

Where it is different from the real Cathedral is that it is an outline of the Rheims Cathedral defined by trees.

Inside the Green Cathedral

Quite a spectacular view, specially once you walk into the tree enclosed area. It probably can also best be seen when flying overhead. De Groene Kathedraal (The Green Cathedral), was designed by Dutch artist Marinus Boezem and replaces the stone and glass of the one in Rheims with poplar trees and sky.

About 20 years after it was started the artwork was "completed" in 1996 and is expected to reach its full height in 2015.

Unfortunately the Green Cathedral in Almere is not easy to find by outsiders because directions to the Green Cathedral are limited and not strategically located. The weathered billboard in front of the Green Cathedral is also unreadable.

Regardless of these shortcomings, the Green Cathedral certainly is a Dutch architectural and artistic gem.

Almere-Digest 

The Netherlands - Almere - "we are suffering a dangerous case of Dutch self confidenc disease " by RM

Dutch disease can be described as the economic condition that arises when a vast amount of wealth, resulting from external factors, flows into a country. Usually these windfall revenues create high inflation and sustain a currency priced beyond its competitive value. It drives up production costs and leaves the output of the economy uncompetitive. Capital invested in the economy becomes unproductive and the productivity of labour declines.

In the 1960's, North Sea oil and gas was the easy and irresistible challenge for the Netherlands to quickly create great financial prosperity. But unfortunately without the steadying hand of government, using policy measures to maintain the competitive viability of the overall economy, the boon soon became a monumental bust.

Basically everyone in the Netherlands is somehow still living in this 60's fantasy-world  and living beyond their means including to having a cocky attitude about it.  .

The Netherland's experience demonstrates that the Dutch disease is a condition that has to be met with policies to maintain the competitiveness of the whole economy if  you don't want the good fortune of a sudden increase in externally generated revenues to become a costly bubble to an economy. Today, we find municipal governments in the Netherlands not really seriously looking at what makes their city attractive to foreign investors in order to create new investments and jobs, but instead most seem to be haggling among  themselves about political, internal and trivial administrative matters.

Instead organizations like the World Trade Center and the Chambers of Commerce and Tourist organizations should become an integral part of strategies which increase interest, investment and employment for the local community.  Obviously it can not be a one man show, but must be a joint effort of people, organizations and corporations, which have a common and personal interest to increase the exposure of their city in order to create wealth.

It's a big world out there and you need to blow your own horn.  Just putting out a brochure (often only in Dutch) does not get investors too excited.

No one will come to your area if you can't get out of your comfort-zone and start putting in some "sweat and tears" to make it happen .

Almere-Digest

Netherlands - Almere: Why is cycling so popular in the Netherlands?

Before World War II, journeys in the Netherlands were predominantly made by bike, but in the 1950s and 1960s, as car ownership rocketed, this changed. As in many countries in Europe, roads became increasingly congested and cyclists were squeezed to the kerb.

The jump in car numbers caused a huge rise in the number of deaths on the roads. In 1971 more than 3,000 people were killed by motor vehicles, 450 of them children.

In response a social movement demanding safer cycling conditions for children was formed. Called Stop de Kindermoord (Stop the Child Murder), it took its name from the headline of an article written by journalist Vic Langenhoff whose own child had been killed in a road accident.

To make cycling safer and more inviting the Dutch have built a vast network of cycle paths.
These are clearly marked, have smooth surfaces, separate signs and lights for those on two wheels, and wide enough to allow side-by-side cycling and overtaking.

In many cities Almere in the modern Province of Flevoland the paths are completely segregated from motorised traffic. Sometimes, where space is scant and both must share, you can see signs showing an image of a cyclist with a car behind accompanied by the words 'Bike Street: Cars are guests'.
At roundabouts, too, it is those using pedal power who have priority.

You can cycle around a roundabout while cars (almost always) wait patiently for you to pass. The idea that "the bike is right" is such an alien concept for tourists on bikes that many often find it difficult to navigate roads and junctions at first.

Read more: BBC News - Why is cycling so popular in the Nethe

The Netherlands - Almere: Rental homes 5% higher in Almere than national average

Rental homes in Almere are approximately 5% higher than in the rest of the Netherlands. This is causing problems for low income earners.

The Almere Municipality has a special fund " woonlasten fonds" to help low income renters in meeting these costs.

For more information check with the Almere Municipality.

