​On the 26th of January 2026, the VU Orkest took over the Main Hall of the Concertgebouw for their winter concert, "Rendez-vous à Paris."

The VU Orkest is a high-level student orchestra from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. They aren't professionals, but they tackle some of the hardest music out there. The theme was 20th-century Paris—a time when the city was a massive melting pot for French, Russian, and American composers.

The Program:

• Gershwin – An American in Paris: You’ll hear the famous taxi horns and the feeling of a tourist walking through the city streets.

• Ravel – Piano Concerto for the Left Hand: A dark, powerful piece written for a pianist who lost his right arm in WWI. Vera Kooper is the soloist.

• Stravinsky – Petrushka (1946 version): A vivid, chaotic story about a puppet that comes to life. It’s loud, rhythmic, and full of energy.

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​If you’re heading to the Netherlands and want to see something that feels like a movie set but acts like a modern art gallery, you’re looking for Kasteel het Nijenhuis. 

It’s an old manor house near Heino that’s been around since the 1300s. It’s got everything you’d expect from a classic Dutch estate: a moat, big stone towers, and long, manicured pathways.

Here is what it’s actually like:

It’s part of "Museum de Fundatie"

The castle isn't just a historical site with old furniture. It’s one half of a major art museum. While the main museum building in the city (Zwolle) looks like a giant "egg" landed on a roof, this location is the quiet, scenic counterpart.

The Sculpture Garden

This is the big draw. The grounds are massive, and they’ve packed them with over 100 sculptures. You can walk through the woods and gardens and stumble upon everything from classical figures to weird, abstract metal structures.

The Collection

Inside, the rooms are still structured like a grand house, but the walls are covered in art. You’ll find:

• Old Masters: Traditional paintings that fit the "castle" vibe.

• Modern Art: Stuff that feels very out of place in a medieval setting, which is exactly why it’s interesting.

• The Hannema Collection: Much of the art belonged to Dirk Hannema, a former museum director with a very "hit or miss" reputation for identifying masterpieces.

Good to know

• The Moat: It’s fully surrounded by water, so you enter via a bridge.

• The Vibe: It’s very quiet. Unlike the big museums in Amsterdam, you can actually hear yourself think here.

• Getting there: It’s in a rural area, so it’s best to have a bike or a car, though there is a small "museum stop" train station nearby.

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Another book for our International Almere Book Club! In Why Nations Fail, Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson argue that a country's success isn't about geography, culture, or even "not knowing the right policies." Instead, it all comes down to institutions—the man-made rules that govern economy and politics.

The book boils down to a simple binary: Extractive vs. Inclusive.

1. Inclusive Institutions (The Success Story)

These are systems that distribute power and opportunity broadly.

 * Economic: They protect private property, encourage innovation (via patents), and allow anyone to start a business.

 * Political: They are pluralistic, meaning many different groups have a say in how the country is run, and the rule of law applies to everyone.

 * The Result: A "virtuous circle" where innovation leads to economic growth, which reinforces the demand for better rights.

2. Extractive Institutions (The Failure Story)

These are designed to "extract" wealth from the many to benefit a small elite.

 * Economic: They make it hard for regular people to own land or businesses. High taxes or corruption often discourage people from working hard because they know their wealth will be stolen.

 * Political: Power is concentrated in the hands of a few (dictators, juntas, or tiny elite classes).

 * The Result: A "vicious circle." Elites resist new technology (like the Industrial Revolution) because it might threaten their power. This leads to stagnation and poverty.

3. Why Don’t Poor Countries Just Switch?

The authors argue that elites in failing nations aren't "dumb"; they are actually very "smart" at staying in power.

 * Creative Destruction: To grow, you need new technology. But new technology creates new winners and losers. Elites block progress because they would rather be the kings of a poor country than commoners in a wealthy, democratic one.

4. Critical Junctures

The book explains that history is often decided by small differences during big moments (like the Black Death or the Discovery of the Americas).

 * Example: In England, the Black Death led to more rights for peasants (moving toward inclusive systems). In Eastern Europe, the same plague led to "Second Serfdom" where lords tightened their grip (extractive).

