Milk Can Shooting in Kampen

Milk can shooting (or carbide shooting) in Kampen is a unique Overijssel tradition around New Year's, in which loud bangs are made using milk cans and carbide. 

How does it work?

Shooters drill a hole in a milk can, fill it with carbide and water, seal the can (often with a weighted lid or cloth), and lay it on its side. 

The shooter sits on top, lights the gas mixture through the hole, and makes the can explode. 

The goal: to make the loudest bang possible. 

History and character: The tradition likely originated in the 1930s in the Brunnepe district (Kampen) among (former) residents of Schokland and subsequently spread throughout the entire municipality. 

It is primarily a social event: groups of friends and families shoot all day New Year's Eve at around 55 fixed locations (often right in the middle of residential areas).

In Brunnepe, shooting is allowed to start as early as after Christmas. 

Kampen distinguishes itself by holding shooting events within the built-up area (unlike many other places in meadows). 

It has been practiced for over 100 years and has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage since 2023. A Shooting Guild ensures safety, rules, and safeguards (prizes, charities, youth activities). 

In short: a banging, sociable, and typically Kampen way to blow out the old year, with an emphasis on safety and community spirit.

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South Africa

South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa and is the most developed and industrial country on the continent. 

The country has approximately 60 million inhabitants (2025) and is extremely diverse: 11 official languages ​​(including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa), many cultures, and religions. 

Capitals: Pretoria (administrative). 

Cape Town (legislative, known for Table Mountain). 

Bloemfontein (judiciary). 

Largest city: Johannesburg (economic heart). 

History: From Dutch and British colonization → Apartheid (1948-1994) → Peaceful transition to democracy in 1994 under Nelson Mandela, the first black president. 

Economy: Largest economy in Africa (mining: gold, diamonds, platinum; tourism, wine, automotive industry). 

Member of BRICS. 

However, there is widespread poverty, inequality, and high unemployment (around 32%). 

Nature & Tourism: World-famous for safari parks (Kruger), beautiful coastlines (Garden Route), wine regions near Stellenbosch and Cape Town and the Drakensberg. 

Current situation: Politically dominated by the ANC (since 1994), but a coalition government (Government of National Unity) since 2024. 

Challenges: power shortages (load shedding), crime, corruption, and high inequality. 

Nevertheless, the country remains a cultural and economic powerhouse in Africa. 

In short: a land of extremes — breathtaking nature and wealth alongside major social and economic problems.

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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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