Almere-Digest

Tourism: Biking: Almere: No better place in the Netherlands for a biking vacation

Almere is not only the newest and most modern city in Europel but probably also the best area for biking with its hundreds of km's of safe biking trails.

Biking in the serenity of Almere nature

The city is also competing for the national  title of bike city of the Netherlands for 2014

One of the curious facts of the Netherlands is that nearly 85 percent of the population own at least one bicycle. They use it regularly, often daily. 

Today there are about 17.5 million bicycles in Holland, slightly more than one for every inhabitant. About 1.4 million new bicycles are sold every year. 

Convenience is probably one of the main reasons for the Dutch to cycle as much as they do. They take their bike to go shopping because it is easier, faster and more convenient than taking the car or another mode of transport. In order to get cycling this convenient you need good infrastructure, safe streets and a place to park your bicycle at the grocery store or any other end-destination. In the Netherlands 27 % of all trips are taken by bike. Bike paths are everywhere. In a way they are like bike highways, with their own bridges, tunnels and throu

Obviously to accomplish this you need to have a bike-friendly infrastructure and local municipality ordinances which support it. The Netherlands certainly meets that criteria and the results are obvious. 

By Dutch law, bicycles must have white front and red rear lights which must be in working order at night, and fines are payable for those who fail to observe this. Cyclists are generally required to observe the same road rules as motor vehicle users, unless there is a road sign indicating otherwise.Helmets are not required by law but recommended. 

To the Dutch there’s nothing more natural than cycling with their children. Manufacturers of Dutch baby front bike seats tell their customers they can be used from the time a baby is 6 to 9 months old, or, more accurately, when a baby is able to sit upright on its own.  Some experts say that in their eyes the time a baby is one year old is a safer starting point. But in the Netherlands much younger babies are already transported on bicycles. 

For older, school going kids there now are even apps with safe biking routes to their schools.

Recently the US government adopted Dutch-style cycling as a real American transport and health choice

The rise of the electric bike set last year continued in the Netherlands. An increase of 30 percent is expected for 2009 with more than 150,000 e-bikes. The electric bike presently has a market share of 10 percent, with an average selling price of around euro 1900 good for 25% of the total bicycle sales revenues. 
  
Obviously with the rise of the electric bike also comes the loss of health benefits achieved by "human powered" biking. Fortunately studies in the Netherlands also showed that electric bikes are mainly bought by people with health problems who still want the benefit of the fresh air associated with biking in the open air.

The generally flat Dutch terrain combined with 20,000 km of "fietspaden" bicycle paths makes cycling in the Netherlands an extraordinarily pleasant activity, and one not exclusively for the very fit or sporty. 

Safely biking everywhere in and around Almere

If you can't bring your own bike you will find them for rent near, or just about at every train station. To do an advance bike rental booking just check out the Internet. Mind you those will be more expensive than the bike rentals at the train stations. Prices vary from euro 7.00 to euro 20.00 a day depending from whom you rent your bike.

If you know how to bike and want a healthy interesting vacation Holland is your country and Almere the place to go. 

EU-Digest

New ice stadium in Almere: KNSB

Artist design of new Almere Ice-dome

The Dutch skating association KNSB recently announced it has given the green light to Almere as its preferred location for the new speed skating stadium.

The KNSB chose the Icedôme as the new home for top-level speed skating over the Thialf stadium in Heerenveen and the new TransSportium in Zoetermeer.

The decision has sent shockwaves through the skating world. Heerenveen has played host to top-level competition since the 1980s and the province of Friesland has already allocated €50m to build a new state-of-the art stadium there.

The decision means Almere, which is closer to Amsterdam, will be the new training and competition centre for Dutch skaters and host an annual international event.

The KNSB says other international competitions could be held in Heerenveen and Zoetermeer.

Top skaters such as Sven Kramer, coaches and local government officials have already spoken out about the decision. Heerenveen and Zoetermeer are to appeal.

Frank Kolsteeg of AEG Europe en Folkert Buiter, promoters of the Ice- dôme Almere confirmed recently that the American Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) is said to be interested to manage the new stadium in Almere.

Almere-digest

Almere: Fun City - Sunday entertainment program for "Almere Centrum"

This Summer Almere Center is not only open for shopping but also  provides fun and entertainment for the whole family.

This month the fun activities planned (from 13: 00 hours) include::

Sunday August 4: Glitter tattoos-children's entertainment team to get your own beautiful tattoo
.
Sunday, August 11: Citymall Music: Esther Robinson (location: Belfort ) influenced by great artists such as Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, India Arie and Esther created its own soul like Chaka Khan, pop sound. Esther writes her soul songs at the piano.

