About podcasts and video series

Expat writer and speaker, Robin Pascoe has released an extremely useful video series titled  "Successful Living Abroad." The 18-part on-line lecture series addresses themes of global mobility such as challenges faced by a trailing spouse, relocating a relationship, raising kids abroad etc. 

Coming from the highly acclaimed author of expat books, the most famous being ""A Broad Abroad", this video series is a must see for all past, present and future expats.

Talking of online videos, Expat Focus website launched their very own podcast last week. The first podcast had Toni Hargis (expat author and Expat Focus Columnist) sharing tips on how to make a living as an expat author. In the same podcast, Oliver Heslop also shares his expert advice on expat taxation matters (UK). Check out the first podcast here.

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3 Free iPhone Applications for Learning Dutch

With numerous iPhone applications, learning a language on the go has become both easy and convenient. You can learn a language while traveling, waiting outside a dentist's clinic, or while watching television. A  plethora of these applications are free while some of them are paid. 

There are some useful applications for learning Dutch as well. If you are a beginner and aim to get a feel of the Dutch language before diving in, start with the free applications first. Here is a show down on 3 such wonderful applications for learning Dutch :

• World Nomads Dutch Language Guide : This application is more suited for a tourist in the Netherlands, looking to learn some phrases in the local language. The guide contains useful travel phrases divided into categories like transport, safety, directions, numbers, food& drink etc. A "Language Lesson" is provided at the end, which weaves all the above phrases into a travel scenario. For a free application, this is a wonderful resource as it provides pronunciation practice too.

• Dutch Gengo Flashcards : The Lite version of this application is free and features 20 flash cards that offer a unique way to learn and retain Dutch vocabulary words.  The flash cards offer visual cues and the words are spoken by the native speakers, so as to ease the pronunciation problems. With vocabulary quizzes, you can check and review your progress from time to time. In order to have access to an unlimited number of flashcards, you need to go for the paid version which comes at €4.99

• Dutch Word of the Day : Learn one Dutch word a day, along with its English translation. The words include nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. I have just installed this application and therefore cannot comment much, except that each word is followed by a sentence using that word. This makes it easy to remember the words though I feel visuals prove much more helpful that way.

What are the other applications that you find useful for learning Dutch or any other language? 

PS: Stay tuned for an upcoming post on "paid applications for learning Dutch".

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Latest news on Orangesplaash

It is a great pleasure to share with you all the news that I have joined NileGuide as a Rotterdam Local Expert from this month onwards and will be sharing travel tips, hidden gems and news on Rotterdam. I have just started work on the Rotterdam page and lots needs to be done still. Nevertheless, have a look and let me know what you feel. The Rotterdam Local flavor blog will feature tips on food, festivals, culture, language, transport and the recent happenings in the city. 


It has also been some time since I shared some of my recent writings for other publications here on Orangesplaash. So, if you are looking for travel related reading, check out tips for shopping in Brussels, or read about the largest book market in Europe. Experience the magic of the Rotterdam harbour through a Spido tour or witness the awesome history of cars at the BMW car museum in Munich.

Hop over to PocketCultures where in this month's collaborative post, we share superstitions around the world.

Also, join us on the Orangesplaash Facebook fanpage to check out some great resources on expat life/travel and to share your experiences.

There has been a good response on the Monthly poll (located on the right hand sidebar) so far. Chip in your votes, if you have not and let us know "As an expat in the host country, do you subscribe to any expat magazine?" There is only a week to go, before the poll closes.

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Jungfrau, Switzerland Trip- A Photo Tour

We travelled to Switzerland in June this year, when family from India had come over to visit us. Since Switzerland makes regular appearances in blockbuster Bollywood (Indian) movies, there was all the more reason to visit the country with family. And it did not disappoint us.

We stayed in a rented cottage in a small town Oberried am Brienzersee near Interlaken - away from the big cities, right in the heart of Switzerland. 

View from our cottage. 

We decided to check out Jungfraujoch - ubiquitously advertised as the Top of Europe, the next day. Jungfraujoch is a mountain pass between the Monch and Jungfrau mountains situated in the Bernese Alps.

