Lord Jim of Dilling - Diplomat Magazine

D I P L O M A T I C T R AV E L Q A s p e c i a l f e a t u r eA TOUCH of DUTCHBy Anna Rijkesigned especially for theDcitizens of Ottawa andalso to have a chance towork closely togetherwith a number of wonderfulorganizations inthe nation’s capital, the Embassy of theKingdom of the Netherlands offers afriendship program ‘A Touch of Dutch’every spring.Kicked-off at the end of April with areception to celebrate Queen Beatrix’sbirthday, other activities, presentationsand events are offered throughout thespring. The program runs when thetulips are blooming. At this time of theyear there is an almost natural attentionfor the Netherlands in Ottawa.Most people know about the closerelationship between Canada and theNetherlands and the Canadian TulipFestival. The gift of tulips was in appreciationof hospitality that membersof Holland’s royal family received inOttawa during the Second World Warand with gratitude for the pivotal roleCanadian troops played in the liberationof the Netherlands. PrincessMargriet was born at the OttawaCivic Hospital; her hospital room wasdeclared “Dutch soil” and the flag ofthe Netherlands flew on Parliament’sPeace Tower. The tulips have becomean important symbol of internationalfriendship.Canada and The Netherlands havedeveloped their bonds of friendshipever since. Today both countries haveexcellent relationships in many fieldsreflected by the various activities of ‘ATouch of Dutch.’ Some parts of the programwill focus on historical and militarybonds, others on the future.All activities of ‘A Touch of Dutch2009’ will be published at www.netherlandsembassy.caonce the kick-off dateis closer. Feel free to simply pick whateverinterests you and celebrate withus these festive friendship bonds. Formore information, contact Anna Rijkat the Embassy of the Kingdom of theNetherlands at (613) 237-5031 ext. 231.54 Highlights of ‘A Touch of Dutch 2009’May 3 – Happy Birthday, Queen BeatrixCelebrate the Dutch Queen’s Day withAmbassador Wim Geerts and his family.A perfect way to warm up for theCanadian Tulip Festival with your children.Greenboro Library, 2:00 p.m.May 4 – Wreath-laying ceremony atthe National War Memorial.Please join Ambassador Wim Geerts andremember the fallen soldiers. May 4 isthe National Remembrance Day in theNetherlands, equivalent to November 11in Canada.May 2-17 – Three Dutch weeekends atthe Canadian War Museum.Meet veterans who served in Europeduring WWII. Listen – with your children– to the reading of ‘A Bloom ofFriendship’ and much more. Served withGo Green,Go Dutch,Go Bike!AN INVITATIONTO PARTICIPATEMay 2009, date to be confirmedCome and bike with Wim Geerts,Ambassador of the Netherlands,and celebrate Dutch heritage, as wellas the spirit of the Canadian EnvironmentWeek 2009 (May 31 - June 2009).More info? Please contact: gobike@netherlandsembassy.cawww.netherlandsembassy.cacoffee, tea and Dutch friendship cookies.May 4-13 – Water Presentations hostedby the Ottawa Public LibraryWater management is vital for a countryhemmed in by the North Sea. TheDutch are world famous because of theirstruggle against the water. May 4, NorthGloucester Branch – 7-8 p.m.May 6, Alta Vista Library – 7-8 p.m.May 11, Main Branch (Metcalfe Str) – 7-8 p.m.May 13, Nepean Centre Point Library– 7-8 p.m.May 31 – Go Green Go Dutch Go BikeCome and bike with AmbassadorWim Geerts and celebrate Dutchheritage as well as the spirit of theCanadian Environment Week. Togetherwith Councillor Clive Doucet, theNetherlands Embassy will focus on thetraditions of Dutch cycling and on thepositive results towards the environmentin general.SPRING 09 | APR–JUN