Sunday August 18: Trainrides through Citymall (location Belfort 15) fun for kids and parents. A beautiful train ride through Citymall Almere. For a small fee (€ 1-€ 2) you can take a ride.

Sunday August: 25: Citymall Music: Sandy Dane (Forum) Sandy Dane is already a well-known Citymall's Sandy Dane new single New Generation is a catchy combination of pop and folk, a sound as we know her.

Sunday September 1: Mr. and Mrs. Popcakes popcakes share Free Pop out. That his cookies on a stick. You may choose your own dip. Yummy feast, so!

Almere-Digest

NDIC : Family Fellowship and New Day Cafe Starting off the Summer Holidays On The Right Track - by RM

African and Caribbean Music Medley

This past Sunday  New Day International Church (NDIC)  had another fun and participative day of worship, music and food.

NDIC, is an English language Christian Church, which opened its doors in Almere about 5 years ago.

A Church which believes that nourishment not only includes the Word of God, but also good food.

One of its success stories of the church which today counts some 100 plus members is its quarterly "pot-luck" luncheon after Sundays services which is called "new Day Cafe"

Melvin Ho -Pastor

The difference with other cafe's is that the food at "New Day Cafe" is free and voluntarily supplied by the members of the congregation - a rainbow mix of people from 16 different countries. The result, a spectacular variety of ethnic food specialties. Certainly a great incentive to visit NDIC , but that is not the only incentive.

Melvin and Louise Ho the pastoral leaders and their organizational team say their objective is seeking to serve the international community in Almere by providing a growing relational and supportive network; an
inspiring and contemporary Sunday morning church experience; and many resources (pastoral care, teaching, relevant literature, etc.), to help people connect faith to life.

From Aruba - A saxophone solo

All this adds up to the special character of Almere, a brand new city, to the northeast of Amsterdam, built on ocean reclaimed land during the early seventies. Its ambitious planners at the time envisioned a suburban living environment for commuters to the nearby capital Amsterdam, Schiphol airport and the very richy "Het Gooi" area. Currently, over 176,000 people live in Almere — one of the fastest growing cities in the Netherlands.

The Dutch government recently announced plans for it to become the fourth largest city in the country, housing more than 400,000 inhabitants. It is also a very internationally flavored city with approximately a quarter of Almere’s citizens originating from outside the Netherlands, representing a variety of ethnic, cultural, social and religious backgrounds.

Only 5 percent of these inhabitants come from Western European or US heritage. Places of worship in Almere also include Mosques and prayer centers for the Muslim community.

Topping off a great event at NDIC Gafe

Almere is also a very open spaced community. According to the local government, there are on average 420 homes per square kilometers, compared with 1,930 homes per square kilometer in the four largest cities of the Netherlands - Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.

Even though it is still looked down on by citizens of most "cozy, old-style, and traditional" Dutch cities, Almere is already viewed throughout Europe, and by most of its own inhabitants, as a leading example of a successful new and modern designed city. It certainly has a great deal to offer people who seek a suburban lifestyle in a central easily accessible location. Innovative ideas like the NDIC just seem to materialize spontaneously on a daily basis in this surprising bustling new Dutch city.

Almere-Digest

Almere Homes Heated By Solar Power

Almere Sun Island

For the first time in the Netherlands, homes are heated collectively with locally-generated solar energy. NUON built Almere Sun Island and connected it to its district heating network.

Since May 2010 Almere Sun Island has supplied heating and hot tap water to the new Almere residential district Noorderplassen-West. The solar island is in keeping with the urban planning for the residential area and is an icon in the Almere landscape. The 520 solar collectors have a surface area of 7,000 m2, about one and a half football fields. It is one of the largest solar collector fields in the world.

The project by Dutch energy company NUON is part of its long range plans to make its energy supply innovative and sustainable. The solar island supplies 9.750 Gigajoules of sustainable energy annually. That is 10% of the annual heating needs of the 2,700 houses in the district, or the energy used by taking a million showers a year. Nuon provides the remaining heat using environmentally friendly residual heat from their nearby bio-fed power plant in Almere.

In addition the solar collectors and district heating together reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50% compared to gas-fired heating. That is equivalent to driving 30 million fewer kilometres a year.


Almer-Digest