The only way to reach the top is via the Jungfraugbahn, the Jungfraujoch railway train. At a height of 3,454 meters (11,332 ft), this is the highest railway station in Europe.

We caught the early morning train from Lauterbrunnen train station which was about 25 km from our cottage. We drove to Lauterbrunnen since there is a huge car park just near the railway station. 

But if you do not have a car, the best route to reach Jungfraujoch is to take a train from Interlaken Ost railway station and then follow the route -

Interlaken Ost -> Lauterbrunnen -> Kleine Scheidegg -> Jungfraujoch while going up 

and Jungfraujoch -> Grindelwald -> Interlaken Ost while coming down so you get to see both the sides of the Alpine beauty.

From Kleine Scheidegg, we changed trains and took the Jungfraubahn that runs for 9 km right  upto the Jungfraujoch.

The Jungfraujoch is truly an Alpine wonderland of eternal snow. There is lots to experience here, including the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observation Terrace and Glacier Restaurant.

We also tried our hands at some adventure attractions like Tyrolienne, Sledding, Skiing etc. 

And were we surprised to see an Indian Bollywood Restaurant on the top? 
[Photo Credit : Orangesplaash]

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Rotterdam through my eyes

The doorbell rings. Its 10:00 am. I smile at Dutch punctuality and take a quick look around to check if everything is in place before opening the door.

M, my neighbor is standing at the door. She gives me a hug and presents me with bunch of Phalaenopsis. After welcoming her in, I put the beautiful magenta orchids in a silver vase on the dining table. As she settles down, I offer her a cup of tea or coffee and head towards the kitchen, almost predicting the response.

"Coffee with a little sugar," she replies adjusting her umbrella.

"The kids had a great time in the Carnival this year, enjoying the Street Parade. It was lovely seeing the city bathed in such vibrant colors" adds M as I brew coffee with fresh home-roasted beans.

"Indeed, the Carnival gives a peek into the multi-cultural identity of Rotterdam. We did not get to attend it this year, though we had fun in the Battle of Drums last year," I share my views on the carnival celebrations having attended the event for the first time, last year.

The coffee is ready. I usually rely on the aroma to decide if the coffee is done or not. I serve it along with cookies. 


We then leave for the open markt - the largest open market in Rotterdam, held every Tuesday and Saturday in Blaak.

I squeeze the car somehow into the small parking space, about 200 meters from the market, and we walk towards the crowd - both of us carrying our respective shopping trolley. Amidst the smell of Asian spices, the sight of juicy seasonal fruits, and the sound of hawkers shouting out their product prices in Dutch, we finish our grocery shopping. I also manage to do some bargaining, thanks to my Indian roots.

"And how are you finding Rotterdam now," inquires M in a soft tone, relishing frites with mayonnaise as we walk back towards the car, pleased with the day's shopping.

The question has me thinking - the 'now' means after two years of living here - during which my feelings have transitioned from the nervous spiritedness of expats to 'it-feels-like-home' attachment.

"Oh, it is exciting!" I reply, quickly gathering my thoughts, "I enjoy the pace of life here, relaxed but assured. I like the people, helpful and friendly and cherish the cross-cultural connections."

M looks at me, nodding all along. I turn in the keys and the engine roars to life. "The weather here though plays spoil sport sometimes, with very little sun - though today it is surprisingly sunny and warm," I add smilingly, looking out of the window. And as I say this, it starts raining! 

[Photo Credit - Orangesplaash]

This post is my third assignment for the Matador U travel writing Course.

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Resources for Indians in the Netherlands

Here are two websites aimed at helping Indian expats in the Netherlands :-

• Indian Expat Society - A non commercial organisation that represents the interests and addresses the concerns of the Indian expatriate community in the Netherlands. Its membership is open to all Indian expats, businessmen and students alike. The IES website provides useful information about living in the Netherlands, including an online social community. In addition to organizing social and business events, IES also offers legal, housing and insurance services. 

• Indiawijzer : This is an online information portal providing a comprehensive view of the Dutch organisations, institutions and individuals involved with India, in one way or the other. Founded by Mr Wahid saleh, Secretary of the Netherlands-India Association, Indiawijzer offers answers to the basic questions asked by the new arrivals in the Netherlands including double taxation issues, information on IND and residence permits. 

