PSG Welcome Guide 2012 - 2013 - UWC Maastricht

Maastricht area.
BREAKFAST (ONTBIJT)
There are a few places in and around Maastricht where you can now enjoy breakfast and
which are worth a mention. Hotels, e.g. Van der Valk Maastricht (Nijverheidsweg 35) next to
UWC Maastricht and 't Hierderhepke (Burgemeester Cortenstraat 49) are great places to
have breakfast. Also, Ikea Heerlen In de Cramer 142, 6412 PM Heerlen (09:00-10:30) and
Hema Maastricht, Grote Staat 10, 6211 CW Maastricht, (09:00-10:00) both offer breakfast for
only 1 Euro per person!
CARNIVAL (CARNAVAL)
Dutch carnival has the same origins as carnival in other parts of the world: a short period of
excess before a long one of fasting during Lent. It is celebrated in the Netherlands with
particular passion in the Catholic provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, where virtually all
businesses except cafés and restaurants close for three days. In Maastricht, Carnival begins
with the running up the flagpole of "het mooswief" (Maastricht dialect for the green-grocerwoman)
and the firing of the cannon on Vrijthof square. These events are followed by a grand
procession. Despite the cold, people get dressed up and go from café to café singing songs,
participating in parades and consuming large quantities of beer.
During the run up to Carnival, toy shops and department stores like Blokker (Muntstraat 39-41)
V&D (Grote Staat 5-15) etc. sell carnival outfits, accessories and other decorations. Two other
shops worth a mention are In't Panhuis (Markt 74) and Karnevalswierts Heerlen (Winkelcentrum
't Loon, Homerusplein, 6411 AW Heerlen). Carnival is also the time to buy Halloween outfits
since they will not be on sale later in the year. Please find attached an interesting link on
Carnival in Maastricht and what to expect!
CAR RENTAL (AUTOVERHUUR)
For further info, please click here.
CASH PASSPORT
A cash passport is a prepaid currency card and a convenient and secure way to carry foreign
currency. Chip and PIN protected, 24/7 Global Emergency Assistance service with free
replacement funds up to the available balance on the card and no risk of identity theft and fraud
to your personal bank account. For further details click here.
CHILD BENEFIT ALLOWANCE (KINDERBIJSLAG)
Child Benefit Allowance is money from the government towards the expenses of raising a child.
If you live or work in the Netherlands and you have a child or children under 18, you will be
entitled to Dutch child benefit. Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) is the organization that
implements national insurance schemes in the Netherlands.
CHIPKNIP
The chipknip is a smart card which can be uploaded with virtual cash via special
machines at banks. It is designed to pay for small items and parking meters.
CHRISTMAS (KERSTMIS)
Christmas Day (25 December) is normally reserved for religious observances and family
gatherings. Boxing Day (26 December) is also a holiday in the Netherlands. Originally, Dutch
people did not exchange presents at Christmas, but this tradition has now become more
popular. However, most Dutch children still assume that only Sinterklaas will shower them with
presents on 5 th December. Please see “Sint Nicholas” section for further details about this
Dutch tradition.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS (KERSTMARKTEN)
There are many Christmas Markets leading up to Christmas. From late November through
early January, Vrijthof square turns into Magical Maastricht! The Christmas Markets in
Valkenburg (the Netherlands), Aachen and Monschau (Germany) and Hasselt & Liege
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