Papermaking in Doesburg

Papermaking (making handmade paper) was a living craft in Doesburg, primarily through Ewald Weijers' Papiermakerij Doesburg (C-paper) on Ooipoortstraat. 

Craft: Pulp is made from old paper or natural fibers (such as flax, plant residues). 

Using a mold & deckle, you create a sheet of paper, press it dry, and hang it to dry. 

Sustainable and creative, often with additions such as flower seeds. 

History in Doesburg: Weijers practiced it as a hobby since 2012, later professionally. 

From 2020, he had a studio in the town center where visitors could create their own paper, attend workshops, and watch demonstrations. 

It was the only active location in Gelderland for this intangible heritage (listed since 2013).

Current situation: The studio closed permanently in December 2025 due to high costs and low income. Weijers still gives workshops at other locations and continues to pass on the craft. 

It is a traditional, educational craft that emphasizes knowledge transfer and sustainability, with parallels in other places such as Rotterdam and Utrecht.

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Improved Red Pied Beef Cattle Breed

Improved Red Pied is the only original Dutch beef cattle breed. 

It originated in the 1970s from selection of the most meat-rich Red Pied MRIJ cattle (Maas-Rijn-IJssel).

Type: Luxury beef breed with good musculature (double muscled), fine bone structure, and high slaughter yield. 

It has a double-muscled appearance with correct conformation. 

Color: Red Pied (red with white spots). 

Size: Adult cows weigh approx. 900 kg, bulls approx. 1,200 kg. 

Character: Calm, manageable, and easy to handle – ideal for the livestock farmer. 

Use: Primarily as suckler cows for meat production. 

Calves are often delivered via Caesarean section (focus on more natural births). 

The breed combines robustness, fertility, and good meat quality. 

It is popular among breeders who value a sustainable, typically Dutch beef breed with luxury carcasses.

In short: a calm, muscular, and efficient Dutch beef breed with a focus on quality and handling.

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Slurping the papeda

Papeda is a traditional Moluccan dish: a translucent, jelly-like porridge made from sago flour (or often potato starch in the Netherlands) and water. 

It has traditionally been the staple food of the Moluccas. 

A characteristic feature is the way of eating: you scoop up the porridge with two bamboo forks (gata-gata), swirl it around, and slurp it directly from the plate. 

That slurping is an essential part of the experience and requires some practice. 

It is served with spicy, sour sauces such as tjolo-tjolo, pinang kuning, or asem pedis, often with fish, chicken, or meat. 

Slurping papeda symbolizes togetherness, hospitality, family ties, and Moluccan identity. 

It takes place mainly in the evenings, at celebrations such as weddings and baptisms, and strengthens social bonds. 

In 2022, "slurping the papeda" was officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage in the Netherlands.

In short: a simple, yet culturally significant tradition that connects Moluccans (in Indonesia and the Netherlands). 

Real Moluccans slurp papeda!

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Wok

A wok is a round, deep pan (usually with a rounded bottom) that originated in China. 

It is primarily used for stir-frying over high heat.

 

Shape: rounded bottom (classic) or flat bottom (better for Western stoves). 

Material: often carbon steel (best heat conduction and "wok hei" flavor), cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick. 

Advantages: extremely fast cooking, vegetables remain crispy, meat tender, little oil needed. 

Use: stir-frying, steaming, deep-frying, simmering, even smoking. 

Tip: A good wok becomes "seasoned" over time and develops a natural non-stick coating. 

For beginners, a carbon steel wok with a flat bottom is often the best choice. 

In short: the ultimate pan for Asian dishes and super-fast, healthy meals!

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Water Living

Water living is living on the water in the Netherlands, often in a houseboat, floating home, water villa, or sailing houseboat. 

In the Netherlands, approximately 12,000 households live on the water, primarily in and around port cities, waterways, and landscapes. 

It is a unique, traditional form of housing that is part of Dutch intangible heritage. 

Advantages: Peace, freedom, and direct contact with water and nature. 

Often unique views and a flexible lifestyle (some boats are sailing). 

Modern water homes offer full comfort. 

Disadvantages: Scarce moorings (you need a permit). 

Specific regulations, maintenance, and higher (technical/legal) costs. 

Dependent on water level, current, and weather conditions. 

It is popular among people looking for an alternative, adventurous way of living. 

In short: water living combines living comfort with the charm of the water, but it does require good preparation!

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Shōwa

Shōwa (昭和村, Shōwa-mura) is a small village in the mountainous Oku-Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. 

History: The village was formed in 1927 through the merger of two villages and bears the name of the Shōwa era (1926-1989). 

It is located in a remote, quiet, nostalgic mountain setting with traditional houses, winding roads, and few inhabitants. 

Characteristics: Very rural, no trains, low population density. 

Known for agriculture (especially karamushi / ramie weaving, a traditional craft about 600 years old, and kasumi grass / kasumigusa). 

Beautiful nature with swamps, canyons, forests, and viewpoints. 

Sights: Historic Kuimaru Elementary School (restored, with a café). 

Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) for ramie weaving and souvenirs. 

Nature: Komado wetlands, Yanohara Marsh, viewpoints with a possible "sea of ​​clouds". 

Peaceful countryside experience with a retro/nostalgic vibe. 

It is an ideal place for those who want to experience Japanese country life, nature, and crafts. 

Accessible by car (approx. 1 hour from Aizu-Wakamatsu).

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Grand Zwaag Carnival Parade

The Grand Zwaag Carnival Parade is one of the best-known and largest carnival parades in the Netherlands, north of the rivers. 

When: Always on Carnival Sunday (the Sunday before Easter/Lent). 

Characteristics: Large floats, creative walking groups, beautiful costumes, and often satirical or humorous themes. 

Around 40-45 entries participate. 

Scale: Attracts around 45,000 visitors annually from all over the country. 

It is a true folk festival with brass bands along the route. 

Organization: Carnival Association Het Masker Zwaag. 

An awards ceremony follows afterwards (jury and audience prizes). 

It is a spectacle full of color, creativity, and togetherness in West Friesland (Zwaag, municipality of Hoorn). 

Many people call it “the most beautiful parade north of the rivers”.

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