Have you ever utilized the resources provided by these websites? Are you aware of any other such portals, providing information on India or your respective countries?

[Photo Credit : IES]

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Happy Indian Independence Day!

Wish all my 

Indian readers a very 

Happy Independence day!

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Join the Orangesplaash facebook fanpage

It gives me great pleasure to share the facebook fanpage of Orangesplaash. With this fanpage, Orangesplaash now has a presence on facebook too.

The basic aim of this fanpage is to share useful expat resources and links from my expat experiences and travel adventures as an expat in The Netherlands. The page will also feature articles from various other websites that I write for (but relevant to the theme of the fanpage). At the same time, links to wonderful articles on expats, travel and culture written by others will also be posted on the wall.  

Feel free to share your experiences, take part in the ongoing discussions and post your photos in the albums on the fanpage. 

We already have some wonderful people on board. I look forward to welcoming you all there too and wish that we may have an enriching experience.

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Free Stuff

• Orangesplaash Expat e-book titled "7 Powerful Tips For A Fulfilling Expat Life" 
• A day travel guide to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
• 2 days travel guide highlighting the most interesting and fascinating museums in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
• Lots of other exciting stuff coming soon!

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A day in the life of an expat!

"So, you are coming to the Dutch circle then," says J, my expat friend. 

"Yes, of course. See you in the evening," I reply before hanging up.  

We are sitting at the breakfast table. Amidst scrambled eggs, French toast and a glass of milk, Y and I talk on a variety of subjects, ranging from house hold matters to recent happenings in The Netherlands, in India and in the world.

It is a Saturday, providing a much needed break from the hectic work schedule of the past week. It is also a day to catch up with family and friends back in India. I look at the wall clock and quickly calculate the time in India. 

Sure that it is not lunch time there yet, we call up and have a hearty chat with folks back home. I hang up thinking of the day when we decided to come to The Netherlands. 

What a day it was - after weeks of thinking, talking over with family and friends, googling the Internet for information on The Netherlands and asking tens if not hundreds of questions on expat forums, we finally decided this was a step we wanted to take. My heart was filled with mixed emotions - excitement, anticipation, fear and joy and I could feel the adrenaline pumping up - this was a major decision in our lives and we had decided!

"What is on the shopping list?" asks Y, bringing me back to the present, to our life in The Netherlands as expats - a life that we had envisioned - a life that gave us an opportunity to travel the world, widen our horizons, and appreciate different cultures - a life that gave us both smiles and tears - a life that gave us memories we will always cherish.

We head towards the market for some weekend grocery shopping. And I remember to buy a book on classical Dutch stories as a gift for the evening birthday party.

We arrive at the party on time; wish the host and the birthday girl "Gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag" (happy birthday) before heading to meet the guests. J is sitting there, too. Handshakes and wishes later, we find our place in the Dutch circle (a traditional Dutch birthday party layout where everybody sits on chairs arranged in a close, tight circle) and spend the evening chatting, drinking tea and nibbling at the cake.

Driving back home after the party, we listen to the song "World of our own" on the radio and I think of how my life would be if were not an expat.

This post is my second assignment for the Matador U travel writing Course.

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Deventer Boekenmarkt

Deventer boekenmarkt is the largest book market in Europe. As the name says, it is held in the Dutch town of Deventer - every year on the first week end of August. Book stalls are put up in a six kilometer wide area in the Old town, along the Ijsselkade. Its a treat for the book lover's   and children alike.

Thousands of books enthrall and entertain the audiences, with subjects ranging from history to geography to psychology to religion to suspense to languages and cultures. This market is organised by the Tourist Office of Deventer and is visited every year by thousands of tourists.

In case the boekenmarkt does not interest you, there are numerous other reasons to visit Deventer. Check out Bergkwartier, the commercial heart of the town - it also houses the oldest brick wall in The Netherlands. A walk across the old town is a great way to do some unique sightseeing, guided tours are available at the VVV Info (tourist office). Deventer also offers numerous possibilities of witnessing good music and theater. You can pamper yourself in the evenings, with free open air cinema, three days a week in one of the most beautiful squares in The Netherlands. 