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​When I set out at the beginning of this month, I chose five specific tasks centered around self-reflection, organization, and energy. These weren't just "resolutions"—they were the foundation for my 50 at 50 journey.

I am so thrilled to share that as of today, every single one of these goals is officially checked off the list! ---

January Recap: 5 for 5

Here is how the month unfolded and where I stand now:

 * ✍️ Letter to My Future Self: Written and sealed. It was a deeply emotional process to sit down and articulate my hopes for the coming year. I can't wait to open this next January.

 * 🙏 Gratitude Journal: This has become my favorite morning ritual. Reflecting on the "little things" has shifted my entire perspective and made the busy days feel much brighter.

 * 🩺 Full Health Check-up: Knowledge is power. I’ve planned it for end of this month so very curious in respect to the results.

 * 🧹 Decluttering: One room is now officially a "zen zone." Clearing out the physical clutter has honestly cleared out so much mental fog.

 * 💪 Bootcamp Fitness Program: I’m officially registered!!!

The Feeling of a Clean Slate

There is something incredibly motivating about starting the year with a 100% completion rate.

Taking these steps wasn't just about the tasks themselves—it was about proving to myself that I can prioritize my well-being and follow through on the promises I make to myself.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

What’s next? Now that the foundation is laid, I’m looking forward to February with even more momentum.

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​In a world that constantly asks us to be faster, louder, and more productive, the bravest thing we can do is slow down and listen to our own needs. Recently, professional dancer and judge Motsi Mabuse shared a powerful list of 10 personal intentions for 2026.

Her message wasn't about hitting new career milestones or physical transformations. Instead, it was about internal alignment. As she beautifully put it: "Growth is not about becoming someone else. It’s about coming home to yourself."

If you’re feeling the pull to protect your peace this year, here are 10 ways to start leading yourself with more love.

1. Reclaim Your "No"

We often carry a heavy backpack of guilt when we decline an invitation or a request. This year, practice saying no without explanation. Your time is your own, and you don’t need a "valid" excuse to prioritize your own peace.

2. Rest is Not a Reward

Most of us wait until we’re burnt out to finally take a break. Motsi’s goal is to rest before the body forces you to. Think of rest as fuel, not a prize for finishing a marathon of work.

3. Trust Your Gut, Faster

Your intuition often knows the truth long before your logic catches up. Trusting your "vibes" sooner can save you months of second-guessing and unnecessary stress.

4. Progress Over Perfection

Perfection is a treadmill that never stops. By celebrating progress instead of just results, you allow yourself the grace to be a "work in progress" while still feeling successful.

5. The Power of Asking

Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of efficiency and self-awareness. Ask for help sooner—don't wait until the water is over your head.

6. Protect Your Energy Like Gold

Energy is a finite resource. Whether it's social media, certain environments, or draining conversations, treat your energy as your most valuable currency. If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.

7. Be Present

In the age of multitasking, being 100% present is a superpower. Try to do one thing at a time. Listen without checking your phone. Eat without watching a screen. Be where your feet are.

8. Speak Your Truth

It’s uncomfortable to speak up when your opinion might ruffle feathers, but staying silent is a betrayal of yourself. Choosing to speak your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, is the ultimate form of self-respect.

9. Choose Yourself (No Explanation Needed)

Motsi highlights a vital boundary: choosing yourself means blocking out the noise. This includes removing people or comments that repeatedly disrespect your space. You are the gatekeeper of your digital and mental environment.

10. The Journey Home

Ultimately, all these steps lead to one place: Home. When we stop trying to fit into the molds others have built for us, we finally find the comfort of our own skin.

Which one resonates with you? I’d like to see your comment!

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We’ve all seen various posts. Someone proudly shares that they’ve hit a milestone—maybe 20, 27, or 30 books in a year—and the comments section erupts with "How do you find the time?!"

It’s a great achievement, but for those of us who view reading as a fundamental part of our daily "operating system," those numbers can feel like just the beginning. If you’re looking to scale your reading habits to hit 50 books a year (roughly one book per week), it isn’t about being a "super-reader" or having an empty schedule. It’s about systematizing your curiosity.