If you are interested in visiting Deventer, but do not live in the local area you can save money on accommodation by checking out VoucherCodes UK. They are currently offering a discount of 10% off Hotel Bookings at Hotels.com

Photo Credits - All photos by Orangesplaash
Note: This is a sponsored post. The views in the post are 100% mine.

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PocketCultures Book Project

It gives me great pleasure to share with you all that we at PocketCultures are working together to come up with a book featuring children's games around the world. The project is in the conceptualization stage right now and we would like to hear from all of you, our potential readers as to what you would want to read in the book.

Here's a short survey to help us figure out the same. It will not take more than 5-10 minutes so please go ahead! We would like to read your feedback.

The survey is open until midnight 14th August. Feel free to share the survey with anyone who might be interested. Thanks!

PocketCultures is a website dedicated to increase understanding about the different cultures and make connections between people in different places. 

Take the survey here.

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Funny Dutch Commercial

Check out this Dutch commercial - funny yet insightful.

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Top 5 secret travel tips for Rajasthan, India

                                                   Photo Credit
You have packed your bags and booked the hotel for your next travel trip to Rajasthan, India. But perhaps the guidebook neatly tucked away in your suitcase has not revealed the following 5 top travel secrets : 

• Accept the kind manuhaars :- Rajasthan (literally the "land of the kings") is not only famous for its majestic royal palaces and the fearless warriors from the Rajput clan, the state is also one of the most hospitable tourist places in the world. 
  
  
  
  

                                                            
  

  Photo Credit.

  Whether you are dining in a hotel or with a Rajasthani family, you will be treated to a delicious meal sprinkled with warm manuhaars ("gentle requests to have some more") from one and all. It is considered appropriate to say 'no" once and then accept the request if the host still insist. Saying downright no to everything appears rude, but this does not mean you go beyond what your stomach can take. In such situations say that you loved the food and that you have eaten to your heart's content, then refuse politely

  
  
  

  Don the safa at least once:- The moment you step into Rajasthan, you will notice the multicolored Rajasthani safas ("turbans") adorning the male heads. The safa is a symbol of valor, elegance and pride for the Rajasthani males (the women cover their heads with a dupatta). There are more than a 1000 types and styles of doing the turban, the variations depending on the region, caste and status in the society. Take a turban tying class to practice this art or simply don the ready made safa once - this makes for a great photo opp besides transporting you to the life and times of the Maharajas ("royals"). 

Photo Credit

• Test yourself in the kitchen :- Rajasthani cuisine offers a delightful panorama ranging from sugary sweets to finger licking hot snacks aimed at satiating your taste buds. Make sure you take a short cooking class that introduces you to the spices of Rajasthan. Try particularly the makhaniya lassi and masala chai - these are lovely memories to take back with you. More information on these cooking classes is available with all major tourist centers and hotels in Rajasthan.

• Rejuvenate with the melodies of the folk music :- A camel safari across the Thar is a great way to explore the vastness of the desert. Plunge deeper into the culture and end the safari with the mesmerizing and haunting tunes belted out by the professional folk musicians. An array of instruments such as sarangi, ektara, mochng, dhol, chang etc are used to create melodious tunes. These stringed instruments in their miniature form make for a great souvenir for people back home. 

Photo Credit

• Soak into the local Rajasthani lifestyle :-  After you have toured the cities, it's time now to explore the small but beautiful villages dotting the Rajasthani landscape. Soak into the local way of life by staying in the intricately designed mansions (this can be arranged with the help of the local tourist office). Visualize the various dance forms like ghoomar, kalbeliya etc at your leisure and end your tour shopping for those famous hand-woven textiles, leather ware and handicrafts. 

This post is my first assignment for the Matador U travel writing Course.

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Amsterdam's canal ring declared a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Amsterdam is a city of canals, with more than 100 kms of canals all across the city. And now, the city's gorgeous canal ring inside the Singelgracht has beeen declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With this listing, the total number of UNESCO listed sites in Netherlands has gone upto 9 including the windmills at Kinderdijk.

This canal ring programme was undertaken in the beginning of the 17th century in Amsterdam as a part of the water management initiative for the reclamation of the land and extension of the city. The listing has made the canals ever more enticing to the tourists and the locals alike.

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