Here is how to move past the amateur milestones and hit a consistent, high-volume reading pace.

1. Curate Your "Queue" Aggressively

The biggest bottleneck to reading 50 books is the "What do I read next?" slump. If you have to go looking for a book, you’ve already lost the momentum.

 * The Rule of Three: Always have at least three books ready: one physical, one digital (Kindle/iPad), and one audiobook.

 * The 50-Page Rule: Life is too short for bad books. If a book hasn't grabbed you by page 50, DNF (Do Not Finish) it. Reading 50 books a year requires efficiency; don't waste three weeks dragging yourself through a "sunk cost" book.

2. Redefine "Reading Time"

Most people wait for a "golden hour"—a quiet evening with a candle and tea. If you wait for the perfect conditions, you’ll barely hit 10 books a year.

 * The "In-Between" Moments: Read during the 5 minutes the pasta is boiling, the 10 minutes in the doctor's waiting room, or the 15 minutes on the train.

 * The Audio Advantage: To hit 50, audiobooks are your best friend. They turn "non-time" (driving, folding laundry, gym sessions) into "reading time."

3. Stack Your Genres

You can't read 50 dense, 800-page historical biographies back-to-back without burning out. High-volume readers understand pacing. By alternating a "heavy" book with a "fast" one, you keep your momentum high and prevent mental fatigue.

4. Digital Hygiene

The math is simple: the average person spends over 2 hours a day on social media. If you reallocate just 45 minutes of scrolling time to reading time, you’ll easily clear 50 books a year.

Comparison is the Thief of Time

At the end of the day, someone’s "impressive" 27 books is another person's slow quarter. The goal isn't to brag—it's to acknowledge that our capacity is often much higher than we give ourselves credit for.

Reading 50 books isn't a flex; it's a commitment to a life of continuous learning. Once you build the system, the numbers take care of themselves.

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Unna is a hidden gem in Germany’s Ruhr area. Often overshadowed by its neighbor Dortmund, it is a city where medieval half-timbered houses meet cutting-edge industrial art. Here is a look at why Unna is a must-visit for travelers seeking culture and charm.

1. Step Into the Light: The Center for International Light Art

Unna is home to a world first: the Zentrum für Internationale Lichtkunst. Located 10 meters underground in the cooling vaults of the former Linden Brewery, this museum is dedicated entirely to light art.

• The Experience: You’ll wander through dark, cavernous brick tunnels illuminated by neon, LEDs, and projection art from world-renowned artists like James Turrell and Mario Merz.

• The Landmark: Look up at the brewery’s chimney to see the glowing Fibonacci numbers—a permanent installation that has become the city’s glowing North Star.

2. Medieval Charm: The Altstadt (Old Town)

While much of the surrounding Ruhr region is industrial, Unna’s center feels like a storybook.

• Timber-Framed Houses: Stroll through the winding streets to see beautifully preserved Fachwerkhäuser (half-timbered houses) that date back centuries.

• The Market Square: This is the heart of the city. Grab a coffee and admire the Donkey Fountain (Eselbrunnen), which pays tribute to the town’s historical nickname, the "Unnaer Esel."

• Stadtkirche: Visit the 14th-century Gothic town church, a striking example of Westphalian religious architecture.

3. A Taste of Westphalia

Food in Unna is hearty, traditional, and best enjoyed with a local brew.

• Lindenpils: Though the big brewery is now an art center, the brewing tradition lives on. Order a local pilsner at one of the cozy taverns in the market.

• The Master House (Meisterhaus): For an authentic dinner, head to this historic timber-framed restaurant. Try the Pfefferpotthast (a traditional Westphalian beef stew) or a crispy schnitzel.

4. Festivals and Traditions

Unna knows how to throw a party. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:

• Festa Italiana: Every two years, Unna hosts one of the largest Italian festivals north of the Alps. The city is decorated with thousands of lights (luminarie) and filled with the scent of Mediterranean food.

• The Christmas Market: In December, the town square transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with wooden huts, mulled wine, and artisanal crafts.​

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